Rocking Chairs

A rocking chair is the classic comfort piece that earns its keep in nurseries (rocking babies to sleep), reading corners (rhythmic motion suits long sessions with a book), and elderly users (gentle motion soothes joints). Andrew Martin, Aosom UK and Bemz UK between them cover £14-£2,559 across the range. The two main rocker formats are traditional curved-runner rockers (wood-frame, the original cottage look) and glider-rockers (the chair sits on a ball-bearing slide instead of curved runners, smoother motion, no carpet damage). Glider-rockers dominate the modern nursery market; curved-runner rockers suit traditional and country interiors. Look for at least 12-15cm of seat depth past the back of the knee, a rocker too shallow tips you forward when you stop rocking. Solid hardwood rocker frames last decades; the upholstery on the seat and back wears first. Removable cushion covers are worth the £30 premium for nursery use where milk and small accidents happen.