Shoptalk by Sturbridge Yankee Workshop

At their simplest, rocking chairs can be described as: chairs with curved bands (rockers) attached to the bottom of the legs. Rockers contact the floor at only two points, rather than the usual four of a standard chair, allowing the occupant to rock back and forth. By gently shifting your weight, or pushing against the floor with your feet, you can give your rocking chair just enough power to shift. Commonly, rocking chairs are made of wood. Some options can also be upholstered, like Upholstered Boston Rocker. Although covered in appealing fabric, the overall rocking chair concept remains the same.

Rocking chairs are known to produce calming effects for the occupant, making them ideal for soothing babies or seating in a living room. Rocking motions are known to help people relax and fall asleep, perhaps because rocking is associated with safety and comfort. Rocking chairs are also comfortable because, when a user sits in one without rocking, the chair naturally rocks back until the sitter’s center of gravity is met. This creates an ergonomic benefit with the occupant kept at an unstressed position and angle. Varieties of rockers also include those with swinging braces commonly known as gliders.

American inventor Benjamin Franklin is often credited for inventing the rocking chair but historians can trace the history of the rocking chair back to the early 18th century, when Franklin was a child. These rockers, originally used in gardens, were simply chairs with rockers attached. By the middle of the 18th century, wicker rocking chairs were increasingly popular in America. By the 1920s, folding rocking chairs were all the rage. People were more mobile, enjoying leisure time, and wanting to bring their most comfortable chairs with them. Shown here: Windsor, Mission and Double rocker styles.