A vintage antique rocker’s most appealing characteristic is the cushioned connection between your bones as well as the framework of the seat. The attractiveness of a plain wood seat may hit you hard in the bones and spine with no foam or fabric and epoxy intervening. Enjoy the touch of history a vintage rocker adds to your decor, but delight in the existence of the padded upholstery much more.
Bentwood Rockers
The Thonet brothers patented the first bentwood chairs and rockers in 1856, and early models featured tufted leather or fabric seats and backs. The upholstery inserts would later be replaced by caning, but the graceful curves of the framework as well as the inviting incorporated cushions were a winning combination that still inspires collectors. Put your antique Thonet rocker, with its timeworn softened leather upholstery, in the den or library to medium its daily usage. Add a reproduction bentwood rocker into the living room or bedroom, upholstered in tufted natural Haitian cotton or faded velvet.
Upholstered Rocking Chairs
When President Lincoln sent word he’d be attending Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865, the theater manager scrambled to supply the best box to get the President’s comfort. He added a personal upholstered sofa and rocker to your Lincoln party, and also the president chose the high-backed cushioned rocking chair. The Lincoln rocker had an ornate wood framework, gleaming with polish, and generous upholstery above the front edge of the seat and on the arms so far as the rear of the seat. The rear was tufted in precisely the exact same fabric as the bench. You can buy reproductions — not exact replicas — of the Lincoln seat or just locate a gorgeous example of the Civil War-era upholstered rocking chair and get it covered in patterned silk damask or another elegant fabric to complement your traditional living room.
Mission Rockers
Mission-style furniture evolved in the late-19th, early 20th-century Arts and Crafts movement. It features heavy, solid wood frames, easy lines, varnished timber and mortise and tenon joints. Upholstered rockers were substantially cushioned with sturdy fabrics in earth colours. If the boxy Mission look works for you, honor the original urge to emulate nature with woven material in a rough-textured solid or an earth-toned geometric pattern according to Native American textiles or Cubist layout. Russet, olive, olive green, gold and subdued turquoise are inviting Mission colors against a cherry, white pine, maple, hickory or walnut framework.
Platform Rockers
The stage rocker was made to solve the issue of seat “creep” on both unfinished hardwood or carpet. As a typical seat on rockers rocked, it tended to move upon the ground. The stage eliminated bumpiness and rebound, acting like a glider and delivering a smooth rocking motion. It also delivered a very ornate and now dated decor statement. The platform and frame were timber, with an upholstered back, seat, armrests and headrest. Upholstery was often an embroidered stuff, framed by the open rear of the seat and tacked around the armrests, headrest and rear. Your stage rocker won’t blend into any style except period decor, but it is going to stand out as a bit of usable art. Park yours at the parlor in vivid or deep upholstery colours to enliven the space. Upholster the rocker at pastels and garnish to get a vintage bedroom.