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9 best rocking chairs that are perfect to relax and recline in

Add a contemporary rocker to your living space and discover your new favourite spot

Ali Howard
Tuesday 14 April 2020 15:00
We’ve tested everything from mid-century-inspired designs to classic rattan pieces
We’ve tested everything from mid-century-inspired designs to classic rattan pieces

Whether you’re doing night feeds in the nursery, curling up with a good book in the bedroom, or topping up your vitamin D on the patio, a comfy, contemporary rocking chair really hits the spot.

Often overlooked, this is a versatile piece of furniture that offers a relaxing seat separate from the usual living room set-up – and it’s one you’ll end up fighting family members for.

Forget any granny-inspired preconceptions. With a wealth of beautifully made, design-led products to choose from, this occasional chair can be a statement piece in your contemporary living space.

Modern rockers come in all shapes and sizes, so think about where yours is going to go and award it enough room away from the wall to rock. Consider your flooring, too.

Most rocking chairs work best when placed on a carpet or rug for grip, otherwise you may get more movement than you’d hoped for.

And if you’re after a rocking chair to rival your favourite comfy armchair, choose a plush, upholstered number that’s designed for hours of luxurious lounging. Our round-up includes a variety of styles and prices, all chosen for their triumph in form and functionality.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Sofa.com rocky armchair

Full of mid-century charm, this piece cleverly combines a comfy armchair with a relaxing rocker. What we loved best about this one is its upright design that doesn’t allow the sitter to slump – yet the experience is no less soothing.

And where some rocking chairs can look overly fussy in their mechanics, this one boasts pleasing clean lines with a sleek wooden frame that seamlessly links the armrests to the ski legs. Choose from a wealth of upholstery fabrics including the brand-new Chartreuse chenille.

Made kolton rocking chair

With its extra-wide and enveloping form, Made’s rocking chair is like a welcoming hug. A furniture piece of two halves, this one offers an appealing contrast between its light wood underframe and its luxuriously puffy seat. The quilted top is upholstered in 100 per cent polyester yet the mottled fabric gives the appearance of cosy wool or felt.

This chair is designed for curling up with a good book – and of course once you tuck your feet up it rocks back further. Delightful!

Bloomingville mundo rocking chair

We loved this indoor/outdoor rocking chair for its simple design. Its slimline black steel frame supports a woven, rattan-like seat that is in fact made from polyester, awarding it shower-proof and frost-safe properties.

This one offers a gentle rocking action, best enjoyed in the conservatory, surrounded by houseplants, with a morning coffee in hand. Boho but at the same time, clean-lined and contemporary.

Mogg rocking closer armchair

You can’t get much more glamorous than this when choosing a rocking chair for your modern living space. The handiwork of Italian design duo Leonardo and Marzia Dainelli, it is as plush as it is impossibly cosy.

We love the contrast between the slim black metal frame and the soft, oversized cushion – which offers structure and support despite its relaxed appearance. You can choose from a comprehensive menu of fabrics from cotton to leather, but we think this one’s just perfect in rich velvet.

H. Lis fox rocking chair

Another rocking chair that pays homage to classic mid-century modern design, this is the result of a smart collaboration between online interiors boutique Rose & Grey and Polish furniture makers, 366 Concept.

The chair comprises a beautifully smooth and tapered ash frame and a simple, L-shaped and upright upholstered seat. This one comes in a range of retro-inspired fabrics and colourways, including honey-coloured cord, red brick velvet, and mustard wool.

Nkuku sagari leather rocking chair

We wouldn’t usually associate rocking chairs with animal skins but this one proves its worth in its clever design – a simple leather sling forms the seat, which is supported by a contemporary and continuous black metal frame. It’s crafted from goat leather – a by-product of the food industry – which is both sturdy and soft.

The tan-coloured skin is rich and homely, having been dyed with tree bark and vegetable extract – and it promises to age beautifully. A stylish and contemporary rocker that’s anything but granny chic.

Bloomingville rattan orinoco rocking chair

Another contemporary rocking chair that plays to the laid-back and bohemian look, this rattan and metal number is made for curling up in.

Conical in shape, it allows the sitter to properly sink into it, and with its inconspicuous, slim white iron legs, it gives the impression of a floating seat – not unlike a classic Sixties egg chair. The supportive frame offers a gentle rock. This one’s a veritable nest of a living room seat.

Vitra RAR Eames plastic rocking chair, special edition

No rocking chair round-up would be complete without this mid-century design classic. Dating back to 1950, Charles and Ray Eames’ instantly recognisable rocker is as popular as ever with its ergonomically designed seat, architectural metal frame and sleek maple-wood runners.

This special edition adds a cushioned layer to the moulded plastic chair using Vitra’s premium fabric in either pale rose or mother of pearl – both beautifully textured and highly durable. Don’t be fooled by the fakes – this one’s the original and the best.

Maisons du monde louisiane rattan rocking chair

This rocking chair offering is traditional in its shaping but, crafted from natural rattan, it’s much lighter in both look and material. If you’re after a comfy rocker with full-body support, this one has your back.

We loved its gently curved backrest that echoes the form of a classic wingback armchair, along with its undulating woven frame. Ergonomically designed, and with a full rocking action, this one’s impossible not to relax in.

The verdict: Rocking chairs

Sofa.com’s Rocky armchair is a beautifully made, mid-century modern inspired furniture piece that offers good value for money. We loved its simple, considered design that contrasts the sleek dark wood with the fuss-free upholstered seat. Best is that we were able to choose from a huge range of fabrics and colourways.

IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.