Finding the Perfect Rocking Chair

If you've been fascinated by the idea of owning your own rocking chair then here's some information that may help you with your buying decision. First a little history: The rocking chair is said to have been invented by Benjamin Franklin. While there is no substantial proof of this it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility considering all that the man is known to have done in his lifetime. It is known that during the 19th century regular chairs were shortened by sawing off an inch or so of the legs so that slots could be cut into the bottom of the legs so that the rockers could be attached. This allowed chair makers to convert ordinary chairs into rocking chairs for minimal cost. In fact a retrofitted chair cost less then having a rocker made from scratch. 1. The Modern Rocking Chair - Since the early days of the rocking chair its popularity has never diminished. If anything it has enjoyed a growing popularity through the years. It is said to have therapeutic value and many people claim that sitting in a rocker brings a sense of calm and takes away bodily aches and pains. They are also the chair of choice for a variety of activities including nursing a baby, sewing, and knitting. Of course the image of someone sitting on a porch on a hot day enjoying a glass of cool lemonade wouldn't be complete if they weren't sitting in a rocking chair. 2. Rocking Chair Styles ' Include the following well known furniture styles; Windsor, Ladder Back, Shaker, Boston, Victorian, Bentwood, Wicker. You can also find more modern styles made of such things as chrome, steel, molded plastic and laminated cardboard. 3. Choosing a Rocking Chair ' It goes without saying that anything you buy you want it to last. Hand crafted rockers are known not only for their decorative function but also the longevity. They are made from the finest pieces of wood that are joined together using mortise and tenon joints. This creates a strong joint that can withstand the rigors of constant rocking motions. For the truly detail oriented buyer check to see that the center point of the runners radius lines up right in front of the user's chin which will ensure a smooth rocking motion. 4. Quality is Important ' There are a wide range of prices you can pay for a rocking chair. Some are cheap, some are reasonably priced, and some are very expensive. A well made rocker will run you between $200-$300 dollars and will last a lifetime. In fact many handcrafted rockers in this price range are handed down from parents to their children, becoming something of a family heirloom. 5. Sit in It ' Go to the furniture store and try it out. Try sitting in several different styles to get a sense of which is most comfortable for you. This ensures that you'll be happy with your purchase for the years to come.

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An Amish rocking chair is truly a piece of furniture that completes a home. To learn more about Amish rockers please Click Here.