How to choose a chair
Comfortable soft chair. It is no longer possible to imagine a home interior or your own office without it. How to choose the right model from a huge assortment? Details in our article.
Armchair in the living room
Home upholstered furniture makes the interior of the rooms cozy and complete. The whole family uses the set, guests are seated on the sofas, often the items are multifunctional - they have sleeping places and storage systems, numerous modules for zoning, etc. However, armchairs in the furniture range are of particular importance. They are created for individual relaxation and often become favorites among individual household members. Today we’ll talk about them - classification, advantages and disadvantages of types, how to choose the right model for the living room, office, computer desk, etc. Let's go!
Table of contents
A little history
The chair is a symbol of self-sufficient comfort
Classification
Classic frame
Frameless
Chair-bed
Advertiser
Rocking chair
Modular chairs
Work chairs
Stylish armchairs in various interiors
Classic
Modern
Provence
Loft
English style
Accessories for soft chairs
Criteria for choosing a chair - useful tips
Target
Dimensions
Comfort
Upholstery and care
Color
Conclusion
A little history
Prototypes of personalized furniture appeared during the times of ancient Egypt and Rome. For the nobility, thrones were carved from solid stone pieces, on which they sat in front of their vassals and rested in their homes. Stone chairs, which gave the impression of monumentality and divine origin, were replaced by no less rich ones made of wood, upholstered in fur and luxurious fabrics - comfort began to be valued.
roman chair
Over time, furniture makers' artels transformed into brands. Everyone sought to create the most convenient option, appearing first in famous houses. Thus, models with armrests, a folding footrest and headboard, and wheels were announced, rocking chairs were designed, and the use of filler was introduced. Usually orders were fulfilled for a specific person, and the craftsmen took into account many nuances, among them the “corpulence” of the rider, type of activity and, of course, position.
Mass-produced upholstered furniture with armchairs appeared relatively recently, and production was more driven by practical considerations - compact size, functionality (folding out into an extra bed), non-staining upholstery. Now buyers have options that take into account ALL needs, including design compliance, increased comfort and all kinds of additional options. Prices for exclusive chairs vary, but most of them are quite affordable.
The chair is a symbol of self-sufficient comfort
Leather chair by the fireplace
The modern rhythm of life rarely pampers you with time for yourself - family, work, everyday activities. Sometimes you just want to sit in silence, read a book, listen to music or watch TV, or just sit down with a cup of coffee. A lounge chair is perfect for all of the above. The model range is rich - it’s easy to choose an option for any purpose and premises, and even outside the home - for verandas and streets. Other benefits:
compactness - easily fits into a small corner;
appropriateness - a chair can be found for a specific style;
mobility (for models on wheels and made of lightweight materials);
affordability.
An armchair can exist together with a sofa, with furniture of a different style (subject to the right choice) and as an independent piece of furniture.
Classification
The upholstered chair comes in all sorts of styles. Let's look at the most popular:
Classic frame
Classic armchair
It is a traditional model with a soft seat and back. May have similar armrests, wheeled legs or supports. It is characterized by increased comfort and often belongs to a certain set with a sofa and poufs. Its design uses a wooden frame (solid wood or particle boards) and a new generation of filler - spring block, polyurethane foam, etc. Thanks to all kinds of upholstery, the model can be easily matched to the existing interior, wall color, textiles.
Frameless
Frameless chair
The so-called bean bag chair. An ultra-modern option for fashionable interiors, children's rooms or lounge areas. Outwardly, most of them look like a large pear or teardrop, but other shapes exist. The model is based on durable fabric and modern polymer granule fillers. The chair is ideal for children's and family gatherings; it has no sharp corners or “sudden” legs, and is therefore completely safe. It is appropriate in modern interiors - loft, hi-tech, modern, but with the right combination of the upholstery color with other tones in the interior it will look good in others.
Chair-bed
Chair-bed
Wider than a classic soft chair from a set, as it provides for a lying position and possible nuances associated with sleep - turns, a relaxed state. The design is equipped with various layout mechanisms - book, accordion,
dolphin, pantograph, etc. Such models often have linen drawers under the seat. A good option for organizing a sleeping place in case of unforeseen situations - the arrival of relatives, a late guest.
Advertiser
Advertiser
An armchair for the home that personifies the word “comfort”. Outwardly it looks like a classic standard one, but has a design that perfectly relaxes the rider. It has moving parts that take the desired position - sitting, lying down, reclining. Some options have electronic controls and a massage function. The “smart” memory foam filler maintains the human body in the correct condition, which is why the recliner is highly recommended for owners with back pain, sacrum pain, or for rehabilitation after injuries.
Rocking chair
Classic rocking chair
A variety of models, including soft options, allows you to make the interior cozy and find your own, comfortable place for reading, a morning cup of coffee, or relaxation. The product range is extremely diverse - classic chairs with softly curved runners, retro ones with round ones, modern ones with a spring with a rotating base. A stopper design is provided for safety. There are folding options that allow you to remove a piece of furniture to free up space.
Modular chairs
Modular frameless chairs
Furniture that has several parts to create convenient structures or be used separately is very popular among modern buyers. A sofa chair with a pouf will help you find a comfortable position for resting your legs. In its cavity (in the frame version) they store the necessary things, create a set with a compact hallway or trellis in the bedroom.
Work chairs
Executive chair
A productive working day depends, among other things, on the proper organization of the place. If you have to spend at least 8 hours a day in a sitting position, then you need to purchase a special office chair for this, even if you are supposed to work outside its walls. Suggested range:
executive chair - a chic option made of natural or eco-leather, with an orthopedic back and seat;
staff chairs - soft fabric seats with height adjustment and mesh backrests for better ventilation;
computer chair - has a movable headboard and adjustable armrests so that the retractable keyboard and tabletop do not interfere with a comfortable position;
gaming chair - characterized by a dynamic shape (streamlined, futuristic), a higher back and adjustment of all parts, from the headboard to the wheels.
All furniture intended for computer work and games must be selected very carefully. A child seat cannot last forever, given the constant growth of the child and changes in other physiological parameters, and an adult must be comfortable for sitting in front of a monitor for many hours.
Stylish armchairs in various interiors
If your interior has specific features of a certain style, then it is logical to choose the appropriate furniture. Stylish armchairs will fit into any design:
Classic
Classic style chair
Armchairs of this style are distinguished by a simple, understandable design: a soft back, seat and armrests. The main difference from others is that the furniture looks like something from a palace. Expensive upholstery, decor, curved back and legs, smooth armrests should match the rest of the home furniture. Typically, classic chairs are offered in pairs, as a set, or in a single copy for a study.
Modern
Art Nouveau armchair
Many call the style progressive classics. Indeed, armchairs in the Art Nouveau style are reminiscent of antique sets, but at the same time devoid of excessive subtlety - clear proportions, absolute comfort, technical equipment in the form of folding mechanisms and mobile wheels.
Provence
Armchair in Provence style
Such furniture, despite the softness and thickness that is comfortable for the position of the body, has a clear frame - a back, hard armrests, and legs. The upholstery is distinguished by diluted, muted tones and a soft structure.
Loft
Loft style chair
Modernity in everything - thick, orthopedic surfaces of the back and seat, width, transformation and layout mechanisms, possibly a rotating base. Armrests made of metal or wood with a pronounced pattern. But at the same time, such chairs are very convenient and comfortable, despite their brutal appearance.
English style
Armchairs in an English interior
It is recognizable by its soft armchairs with decorative carriage trim, the shape of the back with “ears” that smoothly flow into the armrests. Depending on the model, the design of the chair may vary - it may have separate armrests with soft folds, low legs. Such chairs are appropriate in offices, libraries, living rooms with fireplaces.
Accessories for soft chairs
Assorted chair cushions
Armchairs for home use can be equipped with various accessories. Offered from the manufacturer:
additional soft pillows on the back and seats - they will give more comfort and height;
removable covers - with them it is easier to keep the chairs clean, as they are easily
washed or dry cleaned;
decorative pillows - usually used in a monochrome set to highlight the chair.
They buy blankets, capes, sew covers of different colors on their own - everything that will highlight the interior and give the furniture individuality.
Criteria for choosing a chair - useful tips
In order for the purchase of furniture to be successful, you need to choose a model not only by appearance, but also scrupulously consider the following points:
Target
Sleeping chair
The Bureaucrat chair for the executive's office and the soft model for the living room are significantly different, so the first question is - what is it for? The second is whether it is convenient to combine several tasks in it, if necessary. For example, a comfortable seat + sleeping layout. Multifunctional models are more expensive, but at the same time more practical, especially if the room does not accommodate large furniture for all possible needs.
Dimensions
Standard chair dimensions
A comfortable body position depends both on the dimensions of the model and your own. There is no need to downplay your own size - after all, we are talking about comfort, especially if the chair has a sleep layout. You should focus on easily accommodating a clothed person over the entire depth of the seat, with sufficient empty space across the width. The future owner should not experience cramped conditions or discomfort when turning. Conditional size ranges:
back height - 30–80 cm;
seat depth - 50–90 cm;
width - 50–70 cm.
When “trying on”, the bend of an adult’s knees should not rest against the edge of the seat, and the arms, on the contrary, should rest without tension on the armrests.
Comfort
Modern comfortable chair
It is influenced by three factors:
Backrest tilt. If it is almost vertical, then you can even get tired in such a chair. A deviation of 15–20 degrees will allow you to take a natural resting position.
Lumbar support. In soft home chairs it is made in the form of a bolster on the back, in office chairs the shape itself follows the spine.
Filler. “Smart” memory foam is suitable for chairs used for their intended purpose - relaxation, work. If the model has a sleeping layout option, then it is better to choose an independent spring block - it takes the load of the sleeper evenly.
Absolute comfort is provided by designs that have a layout in zones - headboard, back, foot.
Upholstery and care
Chair upholstery made of matting
For home conditions, especially where there are children and pets, it is necessary that the upholstery be natural and durable. Such options exist: matting, tapestry, chenille, flock. In addition to practicality, these fabrics are easy to keep clean with regular care:
daily vacuuming;
removing stains immediately, without allowing absorption;
dry cleaning at least once a year.
If the upholstery is expensive or exclusive - genuine leather, suede, velvet, silk, brocade, then any damage to it must be restored by craftsmen. And this is, of course, delicate and expensive work. Therefore, chairs with the listed furniture fabric options are not the best choice for a family.
Color
Bright armchair in the living room
When choosing the color of a chair for the interior, they adhere to the following theses: make the furniture accent or harmonious with other objects. More details:
Armchairs with bright or contrasting upholstery from the rest of the design should form a separate zone.
One tone of an armchair with a sofa will allow you to create a set.
The motifs and colors in the upholstery of the chair should repeat or belong to the same color group of the rest of the furniture or textiles, even if they are not of the same style.
There are many examples on the Internet of how to combine home furniture from more than one set. Now this is a fashion trend and you can get unusual, very beautiful solutions.
Conclusion
Armchairs in the living room
Armchairs, like other furniture, are presented by the Russian manufacturer “Ladya” in a wide range. Choosing an option for relaxation, paired with a sofa or a computer desk is not a problem. Decide on your goal and follow the selection instructions above. And then this comfortable, soft “chair” will delight you for many years!
