A rocking chair is one of the simplest pieces of furniture in function and one of the most varied in form. The core thing -- a chair on curved runners that rocks forward and back -- has been in continuous use for centuries. But the rocking chairs available today range from traditional wood porch rockers to fully upholstered nursery gliders to contemporary accent pieces, and the right choice depends entirely on what you need it to do and where you need it to go.
Rocking Chair vs. Rocker Recliner vs. Glider
These terms get confused. They are related but distinct pieces:
- Rocking chair: a chair on curved runners; the rocking motion comes from the arc of the runners on the floor; does not recline
- Rocker recliner: a padded recliner that both rocks and reclines; the rocking happens at the base, not on runners; a separate mechanism handles the recline
- Glider: a chair that moves in a smooth forward-and-back motion on a fixed base (no runners on the floor); a more controlled, quieter motion than a standard rocker; common in nurseries because the motion is gentle and predictable
If you want a decorative porch chair or a traditional wooden rocker, you want a rocking chair. If you want a padded chair with serious recline capability, you want a rocker recliner. If you want the gentlest possible motion for a nursery, you want a glider.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Rocking Chairs
The materials used in a rocking chair determine whether it can live outside:
Indoor rocking chairs include traditional wood rockers with fabric cushions, fully upholstered rockers, and contemporary accent-style rockers. These are not suitable for extended outdoor exposure -- moisture, heat, and UV will degrade the finish, warp the wood, and deteriorate any fabric components.
Outdoor rocking chairs are built for weather resistance. Common materials:
- POLYWOOD or high-density polyethylene (HDPE): looks like painted wood but will not crack, splinter, or fade in the sun; the most low-maintenance outdoor option; standard in porch rocker design
- Teak: a naturally dense, oily hardwood that resists moisture; requires occasional oiling to maintain its color but holds up very well outdoors
- Cedar: naturally resistant to moisture and insects; lighter than teak; appropriate for covered porches but less suited to fully exposed conditions
- Powder-coated metal: used in more contemporary outdoor rockers; durable if the coating is intact; chips and scratches can lead to rust if not addressed
Traditional Wood Rockers
The classic wooden rocking chair -- simple ladder back, wooden seat, curved runners -- is still made and sold because it works. For a covered porch or a reading nook, a solid wood rocker in oak, maple, or cherry is a piece that lasts decades with minimal care. Look for mortise-and-tenon or dowel joint construction in the back rails rather than stapled or nailed joints, which loosen over time.
Cushions for wooden rockers are available separately and often sold alongside the chair. If the seat shape is unusual or the chair is an older style, you may need a custom cushion rather than a stock size.
Upholstered Rocking Chairs
Fully upholstered rocking chairs -- padded seat and back, fabric exterior -- are the most comfortable option for extended sitting and the most style-flexible for indoor rooms. They function well as nursery chairs, reading chairs, and accent pieces in living rooms or bedrooms. They look less like "a rocking chair" and more like a statement accent chair that happens to rock.
The upholstery considerations are the same as for any fabric chair: performance fabrics clean up best under daily use, tight weaves hold up better than loose ones, and lighter colors show staining more readily than darker or patterned ones.
Nursery Rocking Chairs and Gliders
For a nursery, the motion and noise of the chair matter as much as the comfort. Standard rocking chairs on runners make a slight click on hard floors at the turn of each arc. Gliders on a smooth track make almost no sound. If quiet matters -- and in a nursery at 3 in the morning, it does -- a glider is worth considering over a traditional rocker.
Look for chairs with washable cushion covers in nursery applications. Baby-related messes are inevitable, and a cushion cover you can put in the laundry is significantly more practical than one you cannot.
Size and Seat Height
Rocking chairs have a wider effective footprint than their stated dimensions suggest because of the forward-and-back motion of the runners. Allow at least 18 inches in front of and behind the chair for the full rocking arc, in addition to the chair's listed depth. A standard rocking chair with a 20-inch seat depth needs approximately 56 to 60 inches of floor depth to rock freely.
Seat height on rocking chairs varies more than on standard accent chairs -- from approximately 15 to 20 inches. Lower seats feel more relaxed and traditional; higher seats are easier to get in and out of. Taller adults in particular should check seat height before buying.
We carry rocking chairs at our Mesquite showroom at 227 US HWY 80 E -- indoor and outdoor styles. If you want to try the motion and feel of a few before you decide, come by. The difference between a quality rocker and a cheap one shows up immediately in the smoothness of the arc and how the runners contact the floor.
Quality Home Furniture has served the Dallas-Fort Worth area from our Mesquite showroom since 1975. We're a family-owned business at 227 US HWY 80 E, Mesquite TX -- open Monday through Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 1pm to 6pm. Call (972) 288-9322.