ROCKING THE ROCKING CHAIR DESIGN - The Interior Editor (2024)

I’m still swooning after finding the outdoor/indoor Islay rocking chair from John Lewis from my post a couple of weeks on Indoor-Outdoor Furniture so today I thought we’d look a little more closely at the rather fabulous Rocking Chair and the many designs available.

Having spent many an hour as a child in my mothers rocking chair growing up, I have to say that there are not many furniture pieces that can provide the same level of relaxation as a rocking chair does.

Rocking chairs are without a doubt the perfect way to distress with its simple, calming and soothing rhythmic rocking motion; it’s really no wonder they have been popular chair since the early 1800’s. For many, they are handed down through the family and become a treasured heirloom. What’s great is there’s one to suit every taste and decor.

Rocking chairs first appeared around the early 18th century, although no-one knows exactly when and, unbeknownst to me, they are in fact an American invention.

ROCKING THE ROCKING CHAIR DESIGNS AVAILABLE

The design of the rocking chair has come a long way since its first beginnings of any old chair placed on top of runners and stuck in a garden. From Eames to Gehry, there have been countless design visionaries that have taken the humble rocking chair and turned it into the ultimate furniture piece that synthesizes relaxation and modernism. With these thoughts in mind, I thought we’d do some virtual shopping….

COMBACK ROCKING CHAIR BY KARTELL

First up, is the CombackRocking chair. It’s classic silhouette of the Windsor style rocking chairs, has been given a modern twist. The traditional wooden spindles have been replaced with a colourful geometric pattern of moulded durable thermoplastic that sits on a curved oak frame. It’s an award-winning piece designed by Patricia Urquiola for Kartell. Price: £461 with 6 colour ways to choose from.

ROCKING CHAIR FACT: The term “Rocking Chair” didn’t make it into the Oxford English Dictionary until 1787.

EAMES PLASTIC ARMCHAIR

Of course, I had to include the iconic rocking chair by Charles and Ray Eames which was designed in 1950. Originally made from fibreglass, it’s organically shaped seat is now crafted from polypropylene which offers more comfort than its original version.Available in three colours, this unique chair makes a great feature in any room and complements a wide range of interior styles.Price: £448.80

ROCKING CHAIR FACT: They were associated with hospitals and mental facilities, to begin with, which didn’t make them particularlyfashionable.

ROCKING RATTAN CHAIR IN BROWN

I have to say this beautifully handmade rocking chair is right up my street with its wonderful natural rattan texture that compliments its black painted metal frame. HKLiving is a Dutch brand which produces original pure and modern designs which have universal appeal. Price: £465

JOZEF CHIEROWSKI 366 ROCKING CHAIR – VELVET

This Mid-Century Modern 366 Concept Easy Chair designed by Jozef Chierowski in 1962 has been given a new lease of life and would fit in with most of today’s decor. It has a sleek wooden frame and oozes comfort with its cushioned seating. Each piece is hand-finished by a team of specialists in Poland and carries a Green Friendly Certificate. Available in Powder Pink, Chili Pepper, Sky Blue, Mouse Grey, Indigo, Bottle Green, Graphite, Black and Taupe. I’m loving the velvet number above but it’s also available in wool and denim. Price: £695.00

ROCKING CHAIR FACT: The term “Rocking Chair” didn’t make it into the Oxford English Dictionary until 1787.

NATURAL HIDE ROCKING CHAIR

Looking for something a bit different? This hide rocking chair would definitely be an interesting piece to add to your homes. Offering pattern and texture with its unusual choice of hide material seating and leather backing, it’s a rugged little number. Each chair may vary slightly due to the natural variations in the hide and rustic wood. £327.25 on sale at the price of writing.

SIONA Vintage Rattan Rocking Chair

Siona Vintage Rattan Rocking Chair offers a contemporary vintage look. A solid steam bent and hand-woven rattan cane seat forms the seat with black lacquered tubular steel rockers with epoxy finish. A self-assembly piece. Price: £195

FACT: Wicker rocking chairs started showing up around 1860. They may be outdoor pieces today, but they were parlour pieces back then. Today, synthetic resin wicker, is widely used due to it being more durable and environmentally friendly.

CATTELAN ITALIA CORNELIA ROCKING CHAIR

A steely number, the Cornelia Rocking chair is available in white, graphite or glossy red lacquered steel. It’s a versatile chair that can be used indoors and outside and has an optional seat cushion and Mongolian lamb fur to provide some comfort. Price £653 on sale