These Contemporary Rocking Chairs Won't Be Mistaken For Your Grandparent's Rocker

By  Jaclyn Schatzow
Design Within Reach contemporary rocking chair near fireplace Design Within Reach

It's hard to resist the soothing motion of rocking chairs, and there's actual science to support the relaxed feeling you get after spending time in one: Rocking releases endorphins which can improve your mood, reduce stress, and minimize pain. But, let's be honest, although they're comfortable and can impart health benefits, rocking chairs have a staid and dated reputation that belies the best style intentions.

To the rescue: Contemporary rocking chairs that marry the streamlined, pared-down aesthetic of modern design with the classic function we all know and love. So if you've been resisting the urge to bring a rocker into your abode out of fear it would be a style don't, these 10 contemporary options will definitely make you reconsider.

1. Design Within Reach Penguin Rocker, $1,695

Design Within Reach contemporary rocking chair made out of bentwood and leatherDesign Within Reach

Make a bold statement with a contemporary rocking chair that doesn't follow the traditional silhouette, such as this eye-catching version from Design Within Reach with midcentury undertones. It has a slim, armless profile with a bentwood back featuring a visible walnut grain and leather seat.

2. Lulu and Georgia Mariposa Accent Chair, $1,074

Lulu and Georgia contemporary rocking chair made out of rattanLulu and Georgia

Rattan is having a resurgence, and it's easy to see why: it brings an abundance of texture and warmth to even the most minimal interiors without visual distraction. This contemporary rocking chair from Lulu and Georgia is big on charm while still embracing the less-is-more tenets of contemporary design.

3. Lulu and Georgia Sasha Leather Rocking Chair, $950

Lulu and Georgia contemporary rocking chair made with leather and woodLulu and Georgia

Rocking chairs can be a bit bulky. If you don't have a lot of space, or just prefer the look of a refined silhouette, this director's-inspired chair from Lulu and Georgia is perfect for you. With its army green leather seat and bleached wood arms, it has a rugged sensibility with elevated undertones.

4. Terrain Veranda Woven Rocking Chair, $598

Terrain contemporary rocking chair made from black woven materialTerrain

Rocking chairs conjure up images of leisurely afternoons spent lounging on a porch. This contemporary version from Terrain features clean lines, an aluminum frame, and a woven rope back, making it al fresco-friendly, and the perfect addition to your outdoor living space.

5. Project62 Esters Wood Arm Chair Sherpa White, $330

Target contemporary rocking chair made with nubby sherpa and woodTarget

As we head into cooler temps, what could be more welcoming than a cozy contemporary rocking chair covered in nubby sherpa fabric? We love this Scandi-inspired beauty from Target — it combines a simple wood frame, plenty of texture, and a neutral palette for the ultimate restrained design.

6. Lamps Plus Perth Black and Natural Rattan Rocking Chair, $399.91

Lamps Plus contemporary rocking chair made with glossy black caneLamps Plus

Cane is a timeless material that imparts a welcome organic quality to interiors and looks equally at home in a range of styles from boho to coastal. This contemporary rocking chair from Lamps Plus showcases a high-gloss black frame that grounds the airiness of cane, for a thoroughly updated look.

7. Eames Rocking Shell Chair in Aqua Sky, $795

Eames contemporary rocking chair made of pale blue fiberglassDesign Within Reach

Good design never goes out of style. A contemporary rocking chair flaunting a modern shape and punchy color, a là this iconic fiberglass Eames perch, will infuse interiors with whimsical, yet enduring style.

8. Saic Quantam Gunsmoke Rocking Chair, $799

CB2 contemporary rocking chair with wood frameCB2

Looking for a comfortable alternative to the typically hard-framed rocking chair? Choose one with sculptural edges and all-over upholstery like this contemporary version from CB2. It manages to be equal parts sophisticated and approachable and comes in a variety of fabrics.

9. Article Eleya Rocking Chair, $549

Article contemporary rocking chair made with white powder coated frame and padded seatArticle

Make a subtle statement with a contemporary rocking chair in a muted colorway, like this sleek version from Article. Teak wood arms add warmth and a rustic note to the powder-coated aluminum frame, while weather-resistant cushions make this a look you can take (and leave) outside.

10. Bernhardt Design Remix Rocking Chair, $1,921

Bernhardt Design contemporary rocking chair with wood frameHive Modern

This understated rocking chair from by Bernhardt Design combines the comfort of a lounge chair with the iconic shape of a rocker. It features the strong lines and geometric base characteristic of contemporary design in a tailored and unobtrusive shape.

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