10 Best Rocking Chairs for Relaxed Living in 2025

Credit: architecturaldigest.com

The best rocking chairs can evoke a sense of relaxation. And while your immediate associations may link the furniture to retirees or parents lulling a baby to sleep, we’re here to tell you there’s a place for rockers off the porch and out of the nursery. From the Michael Thonet bentwood chairs found in Pablo Picasso’s iconic home to Hans Wegner putting his spin on the classic silhouette, these original styles can suit every type of interior (and outdoor spaces too!). Below, we’ve curated a roundup of design-forward chairs from the likes of Eames and Takeshi Nii, plus more affordable options that give your space just the right amount of coziness. We won’t blame you if you pull out your knitting needles or add a nap to your to-do list.

Our Top Picks For the Best Rocking Chairs:

The silhouette of the Lynea rocking chair is lauded for its simplicity and classic style. With a handsome frame made of eucalyptus wood and a woven rope seat, this rocking chair is all about craftsmanship without the fuss. While it’s geared as an outdoor piece, you can bring it inside to make sure the wood doesn’t patina to soft gray. Note that these don’t ship assembled, so you’ll want to allocate at least 15 minutes to put one together.

The West Elm Bucatini rocker is a compliment magnet. It’s an inviting boucle perch with a curvy silhouette that works perfectly in a nursery, especially because you’ll never have to child-proof for hard angles. But this Greenguard Gold certified piece can also work in a family room or a bedroom—just add a cocktail table and a cup of tea and your night is set.

The combo of beech wood, stainless steel, and Kurashiki canvas give Takeshi Nii’s design a decidedly modern feel. The Nychair X, which is also in New York’s MoMA permanent collection, is iconic—and now accessible to add to your own interiors. At just under 15 pounds, it’s lightweight and foldable, so you can move it up and down the stairs with no effort. Bonus: The woven cotton yarn seat is also removable and replaceable. A matching ottoman is also available, should you want to prop your feet up and kick back for complete R&R.

The classic Eames lounger holds a special place in our hearts, but the more streamlined Eames Rocker is a minimalist’s dream—especially if you’re the type who needs a bit of movement to help you think. The style is completely customizable. You can choose from 12 colorways for the post-industrial recycled plastic base, including a soothing grey-green that’s the color of sea glass. The metal base finish and the wood runner are also customizable.

For a colorful rocking chair, the tightly woven upholstery for the back and seat are the primary players, but the teak wood frame and runners reiterate that this is one piece of furniture you can have for years to come. Its contemporary style fits interior spaces as well as your outdoor patio. We picture it as the perfect addition to a balcony, especially when surrounded by potted palms.

Wrought Studio is offering up egg-shaped rockers, made of perforated plastic, that are essentially little nests. Your indoor interior decor shouldn’t have all the fun, after all. Prop these on your patio to give your alfresco design a jolt of energy. These have a protective UV coating, so you don’t have to worry about color fading.

We already know Castlery makes an excellent sectional—so we have lots of trust the brand’s seating. The Desmond rocker comes with a matching ottoman to achieve total relaxation. Opt for the linen blend if you’re trying to achieve a coastal vibe, or leather for a more serious look.

A rocking chair roundup wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Michael Thonet bentwood, and this curly-cue style is just what you need for a home oozing with historical charm. The caned back and seat are supported by a bamboo frame that harks back to the Victorian era.

Unlike other rockers on this list, this one has a large runner to give the Ebern Design chair an almost see-saw aesthetic. The solid wood is sturdy, while the top corduroy cushions are plush—a nice juxtaposition of the design elements. Think of it as therapy in a seat—the type of chair you’ll want to fall back on after a long day.

For a classic rocking chair vibe with some added plush, look no further than this padded Amazon design that comes in various textiles so you can mix-and-match with your existing upholstery situation. It’s the perfect setting for cozying up with a good book, catching a quick nap, or settling down with your little one before bed.