Rocking chairs are made specifically for the comfort and relaxation of people who want to sit in the open air. One of the areas where these chairs get used the most is the front porch. The chairs not only provide comfort but have plenty of health benefits as well.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about benefits, styles, and ways to get the best rocking chair. So read on and find out!
The Charm and Comfort of Front Porch Rocking Chairs
Relaxation
Whether you place a rocking chair in your backyard for a backyard BBQ or a small balcony for fresh air, you will be delighted by its endless relaxation. The rocking motion of the chair releases endorphins in the human mind, helping them enhance mood and reduce stress levels. The level of relaxation reaches a point where you will spend hours just sitting on the chair without keeping track of time.
Reduce back pain
Rocking chairs are ideal sitting chairs for the ones suffering from Arthritis and back pain. The movement of the front porch rocking chairs can help increase the blood flow to the joints to decrease arthritis pain. On the other hand, people suffering from backache can also benefit from the rocking motion by increasing the blood flow throughout the back.
Helps with insomnia and dementia
You must have seen newborns in the cradles with rocking motion which makes them fall asleep. However, this natural insomnia healer is not only limited to kids. Adults can also use the rocking motion of the chairs to fall asleep and battle insomnia.
Improves circulation of blood
Blood circulation is important to cure cardiovascular diseases. This becomes possible as the rocking motion improves the circulatory system to improve overall circulation, benefiting other parts of the body as well, such as improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and keeping the body active.
Improves balance
One of the major benefits of using front porch rocking chairs for the ones with Parkinson’s disease is that they can improve stability and balance through their motion. Once the patient sits on the rocking chair, its motion tends the body to naturally balance itself, which directly impacts the overall stability by improving balance.
Different Styles and Materials Available for Rocking Chairs
Materials
HDPE
HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene. It is a material used to make front porch rocking chairs without taking away the feel of the original wood. HDPE is usually used to make furniture more durable and water-resistant.
Softwood
Softwood such as Douglas, Redwood, and Cider are the most common materials used to make front porch rocking chair ideas. Pine is also an option, but it usually doesn’t do well against harsh outdoor conditions. Softwoods are not as durable as hardwoods, but they are a good affordable option to use.
Hardwood
Hardwoods such as maple, mahogany, oak, and walnut are ideal materials for outdoor furniture. They are way more resistant to scratches and dents than softwoods; however, that doesn’t mean that you won’t need varnishing.
Wicker
The best part about using wicker is it’s lightweight and durable. It increases the life of outdoor furniture, such as wicker coffee tables, rocking chairs, etc. The performance of this material against harsh weather conditions is quite exceptional; however, please make sure that you choose natural wicker instead of cheap plastic.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another great material that is long-lasting and waterproof. One major advantage of using aluminum is the variety of designs you will find in this particular material. It is also quite inexpensive and requires low maintenance.
Plastic
Plastic is famous for its strength against rust and water. However, a drawback of choosing this material is that it can fade if exposed to harsh sunlight.
Teak
Teak front porch rocking chair ideas are reliable and durable, but you won’t find them in multiple colors. Moreover, you must frequently rub the chair to avoid silver platina.
Styles
Traditional rocking
This is the simplest form of front porch rocking chair décor with curved legs, allowing it to move back and forth.
Spring rocking
Spring rocking chair has springs attached to the glider, allowing you to get the feeling of both traditional and glider chairs.
Glider rocking
Glider chair uses the mechanism of levers and hinges. It is compact, as the motion of the chair is
Swivel rocking
The swivel front porch rocking chair has a swivel rocker that allows the chair to move in a 360-degree circle.
Reclining rocking
As the name suggests, a reclining chair has extra functionality allowing the back of the chair to recline. Both reclining and rocking functions can be used side by side.
Guidance on Selecting the Perfect Rocking Chair for Your Porch
Here are some steps involved in buying the perfect rocking chair for your porch.
1. Choose the right size
The first step is to choose the size of the chair according to the space available at your home.
2. Define the purpose
The place where you decide to place your rocking chair matters the most when it comes to the buying decision. Different types of chairs can be used for different places, such as living rooms, outdoors and patio, porches, etc. For porches and modern outdoor furniture, you need something which can resist the outside conditions well.
3. Select the right material
Once you know where you are going to place the chair, you can choose from one of the build materials listed above.
4. Select the right type
From the five different types of chairs listed above, choose the one that serves the purpose and fits the budget.
5. Check the footrest
Footrest is important if you want some extra comfort for your legs. With the footrest, you will be able to enjoy the rocking motion in your lower body as well.
6. Check the noise
No one wants to be disturbed by the noisy rocking sound from the moving chairs, so make sure to check before making a decision.
