The fact that a rocking chair is an extremely comfortable chair, addictively at that, is well known to one and all. But what everyone may not be aware of is that not all rocking chairs may be best for you. In fact, if you happen to buy the wrong rocker, not only will you be unhappy with it, but it could actually pose a danger. Thus, in the interest of your comfort and safety, here are some tips to finding the right rocking chair.

Criteria For Choosing A Rocker

1. Size of the rocking chair: 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. Where are you going to place the rocker in your home? The answer to this question will determine what type of rocker you need. For instance, if the chair will be placed in a bedroom, you need it to be decorative as well as comfortable. If the fireplace is where the chair will go, then you can expect to spend hours in it. In such cases, extra padded chairs and those with cushions will serve you best. For outdoor locations such as patios, porches, lawns etc, you should buy a chair that is approved to be used in wet weather conditions.

3. Base rockers: What sets a rocking chair apart from any other? Naturally, it is the curved rockers that are seen on the bottom of the rocking chairs. These are undoubtedly the most important parts of the chair and thus deserve the utmost consideration. To check the pitch of the rockers, sit in the chair and rock it. If the motion is smooth and continuous and if you do not feel like the rocking chair will tip in the front or back, then the rockers are at the correct pitch. Thats what you essentially want.

4. Range of motion: Does the rocker have a smooth back and forth motion? Are you able to keep it going for a couple of minutes with a single push, or do you have to push the chair every few seconds? The answers to these questions will determine whether the chair is right or not. Obviously you want to choose a rocker that has a smooth and continuous motion.

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. Safety aspects: While rocking chairs are extremely user friendly, there is some danger involved with the curved rockers. If you are not careful, you can have your feet crushed if caught under the rockers. Same goes for little children. Thus, if safety is a concern for you, more so with kids around, then you may choose a different type of rocker known as glider rockers. The base of such chairs is not curved but sits flat on the floor, thereby making them safer options.

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 gliders and 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 rocker, 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 dcor 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!

Rob Barnes writes for My Rocking Chair Guide, a consumer guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect rocker, from styles like gooseneck rocking chairs to ergonomic rocking chairs.