Candace Moonshower

The Tennessean
From infancy through old age, people like to move. Cradles became common in the Middle Ages, and chairs started rocking in the 18th century. Since then, people have worked to perfect the designs of furniture that allows for simultaneous comfort and movement.

In recent years, sales of traditional porch rockers and gliders have been on the rise, along with the new wave of movement furniture – swivel rockers, coil-spring chairs, swings and gliders.

They’re reminiscent of a simpler time when warm weather relaxation meant swinging or rocking outdoors. Everything old is new again, but with a sophisticated, fresh look.

According to new furniture dealer Fred Tarkington, the return to the rocker is a trend encompassing anything that moves. “Movement in furniture is big right now,” he says. “I’ve seen an upsurge in the sales of rocking chairs, coil chairs, swivel chairs, gliders and swings in the last two to three years.” He points to the coil chair, which has a large spring in place of the legs, as his best-seller. “It allows the person sitting in it to sway back and forth comfortably.”

Dealer Lynn Franklin says, “Action pieces are definitely in demand.” She has sold movement furniture since opening her store 28 years ago, but she says the pieces are selling quicker than ever. She offers love-seat gliders “that are reminiscent of grandma’s front porch, but significantly more sophisticated.” She also carries single and double gliders, spring chairs, rocker swivel chairs and, of course, the traditional rocking chair.

“Furniture makers are now taking rocking chairs and other movement furniture and putting these pieces where you would least expect to see them,” says dealer Barry Wilker.

Noting that rocking chairs have evolved, he says, “I’ve seen some really high-end outdoor furniture with polyester-type finishes that have that ‘Connecticut cottage’ look. These are more upscale, contemporary rockers than the traditional ones we usually think of.”

Many of the movement pieces are made from synthetic wicker that can stand total exposure. According to Franklin, for those who want real wicker, it is treated and dipped for use on a roofed porch with some weather exposure. Bentwood and cane continue to be fashionable, but wrought iron has given way in popularity to welded aluminum.

Fabrics designed for outdoor use cover chair cushions and pillows in colors and designs that resist the wear and tear of weather and aren’t stiff and uncomfortable like the fabrics of yesteryear.

“Chairs that move – whether they rock, swivel or swing – are more comfortable,” says Tarkington, who expects the rise in sales to continue.

Where to shop for ‘moving’ furniture

Sitting outside gently rocking or gliding seems like an inherent part of spring. If you are looking for updated rockers, gliders, swings or other “movement” furniture, take a look at furniture dealers in your area or at these online retailers:

• allamericanpool-patio.com, All American Pool & Patio.

• centuryfurniture.com, Century Furniture Home.

• homegardenandpatio.com, Home, Garden & Patio Outlet.

• lalunecollection.com, La Lune Collection.

• patiofurnitureusa.com, Patio Furniture USA.

• restorationhardware.com, Restoration Hardware.