Construction:

Many upholstered rocking chairs are constructed on a strong metal or solid wood frame in order to offer proper weight support. For those looking for something contemporary, Amy Lau suggests finding a linen, cotton, or poly blend upholstered rocking chair in a lighter shade as it's breathable and neutral. You'll also find other options with velvet, microfiber, and leather upholstery. Most upholstered rocking chairs are built with relaxation in mind, so you'll find a lot with high, wingback, or curved backrests and rolled and recessed armrests. Most designs will contain either an arched base with angled legs that allow for rocking or curved glider legs.

Comfort:

Making sure your upholstered rocking chair is covered in high-quality fabric and stuffed with a high-density sponge that's both soft and supportive is the key to a comfortable sitting experience. Depending on the design, your upholstered rocking chair may also have some sinuous springs in the seat which works to prevent the material from sagging over time. There are also chairs that are filled with foam padding of varying firmnesses as well. For the utmost comfort and support while lounging, Dan Fink suggests opting for an upholstered rocking chair with a high back, comfortable armrests, and an adjustable footrest.

Style:

Danielle Colding suggests a mid-century modern inspired upholstered rocking chair with a bucket-style seat and black powder-coated legs on curved wood gliders to add sophistication to any modern home space. For something more classically designed that will work in any reading nook or bedroom, a wingback-style chair with button tufting, velvet upholstery and easy glide legs is understated and not overly bulky. An upholstered rocking chair that feels more Scandinavian in design might be a chair with a thick light washed wood frame, a cantilever silhouette and breathable cotton upholstery that looks both modern and timeless.

Additional features:

An upholstered rocking chair that's made with stain and water-resistant materials as well as removable cushions is ideal for busy families looking for easy cleaning. For those on the hunt for a supremely supportive and luxe sitting experience, David Netto recommends finding an upholstered rocking chair that's ergonomically designed and comes with a lumbar pillow and headrest. There will also be options that come with a matching toss pillow or even an ottoman to rest your feet on while you rock. It's convenient and practical to find an upholstered rocking chair that comes with a side storage pocket to keep reading material and remotes. For a more streamlined look, there are also modern rocking chairs that come with adjustable footrests. And for chairs made with wood gliders, some come equipped with an anti-slip device on the bottom of the legs or frame to help prevent extraneous movement and scratches on the floor.