A good chair is like a good friend – it’s there to support and embrace you and bring comfort and colour to your life. Dating back some 5,000 years, this essential piece of furniture has evolved from its predominantly utilitarian origins. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely still serves the very specific purpose of getting us off our feet, whether to rest or to help us focus on tasks. However, the chair has also become an expression of art and personal style, a decorating tool to define areas throughout a house, and reflect how we live in our homes. With all the different styles and options on the market, the features of a good chair are ones that balance esthetics, comfort and quality. Here are some things to pay attention to.
Function (and style)
Before you can consider a chair’s esthetic attributes, think about its function. Will you be sitting on it for short or extended periods of time? Will you be engaged in any activities while seated? In terms of the space itself, is it casual or formal in nature? How many people do you need to seat? Is it a high-traffic area exposed to dirt, wear and tear?
Now, consider the style of seating that will best meet those needs. Your seating options run the gamut from chairs, loveseats, sofas and sectionals, to less conventional pieces such as stools, benches and ottomans. What about upholstery? Should it have a back or armrests? What about the depth and angle of the seat? When evaluating for comfort, online shopping simply can’t give you the insight you’d get from seeing it (and sitting in it) in person.
Tip: Ottomans and cubes are very versatile and are a great option for extra seating or surfaces in a pinch. Pushed up to a coffee table or beside the fireplace, an ottoman makes a great seat. We use them often in our projects and like to top them with a tray to double as a side table. And if you think ahead and choose something with integrated storage, you’ve also got a place to put extra pillows or blankets.
Construction (and price)
When shopping for seating, you’ll undoubtedly come across a wide range of products and price points. Generally, you get what you pay for and quality (think comfort and durability) is often reflected in a higher price. What’s behind that price difference? The joinery, the construction of the seat and whether it’s coil, web, down or foam, the quality of the materials and upholstery – these all factor into the final price.
Measure (and measure again)
You know what they say – measure twice, buy once. When buying any big-ticket items for your home, don’t rely on the “eyeball” method for measurements. This is especially important now, given the reality of supply chain issues and the resulting delays on delivery. Ensure the pieces you’re buying will fit your space – and through the doorways, hallways, stairwells and if you live in a condo, the elevator!
Having a floorplan in hand can also be extremely helpful when shopping for large-scale seating, such as a sofa or sectional. This will give you a view of how the piece, and its scale in relation to the rest of the space and everything else in it, may impact the natural flow of traffic and sight lines to windows and other focal points, like the fireplace.
Tip: When planning your space, keep in mind the area around your furnishings. In the living room, I like to leave 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table, or about 36 inches between armchairs, sofa and loveseat, to encourage conversation. If your seating is for watching television, I recommend a gap of approximately seven feet.
Research is key
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into choosing just the right seating for your application, your space and your… rear end. Do your research, make a list and discuss your options with a designer or furniture salesperson. We have lots of experience, we know what works, and can we bring some new ideas to the table – or in this case, the chair!