A rocking chair is a wonderful addition to any interior, evoking associations with the comfort and warmth of home. Since ancient times, these chairs have been installed near fireplaces. Some consider it an outdated piece of furniture. However, this type of furniture is still relevant today not only for older people, but also for young people. In our material we will review the varieties, and also talk about how to make a rocking chair with your own hands with accompanying photos and comments.
Rocking chair: material and manufacturing features
Let's figure out what features this or that rocking chair may have. Initially, natural wood served as the raw material for its production. For rocking, former craftsmen came up with the idea of installing runners-skis attached to the legs - they still have not lost their relevance. The current rocking chair, in addition to everything in its design, can be equipped with bump stops or a closing rear arch, the role of which is to prevent tipping over during strong rocking.
Interesting models designed for mothers and babies who have a cradle. The most modern option is a multifunctional rocking chair, a photo of which is posted in the article; it can be transformed from a standard chair to a lounger. You can also see in the photo various design designs that are particularly original.
Materials for manufacturing today can be either wood or three-layer thick plywood, flexible plastic, metal, willow rods (vine) and polyrattan.
Rocking chair in the interior - photo
A rocking chair is an amazing, original piece of furniture that will fit perfectly into almost any interior. This chair is simply created for a country house. And in an apartment it can very well be placed in front of the TV or next to the coffee table. In any case, your home will be filled with coziness and comfort.
Wooden rocking chair: advantages of the material
A classic option is a rocking chair made of wood, photos of various models of which are posted below. Wood has a lot of positive characteristics, which, in fact, has won the trust of furniture manufacturers. These include the following:
- the undeniable environmental friendliness of the material, which is also capable of emitting a pleasant “forest” smell;
- the strength of wood ensures the durability of furniture;
- a wide range of colors, as well as a unique pattern created by nature, thanks to which the rocking chair becomes an original piece of furniture;
- ease of processing. This factor allows you to design quite interesting models, apply carvings and cut out various designs.
A rocking chair made of wood is quite expensive, but making it yourself is quite possible. Such furniture will fit beautifully into any interior; it will look especially elegant by the fireplace.
Types of rocking chairs
Due to the fact that this item is incredibly popular, it has already been transformed many times, and rocking chairs have been made from wood and other various materials. We invite you to find out the most popular options.
DIY rocking chair made of wood
To make your own wooden rocking chair last as long as possible, you can use durable wood species such as oak or ash to construct it. Such wood is more expensive and harder to process, so home craftsmen often use coniferous forest species. Pine, spruce or larch have a pleasant grayish texture and are quite easy to work with. A rocking chair made from these rocks can turn into a real masterpiece with carved elements.
Before making a homemade design, you need to make accurate calculations, and most importantly, determine the center of gravity so that the rocking chair does not tip over. The wooden drawings that we have collected in our review will help you understand how to construct a rocking chair with your own hands. To achieve high-quality balance, it is necessary to add weighting agents to the structure. If the rocking chair leans back too much, make a “footrest” bar in front with a load. If you are leaning too far forward, install a horizontal weight bar at the rear. All structural parts are connected to each other using epoxy glue and self-tapping screws.
A finished rocking chair made of wood with your own hands must be processed. If you want to give it a certain shade, stain all the parts before assembly. Its different concentrations will give the desired color. The product is also treated with insect and fungal repellents. In conclusion, the rocking chair must be varnished, and not even once.
Tips on how to make a rocking chair with your own hands
Creating a rocking chair yourself will require desire, time and material. The materials used are plywood, wood and metal. The home craftsman chooses which material to use depending on the availability of material and carpentry skills.
Usually, rocking chairs are made from copies of chair drawings, but the layouts often turn out to be created and tailored to a specific person, and a complete copy of it will not always turn out to be comfortable. For this reason, before making a rocking chair, you should find out at least initial data about its kinematics.
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The center of gravity (CG) of a person of normal build is located on the border of the lower back and sacrum and the inner part of the spine. In a sitting person, the CG will move a little forward and a little further down. The movement of the center of gravity does not matter, and it is generally accepted that the projection of the total CG onto the plane is equal to the projection of a standing person.
Next, the balance of the chair is corrected to compensate for this error. An important role in the degree of stability is played by the ratio of the vertical location of the center of gravity to the center of the circle (CO). CO is of paramount importance in the production of chairs on runners with variable curvature.
It should be remembered that the center of gravity and the center of the circle should not coincide (diagram 1 and a1) - otherwise the chair will not swing, and there is a risk of injury if the chair tilts too much and somersaults. When the CG is higher than the CG, the possibility of capsizing increases.
To avoid this kind of situation, the chair is made for the tallest and heaviest person. Ideally, the central center should be at least 450 mm higher than the central center. In this case, the force of the restoring moment Mo appears (Fig. 3. and Fig. 3a).
For lighter riders, if the CO is much higher than the CO, then the sharp swing is easily compensated by pillows under the back and on the seat. Thus, it is recommended to maintain the excess of the center of the circle over the CG within the limits of 600-700 mm.
It is important to note that if it is impossible to know the CG position of the largest user, then the radius of the circle R is taken as the average height of the riders minus 5 cm. Place a permanent cushion on the seat to stabilize the smoothness of rocking.
Using the data described above, we will give examples of drawings of chairs.
Instructions for a wooden plywood chair. To create a chair, you will need the most common tools: a jigsaw, a screwdriver, screws, drills, and sandpaper for sanding parts of the chair.
The fastest way to make a rocking chair from wood is to use an old chair with a durable frame as a base. A chair with shortened legs is attached to runners. High-quality runners are made from solid wood. The finished chair can be styled to your taste by sewing a cover, or braided with plastic ribbons.
You can make interesting models from sheets of plywood (width from 15 mm). To do this, the sides are cut out and 3 bars are attached to them. Thin strips of plywood are secured with self-tapping screws, thus making the upper part. To prevent cracking, the side parts are drilled at the fastening points. The size of the bars is 30x50x600 mm, the plywood strips are 10x50x600 mm.
Using an identical method, changing the frame, you can make any other models of chairs, for example with armrests.
A place for a manufactured chair can be found in the local area, in the office, and in the living room.
Rattan rocking chair
The wicker rocking chair stands out from the model range with particular originality and grace. The price of such products is not small, but it is fully justified. For weaving, vines (willow, raspberry, bird cherry twigs) and rattan are used.
Rattan is a plant that can be found in South Asia and Indonesia. In our country it is very difficult to get it in its pure form - it is present only in finished products, in particular, it can be a rocking chair woven from rattan. The rocking chair is formed without nuts, screws and bolts - all elements are fixed with an adhesive base. And finished furniture must be varnished.
A wicker rattan rocking chair can be constructed from an artificial substitute - poly rattan. In terms of strength and flexibility, its performance is significantly higher than that of natural raw materials. A DIY rocking chair made from artificial rattan will turn out amazingly beautiful and durable. If you decide to do it yourself, without outside help, we suggest using some of the diagrams presented below.
Basketry
They have real rustic charm. And if you choose a rattan rocking chair, along with a soft blanket or blanket, the interior will be ascetic and very cozy.
It so happens that only some parts can be woven, for example the back or seat. But there are also fully wicker rocking chairs, for the manufacture of which, as already mentioned, rattan, or willow, reed is used...
Wicker rocking chair made of wicker
Before you make a rocking chair with your own hands, you need to collect the material. This usually happens with the arrival of cold weather, when the liquid in the stems freezes and the vine is easier to process. The collected raw materials must be pre-processed. To do this, the rods are boiled in hot water for about 10 hours, cleaned and dried for three days. Then they need to be sorted by diameter. The thicker ones will form the frame, and the thinner ones will make up the pattern. A rocking chair made of wicker will be much stronger if the winding is made in three rods, as shown in the photo.
First, the frame is made, braided using an openwork or combined method, and then, using self-tapping screws, the remaining parts are attached to it - armrests, skis, supports, etc. The joints are masked with an adhesive mass with sawdust. At the final stage, the rocking chair should be impregnated with liquids against fungus and insects, painted with stain for color and varnished.
Rocking chair
How pleasant it is to relax, sitting in a wicker chair, slowly swaying to the rhythm of your thoughts. This helps you relax after a busy day, calm down and put your nervous system in order. A rocking chair helps create a cozy, warm and kind atmosphere in your home.
The first rocking chair was made in 1860 by the Viennese craftsman Michael Thonet, who loved experimenting with bentwood products. His invention was to the taste of many, however, due to the high cost, only wealthy people could afford such a chair in the 19th century. The development of industry in the 20th century made it possible to make this piece of furniture available to everyone. Both simple, affordable models and exclusive rocking chairs began to appear.
Today, rocking chairs are made from a variety of materials: wicker, rattan, wood, steel, etc. They may differ in design and functionality. The most popular are wicker rattan rocking chairs. They are very practical, durable, resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, and can withstand high loads. Rattan is a tropical vine that is environmentally friendly and durable. Armchairs from it are made in Indonesia and Malaysia. They look very elegant and graceful, and the curved arches of the chairs shine beautifully in the sun.
In Russia, rocking chairs are woven from wicker by hand. They have a delightful appearance that will delight even the most discerning beauty connoisseurs. Armchairs made from wicker are highly wear-resistant, durable and can withstand the highest loads. They are designed for the maximum weight category of users - up to 180 kg.
Wooden rocking chairs are also very popular. They are designed for a weight of up to 95 kg, are distinguished by their low price and natural appearance. Lovers of modern interiors often choose steel rockers designed for a weight category of up to 120 kg.
DIY rocking chair made of plywood
Plywood can naturally replace natural wood; it is easy to cut, and this is its main advantage. A rocking chair with your own hands is constructed according to a drawing originally drawn up on paper and transferred to the correct scale onto the raw materials. A drawing of a plywood rocking chair can be taken from the photographs presented in our article. It can be supplemented or modified at your discretion. All cut out elements must be treated with antiseptic agents and assembly begins. They are connected with small self-tapping screws, which must be “sunk” into the plywood. A DIY rocking chair made of plywood can be painted, varnished or upholstered with a fabric base.
Modern design of rocking chairs
Do-it-yourself rocking chairs made from Indonesian palm trees are particularly practical and durable.
They are resistant to temperature changes, can withstand heavy loads of weight, and are also comfortable to sit on.
If above all else you value naturalness, then a wicker rocking chair is just your option. The cost of such a product is high, but armchairs made from wicker have never allowed anyone to doubt their quality.
A more budget-friendly and versatile option is rocking chairs made of plywood or wood. Their main advantage is their low price and rich color palette. However, such a chair is not capable of supporting a weight of more than 95 kg.
Chair models made from combined materials are very popular. The combination of metal and wood, as well as wicker and textiles, looks very good.
Forged rocking chairs
Forged rocking chairs, photos of which are presented before us, have a presentable and rich appearance, imitating classic weaving. In order to make such masterpieces, you need to have a workshop where you can carry out welding work. As a simple accessible material, profile pipes are most often taken. Beautiful forged rocking chairs are best made in a forge with forging skills. All structural parts are attached to each other using a welding system. The finished rocking chair with your own hands must be cleaned of dirt, washed and dried. The final stage is opening with primer and paint.
The Unusual Abilities of a Rocking Chair
Recently, dramatic changes have taken place in the world of furniture - this also applies to rocking chairs.
The built-in pendulum, as well as an abundance of synthetic fillers, turned the rocking chair from an ordinary piece of furniture into an original element of decor.
Due to the fact that the rocking design can easily be disguised as a regular chair, this chair will fit perfectly into any interior.
Inventors never cease to amaze – the appearance of an ultra-modern model of a rocking chair, equipped with an autonomous lamp, created a sensation among buyers. While a person relaxes in a chair, swaying and reading a book, the lamp generates electricity from his swaying.
A rocking chair made of wood for two is an excellent device for communicating and relaxing together.
Baby rocking chair
A children's rocking chair will be a wonderful addition to the interior of a child's room. It can be made from any material. In most cases, wood or plywood is used. The principle of manufacturing the product is the same as for chairs for adults, only different in size. It is advisable to round off all sharp corners of the structure for the safety of the child. If your rocking chair is made of wood with your own hands, you can cut out a figure on the back - a heart, a flower, etc. Non-toxic paints should be used to paint the structure.
Rocking chairs today have a wide variety of designs, as evidenced by numerous photographs. As you have seen, it is quite possible to make such a design yourself. Use ready-made diagrams, add a little of your own imagination, and an original rocking chair with your own hands will fill your home with an atmosphere of comfort and homeliness.
Rocking chair on the balcony
It’s worth thinking about a rocking chair for the balcony. The fact that a person lives in an apartment building does not mean that he does not need outdoor recreation - quite the opposite. So how to approach the choice of such balcony furniture? Size and portability are usually key.
After all, the owner doesn’t want a rocking chair for a balcony to take up too much space or restrict access to certain areas. Therefore, before purchasing, you should try on the chair or look at the drawings of the chair.
Of course, you can always use cushions, but stain-resistant furniture material will probably last much longer.Another point concerns everyday use. Many people like to snack on the balcony with a variety of delicacies. It would be good if the rocking chair on the balcony could be easily washed.
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Soft and relaxing rocking in a cozy chair will not only have a beneficial effect on your mood and psyche. It has been proven that the process evens out the heart rate and normalizes pressure surges. In addition, this piece of furniture will harmoniously fit into the interior of any style.
Rocking chair as a decorative element
Classic armchairs in the interior of an apartment have always been considered a necessary element. Many people associate a rocking chair with a grandmother who sits in it by the fireplace and knits a warm shawl. Manufacturers of upholstered furniture are trying to dispel this idea and are creating new models and colors of the usual relaxation item. Designers present extraordinary options for using rocking chairs indoors.
Quirky small armchairs will attract the attention of guests. At first glance, it is impossible to guess that this is furniture and not a decorative element. The color scheme is neutral, without ornaments or additional decorations.
Despite the fact that it is made of plastic, the chair can withstand a load of up to 80 kilograms. The lightweight and compact seat can be moved around the room even by a child. In addition, it is not afraid of moisture, so it is easy to wash.
A wicker chair made of wicker will be a cozy and stylish addition to the interior of the terrace of a private house. It creates a truly homely atmosphere of warmth and comfort. It's nice to relax in the open air on a warm summer day or, wrap yourself up in a blanket on a cool evening, drink coffee and count the stars.
Furniture pieces made of wood or unpainted plywood go well with the Mediterranean style. The natural color of wood harmonizes with the overall design of the room, which uses natural materials (stone, wood, leather).
The demand for rocking chairs is growing every year, so furniture stores offer a large selection of this type of furniture. Designer chairs are not only practical, but also original. For example, a design with a lamp powered by swinging energy will attract the attention of guests.
Such a piece of furniture performs two functions at once: energy saving and light physical activity for a person.
Office
Office chairs are made of solid wood interspersed with leather. The main task is to emphasize the status and image of the owner. A rocking chair in the office allows you to find a suitable moment for relaxation.
The stereotype that a rocking chair is only suitable for older people is long gone. Today, such chairs decorate the living rooms and terraces of many modern homes. Measured rocking calms and relaxes the body, has a beneficial effect on the state of mind and mood, and the variety of models allows you to choose spectacular options for any interior.
