Rocking Chair

The rocking chair was invented in North America during the early 18th century, around 1710-1725. While the exact inventor remains disputed, Benjamin Franklin is often credited with the invention, though historical evidence suggests it may have been created by others before him. The earliest rocking chairs were simply traditional chairs with curved rockers added to the bottom. The design gained widespread popularity and evolved significantly during the 19th century with famous furniture makers creating iconic styles that influenced modern designs like those in our collection today.

The best rocking chair combines several key features: proper lumbar support to maintain spine alignment, appropriate seat depth (typically 19-21 inches), well-designed armrests at comfortable height, smooth rocking motion with stable arc radius, and high-quality cushioning that provides support without being too firm. Our Eureka rocking chairs incorporate all these elements, with many models featuring additional ergonomic enhancements like adjustable headrests, power recline functions, and memory foam padding. The best rocking chair should also match your body size - taller individuals benefit from high-back models like the Lucia, while compact spaces work well with streamlined designs like the Chloe.

A traditional rocking chair moves back and forth on curved rockers attached to the chair legs, creating an arc-like motion. A glider moves horizontally on a fixed track mechanism, providing a smoother, flatter motion that's often quieter and better for small spaces. A swivel rocker, like our Lucia model, combines 360-degree rotation with rocking motion, offering maximum versatility. You can rock, swivel to face different directions, and often recline. Swivel glider rockers are considered the best option for nurseries because they allow parents to rock the baby while easily reaching items around the room. Each type has advantages: rockers provide the most traditional, therapeutic motion; gliders offer the smoothest, quietest experience; and swivel rockers deliver the most functionality.

For safe, comfortable rocking, you'll need to account for the rocking arc - the space the chair occupies as it moves. Generally, allow 30-36 inches of clearance behind and in front of the chair from any walls or furniture. For a standard rocking chair, plan for a footprint of approximately 35-40 inches deep (including rocking clearance) by 30-35 inches wide. Our space-efficient models like the Chloe require slightly less clearance due to their arch-base design, while our larger rocking recliners like the Grayson need about 40-45 inches when fully reclined. Swivel rockers require less depth since they don't rock as far, but benefit from circular clearance for the swivel function. Measure your space carefully and consider adding an area rug to define the rocking zone and protect flooring.

The best rocking chair for a nursery should prioritize smooth, quiet motion, comfortable armrests for holding baby during feeding, easy-to-clean upholstery, and proper back support for long rocking sessions. Our swivel glider rockers like the Lucia are ideal because they offer gentle motion that won't disturb a sleeping baby, 360-degree swivel for easy access to cribs and changing tables, and plush cushioning for late-night comfort. Look for features like: armrests at the right height to support your arms while holding an infant, high enough back to support your head if you doze off, and neutral colors that grow with your child. Avoid rockers that are too firm or have loud mechanisms that could wake the baby.