Introduction
Want to learn how to choose a wicker rocking chair? Many of us face tough decisions occasionally, but don’t let picking out a new rocking chair be one of those for you. A few simple tips can help you recognize whether a rocker is a quality rocker and whether it’s right for you. Knowing what to look for will assist you in selecting a rocking chair and ensure you live happily together for many years to come.
1. Construction & Quality
To ensure the rocker you choose lasts long and remains useful, it must be constructed with quality materials and held together to keep the frame rigid. The joints of the frame should not be loose. The frame should also be uniform.
The material used to cover the frame, such as the wicker, should be tight across the frame. There should not be any loose ends or give to the surfaces between frame components. When these requirements are met, this will generally ensure that the construction is good.
2. Use (Indoors or Outside)
If you use your rocker indoors, the material it is constructed from is less important than if you plan to use it outdoors. You can use rockers made from natural or synthetic materials for indoor use. However, to use the rocker outside, consider a rocker made from weather-resistant materials such as loom or resin wicker, aluminum, or powder-coated steel. These materials will not rust and will therefore weather the outdoor conditions.
3. Style
The style you choose for your rocker depicts how well it will blend in with your existing or planned decor. Find one that will match or blend in with the existing furniture style. If you plan to use this rocker on a porch or patio, you have an unlimited choice.
Some rockers do not require cushions, while some porch rockers require seat cushions, and deep seating rockers, require both seat and back cushions. If you sit for long periods, you may consider a deep seating rocker because they provide a softer and longer-lasting comfort. Otherwise, a standard rocker will do just fine, especially if you add a seat cushion.
4. Size
When it comes to rocking chairs, size matters. The furniture industry avoids the notion that people are built in all sizes. Therefore, when we shop for a rocking chair, we have only one choice per design. The good news is that each design you find is generally built a little differently. So you can find rockers that will fit you better than others.
If you are a person of short stature, the rise from the ground to the seat must fit your legs comfortably from the bottom of your feet to the inside bend of your knees. Test the chair with a seat cushion if you plan to use one.
If you are a large framed person or one that exceeds 220 pounds, then you will want to make sure that the width of the rocking chair seat is large enough for your frame. For example, most standard wicker rocking chairs have 18 in. wide x 18 in. deep or 19 in. wide x 19 in deep. At the same time, deep seating wicker rockers provide an approximately 23 in. wide x 24 in. deep seat with a back cushion.
5. Use of Cushion or Not
Most standard rockers are sold without a seat cushion; choosing one is optional. Most people like to have a seat cushion right from the start. If you don’t want the extra expense or feel it’s necessary, you don’t need to buy one. Try the rocker out for a while; you can always add a rocker cushion later.
6. The Rock
Since you are buying a rocking chair, you want it to rock comfortably. The rock is based on the design of the rocking chair. The runners’ curve, the angle at which they are installed, and the lengths of the legs in proportion to the remainder of the chair play a role in how well the chair rocks. Believe it or not, not all rocks are the same. If you think you might be picky, you will want to try them out and see.
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