ORIGINS OF THE ROCKING CHAIR

Posted by Monte Design

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Rock. Soothe. Sleep.
As early as the Middle Ages, rocking cradles have put little ones to sleep. But it wasn’t until the 18th Century that the rocking chair for adults was invented. There are several different and conflicting theories about when, where, and by whom the rocking chair was invented, but many scholars believe it was invented in America in the early 1700s.

Rocking Cradle, circa 1750

Antique Rocking Chair, circa 1800

Rocking chairs were simultaneously surfacing in England in the early 1700s. The term “rocking chair” first appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1787, though the chair’s popularity didn’t grow widespread until the early 1800s.


By the mid-1800s, a German-Austrian woodworker named Michael Thonet invented a process to heat and curve wood, which became known as “bentwood” furniture; he is also credited with inventing a “production line” for his bentwood rocking chairs. There is still a 5th generation office chair-making company today named “Thonet” because of Michael’s invention of the bentwood rocker back in 1860.

Thonet’s Model No. 1 rocker, 1860

1960s, President John F Kennedy popularized the rocking chair

Though most early rocking chairs were made of wood and primarily used outdoors on front porches, the rocking chair did evolve to include padding and upholstery for comfort, and it also made its way indoors. By the 1960s, President John F Kennedy popularized the rocking chair, as he was often pictured in one; it brought him great relief from his chronic back pain.


So, why a rocking chair? Its ability to calm and relax are undeniable. A rocking chair’s rhythmic back-and-forth motion is not only comforting, soothing and sleep-inducing, but the rhythm also encourages thinking and reflecting.

Monte Rocking Chairs

This soothing peacefulness is the reason that for over 100 years, the rocking chair has become a staple in many households; it has graced homes from Presidents to artists, and from babies to retirees. Once you’ve experienced the gentle motion of a rocker, you’ll understand its comforting power.

Monte Rockers

The modern day rocker continues to provide rest and relaxation, yet its updated designs are perfectly suited for the modern aesthetic. The Monte Joya Rocker offers a high back, expertly tailored upholstery, and a soothing rock — ideal for relaxing after a long day, or for helping little ones fall sleep. Its soft and comfortable seat, beautifully finished rocking wood base and luxurious fabric choices make the Monte Joya Rocker so comfortable that you won’t want to get up; you’ll just want to rock on…and on…and on.

Monte Rocking Chairs