Rocking chairs are arguably the most comfy chairs available in the markets. Now if only picking the right one was as easy as well. Simply hopping over to the store and choosing the first rocking chair that catches your eye is definitely not the right way to pick one. So what is?

How To Choose A Rocker

1. Rocking Chair Sizes: Firstly, you need to make sure that the chair is properly sized for you. What do we mean by that? Well, for starters, when you sit on the chair, your legs should touch the floor easily and should not be left dangling off the rocker. If your legs do not reach the floor, the rocker is too big for you. On the other hand, if your legs are touching the floor but your knees are practically to your chest, then the chair is too small for you. Therefore, choose a chair which allows your legs to reach the floor, but just so. Another thing to check is that the seat is big enough to seat you comfortably, but not so much that the armrests are too wide apart and you have trouble resting your arms on them. And for the backrest, it should be so high that your head is reaching the head rest but not rising over it.

2. Location of the rocking chair: Where you wish to place your rocker will also determine which type of chair you buy. If you want to use it indoors, then you can choose one that has a padded seat or cushions. However, if you want to place the rocker in your lawn or patio, or any kind of outdoor location, make sure you buy one that is tough and can bear the natural elements. Cushions and padded seats are obviously a no-no for outdoor rockers, unless they are made from materials that are water resistant.

3. The rockers: The curved base of the rocking chair is somewhat confusingly also known as the rocker. This is the most important part of the chair, without which it would not rock properly. When buying any rocking chair, make sure the rocker is pitched properly. You can do this by sitting on the chair and rocking it to and fro. If you get a feeling that the chair might tip over, then the rocker is not pitched properly. However, if you can rock comfortably, and there is no danger of tipping over even when you use it as a recliner, then the pitch of the rocker is perfect.

4. The rocking motion: The chair should be such that you can set it in motion with a slight push with your feet. One push should keep the chair rocking for at least a minute and not merely a few seconds. The back and forth motion should be silky smooth and not bumpy. Thus, only choose that rocking chair which provides a smooth motion continuously.

5. Comfort: It should be absolutely comfortable for you. Your hands should reach the armrests comfortably and should fit on them properly. The seat should have a downward slope and should support your lower back too. In addition to being firm, the back and the seat of the rocking chair should be flexible. In other words, if you are not 100% comfortable on the rocking chair, do not buy it.

6. The safety factor: If you have small children in your home, you should ensure that the rocking chair is safe for them. The curved rockers can crush tiny feet and toes, thus you may want to look at gliding chairs that do not have curved rockers but have gliders that rest completely on the floor. These are safer with children around.

7. Your budget: Rockers and gliders can be available for as less as a few hundred dollars and go up to thousands of dollars. Therefore, what you are willing to spend will be a major consideration when choosing a chair. A good way to save some money is to buy used rocking chairs. As long as the main rockers of the chair are in perfect condition, most used gliding rocking chairs can be restored to look as good as new.

8. Decor of your house: After ensuring the comfort and the safety factor of the rocking chair, you need to look at its design and style. Since the rocker will have the pride of the place in your home, it should look the part as well. So make sure the chair you choose compliments your home décor and does not look out of place in your beautiful house.

9. Assembly of your chair: Some chairs arrive in one piece, whereas others have to be put together at home. If you don't like assembling things, you should get one that is delivered completely assembled.

Keeping the above factors in mind when you go shopping for a rocking chair, choosing the right one will be a breeze!