Rocking rockers

A while ago I wrote a blog 'Are you off your rocker - a cool rocking chair?'. I've since learned the error of my ways! There are lots of cool rocking chairs with a very modern vibe. These are not your grandmother's rockers.

Skona Hem Magazine (Sweden)

Here are just two examples of how you might include a cool rocking chair in a modern design setting. Both photos are from the Swedish magazine, Skona Hem, which is full of cool modern homes. The rocking chair in the top photo is a bit more traditional looking, while the Eames chair in the bottom photo has all the modern credentials!

This Ib Kofod-Larsen rocking chair has all the cool of the Eames chair in my opinion, but sold for $450 at a Wright auction in Chicago, off an auction estimate of $200 - $300. I love the simple design in birch and iron with an upholstered seat. This is Danish circa 1950.

Here is just one example of a Charles and Ray Eames rocking chair that sold at a Christie's auction for $3,325 off an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. These are highly desirable, and the price at auction will no doubt depend on who's bidding on the day and the condition. I've seen them go for less and more.

I love this Fritz Henningsen rocking chair, circa 1930's. It's a very comfy looking rocker, with wonderful modern appeal. Fritz Henningsen is highly collectible, and adds instant modern credentials to your decor. This sold for $8,750 at a Sotheby's auction off an auction estimate of $10,000 - $15,000.

Gae Aulenti is another highly desirable Italian designer. The curves on this 'Scarsgul' chair designed in 1962 add so much interest to the chair. It becomes a work of art in a room, but looks comfortable too! It's made of laminated and ebonized wood with leather upholstery, and sold at a Christie's auction for $1,500 off an estimate of $2,000 - $2,500.

For something a bit more affordable, but not lacking in great design, this chrome and faux leather rocker sold at a Bonhams auction for $488. It's described as 3rd quarter 20th century. The design of the rocker legs make it. Looks inspired by a Thonet.

For another bargain, this beechwood and cane rocker sold at a Christie's auction for $313 off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. It's described as probably Societa Anonima Antonio Volpe, 1914. I've seen these go for more, so perhaps the uncertainty of the provenance made this the bargain that it is. This is very Thonet inspired at a fraction of the price.

Getting back to some high design rockers with price tags to match, I picked two from Wright Auctions in Chicago. This Vladimir Kagan, circa 1965, is a very cool design. The walnut rocker legs are a wonderful design element. The upholstery is embroidered, which I find interesting, but may have contributed to it coming in lower than the auction estimate, and lower than many others I've seen. It sold for $6,250 off an estimate of $7,000 - $9,000.

Finally, I find this nickel plated steel and acrylic rocker to be more work of art than practical. It has great style and is fabulous to look at. It was designed by Charles Hollis Jones in 1975, and sold at a Wright auction for $4,375 off an auction estimate of $5,000 - $7,000.









Rocking chairs can be very modern cool. Pick one with lots of curves, or with simple lines like the Eames version. They are fun design elements, and rocking while reading a good book can be very calming.