I've been debating seating options for our front porch since we moved in almost two years ago. I considered a porch swing, bench seat, and wicker chairs until finally settling on porch rockers. A rocker for me and a rocker for the man of the house. I imagine us sitting in them rocking away during a Sunday afternoon thunderstorm. Like old people.
I started my search a few months ago at my favorite furniture store, the Salvation Army. I wasn't looking for a matching pair, necessarily. I figured I'd buy mismatched chairs and paint them the same color. Alas, I didn't find any rocking chairs at my Salvation Army (and I should learn by now that it never works to shop for something specific at a consignment store).
So I extended my search to Craigslist, and that's when something funny happened. I kept coming across all these bentwood rockers.
Remember these? I do. They were everywhere when I was growing up. My parents didn't own one, but I think there must have been one in almost every home I visited. I've come to associate these rocking chairs with all things '80s like big hair and parachute pants so I immediately discounted them when I saw all the listings on Craigslist.
I started my search a few months ago at my favorite furniture store, the Salvation Army. I wasn't looking for a matching pair, necessarily. I figured I'd buy mismatched chairs and paint them the same color. Alas, I didn't find any rocking chairs at my Salvation Army (and I should learn by now that it never works to shop for something specific at a consignment store).
So I extended my search to Craigslist, and that's when something funny happened. I kept coming across all these bentwood rockers.
And then I started to come around.
That caning.
The bentwood frame.
The scrolly shape would actually look fantastic on the porch of my Victorian house.
Plus the fact that they are a dime a dozen on Craigslist meant we actually could have a matching pair.
Within 48 hours, I'd picked up two chairs: one was $40, and the other was $50. Not a bad investment for a couple of rockers, right? Well, here's what made one of my purchases even more interesting:
Only one of the chairs I purchased has the Thonet label burned into the back. I have no idea of its age or if it is authentic (and who cares?), but I do know that both rockers are exactly right for my front porch. Trés vintage chic.
23 comments:
Your two chairs are also so totally bodaciously awesome!! I can see why you might relate them to the papasan-crazed 80s but they seem to have a classic old Lake Winnipesaukee home feel to them too, no? How perfect are they on your front porch and they are both in such lovely condition! Awesome finds.
i think they are perfect for a porch and i LOVE them painted! i have seen them painted fun colors before and they make me smile. :)
Love 'em. And they're going to be so comfortable for chillin' in like old people. Are you going to paint them?
Score! I love adding two rockers to the porch--it is very cute. Are you planning on painting them?
We had one growing up and my dad was a design furniture lover, so I knew the history of all our pieces including this rocker. I wanted one for our current house, but hubby really doesn't like them...maybe one day when I have a porch?
Fabulous!!! And perfect on your porch, will you paint them???!!!
My parents still have theirs, now I'm going to have to look at the back!!
This is the EXACT rocker my parents have! Love them out front. Lucky you!!
I think those chairs are AWESOME!! You just can't find design like that anymore! Love the painted version too!
Those are wicked awesome!
Score!!! It's so awesome when you find something for cheap and realize later that it could be worth a whole lot more :) I like them as they are or maybe painted black.
Awesome! I love how they look!
Hi, just found your blog via Just Paint it White... love the rockers! Such graceful lines.
Love those! I think they look perfect! Are you going to paint them?
I've been looking for the right seating for our front porch for a while as well. Still haven't settled on the perfect item.
These rock!! I'm a color girl so am always inclined to paint, but i even like them natural!
I remember these too - now I just need to remember who had them but they take me back that's for sure. And they look great on your porch too - classic but interesting. Are they comfortable or will you need to add some cushions?
Love it! I actally saw some very similar to yours in a garage sale this weekend. I passed on them only because we just got some new patio chairs.
Those rockers are completely amazing in every way. Painted or not painted, I think they are perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Love them! I'm such a fan of caning (geometric loveliness!), and the curves on the rockers are gorgeous. :) Nice finds!
We had one of these rockers. The painted version totally makes my day!
What a great find, I love these rocking chairs! I can see myself out on a porch rocking away.
Get the darker one appraised before painting.
Really. Please.
I have to say it's very likely it's an original thonet- thousands were made & shipped round much of the world. Thonets revolutionary steaming process which provided the bent wood sections allowed his chairs to be transported 'flat pack' and assembled for sale on arrival. This and the abundance of the beech used in his factory near the black forest made the furniture affordable & popular, especially as its so beautiful!
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