Popular Rocking Chair Myths - 5 FAQ's

What do you remember about childhood? While you might remember quite a bit—from the way your older brother teased you to the way you hated Brussels sprouts—a few of those memories likely center around a piece of furniture: the rocking chair.



Maybe the rocking chair was the special place you sat with mom for before-bed kisses and snuggles. Perhaps the chair was where you watched your Uncle Fred smoke his pipe and tell war stories. It really doesn’t matter where you were brought up or how you were brought up, the wood rocking chair is seemingly part of our collective memory.



Surprisingly, despite the fact that rockers have so many positive associations, some people are hesitant to treat themselves to a chair of their own. Here are the 5 most frequently asked questions about rocking chairs and the myths that surround them.



1. Aren’t rocking chairs for newborns?



Parents worldwide have relied on rocking chairs to help calm their babies to sleep. In fact, the chair typically morphs from a place where moms sing the lullabies to the place where dads read bedtime stories. There’s a good reason for this, too, even though most of us don’t realize it: research has shown that rocking releases the endorphins that trigger relaxation. It’s so effective that rocking chairs have been used to calm patients with a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and ADHD.



That same endorphin-releasing quality can work for you, too—even if you aren’t part of the preschool set. A rocking chair or glider is an ideal place to kick up your feet as you settle down after a long day of work, kids, and other responsibilities.



2. Shouldn’t rocking chairs be for "old" folks?



The memory of a great-grandpa or a mom-mom gently rocking makes it easy to assume that rocking chairs are just for those settling into retirement. Along with the calming feelings that the chairs are known to produce, they are also known to build strength and increase circulation without the need for high-impact exercise.



But just because some seniors like these chairs, doesn’t mean that they won’t fit your lifestyle. Not only will you get the same benefits as seniors, you’ll also get the advantage of contemporary design styles that make it easy to find a rocking chair for you, no matter what your age is.



3. Can I have a rocking chair if I have pets or kids?



Yes, you can. Okay, it’s true that the old-style chair with rockers on the bottom isn’t exactly Fifi’s best friend. They’ve also been known to cause a boo-boo or two among the little ones. Instead of investing in a chair with a traditional design, take advantage of the modern glider-style chair. Since the motion is produced through a back and forth gliding motion, there are no rockers to trod toes or trample tails. In fact, this chair variety, also called the glider chair, is becoming increasingly popular with expectant parents who are looking for a chair that’s functional and safe.



4. Aren’t those things uncomfortable?



Don’t let the classic rocking chair design—lined with spindles and made with wood—scare you away. Modern technology has advanced so that today’s chairs feature all the comfort you’d expect to find in other good-quality furniture. The hard lines are gone and have been replaced with soothing contours, while the flat, bottom-bothering seat has been replaced with a shape that conforms more closely to the body.



You’re not locked into the traditional rocker style, either. Many prefer the comfort of the glider or swivel rocker. As you shop, be sure to try a variety of styles—you’re sure to find one that suits your body perfectly.



5. Won’t the rocking chair clash with my décor?



No! Manufacturers design chairs to suit any taste, whether it’s classic country or chic boutique. A few rocking chairs are cutting-edge enough to be featured in modern art showcases or high-end home décor magazines. So don’t let an old-fashioned vision of the rocking chair keep you from enjoying its comfort. There are as many styles as there are decorating styles—so shop without fear.



It’s hard to imagine that Ben Franklin could have envisioned how far his simple idea—attaching rockers to the bottom of a chair—would come. Today’s designs are suitable for any room, from the nursery to the office to the back porch. It’s such an adaptable piece of furniture that whatever you choose is sure to become a treasured family heirloom.



For more information about the health benefits of rocking, check out rockingchairtherapy.org



Kimberly Aardal is the publisher of EveryDayRockingChairs.com. When she's not reviewing and writing about porch rocking chairs she is relaxing in her favorite white rocking chair. She lives in the southwest mountains of Colorado and spends a great deal of time exploring the trails and mountain towns in her area with husband, Jon and canine pal, Ginger.