Having a chair that rocks is a welcome addition to almost any home. Rocking chairs can help relax and soothe adults, calm babies and can become a beautiful heirloom to hand down through generations over time. If you are currently looking for a rocking chair for your home, you may have noticed that there are two popular types of rockers available: traditional rocking chairs, usually made from wood, and glider rockers. Each of these models has certain advantages and disadvantages.
One advantage of the traditional rocking chair is that it for many people it is what a rocking chair should look like. They are often beautifully handcrafted from wood, and have no mechanical parts that will wear down over the years. Since they have no springs or hinges, traditional rocking chairs are also very quiet to use. However, they can at times pose a hazard to small children, pets and toes that may be accidentally pinched while the rocker is in motion.
Glider rockers operate using mechanical slides. Some people actually prefer the motion of a glider rocker to a traditional rocking chair. Also, some people find that wooden rocking chairs can be hard and uncomfortable, and many glider rockers are upholstered and quite cozy to sit in. A downside of gliders is that there are parts that can wear down and begin to creak over time. If you have a baby who you are trying to get to sleep, for example, you certainly do not want a squeaky chair when you are trying to rock the infant to sleep.
However, many of the disadvantages of both rocking chairs and gliders can be easily overcome. For example, if you find a wooden rocking chair to be too hard, try using a cushion to pad the rocker. Similarly, if your glider has started squeaking, a little oil can do wonders to help it stop squeaking. In the end, the decision may come down to aesthetics and personal preference, with both styles being a wonderful addition to almost any home.
