The Classic Chair keeps on rocking in contemporary materials and modern style.
By Caroline Barry
01 April 2007
The Prime Time rocker by Afroditi Krassa in aluminum, tubular steel and plywood; $3,200.
A folding bentwood classic from 1952, the Rex Rocker by Niko Kralj continues to hold its own among those "in the know;" $198 through DWR.
Few pieces of furniture trigger as many nostalgic connections as the rocking chair. From mothers rocking newborns to couples perched on porches and book lovers reading fireside, rocking chairs have staked a secure claim on comfort.
Two of our favorite rockers hearken to the romantic 18th century when "love seats" were made so sitters faced each other instead of a television. Reinvented in wood and metal, these seats for two are every bit modern-day. And it's today's materials that take the weight off classic looks, so moving rockers from sunny spots to shady nooks isn't such a drag. But in any color, material, shape or size, our top rocking picks have one thing in common: they're just as comfortable as the one on grandma's porch.
ROCK STARS: (Left to Right from top)
Ruth Rocker 2 by New Zealand's David Trubridge. Designer of eco-friendly pieces with a simple aesthetic, Trubridge's rockers make waves indoors and out. This one can be knocked down for easy shipping and retails for about $1,340.
With outstretched arms, the Flip rocker from Bonaldo looks like it's begging to be sat on. It's a cheerful design suitable for outdoor use and with a pop of fresh color that makes it a great choice for kids' rooms too. $650.
The Woodline Rocking Chair by Eero Aarnio for Artek.
The Blu Dot bent-ply Buttercup Rocker; $649.
Emeco's Heritage Rocker by Philippe Starck, strong enough for any room--indoor or out; $638 from DWR.
Jean-Marie Massaud updated the classic style of Charles Eames' famous rocker to create the Chuck Rocking Chair for E&Y Japan; $700.
A 1980s sketch by Eero Aarnio was finally realized in the Keinu rocking chair, available through the Finnish Design Shop, in black, and Anthropologie, in yellow, for about $3,998.
Tony Portus makes each Cato rocker individually by hand for about $3,750.
Eames' much imitated RAR rocker. This one is from DWR for $379. Diehard Eames fans and keepers of original design might scout out an original fiberglass shell and put new or original legs on it.
Artist Tomas Oliphant's rocker built for two, an execution of form and balance especially for couples; $8,500.
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)