Another Way to Rock

Every new or expectant parent has read a thousand lists of what is needed in the nursery before you bring your little one home. But when it comes down to it, the true nursery essentials are a place to sleep, a place to change diapers and a place to rock your child. When designing a nursery, I always look for the chance to include a little one-of-a-kind touch in the room, and often a rocker or glider provides the perfect opportunity to do that. Little touches of whimsy or vintage are a great way to bring some personality into your child’s first room. I like looking for chairs or gliders that have unique shapes or details but still offer function and comfort—a place to read a book, feed your baby or simply hang out while your baby explores the room.

This small but sweet accent chair from the book Babies’ Rooms, by Judith Wilson, has a high enough back and arms to offer great support while nursing. At the same time, the exposed legs and casters add a “lightness” to it.

Some nurseries call for more ruffles and embellishments. Adding an oversize ruffle to a traditional wingback chair is a great way to transform a library chair into a nursery chair. Nursery from the book Feathering the Nest by Tracy Hutson.

This gently sloping  occasional arm chair also offers a nice way to sophisticate the nursery. The bold pattern makes a statement and updates the chair’s style to a more modern feel.

A fun chair in the nursery is always nice. Small, but full of punch, this chocolate striped chair will grow to be a great reading chair for your child. Small in scale, it doesn’t overpower the room.

There is always something nice about a simple chair in the room. This chair is functional as both a rocker and later as a great occasional chair by removing the rocker and adding legs.

Taking a vintage find and updating it with a fresh coat of paint and some new pillows is always so inviting. It is the one-of-a-kind touch that can help make a room special. Enjoy finding a rocker or glider that has personality and charm to add to your child’s room. The last four images are from Room for Children by Susanna Salk.