Contemporary designs in rocking chairs

Innovation in designing rocking chairs has been booming in contemporary times. Designers are freely experimenting with materials, colours, patterns, and styles. Inspirations are being drawn from nature, traditions, science and technology, lifestyles, and other art forms. Here’s a look at some outstanding contemporary rocking chairs.

A number of contemporary rocking chairs are re-inventions of classic designs. One great example of this is the Glider rocking chair by Peter Handler. Made of anodized aluminium, it is a minimalist take on the Victorian platform rocker. The chair comes with cushioned upholstery, in a range of bright colours. Another re-invention is Philippe Starck’s ‘Hudson’ rocking chair – the simplest design but made of thermal treated aluminium, making it three times stronger than steel.

The Ica Contemporary Rocking Chair brings plush elegance to a new level with its polished stainless steel frame, Italian leather upholstery, and hand-made curved plywood backing. The chair sets beautifully in a contemporary décor. Another exciting contemporary design is the ‘Abraham’ rocking armchair by Frey and Boge. It is a chair made for leisure time with its flowing shape and bright colours.

A bit of a departure from traditional design is the ‘Pastil Chair’ by Eero Aarnio. It is inspired from a small flavoured tablet, and allows the user to sink into its ample cushioned space.

For those who prefer lots of extra space in their rocking chairs, there is the ‘Sway’ by Markus Krauss. Large enough to seat even two comfortably, ‘Sway’ sports a telescope mechanism in its base that lets it be locked into an easy chair position. Laurie Beckerman’s ‘Tete-à-Tete’ rocker is perfect for two people to enjoy each other’s company without feeling constrained.

Hearkening to lifestyle requirements, designers have come up with rocking chairs for particular purposes. There is the ‘Malibu’ rocking chair by MAC Sports that completely folds up into its own carry case, allowing people to not give up their pleasure of rocking while they are out and about. Lafer came up with the ‘Thor Recliner’, a swivel rocking chair essentially meant for office use. It sports an ergonomic design to provide extra support to the back. Peter Opsvik’s ‘Gravity Balance’ is also an amazing ergonomic rocking chair that promotes four postures from active sitting to relaxing.

Science and technology is also adding to the designing of rocking chairs today. You can get ‘massage rockers’ that can knead and massage your back, neck, and legs, providing an amazing relaxation experience. There are also ‘video rockers’ – rocking chairs that sport inbuilt sound systems, the ability to connect to electronic devices, and an ergonomic design to take care of your posture while you enjoy your games.

Rochus Jacob has designed the ‘Murakami Chair’, a rocking chair with an attached OLED lamp. The great thing about this chair is that it produces the electricity required for the lamp by its rocking motion. And the lamp can sense when the surrounding area is light or dark, storing the produced electricity in a battery when it’s light.

Nature has also been an inspiration for rocking chair designers. From the stingray fish was derived the ‘Stingray’ rocking chair by Thomas Pederson with its wide and spread-out design. Another beauty is the ‘Purity’ design by Wilson Scott. Sitting low and sporting see-through polyurethane stretch meshes while looking like an oyster, the chair appears to be very calming and perfect for meditation.

Another nature-inspired is the ‘Ocean Rocker III’ by Jolyon Yates that attributes its design to the ocean, nature’s cycles, and time. It is made from birch and finished in specialist PU satin lacquer. With its simplicity and flowing surfaces, the chair is a designing marvel.

For the art inclined, checking out Patrick Messier’s ‘Mamma’ rocking chair and Erik Griffioen’s ‘Kaluza’ rocker is recommended. Both the chairs would be right at home in a museum. ‘Mamma’, with its flowing curves displaying sensuality and comfort, and ‘Kaluza’, with clean geometric lines and angles, are something to be marvelled at.

Today, one can find a rocking chair to suit any taste and décor, and designing is only going to scale further heights. It is a great time for rocking chair lovers.