Sunday, January 27, 2008

Discover The Incomparable Hal Taylor Rocking Chairs


Hal Taylor graduated with a degree in Biology but instead of pursuing a career related to his major, he followed his heart and went after his first love: woodworking. As a result, Hal Taylor became one of the most famous creators of a series of top-of-the-line rocking chairs that acclaimed international fame. He took pride in making customized rocking chairs that are often referred to as "the most comfortable wooden chairs in the world".

Hal Taylor really showered every single rocking chair he made with lots of tender loving care. He carefully picked the high-quality hard woods that he turns into his masterpiece. Some hardwoods used by Hal Taylor include walnut, maple and cherry. First off, he band-sew the modifications in the rocker.
These are pieces that provided the curve. For the leg tops to fit smoothly into the headrest, the back legs are trimmed down at around 20 degrees. After the cutting, the legs are glued back to the seat. Th seat is then flattened, glued and cut to the desired size and shape. The edge of the front leg is then squared. He also insisted that rocking chairs are like shoes: they have to fit a person perfectly and there is no such thing as one size fits all.
Every part of the rocking chair made by Hal Taylor fits perfectly with the other pieces. The grains of the arms are matching in appearance and the legs are equal in size. The Hal Taylor rocking chair also presents a very balanced and a really symmetrical exterior.

Every single rocking chair made by Taylor has a personal touch to it. Every underside of the seats are engraved with the date it was finished, the name it was given, and the number it was assigned. A quote saying, "This chair has been made especially for (the name of the chair's new owner) by Hal Taylor' together with a favorite poem or a memorable quote are also inscribed in the chair.
Hal Taylor said that he made the customized inscriptions in the rocking chair to record the love and the history that comes with the rocking chair. He hoped that the succeeding generations will remember their ancestors who once owned the chairs. Hal Taylor's rocking chairs can be found in Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore, England, the Virgin Islands, Canada and the United States.

Jerry Brecken is a freelance writer who is currently writing for My Rocking Chairs, a guide to selecting and buying plastic rocking chairs, personalized rocking chairs and outdoor rocking chairs

Sunday, January 20, 2008

The History Of Patio Furniture

The style of the average home has changed over the years. Large old farmhouses had huge front porches, which were an extension of the family living room. The porches were extremely large.
Therefore, a lot of outdoor furniture was required. However, most of the furniture used was merely brought from inside. One piece of furniture was a fixture of most families outdoor furniture, that piece of furniture was a rocking chair. In the 18th century, the rocking chair was known as the American chair. The wooden rocker was also a lot more comfortable than the wrought iron furniture of the day.
You do not see nearly as many rocking chairs now as you did back then.
Another very popular piece of outdoor furniture was the porch swing. The porch swing was a relaxing piece of outdoor furniture on a hot summer evening. Remember, there were no air conditioners back in the 1800's.
Wicker outdoor furniture was the next style of furniture that became popular in Victorian times. It was popular because it was fancier than the existing outdoor furniture. Plant stands and many different types of tables were added to the porches of American families. The Victorian style was the more the better. Many families had porches full of outdoor furniture.
In the South, many large homes had Verandas. The porch was larger to support the Veranda. These porches had a lot of large over sized furniture such as wicker or cotton upholstered outdoor furniture. Unfortunately, the weather in the South was not indicative to keeping cotton, upholstered furniture outside. Wrought iron furniture was a popular choice in this era as well. To alleviate the uncomfortable iron, cushions were used on chairs.
In the 1930's, casual outdoor furniture began to appear. Handcrafted wrought iron, cast and tubular aluminum became popular years later. However, comfortable outdoor furniture was desirable to consumers. Lawn chairs became the rage along with straight back chairs as the urban centers became more populated and places to sit outdoors were much smaller in the city.
As the suburbs became a popular place for families, more outdoor furniture was required. This was where the real need for outdoor patio furniture began. People wanted to extend their entertaining outdoors and the need for outdoor furniture grew tremendously. This trend continues to grow today.
More high-tech materials are developed for the construction of outdoor patio furniture, as people want durability, ease of care and strength from their patio furniture. People are spending more and more time outdoors and extending their homes through the concept of outdoor kitchens and rooms.
Entertaining at home has made it necessary to have a variety of types of outdoor furniture available. People own hot tubs, swimming pools and many more outdoor toys, which require specific outdoor furniture. As the people demand it, outdoor patio furniture will continue to evolve into stylish pieces they can use everyday.
Author: Tom Houser

Teak Chairs - Fabulous Seating For Your Outdoor Space

When it comes to your deck, porch, or patio area, you want to have comfortable seating options so you can easily relax and unwind. If you do not, then you cannot really enjoy the space and the outdoor weather like you want to. So, to ensure that you will have a nice place to take it easy every time you go outside, invest in some fabulous teak chairs for your outdoor space.
Now, you might not know it, but you actually have a lot of options when it comes to the different styles that you can choose from when it comes to teak chairs. You can get single dining chairs, chairs that fold up for easy storage, rocking chairs, ones made for two people, Adirondack chairs, and even those of the deep seated variety that come with comfy cushions.
There are many different options, which means that you can create any kind of outdoor space that you want. Like, maybe you want a fantastic outdoor area where you can not only dine, but lounge around and talk after the meal is over. Well, then a lovely option for you would be some dining chairs, do not forget to pair them up with a lovely patio table, for that space to eat.
Then, just add some Adirondack chairs or some deep seated lounge chairs a place to talk afterwards and your space is ready to go. Or, you might want an area where you and the one you love can just get away from it all. A nice choice for you then would be a loveseat, bench, or loveseat rocking chair, which would be a fantastic way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the gorgeous outdoors.
One of the best features about teak chairs, along with their high level of comfort, is the fact that they are crafted from teak wood. Teak is a durable hardwood harvested in Southeast Asia and is hailed as one of the best woods in the entire world for building purposes. It is not easily damaged, plus, it has natural oils that makes it extremely resilient to all the outdoor elements.
So, if you have to leave your furniture made from it outdoors during the winter months, you do not have to worry about breaking down. Really, rain, sleet, hail, even snow and ice will not cause it to rot or decay, making it a top notch selection. Plus, not only is teak wood durable, but it also has a lovely, golden tone that is extremely appealing to the eye that overtime will fade to a beautiful, sophisticated gray color.
So, if you want a nice spot to just rest and relax on a beautiful summer day, invest in some beautiful teak chairs for you outdoor space. They are a comfortable seating option perfect for any deck, porch, or patio area. Get some today, when you are sitting on them many, many years from now, you will be happy that you did.
Author: Jesse Akre

An American Original: The Beauty And Comfort Of Adirondack Chairs

An Adirondack chair is the combination of form and function in outdoor relaxation. Also known as a Cape Cod chair or Muskoka chair in different areas of the world, Adirondack chairs are usually made from durable, insect resistant woods like cedar and redwood, although other materials are also used. Well made Adirondack chairs are quality pieces of outdoor furniture that can last for generations.
Design
The ancestor of today's Adirondack chair was designed by Thomas Lee in 1903. After arriving at a final design for the "Westport plank chair," Lee offered it to Harry Bunnell, a carpenter friend in Westport, New York , who built the chairs during winter for sale in the springtime. Harry Bunnel eventually patented the robust design, which combined a slanted back and wide armrests.
While the original Adirondack chair was thought to have a straight back, contemporary designs often include more curves. Adirondack chairs are comfortable because the chair back usually has an incline of 30 degrees and excellent lower back support. These chairs also feature wide, level arms that double as tables for drinks and books.
The basic design of the Adirondack chair has been expanded over the last 100 years to include chaise lounges, loveseats, rockers and other outdoor furniture that follow the lines of the traditional Adirondack chair. Other variations of the chair's design feature a curved back and rolled seat made to wrap around the body and cushion the legs, something you just do not get with any other type chair. And no matter what style you choose, these robust All-American chairs will offer years of pleasure and comfort.
Wood Types
Nothing is quite as relaxing as sitting in a wooden Adirondack chair with your hands on the large, smooth armrests. This is one reason for their enduring appeal; another is the fine looking wood of which many of these chairs are made. Other than the most popular (red or white cedar,) woods used in the manufacturing of Adirondack furniture include teak, cypress, mahogany, alder, eucalyptus, and southern yellow or white pine. The wood can be stained to preserve its natural color, painted in any shade you desire, or left to weather naturally. Certain woods, like pine, most definitely need to be treated regularly with a protectant.
There are those who prefer resin rocking chairs to wooden ones because they are easier to maintain and are more durable. Plastic Adirondack chairs are not considered to be as beautiful as wooden ones, but are less expensive and can last for a very long time. Winning the longevity award for a natural material, however, is teak. With an average lifespan of 75 years, teak wood has long been commended as the ideal choice for outdoor furniture. Teak is exceptionally expensive, however, and is out of reach for many on a budget.
Author: Jayson Gerth

Saturday, January 19, 2008

7 Tips For Choosing A Rocking Chair


Do you sometimes find yourself wishing that your favorite TV chair can also be a rocking chair? Is there a new baby in the family that you wish you can sing to sleep in your arms while sitting comfortably yourself? Does your idea of unwinding after a long day's work include reading a book by the fire in the winter or just contemplating the outside scenery in the summer?

American fondness for rocking chairs

If you answer yes to any one of these questions, then you are not alone. A growing number of Americans either own a rocking chair which has become a member of the family or think of buying one.

Rocking chairs began to appear in the late 1700s when someone ingeniously thought of adding skates or rockers to the bottoms of adult furniture, similar to a child's rocking cradle or rocking horse.

Since then, owning a rocking chair has become a distinctly American proccupation, with most Americans, including some of America's famous presidents, showing great fondness for their rocking chairs - whether they be the elegant American designer Sam Maloof creations with the elongated curved runners or the homely white wicker rocking chair that usually has been with the family for more than 30 years.

But how do you choose a good rocking chair. Below are some tips on how to choose a rocking chair that is right for you.

Tips on how to choose a rocking chair

1. The first thing to ask yourself is where are you going to put your rocking chair? If indoors by the fireplace or the family room, you can choose a cushioned or timber rocking chair made of light maple or yellowish oak. Or if outdoors in your garden or front porch, you can choose a sweetly-scented cedar, a painted brazilian cherry wood or teakwood durable enough to withstand the elements.

2. A very important priority in rocking chairs is comfort. Rocking chairs have been used for therapeutic purposes - John F Kennedy's rocking chair being a famous example. It is said that President Kennedy found hours and hours of relief for his bad back from this Appalachian oak rocker which has a steam-bent curved backrest and woven seat made of Malaysian rattan.
Answering the following questions may help you to judge whether the rocking chair you are choosing will give you the level of comfort that you need.

- Does the rocking chair provide seating comfort and support? - Is the chair set low enough for comfortable elbow support? - Are the armrests wide enough to rest your arms and provide the right balance? - Do the seat and back offer both firmness and flexibility? - Do the seats slant downward to fit the whole back while supporting the lower back?

3. Is the rocker pitched correctly? In layman's terms, does the rocking chair provide a smooth and even rocking motion without tipping, even when you are in the reclining position? Or does it feel like you are about to flip backwards when you are rocking? Does a single push keep the rocking chair rocking for a few minutes or does it stop after onlya few seconds?

4. Was the rocking chair constucted using techniques that have been proven to result in stronger and more durable rocking chairs that can withstand everyday use? Some of these techniques include construction without glue, interlocking joinery and the famous Maloof technique of using seven laminated strips of wood to strengthen each of the long, elegant skis that are used in his rocking chair designs.

5. What style of rocking chair will fit your decor? Do you want an upholstered rocking chair or do you want to see the timber's natural woodgrain enlivened by an oil finish? Do you want charming white wicker chair or casual rattan? How do you want your the back of your rocking chair - traditional ladder back horizontal slats, vertical slats or woven cane? Do you want it stained, oiled, varnished or painted?

6. How much do you want to spend for your rocking chair? Whatever your budget, there seems to be a rocking chair for everyone's fancy - whether its the $20,000 Sam Maloof with a two-year waitng list for the ultimate in rocking chair experience or the vintage white wicker rocking chair you've just bid successfully on ebay for $20, or somewhere in between.

7. And last but not least, do you want your rocking chair shipped to you assembled or are you handy with tools and don't mind assembling it yourself if you can save some money?

I hope these tips will make it easier to find the rocking chair that's just right for you - whether you're the couch potato looking for a more comfortable seat in front of your favorite TV sitcom, the delighted parent of a newly-born baby or the urban worker trying to relax in the evening after dinner with a book or the quietness of the night by the front porch.

Flor Buenaventura is a writer who has a great interest in furnishings for the home and garden. To see a fantastic collection of resources related to rocking chairs, please visit her Rocking Chairs website.

Adding Interest With Cross Stitch


Contrary to popular belief, cross stitching can be interesting. Cross stitching can also add interest to a room in several ways. One way is to repeat elements that are found in a detailed cross stitch pattern and place these elements throughout the room. Another way is to set up part of a room to look exactly like a pattern. Finally, a third way is to have a picture converted to a cross stitch pattern and then display both the picture and the finished cross stitched piece.

One way you can add interest to a room is by building upon a pattern that you like. Once you find a cross stitch pattern you like, take several smaller images found within the pattern and cross stitch each image as a separate piece. You have two options of how to treat these separate pieces.
One option is to frame each piece and hang the frames around the original cross stitched pattern. For example, in a pattern that has several different flowers, each flower could be cross stitched and framed individually. The second option is use the separate pieces as accent pieces, such as pillow cushions, drawstring bags, or miniature wall hangings.
For example, if the pattern has several phrases or sentences in it, each phrase or sentence could be cross stitched on its own pillow cushion and placed on chairs in the same room as the original design. Both options will make the room more interesting because people will want to look around to find where the smaller images have been placed. Make it a game and see who can correctly guess how many smaller images there are in the room!

A second way to add interest is to take your favourite design and repeat it in real life. For example, if the design has a white blanket draped over a wooden rocking chair, then choose a room and place a white blanket over a wooden rocking chair. Next, cross stitch this design, frame it and place it in the same room as the rocking chair and blanket.
The design doesn't have to be complicated; it can be something as simple as a flower. When the design is simple, or small, just remember to place the finished cross stitch design beside the real life object. To add even more interest, repeat this idea for several small designs in the same room, or throughout the house. Have fun decorating!

A third way to add interest is to have a picture converted to a cross stitch pattern. There are several businesses that offer this service or you can buy software and create your own pattern. When you are finished cross stitching, frame the finished piece and hang it beside the actual picture. A good quality pattern will make the cross stitching look exactly like your picture. Plus, it's a simple way to get people talking!

I hope you have found these ideas interesting and helpful. Not only will they help to make a room more interesting, but they are also conversation starters.

Visit http://www.beautifulcreations.ca to see unique and interesting patterns, plus check out our free newsletter, project ideas and cross stitch tips!

Princess Room Makeover for Little Girls


There comes a time in every little girl's life when dreams of princesses, castles, and knights in shining armor fill the imagination. Every charming daughter wants to be the beautiful princess, imaging Cinderella dreams of princes and horses.
When your little girl gets old enough to fall in love with fairy tales, a room set up in a princess style might be the perfect gift for your little queen. A princess room can be a wonderful birthday present for your little girl, and setting up the surprise of a princess room makeover is easy. Here's how.

Advance planning is a must. You're going to have to do all of your shopping for furniture and accessories without your child noticing shipments and boxes. One of the best ways to do shopping these days is online, and you can have stores ship your purchases to a friend's house until the day of the princess room makeover.
Make sure to check on shipping costs for the items you buy, and try to find a store that has everything you need rather than shopping around.

When shopping, choose items that are sturdy, with durable construction as well as long-lasting appeal. Avoid cheap plastic or cartoon-character items – those models will pass from your child's favor quickly when fads change and the next cartoon character comes along. Sturdy wood with a classic appeal is the better choice.

Make sure to select furniture that is sized to your child's little stature. Safety first above all. Provide children with furniture they don't have to climb or stretch to use. Chairs and tables should be to their size, not adult size, and smaller beds are safer than adult-sized single beds. The Magical Rocking Horse offers scaled down children's furniture that is solid and durable.

Look for themed furniture such as four-poster beds and small vanity sets with a table, mirror, and chair. This type of princess furniture will set the theme of your room, and you can add accessories that fit right in. Four-poster beds are great, because you can add a dowel and hang voile curtains for a true princess-style sleeping areas.
Canopies of see-through sheer material or netting are easy to make and hang. Here are some instructions for princess-themed bed canopies. Add a small rocking chair near a bookcase, and you're ready to accessorize.

Choose bedding that reflects a fairy princess theme. Flowers and leaves are good choices, as are pale pinks or blues for colored bedding. Avoid white bedding, as children will get whites dirty very quickly. Dust ruffles and ruffled pillowcases are a must, and choose curtains over blinds. Avoid bright primary colors or thick, heavy materials for all bedding, as lighter materials leave more of a fairy princess impression. Make sure that the bedding pattern or color is not the primary focal point of the room, and let the smaller accessories add touches of brightness instead.

Pay attention to lamps that offer soft lighting or those that have patterned shades that allow stamped-out stars or moons shine on the walls. Figurines of fairies are a nice touch; place these out of reach and somewhere the child won't climb to touch them.
Purchase a mirror with an ornate frame to hang in the room or, alternatively, choose a picture frame and have a mirror fitted inside. Drape garlands of flowers and ribbons over dressers or hang a wreathe of vines and flower buds on the wall. These are easy to make using fake flowers and vine wire purchased from discount craft stores.

The furniture will create the base theme of the room, and all the little things you add will help create an aura of fairy tale princess. Using your creativity and imagination with small items you can purchase at discount stores is the best. Larger items that cost more won't carry off the theme as well as an assortment of tiny items with a delicate (and budget conscious) appeal.

Carry out the room makeover when your daughter will be away from home. Have her go on a sleepover night at a friend's house or at her grandparents, and then start decorating!

Find helpful and creative ideas for parents and grandparents while you shop our great selection of stylish kids furniture and classic toys. Visit http://www.TheMagicalRockingHorse.com today!

Friday, January 18, 2008

My Wood Outdoor Rocking Chair is Loved by Everyone


I have a wood outdoor rocking chair and everyone in the family constantly fights over who is going to sit in it. We keep the wooden chair outside on the porch with a few older pieces of plastic furniture. The wood rocking chair has been in our family for years and continually stays outside all year long. We occasionally add a sealant to the finish in an attempt to help the chair last as long as possible.

Every Sunday morning when I go to sit on the porch I walk straight to my outdoor rocking chair. It is early enough that I do not have to fight for my seat. But if I ever want to relax in my rocker during the week I usually have to put up a bigger fight. Our wooden rocking chair is the perfect fit for everyone in the family. But every time I go searching for a matching chair I find it impossible to match the wood tone of the chair we already have.

Wooden furniture is such a treasure to own, especially if it is many years old. It is such a great opportunity to sit in a chair that someone else sat in ten, twenty, or even fifty years earlier.
Every piece of wood furniture is going to age differently. You could own two chairs that were purchased at the same time but over the years they will adjust to the weather in different ways.

Although wood is a very durable material, it is important for wood furniture owners to take care of their furniture. Applying wooden furniture polish can help moisturize the wood and add a shine to it. Any wood furniture can be polished to bring out its natural color and look. You can treat wooden chairs, desks, tables, and other outdoor furniture with a polish.

A wood polish does make your wood look beautiful but it does not do all the work needed to protect your furniture from the elements of weather. To further protect your wood furniture it is necessary to add a sealant to your rocking chair. A weather proofing sealant will keep water from soaking into your wood. The weather sealant will need to be reapplied yearly to maintain the weatherproofing capabilities.

Instead of trying to find an actual match for my existing rocking chair I think I am going to try buying an unfinished chair and letting it be exposed to the elements over winter. Then this spring I will stain the chair and add a protective sealant. The winter left outside will give the chair more character and help it fit in with my existing chair. It should look very nice after I have finished with the stain and sealant.

Because everyone loves the wooden chair so much I may even decide to buy a couple different chairs and finish them to coordinate with our current wooden chair. If you are considering buying a wooden chair I highly recommend purchasing at least two chairs so you do not have to try and match the coloring of your chair at a later date.

More and more people are discovering outdoor rocking chairs as a great way to relax and enjoy those quiet moments! For helpful articles and information sources on how to select yours please visit us at: http://www.greatoutdoorrockingchairs.com

The Hidden Power of the Rocking Chair


The rocking chair was part of colonial life; it was an American phenomenon. Although it came to the colonies by way of England as a garden chair, new Americans quickly moved it into their homes as a cradling device for mother and child. The rocking chair grew so popular among the colonists that by 1750 the American Windsor Rocking Chair, built in Philadelphia, became known worldwide.

Generations of Americans grew up with the rocking chair; it was a common and functional piece of furniture in almost every home. A rocking chair provided the means to help a fussy child to sleep; soothe emotional wounds; and provide comfort in times of illness. But the rocking chair’s purpose was mainly used to ensure an emotional bond between mother and child.

A baby that’s rocked to sleep benefits greatly; the infant isn’t alone in a cradle; his mother IS the cradle; back and forth; back and forth; slowly picking up a rhythm, with the sound of humming or a sweet lullaby. The neural network of the infant’s brain is taking in signals; all is well; I’m with you; we’re moving together.

Most children never get that signal. They’re placed into their cribs with a bottle or pacifier and expected to sleep. Some will cry; others will stare at inner space; but that crucial intimate message is never received. Emotional stability is lost.

Today we’re discovering how important the rocking chair is for psychosocial well-being; its use has spread far beyond the mother/child cradle, and can be a cure for a wide range of health problems.

Studies by the University of Rochester’s School of Nursing and the Center for Clinical Research on Aging have shown the gentle motion of a rocking chair releases endorphins; a chemical known to improve mood and lessen pain. The study confirms that Rocking Chair Therapy increases the quality of life for people suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Medical College of Virginia conducted a study that shows the calming movement of a rocking chair can dramatically speed up the healing process in severely ill patients. In addition, the rocking chair is now being used as therapy for post-surgery recovery.

According to Dr. Heinrich Addleheim of the Kinetic Therapy Clinic in Berlin, Germany, the rocking chair is simply amazing, “We’ve seen cases of patients recuperating from heart attack and stroke – without any trace of permanent damage – simply because they used a rocking chair while they were recovering. I’ve seem people bedridden with arthritis who were up and around inside a week after regular use of the rocking chair. . . it’s not just a piece of furniture; it’s a remarkable medical device.”

Rocking Chair Therapy is being applied to the following:

• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s
•Autism
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
.Stuttering
•Diabetes
• Arthritis
•Heart Disease
•Surgical Recovery
.Mental Illness

In closing, let’s not forget the people who have felt a great affection for their rocking chairs; Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Bertholt Brecht, Pablo Picasso, John F. Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and Benjamin Franklin.

The American colonists bestowed upon us many gifts; a great Republic, and a great chair.

Nancy Ayash is a freelance writer currently residing in the Pacific Northwest. http://www.creativewordz.com

Teak Outdoor Chairs-Beauty and Comfort Together


One of the most appealing things about teak chairs is the vast array of choices in design. From rocking chairs to dining chairs there is a style that is suitable for every taste and the décor of any room. Although may people initially choose chairs made of teak for their craftsmanship, they quickly fall in love with the beauty of the wood.

Perhaps the most popular and in demand style in teak chairs are those that can be used with a teak dining table. These can be purchased in a set – with several chairs all matching one table. This is a wise investment for individuals who have the resources to purchase the set all at one time. Others prefer to buy the set in stages, purchasing a table and then teak chairs. In the latter case quite often the table and chairs won’t match perfectly but will certainly complement one another.

In the case of teak dining chairs there are a couple of different options and the final choice is really dependent on personal taste and the space involved. The more informal style of dining chair doesn’t have arms. These work well if used in a kitchen as opposed to dining room. They are easy to move and can fit well under any size table.

The other style is considered more formal and can often be seen in an actual dining area. They have arms and the craftsmanship may also be more intricate than the informal style. A nice alternative is to combine the two styles by having two arm chairs at the heads of the table, and two or four armless chairs on the sides.

Another type of chair that can be found in many homes is a rocking chair made of teak. These teak chairs look charming when placed in the room of a newborn. They also serve a function for a parent who enjoys rocking their baby to sleep. Of course, there’s no requirement that a baby be in the household for a family to enjoy the relaxation that can be found in sitting in a teak rocking chair reading or listening to music.

Bar stools can also be made of teak. Not only do these types of teak chairs look fantastic in a kitchen or entertainment room setting, but they can be used outdoors as well. Next to a teak bar, these teak chairs fit perfectly with the ambiance of a summer pool party or romantic evening for two. They withstand the elements well and when purchased for outdoor use, the owner can expect to enjoy them for years to come.

For convenience there are several different types of folding teak chairs. These can be used for many different purposes and having a few in the home is a wonderful idea. They can be stored in a small space and pulled out at a moment’s notice. Many people keep a few on hand for unexpected company or a rousing game of poker.

So no matter what your style or event, a teak chair is a great choice.

Jennifer Akre, Owner of numerous teak furniture and patio furniture websites, gives the online consumer product information making it easy to a find fabulous teak outdoor chairs and teak chairs. A symbol of style and elegance. These are a few reasons teak patio furniture is the ideal choice for outdoor furniture and remains a sound investment. You deserve it - Endulge Yourself: Teak Patio Furniture.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Living Room Chairs That Create a Unique Look to your Home

Every home is a reflection of the owner’s personality. One of the ways that a home can be made to look alive is by the various furniture that is found in the home. As most people bring their visitors to the living rooms it is best to have really nice furniture. There are many different living room chairs can be found in many different stores.
These living room chairs can be comfortable sofas and deep cushioned armchairs. A contemporary rocking chair will look fabulous placed in a corner of the living room near a fireplace. You could even have a modern recliner in a nook that is near a stack of books. This chair is a place where you will sit at the end of a long day or even on a weekday relaxing.
Sometimes people like to mix and match their living room chairs. The styles can vary from the traditional to the modern chic. With all of these chairs the most important factor in the décor should be comfort. To make sure that you have enough room for these different chair styles you may want to look at your living room with a critical eye. This will show you the various chairs that you will need to remove or place in a garage sale.
Once you are ready to choose some high quality living room chairs you should visit several different furniture stores. These stores will have a number of different seating styles for you to look through. The chairs you will find in these stores will be comfortable sofas – two to four person seats- large armchairs, trendy butterfly chairs. You may even find an egg chair or two.
As with all types of furniture the styles and fabrics that are used in living room chairs are based on contemporary and traditional styles. You have the ability of mixing and matching any of these many living room chairs together to create a unique look to your home. The colors of the furniture and the fabrics will announce if you want a casual look to your living room, a formal style or even a blend of the two.
The main point to remember with these living room chairs is that you have the right to choose which chairs will look great in your home. The added bonus of buying any type of living room chair is that you can set the final price range. The many different furniture places you will visit will have the living room chairs that can make your home look warm and inviting. These living room chairs will say come and relax your day’s cares away in our embrace.

What A Rocking Chair Can Do For You

Driving home, after a long day at the office, you can still hear the telephone ringing in your head. What piece of furniture in your home awaits you with open arms ready to allow you a chance to restore a little bit of peace in your hectic life? In this lifetime, someone should bottle up the secret of the rocking chair. It's the e exact moment when you slip into a rocking chair that instantly soothes you and takes you to a faraway place that seems to make all your troubles disappear.
This would come in handy when dealing with that rude salesperson or your screaming toddler. Suddenly, you are transformed into a tranquil human being ready to take on anything life throws you. Who would have thought a simple piece of lumber that has normally been attributed to Benjamin Franklin would have the power to change your mood faster than an antidepressant pill? It remarkably does because the rocking motion of forward and backward seems to have a very relaxing affect to anyone lucky enough to own this little piece of magic.
People of all ages can find a find a variety of health benefits merely by using a rocking chair. From the beginning of life, even the youngest in our population have gained by this simple invention. Infants are commonly soothed by the repetitive gentle movement, because it is similar to the motion in the womb. Studies have shown that patients with back pain are able to find relief because it lessens pressure on their lower backs. Furthermore, cardiac patients can reduce their blood pressure and their respiration rate by the rocking movement of this chair. Those that are looking for a way to get exercise, but simply can't manage to get off the sofa should gain greatly from this chair. Simply, rocking back and forth makes you use the large muscles in the legs and it's a sneaky way to burn calories.
Research on senior citizens suffering from mental diseases such as Alzheimer's or dementia has shown that their anxiety and confusion seems to dissipate the moment that their weary body reaches the loving arms of the rocking chair. As you can see, anyone of any age needs to have a rocking chair for their well-being.
It is a great decision to buy one of the best purchases that can do a lot for your mind, body, and spirit. When you can't get away to that gorgeous Hawaiian vacation, why not simply sit in your rocking chair. No longer is the rocking chair sitting old, dusty, and unused in the corner. It is now has the potential to be a magnificent art piece that can be treasured by the whole family as a favorite family heirloom.
There are a variety of rocking chairs available to the consumer. They come in a multitude of beautiful woods, such as oak, cherry, or pine. If wood isn't your thing, then put a new twist on your rocking chair with metal. These can usually be found in any bachelor pad across the United States. It is a hot seller with the college crowd. Or you can also order your rocking chair to be custom hand made with an elegant artistic look. Whatever you're fancy, the rocking chair market guarantees that they can please you.

Find the Perfect Rocking Chair in 9 Quick Steps


One cannot choose the right rocker just by looking at it. There are many things that have to be taken into account and considered before you settle on the one chair that is made just for you. Read on to know what these things are.
Choosing A Rocking Chair
1. Size of the rocking chair: Firstly, you need to make sure that the chair is properly sized for you. What do we mean by that? Well, for starters, when you sit on the chair, your legs should touch the floor easily and should not be left dangling off the rocker. If your legs do not reach the floor, the rocker is too big for you. On the other hand, if your legs are touching the floor but your knees are practically to your chest, then the chair is too small for you. Therefore, choose a chair which allows your legs to reach the floor, but just so. Another thing to check is that the seat is big enough to seat you comfortably, but not so much that the armrests are too wide apart and you have trouble resting your arms on them. And for the backrest, it should be so high that your head is reaching the head rest but not rising over it.
2. Indoor or outdoor rockers: There are some rocking chairs that are made for indoor use, some that can be used outdoors, whereas some that can be used inside as well as outside your home. Thus, before choosing a rocking chair, be clear about where you intend to put it. Indoor rockers are the ones with cushions and padding, whereas outdoor ones obviously dont have them. Those rockers that can be used in any location are the ones that have cushions and extra padding, but which are made from materials and fabric that is weather proof.
3. The rockers: The curved base of the rocking chair is somewhat confusingly also known as the rocker. This is the most important part of the chair, without which it would not rock properly. When buying any rocking chair, make sure the rocker is pitched properly. You can do this by sitting on the chair and rocking it to and fro. If you get a feeling that the chair might tip over, then the rocker is not pitched properly. However, if you can rock comfortably, and there is no danger of tipping over even when you use it as a recliner, then the pitch of the rocker is perfect.
4. The rocking motion: Everyone knows that the motion of the chair should be smooth and continuous. But did you know that you should not have to rock the chair every few seconds? Yes, thats right. A rocking chair that has the complete range of motion will keep going for a couple of minutes with just a single push. So, that is what you should be looking for.
5. The comfort factor: The rocking chair should be absolutely comfortable for you. Your hands should reach the armrests comfortably and should fit on them properly. The seat should have a downward slope and should support your lower back too. In addition to being firm, the back and the seat of the rocking chair should be flexible. In other words, if you are not 100% comfortable on the rocking chair, do not buy it.
6. Safety aspects: While rocking chairs are extremely user friendly, there is some danger involved with the curved rockers. If you are not careful, you can have your feet crushed if caught under the rockers. Same goes for little children. Thus, if safety is a concern for you, more so with kids around, then you may choose a different type of rocker known as glider rockers. The base of such chairs is not curved but sits flat on the floor, thereby making them safer options.
7. How much are you willing to spend? If money is not a concern, you should consider buying an exclusive hand crafted rocking chair made by one of the many people who are masters at their craft. It may set you back by thousands of dollars, but every penny will be worth it. But, if you are on a budget, you can still find a comfortable rocking chair for few hundred dollars, albeit not a branded one, unless you decide to buy used.
8. Decor of your house: After ensuring the comfort and the safety factor of the rocker, you need to look at its design and style. Since the rocker will have the pride of the place in your home, it should look the part as well. So make sure the chair you choose compliments your home dcor and does not look out of place in your beautiful house.
9. Assembling the chair: Some rockers arrive fully assembled, and some have to be put together at home. If you are not good at following instructions and assembling things, you probably want one that is shipped completely assembled.By answering the questions asked above and by keeping the above criteria in mind when choosing a rocking chair, you will definitely be able to find a rocker that fits you like a glove, is extremely comfortable, looks good in your home, and serves you for years to come.

Author: Rob Barnes

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Does Your Home Encourage Your Child's Learning?


Encouraging learning helps boost children's development and understanding of the world around them. To do so, parents should provide toys that allow for hours of discovery and exploration, as well as areas where children can practice their newfound skills. There are also ways that parents can set up these areas to be more conductive for children's needs. Having a pile of stuffed animals or a bucket of an assortment of toys available for play is good, but there are better ways to encourage active playtime and learning at home. Try these ideas to get started:

Providing an assortment of toys that allow children to manipulate materials, such as sand, clay or water, teach youngsters many things. Children can create structures or learn about measuring when they have something to mold, fill, and pour. Put a sandbox or a small wading pool in your backyard and toss in a few cups and spoons. Don't bother with expensive toys on store shelves, as children tend to explore more with simple tools.

Set up areas where a child can read books. A corner of a bedroom or an area in your living room is the perfect place to place a small rocking chair and a bookshelf with reading material. By choosing furniture scaled down for children, parents will provide a more comfortable arrangement that encourages youngsters to use the area.

Offer toys and items that encourage creativity and freedom of personal expression by providing arts and crafts materials for your child. Most children love painting and drawing, so an art activity desk is a smart purchase for parents looking to provide long-term value and is a good investment. Art activity desks allow your child to paint, draw, or color with all the tools he or she needs at his fingertips.

Storage centers for toys can be both helpful for cleanup time and a great way to teach children about sorting. Structures that have multiple bins or drawers at easy reach are good choices. Storage centers encourage children to learn things such as grouping like items together or counting as they dump out the toys and put them away one by one.

Have different areas set up for different activities. A table and chair set with some crayons and paper can go in one place and a rocking chair with books in another. Arts and crafts might be set up in a different room, and storage bins placed where they'll be most used and appreciated.
Having different "sectors" for learning and play helps your child to stay focused on one thing at a time, which means youngsters will play longer and take the time to process information instead of leaping from toy to toy.

Other things you can do is spend a few minutes with your child for some one-on-one time. You can start your child off in a sorting game or ask your youngster to talk to you about his artwork.
Pick up a dinosaur from the bin and talk about the creatures, or choose two puppets and have an impromptu show. Remember that even though parents often wish children would amuse themselves, people of all ages are social creatures. While it's good to set up areas that encourage learning and play, it's also important to spend time with your child while he or she explores and discovers.

Find helpful and creative ideas for parents and grandparents while you shop our great selection of kids furniture and classic toys (including the ever-popular rocking horse). Visit http://www.TheMagicalRockingHorse.com today!

Retro Rocking Chair


Are you ready to rock? The Retro Rocker is the perfect addition to a child’s bedroom. Not only is it functional (perfect for reading bedtime stories or watching favorite videos) today’s designs add instant charm to a room. Why get a generic bean bag when you can soar to new heights on an airplane retro rocker or race away on a motorcycle retro rocker? And let’s face it—one of the toughest challenges of parenting is to get our active little darlings settled down for a nap. Retro rockers lull them to sleepy contentment, until they’re ready to get tucked into bed without any fuss at all.

Rockers have been used for centuries. Who hasn’t seen those traditional paintings and illustrations of a mother in her rocking chair, singing her wee one to sleep? They were said to have been invented by Benjamin Franklin, but historians believe that they were developed in England in the early 1700s and used in the garden (where one could relax while enjoying a light summer breeze). Furniture companies started making them in bulk in the 1800s.

The first rocking chairs had six legs. Later on, furniture manufacturers started using spindle-backs, which was called the Windsor rocker. The Boston rockers used arm handles that curved downwards, while the Salem rockers used straight wood panels instead of spindles. These were all developed in the 1800s.

While there have been several modern and contemporary designs, which look more like art statement pieces (complete with fiber glass and steel materials), the retro rocker is great for any child’s room. There’s a retro charm and innocence about them, harkening to simpler, more serene times. However, there’s nothing dowdy and old-fashioned about a retro rocking chair—not with the incredible artistry with which it is made.

For example, there are tractor retro rockers made to resemble a John Deere. There is the carousel retro rocker that is quite popular for its unique design and looks great in any child’s room or nursery. There is even a retro rocker that looks like an airplane ready to soar your child to new heights of imagination.

The Guidecraft Retro Rocker collection is truly unique and functional. They have won numerous awards and are great for gifts. The simplistic and creative design makes any of these Retro Rockers perfect!

Wishrooms.com offers Kid Furniture for Bedrooms and Playrooms at affordable prices

A Chair and a Half - Romantic Seating for Your Master Suite



A chair and a half makes a great purchase for any master suite. Many newer homes now have master suites, complete with a seating area to create the ultimate escape. To create a romantic escape in your master suite, you need to pay attention to the furniture, including the seating choices.

Imagine yourself curling up in a soft, comfy chair with your loved one. Whether you're enjoying the warmth of a fire or watching a movie at the end of a long day, a chair and a half gives you a comfortable place to sit. Sofas and love seats are often too big to fit into a master suite and separate chairs don't have the same romance as being able to curl up together.

A chair and a half solves these problems. Their smaller size makes them perfect for fitting into the smaller suite spaces while offering you the same comfort as a sofa. But you don't lose the intimate feeling that having two chairs gives the bedroom. They comfortably fit two individuals and you can read, talk, watch TV, or just enjoy being together. The chairs also make a cozy spot for moms and dads to have some quiet time with their children.

For the ultimate comfort, look for a chair that has a matching ottoman. This way, you can put your feet up when you want and really relax. In the morning, you can put a tray on the ottoman with your morning coffee and in the evening, you can stretch out. Ottomans make a great addition to a master suite and if you think it'll fit, get one to match your chair and a half.

You'll find a wide range of chairs and a half. Whether you like traditional, modern, casual or formal styles, you can find a chair that will fit in with the style. Like sofas and loveseats, these chairs can often be customized with any number of different patterns and fabrics. You might love a more formal style with intricate wood detail and a brocade fabric. You can find casual styles that are soft and plush. Leather and suede chairs are also available in this style if you prefer that look.

A chair and a half makes a natural choice for a master suite. You'll get a comfortable, inviting place to curl up with your loved one, without sacrificing the valuable space in your bedroom. Increase the romantic, intimate feel of your master suite with one of these chairs.

My Chairs Online is your complete chair information resource. We cover everything from the kneeling chair to a classic outdoor rocking chair.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Baby Furniture


Baby furniture is more like an investment for both you and the baby which will last for at least a few years. It would thus be prudent to research and buy furniture that is sturdy, lasting and which suits you the best. Moreover, the nursery is the room where the baby and you will be spending a majority of your time; it is where the baby will form his first impression of the world he has been born into. The nursery has to be hence designed in a practical and pleasing manner.

When you start looking for baby furniture to buy, you will come across a large variety of choices and a wide range of designs. The essential factors that you need to take into consideration are your budget, style, comfort and most importantly safety.

The essential pieces in the baby furniture ensemble are as follows:

Baby cribs and crib mattresses

Every parent first needs to buy a good baby crib. These come in a variety of styles like canopy, convertible and sleigh among others. They also come in various colour schemes to fit the theme of the nursery, should you choose to have any. Mattresses secure comfort for the baby and typically come in two types – foam or innerspring coil. Accessories with mattress include bedding, crib sheets, crib wedges and waterproof mattress pads.

Cradles and bassinets

The advantage of a cradle is that you can rock it from side to side to ensure comfort and security for the baby. A cradle is used from birth until four months or till the baby begins to roll. A bassinet can also be used up till the baby is four months old and includes a hood cover, bumper and fitted sheet.

Changing tables

Not only should the changing table be well padded but must have guardrails and safety straps for the baby. It normally comes with dresser drawers, open shelves or a combination of both. Accessories on a changing table include changing pads, organizers and wipe warmers.
Moses baskets

Are a unique piece of furniture and are occasionally given in the baby shower. Often considered to be heirlooms, they are treasured as such and passed on through generations.

Rocking chairs

For both the parent and the child. A rocking chair for the mother is a welcome gift as it will enable her to spend lots of quality time with her baby in the nursery comfortably. The rocking chair for the baby can be added to the nursery as the child starts to grow.

Playpen

Every nursery is equipped with a playpen, which comes in three different styles. One is a basic kind which can be used as a playpen or a crib, the second that has a bassinet built in for the newborn and the third which is a canopy style to shield the baby from the elements. A changing station, netting for outdoor use and sheets can be added to the ensemble if needed.

Baby dresser

Every nursery needs a baby dresser or chest of drawers for the new born. It can be coordinated with the colours and themes of the nursery as well.

Portable travel crib

This is very useful for overnight trips or weekend getaways.

High chair

This is needed as soon as the baby learns to sit. There are several types of high chairs including adjustable, conventional, booster and wooden. The most important part of a high chair is the safety index which should include an adjustable tray, locking mechanism, restraint and rolling castors which can be locked easily. If it has a fully reclining feature, it can be used for feeding as soon as the baby is born.

Car seats

A car seat is a must, as the baby has to be restrained while in the car. These come in several styles such infant care seat, convertible and booster.

Stroller

A requisite item as it facilitates the mother to go about her tasks of shopping, walking etc with the baby comfortably seated in the stroller. They come in a standard variety, single and double, or even one that combines as a car seat. Most strollers have a canopy, front bar, harness, recliner and a storage space.

Baby monitor

A monitor can give the parents added reassurance that their baby is safe. There are several types: audio, audio/movement and audio/video monitors.
William Brister http://www.babylife.tv/ - Know about all the important pieces of furniture you need to buy for your little one from cribs to bassinet to high chair and car seats

Ottomans - A Complete Piece to Relaxation


In order for you to be completely satisfied with your outdoor seating area, you might have to consider that, although given the appearance of perfection, you just know you have left something that is essential out. But for some strange reason you just cannot pinpoint exactly what it is. Until, you sit down and put your feet up, and they fall back down. That’s it. You have forgotten the outdoor ottoman.

Ottoman’s have been, for some time now, an essential part of furniture when looking for that supreme manner of relaxing. When your feet are all sore and achy from being on them all day, the anticipation can become overwhelming, thinking, rather, knowing how nice it will feel to finally kick them up, and take a load off. Ever since the outdoor ottoman has risen to their own apex of popularity among the outdoor enthusiast, they are available in many colors, shapes, styles and materials.

For those that like to have a little extra padding under their feet as they relax, you can be confident knowing that you can get ottoman cushions and covers that will perfectly accentuate your already existing furniture, whether in, or outdoors. This will give you the optimal comfort you have been searching for, reaching and surpassing all of your expectations for such a seemingly minor piece of furniture.

A perfect combination for your wicker décor, your Teak rocking chair, or your cute and cozy bench, you will find nothing more relaxing than an ottoman to calm your barking dogs. Once you have your perfect match, and have the chance to enjoy not only how it looks on your porch, but really enjoy the effect an ottoman has on you, you will probably not want to move. Just sit and take in all of the beautiful scenery and feel the weight of the day just melt away. No longer will you have a care in the world. Just be careful not to fall asleep in your favorite seat!

That moment of rest and relaxation you have been pining for throughout the day is finally at hand. The children are down. You have just stepped out of a hot, steaming shower. You can put on the background music of your choice, or enjoy the peacefulness of the still night. You make your preferred drink, hot. You grab your local periodical, and scurry outside to nestle into your preferred seat, your outdoor rocking chair. You let out the sigh to conquer all sighs after bringing in the finishing touch to your moment of leisure. You lean back into your rocking chair, and rest those aching feet on your outdoor ottoman. If total relaxation is essential to your everyday life, the ottoman, you will find is that one piece of furniture you will not be able to survive without.

Jennifer Akre, owner of several unique home decor and garden sites gives consumer reviews and quality information on: adirondack chairs and painted adirondack chairs. Before your next purchase learn more about: teak patio furniture.

Rocking Chair


For anyone who is a parent or just likes to pass time on the porch, a rocking chair is a must. The swaying back and forth can be so soothing that it will literally put a person to sleep. That’s why many expecting mommies will purchase a rocking chair. During last night feedings or disturbances, rocking the child will calm them and they will eventually fall right to sleep. Within minutes, most children will calm down thanks to the motion of a rocking chair. It is definitely a nursery must.

However, it’s not just nice for the children; it’s a nice chair to have in your home because it is so relaxing. Many people have a rocking chair outside on their deck or they will have a rocking chair on their porch. On restless nights, you could go outside in the hot summer air and have time to think or just relax. For those who suffer from sleepless nights, a rocking chair can calm the nerves and relax the body. Once the body and nerves became relaxed, sleep should come soon.

Although many people own a rocking chair, not everyone owns a rocking chair to sway. Many times people will have a rocking chair in the room to give it a homier feel. It can also be used as part of the décor because many people use the rocking chair in the designs to get the country look. Rather it’s for show or to rock, you can bet a throw will be on the chair. Rocking chair’s are very beautiful and usually handcrafted wood. To give it a more subtle look sometimes a throw will be laid on the back of the rocking chair.

No one really knows how much work goes into making a rocking chair. It may just seem like a regular chair placed on curved wood, but it’s more than that. The back of the chair must be slighted just right or the person will tip. The legs of the “chair” are much shorter and have to be just the right angle. Finally, the slop in the runners and the placement of the legs has to be just right or the chair won’t be stable.

Knowing all of that, it could take months or even a year to make the perfect rocking chair. Their balance of difficulty layouts and simplistic designs is what makes the rocking chair a classic.
There is so much hard work that much goes into one and yet it can look like it didn’t take much to even build it. Many people will add their own twist on their rocking chair by carving designs in the wood before putting it all together. The rocking chair is perfect for anyone from six months to 60 years old; everyone loves a rocking chair and they look good too.

Randi Foerde is webmaster for several sites, and she writes about many objects conserning ordenary people. For more information about this particulary subject, visit http://www.rockingchaironline.com and http://www.anxiety-depression-online.com/blog/

Thursday, January 10, 2008

For a Traditional Look, Get a Wicker Outdoor Rocking Chair


A wicker outdoor rocking chair will add a touch of tradition and class to your porch or deck. Wicker is durable and easy to clean so it is the perfect material for an outdoor rocker. You can add a cushion set of your choice to coordinate your wicker rocking chair with the exterior of your home. Cushions come in a variety of colors so you are sure to find something to suit your needs.

When looking for a piece of outdoor furniture many people are interested in how much the furniture is going to cost. But another important deciding factor when purchasing an outdoor rocking chair is how well the chair is going to last in the weather. Some outdoor furniture can be very inexpensive but will not hold up well under constant exposure to weather. This furniture usually has to be stored in your shed or garage during the winter months.

Wicker furniture is usually very reasonably priced and is weatherproof. You can leave it on your porch all winter. So even in the winter you can enjoy your wicker rocking chair. You may have to take your rocking chair cushions in for the winter because each manufacturer will have their own requirements for maintaining your chair pad set.

Because wicker has such a traditional feel to it many people who want a more contemporary home will stay away from wicker. But with the right cushions wicker can enhance any style home décor. A sleek set of the right colored cushions is all you need to really make your porch stand out. You do not have to have a traditional exterior in order to buy traditional wicker furniture.

So not only is wicker furniture reasonably priced and durable it is also extremely comfortable. Wicker chairs are designed to fit your body just right. They have curves in all the places you need curves and support on all the places you need support. Once you sit in your wicker chair or rocker you will not want to get up.

You can also get many other coordinating wicker pieces to go with your wicker rocking chair. Wicker furniture comes in numerous styles including benches, gliders, chairs, coffee tables, and end tables. You could literally make a whole living room set out of wicker furniture.

Many people spend their summers hosting family get togethers in their own backyard. But usually family and friends are stuck sitting on old dirty folding chairs or a rusty old picnic table. So instead of sitting on that old rusty picnic table this summer, get your family a wicker outdoor living room set. Your family and guests will enjoy the comfort of relaxing outdoors in style and comfort.

Outdoor furniture does not have to be expensive to be good quality. Wicker is a great material that will last for years in your yard or on your porch, it is durable and weatherproof. Wicker is also comfortable and stylish. Consider buying wicker the next time you are purchasing outdoor furniture.

More and more people are discovering outdoor rocking chairs as a great way to relax and enjoy those quiet moments! For helpful articles and information sources on how to select yours please visit us at: http://www.greatoutdoorrockingchairs.com/

Outdoor Rocking Chairs - A Great Way to Feel Young Again


Who can go wrong with an outdoor rocking chair? You might not be “old”, as if only old people use rocking chairs, but what if you felt “aged”. “Aged,” of course, meaning, feeling tired, and run down, after dealing with that never ending “race of the rats,” that we have no choice but to run in every day, looking for that sense of comfort that can only come from sitting outside, and lounging, like there’s no tomorrow!

If this happens to be your position in life, for that one tender moment of clarity, then look no further! Many seek the comfort of a nice indoor lounge chair, like the one, in particular, that is famously known, but where a “lacking” is to consider. This type of seating is an indoor item. How can we, without neglecting the comfort that comes with the indoor comfort ability, but, with the luxurious benefits to enjoying comfort, and the delight that only the outdoors can offer, without excluding the comfort, come in? The outdoor rocking chair is the one piece of furniture that can never be found to be expendable!

The outdoor rocking chair has always been, and always will be, when spending money, one of the most favorite pieces of furniture that you can spend on, on yourself, and still enjoy after years and years of dependable service! Obviously, a classic item, like this, from its inception, to a piece of furniture to prove its own worthiness, is hard to pass on, when selecting a chair that’s going to fulfill all of your expectations. If you have friends that are bigger than you, be sure to be sitting in your outdoor rocking chair when they show up, or, get ready to rumble!

The outdoor rocking chair is equipped with fitting any sense of style that is made available to mankind, therefore, leaving no one excluded from the rocking chair market. Being an outdoor item, be assured that the outdoor rocking chair that best fits your own personal criteria will have been manufactured, and almost tailored, to fit any possible style you‘re looking for! Surely, you must know, that the outdoor rocking chair, like the originals, are made of wood (and from the best wood, at that), or made of plastic, both to see your ideas brought to fruition. It’s imaginable to think that you couldn’t possibly find an outdoor rocking chair to fit the “real” you, regardless!

Many times, the “observational” commercial is necessary, in order to explain everything about an item made for “sale”. These companies feel it necessary to “display” their items, rather than make it available with just their “word” alone. It’s truly believed that certain items made available to the public need not to be “displayed” on television, in order to “convince” someone that this is the item that a person wants.

Jennifer Akre, owner of several unique home decor and garden sites specializing in outdoor rocking chairs and patio furniture gives consumer reviews and quality information on: patio tables and teak benches. Before your next purchase learn more about: teak tables.

Guide To Contemporary Rocking Chairs


A chair is man's invention to make sitting more comfortable. One of the most popular types of chairs is the contemporary rocking chair. The rocking chair is named after its unique feature. Unlike other types of chairs, the rocking chair is capable of an automatic rocking motion. It allows the occupier to move towards and backwards without the fear of tipping over. A rocking chair is famous with the elderly. Most of the senior members of the society develop a certain fixation with the rocking chair because it provides them with comfort and relaxation.

A rocking chair is divided into five parts: the rocker, the seat, the legs, the backrest, and the armrests. The rocker is the most important feature of the rocking chair. It is the base of the chair that is formed into a curve. This curved appearance of the rocker makes the rocking of the chair possible. It allows the occupier of the chair to swing back and forth. It is carefully produced to accomplish a smooth swaying of the chair. The parts of the rocking chair which connects the rocker to the rest of the chair are the legs. The four vertical legs act as the chair's support system. They are normally shorter than the legs of ordinary chairs because they are designed to affix to the rockers. The legs of a rocking chair are usually carved with different designs. The part of the rocking chair that is directly supported by the legs is called the seat. It is either a flat or a concave surface that supports the occupier's bottom. If the seat is responsible for the support of the occupier's bottom, the backrest is the one responsible for the support of the occupier's back. For additional ease and relaxation, the backrest of a rocking chair is made to be a bit bended. The last part of the rocking chair are the armrests. Armrests come in doubles: one in the left and one in the right. As its name suggests, the armrests primarily function as a place to rest the arms. Aside from supporting the forearms, the armrests also make it easy for the occupier to enter or exit the chair. The addition of armrests into contemporary rocking chairs is optional.

The modern version of the rocking chair is called a contemporary rocking chair. Unlike the other types of rocking chairs, a contemporary rocking chair doesn't necessarily present a woody appearance. The said type of rocking chair is available in a wide array of bold colors like red and yellow. The shapes and sizes of contemporary rocking chairs are very different from the conventional types too. Makers of contemporary types of rocking chair are more aggressive when it comes to backrest shapes, rocker forms, leg sizes, and seat materials. Some models of contemporary rocking chair are odd-looking and very geometrical. Despite its unique appearance, the contemporary types of rocking chair still gives the same comfort and relaxation provided by other rocking chair types.

Although the rocking chair provides benefits like comfort and relaxation, it may also cause some trouble. It may be unsafe for children because the chair is at contact with floor by only two points. If children stay too close to the chair, there is a possibility that their feet may be squeezed by the rocker. However, this problem is already given a solution. Many rocking chairs are created with springs or platforms that will prevent any form of feet squashing in the future.

Jerry Brecken is a freelance writer who is currently writing for My Rocking Chairs, a guide to selecting and buying wooden rocking chairs, toddler rocking chairs and swivel rocking chairs

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Wood Outdoor Rocking Chairs - Comfy Seating That Is Sure To Please


If it is wood outdoor rocking chairs that you are after then jumping online and browsing the online stores is the perfect way to find exactly what you're looking for.

A lawn or patio is a place to relax with family and having the perfect seating is important especially for those sunsets. A wood outdoor rocking chair adds to the setting, whether it is with a single chair or the bench chair. Cypress or Chippendale rocking chairs will give your patio an elegance while keeping the intimate appearance. The outdoor rocking chair will add to the wood patio furniture you already have by adding a bit of relaxation to the atmosphere.

Personal style is important when choosing the perfect wood outdoor rocking chair. Monetary resources will be a factor in the choice of chair whether it is a simple rocking chair or a glider any outdoor rocking chair will brighten up your style. If you prefer to have two rocking chairs with a table between them for the after work relaxation the resources are available. Romance of the double rocking chairs adds to the intimate style you already possess with the informal wood patio furniture.

The loveseat rocking chair is the perfect complement to the intimate patio. Add one of the wood patio tables for a place to set your drinks or as a footstool and the romantic setting will be perfect. The pieces are individually sold giving way to personal style and giving you the choice of having both a loveseat and individual chair. The double rocker style gives an individual back for each person without giving up the intimacy of a couple. The variety of wood and colors for the double rocker also help make the personal taste attainable.

The styles differ in slates as well whether you find the horizontal slat to be more comfortable than the vertical slate. The width of the slates also differs from a wider slate to the slate that is closer together. Comfort will determine the slate choice and is personal.

Whether it is your patio that needs the furniture or your front porch the styles exists for both. The front porch is often more intimate requiring the loveseat rocking chair or glider while the patio may need an individual seat with a table to place your drinks on.

Depth of the rocking chair is also personal comfort. If your comfort lies in leaning back in the chair to take a nap or gazing at the sky then the Rustic Low Back Rocking Chair may fit you better than the straighter porch rocker. The porch rocker adds a support to your back that you may find more comfortable to eating during a party than the lower back rocking chair.

Remember no matter what your personal style is and the limit of your finances the wood outdoor rocking chairs adds style and comfort to your patio or porch through the type of wood, the depth of the chair, and the accompanying furniture. The rocking chairs add to the wood patio furniture as a complement for a table or your basic patio chair.

Author Jennifer Akre is the owner of a wide variety of niche furniture and accessory sites dedicated to providing online consumers with both products and information. Here, she offers valuable advice when purchasing fabulous hall benches, awesome benches, and beautiful entryway benches

How To Choose The Perfect Rocking Chair

Rocking chairs are arguably the most comfy chairs available in the markets. Now if only picking the right one was as easy as well. Simply hopping over to the store and choosing the first rocking chair that catches your eye is definitely not the right way to pick one. So what is?
How To Choose A Rocker
1. How big should the rocking chair be? The size can only be judged by physically sitting in one. The height of the seat should be such that your feet are not dangling from the chair, neither are they completely bent at the knee when using the chair. What you want is for your legs to just about reach the floor. The width of the seat will affect your comfort. Make sure you arent stuck tight in the seat but there is some room to wiggle and shift positions. However, there shouldnt be that much room that your hands cannot reach the side rests comfortably.
2. Where will the rocking cair be placed? The answer to this question will determine what type of rocker you need. For instance, if the chair will be placed in a bedroom, you need it to be decorative as well as comfortable. If the fireplace is where the chair will go, then you can expect to spend hours in it. In such cases, extra padded chairs and those with cushions will serve you best. For outdoor locations such as patios, porches, lawns etc, you should buy a chair that is approved to be used in wet weather conditions.
3. Pitch of the rockers: The curved rocker at the bottom of the chair is what makes it so unique. The motion of the chair as well as its safety when using it depends on the pitch of the rockers. To test the pitch, sit in the chair and rock forward and backward. If the motion is not jerky and feel is smooth, the pitch is correct. Another thing to look at is that there should not be any danger of the chair tipping in the front or back. If you feel like you cannot recline completely as the chair will fall backwards, then the chair's pitch is off.
4. Range of motion: Does the rocker have a smooth back and forth motion? Are you able to keep it going for a couple of minutes with a single push, or do you have to push the chair every few seconds? The answers to these questions will determine whether the chair is right or not. Obviously you want to choose a rocker that has a smooth and continuous motion.
5. Personal comfort: A rocking chair may look very comfortable and may come highly recommended by others, but if you do not feel right when using the chair, or if you have even the slightest bit of hesitation as to its comfort factor, then you should look at another chair. What may be comfy for someone else may not necessarily be the same for you. So essentially, go with a rocker which not only look right and is well made, but which also feels like the one.
6. Do you have small children in your home? You may wonder why this matters when it comes to choosing a rocking chair, but the safety aspect of a chair depends on this answer. For instance, if you do have kids in the house, then there is the fear of their little toes getting caught under the rockers if they are not careful. In such a situation, you will be better off buying a glider instead of the traditional rocking chair. However, if there arent any kids in your home, then safety is not a primary concern and you can thus go in for the regular rocking chairs with their unique curved rockers.

Rob Barnes writes for My Rocking Chairs, a consumer guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect rocker, from styles like swivel rocking chairs to brands like Stickley rocking chairs.

Leisure and Fun in a Child Size Rocking Chair

The rocking chair reminds many people of a calmer time, and old-fashioned relaxation. Rockers have been around for a long time - no one knows how long, but they were mentioned in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1787. It's probably that these classic pieces of furniture originated in America or in England as a kind of garden chair. The first models were undoubtedly homemade, since rocking chairs didn't start being built by furniture companies until around 1800. Rockers are known from at least the 1740s in Sweden and England. Swedish rocking chairs had six legs with an extra long rocker and were usually black and gold. English versions looked like a standard chair, with rockers added onto the bottom. Now available in all styles, rocking chairs are still available all over the world, in a variety of materials. You can get rocking chairs in wicker, metal, plastic, and of course, the familiar wooden rocking chair.
Children can enjoy rocking chairs right alongside their parents. Child size rocking chairs designed for safety and fun are easy to acquire. You can get a wooden rocking chair for kids in the same style as traditional adult rocking chairs, and in a wide range of colors. For very little ones, toddler rockers are available for sale. These chairs have special kid-safe paint, for when those little ones like to chew, rounded corners to prevent accidents, and a low seat so that toddlers can touch the ground when they rock.
There are traditionally shaped children's rocking chairs in every theme you could think of. From pirate themes to fire trucks, princess themes (with cushions and lacy skirting) to tea parties, there's nothing your child can dream up that you can't find. A rocking chair with your child's favorite theme will increase the joy that he or she will get out this comfortable classic. It could be a favorite story time seat, or a place for watching birds and animals through the window. In a child size rocking chair, children can enjoy time with their families.
Another classic children's favorite is wooden rocking horses. Little ones have spent many hours rocking away on their horses, lost in their own imaginations. These days, they're not just limited to horses. There are wooden train engine rockers, boats, carriages, fire engines, airplane and motorcycles. Children can play and imagine on themed rockers that will enhance their playtime.
Wooden rockers, finished with safe, non-toxic materials, are best for children's toys and relaxation. Child's wooden rocking chair or rocking horse will last for decades to come, and can be handed down to your grandchildren someday. Rocking chairs built especially to fit children let them feel comfortable and secure, because their feet can touch the floor. Cozy and safe children's rocking chairs are the best way to share this classic comfort. Let your child rock alongside you and enjoy a story book in a new child size wooden rocking chair. An old fashioned rocking chair will give you and your child enjoyment for many years to come.

Marina Neiman, author and mother of two, writes for 1888Toys.com - Educational Toys Store, featuring classic toys, children furniture and selection of rocking chairs for kids.