Who Invented The Rocking Chair? Top Full Guide 2022

The rocking chair is a symbol of American patriotism and comfort. It has been around for centuries and its origins are unknown.

In this post, Focal Upright will provide full of information about Who invented the rocking chair?

Who Invented The Rocking Chair?

Let’s start with the facts. In the early 1700s, North America produced the first rocking chair. There were already rocking cradles that toddlers could sleep in at this time.

These cradles inspired rocking horses that are now found in daycares. The “rocking chair” was inspired by these rockers, a term that first appeared in Oxford English Dictionary in 1787. (The word rocking chair comes from the verb to rock. The first known use of the term rocking chair was in 1766.)

Benjamin Franklin is well-known for many things and being an inventor, is one of them. He owned several rocking chairs, including one large that he kept in his study.

The chair was made famous by Franklin at that time. People connected Franklin’s identity as an inventor to his collection of rocking chair collections, so they believed that the chair was one of his most famous creations. It is likely, however, that he was merely an enthusiast and an adapter.

History Of The Rocking Chairs

Rocking chairs originated in the early 18th century in North America. Originally used in gardens, they were simply ordinary chairs with rockers attached. They started out as simple chairs made of curved wood with wooden legs that rocked back and forth. It was in 1725 that early rocking chairs first appeared in England.

The production of wicker rocking chairs reached its peak in America during the middle ages of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were popularly known, were famous for their craftsmanship and creative designs.

The chair was first introduced to Europe by the English, who have since created their own designs. The Bentwood rocking chair was created by Michael Thonet, a furniture manufacturer.

This rocking chair is elegant and comfortable with lovely swirls and plush cushioning. Americans have created their own versions of the ladderback and platform back home.

People have created many variations of the rocking chairs since their inception. Some rockers don’t have arms. This was common among women who knit and sew. Eventually, folding rocking chairs were invented.

Rocking chairs were even used by American presidents. Abraham Lincoln was sitting in a rocking chair at the theatre on the day of his death. A rocking chair was prescribed by his doctor to treat President John F. Kennedy’s chronic back pain.

These chairs are beloved by many people today, including antique collectors who treat them like masterpieces. These collectors will pay as much as $3,000 for genuine rocking chairs depending on their rarity and condition.

Type Of Rocking Chair

Windsor

The classic rocking chair was made from wood, had a straight back and curved seat. It also featured rockers. The Windsor rocking chair was the most popular.

Bentwood

In 1856, Michael Thonet was granted a patent for his bentwood manufacturing process. This enabled him and his five sons to create innovative bentwood furniture. Rare Antique Thonet Bentwood Rocking chair Figural Carved, Pressed Wood with Griffins & Northwind Face. This item features a figure pressed back with a seat and griffin.

Boston

Boston was actually created in Connecticut. Boston rocking chair was made from oak and pine and painted black. They were decorated with fruit or flower design.

Folding

The folding rocking chair was popularized in the 1870s. There are many styles to choose from, but they are easily folded down to the seat.

Wicker Rockers

A wicker chair, a machine-made rocking armchair is from the early 20th century. The Windsor rocker was likely part of a sun parlor set that included a sofa, side seats, a table, and a planter.

Pressed Back

This rocking chair with a pressed back was part of the American colony revival that existed between 1870 and 1920. This style is easily identified by the raised design on the wood back.

Ladder Back

When people think about a country rocking wheelchair, the ladderback rocking chair comes to mind. With its high back and horizontal flat design, it is easy to identify.

The Rocking Chair ‘Kennedy Rocker’

President John F. Kennedy made famous the rocking chair of the P & P Chair. Kennedy was diagnosed with back problems in 1955 and his doctor recommended that he use a rocking chair and swim. After being inaugurated in 1961, Kennedy enjoyed using the rocker so much that he used it to travel around the United States and the world. Kennedy’s rocking chair from the White House is on permanent display at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

Purpose

The gentle rocking motion of rocking chairs soothes babies and sends them to sleep, which is why they are often regarded as an emblem of parenting.

Because of its gentle motion, many adults find rocking chairs relaxing. The gentle rocking motion is more effective than staying stationary and can help you fall asleep faster. It’s similar to rocking your child to sleep.

A rocking chair is also very comfortable. It automatically rocks backward when the user sits down without rocking. This center gravity meets, granting an ergonomic advantage with the occupant in a relaxed position.

There are many types of rockers, including those that are mounted on spring bases (or platforms), called “platform rockers” or those with swinging braces often known as gliders.