The best outdoor rocking chairs offer the ultimate in alfresco relaxation and are one of our must-haves for creating a stylish garden retreat in your front porch, backyard, or balcony.
Great for gramps to grandchildren (and everyone in between), they make the perfect alfresco reading spot or a stylish swing to sip a glass of wine. One of the best garden furniture pieces you can buy, an outdoor rocking chair set can instantly transform your patio space or decking and makes for an idyllic social space during the balmy summer or refreshing spring seasons.
Come autumn and winter, these seats can be taken inside and repurposed, and refashioned into cozy and comfortable cocoons with a fleece blanket or throw. Swap that vino for a cup of cocoa (or Irish coffee) and you're all set.
We've searched for the best rockers that'll revamp your exterior space. From colorful to regal, boho, and traditional, cradle into these chairs for some R&R. A rocking chair can boost your mood, reduce stress, ease back pain, and help you sleep better. So rock-a-bye baby with these chic designs.
10 outdoor rocking chairs that rock
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1. Anthropologie rattan rocking chair
Chair: H32, W37, D48 in | Color options: 1
This outdoor rocking chair is miles away from the granny-chic seats we're used to. Its organic shape comfortably supports a natural recline and it is a minimalist piece that would suit a shady veranda, bijou balcony, or sun-soaked small porch. Ideal for outdoor use, it's been sealed with a clear lacquer, and only needs dusting with a soft-lint free cloth or a mild soap solution.
2. One Allium Way® white wooden rocking chair
Chair: H43 x W33 x D29 in | Color options: 1
This outdoor rocking chair is giving us Bridgerton vibes! With its traditional white wood and scalloped apron, cabriole front legs, it's the epitome of Regencycore. It'll definitely make you feel like royalty as you sip your tea and enjoy an alfresco lunch with friends... Pinky finger out of course. With a soft beige cushion, your derriere will feel delightful too.
3. Brayden Studio® metal outdoor rocking metal chair
Chair: H35 x W29 x D33 in | Color options: 2
Want to add a pop of color to your garden or front yard? Then this multicolored outdoor rocking metal chair is just the thing. The 6-colored wire chair is family-friendly and will encourage the kids to get off their electronic devices and spend some time outdoors. Also available in neon yellow.
4. Article Lynea outdoor rocking chair
Chair: H30.5 X W27.25 X D28.5 in | Color options: 2
Part Scandi, part coastal, this brushed taupe and washed oak outdoor rocking chair is as cool as they come. This contemporary grey set is crafted with a solid eucalyptus frame and a flat-woven seat, allowing you to sink in and enjoy the fresh air. Made from FSC certified wood, watch as this material naturally wears and weathers over time to give it uber-chic Nordic character. Also available in Freckle Gray and Walnut.
5. Pottery Barn Monet outdoor rocking chair
Table: H27 x W127 x D39 in | Colors available: 4
When is a chair a work of art? When it's a Monet outdoor rocking chair by Pottery Barn. This hand-woven rattan chair designed by the Nordic Sika family will add a touch of mid-century modern aesthetic to your garden and outdoor spaces immediately. Choose from Antique brown, natural, taupe to keep to woody notes, or add drama with a chic black design.
6. Komodo modern boho faux rattan metal outdoor rocking chair
Chair: H37 x W23.62 x D39.75 in | Colors available: 4
Add some modern bohemian ambiance to your front or back yard with this cane outdoor rocking chair. Safe against the elements, this chair has a weather-resistant faux rattan seat and backrest, and a UV-resistant cushion. So all you need to do is don your sunglasses and sun cream to follow the same good example as this protected furniture piece. Available in light brown/blue, brown, light grey/blue, and light grey.
7. Home Depot outdoor rocking chair with Leopard teal cushions
Chair: H39.7 x W27.1 x 39 in | Colors available: 1
Give your external space the wild factor with this leopard print outdoor rocking chair. Combining style with functionality this pastel animal-print chair is designed with comfort, taking a maximum weight of 300lbs. It fuses a mid-century modern structure with contemporary print and a high backrest. Perfect for sitting outside and enjoying a glass of wine or nestling into a good book.
8. Crestlive products 2-piece metal outdoor rocking chair
Chair: H36.22 x W24.41 x D58.27 in | Colors available: 1
Most of the outdoor rocking chairs we've seen have been in an upright position, but this pair of rocking chairs are reclined for relaxation and vacation-style vibes. Unlike the uncomfortable deck chairs you find at the hotel, this duo of outdoor seats come with a removable padded pillow to allow you to be super comfy. The Textilene fabric looks similar to linen and is breathable and UV-resistant too. So you don't have to worry about sweat stains on the material when you're basking in the sunshine.
9. Walmart wrought iron outdoor metal rocking bench
Chair: H38.63 x W41.5 x D38.25 in | Colors available: 2
Add a romantic Victorian flair to your external space with this wrought iron outdoor metal rocking bench, available from Walmart. Perfectly sized for two adults, chit-chat, laugh, and rock until the sunsets with this vintage design in a distressed, aged white colorway. Also available in antique brown for a rustic farmhouse scheme.
10. Plow and Hearth outdoor Prospect Hill rocking wicker/rattan chair
Chair: H39 x W28.5 x D29 in| Colors available: 1
If we didn't know any better we'd place this chair in a high-end boutique hotel in the most popular modern Mediterranean spots in Europe, say, Mykonos or Ibiza. With its braided trim detail, streamlined back yoke design, and cream-colored wicker, sit on the porch or by the pool and be the envy of neighbors of passers-by. Once the weather turns, move this gorgeous chair into your sunroom or orangery, decorated with some chunky throws or faux fur decor.
What are the benefits of a rocking chair?
'It’s no secret that rocking has a soothing effect on babies, helping to calm them and help them sleep,' says Shaun Donnelly, digital retail director at Utility Design.
'Rocking also promotes parent-child bonding, and there is even research to suggest that rocking a child can enhance emotional, social, cognitive and motor development.'
'Some have suggested that rocking is a useful technique with adopted children, again to boost bonding. For new mothers who have given birth by cesarean section, rocking is said to speed up recovery time. This also applies to people recovering from any kind of surgery.'
Why are rocking chairs a thing?
'The first rocking chairs date all the way back to 1710. They were created by attaching two ice skates to the bottom of a regular chair. However, the trend didn’t really take off until about 75 years later,' says Donnelly.
'Many of the rocking chairs we see today are single-seaters, but back in the day, they were often designed for more than one person. Early on, these relaxing chairs were recognized as having positive palliative effects and have since been used readily in places such as hospitals and other health care facilities.'
'The rocking chairs of today have come a long way from their humble beginnings, featuring sleek silhouettes which beautifully complement modern living spaces.'
Why should I buy an outdoor rocking chair?
'Rocking chairs are the epitome of relaxation. Whether you are in your reading nook or rocking your favorite little person – it will quickly become a beloved area in your space!' says Louie Higaki, general merchandising manager of furniture, home décor & decorative textiles, Anthropologie.