Rocking Cube

If you’ve been searching for a rocking chair that’s also aesthetically appealing, then you’re in luck: finally, there is a functional and fashionable choice. The Rocking Cube, designed by Jessica Nebel, transforms the common elements of the rocking chair by concentrating on a surprising shape—the cube.

It seems counter-intuitive, of course, and therein lies the beauty of the concept. To take a shape that resists movement and alter it so that it will move—and move ever so pleasantly, in that most infantile of comforting motions, the rock—illustrates Nebel’s genius. Yes, the gentle sway of the rocking chair will never go out of style (no matter how unattractive the past designs have been). The Rocking Cube also has integrity, as the seat itself is born of the cube. Nebel explains: “The seat area originates from the formal gesture of pushing the material through the body of the object.” She compares The Rocking Cube to a sculpture, which is an apt characterization since the block (read: cube) is chipped away to form the art object.

The inside of the rocking chair gives the piece an unexpected warmth with its wood veneer, a touch of whimsy that recalls the more traditional versions of this beloved piece of furniture. And, lest you be worried, The Rocking Cube is comfortable: there is foam “at the appropriate places.” In white, Nebel’s rocking chair lends an air of crispness and youth—perfect in a modern living room (not to mention a cutting-edge nursery). In charcoal, The Rocking Cube takes on more seriousness, perhaps a candidate for a library or study. But the bright and totally unexpected yellow cannot be ignored. Perfect in Miami or Los Angeles, Paris or Milan, Nebel’s Cube in sprightly yellow transforms the very paradigm of the rocking chair, making it less about sleepy relaxation and more about easy lounging. Like a splash of grapefruit and bergamot, the yellow Rocking Cube can actually invigorate the user, making this particular piece truly delightful, because it redefines the original.