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How to Buy a Chair
Here is a guide to getting your seating right
Krita Raut
29 January 2017
Houzz India Contributor. A journalist who discovered her passion for architecture and home décor some three years back, now I am all set to explore this subject further through my writing. Another new found passion of mine – coloring books for adults.
Houzz India Contributor. A journalist who discovered her passion for architecture... More
“It isn’t so much what’s on the table that matters, as what’s on the chairs.” While WS Gilbert penned these words in a different context, they somehow make sense in terms of home decor as well.
A chair is perhaps the most used furniture piece in a house – almost every room needs it. Yet, very few of us spare much thought while selecting them. Here is a low-down on how the chair requirements differ in each room of your home, and what you need to consider before purchasing them.
A chair is perhaps the most used furniture piece in a house – almost every room needs it. Yet, very few of us spare much thought while selecting them. Here is a low-down on how the chair requirements differ in each room of your home, and what you need to consider before purchasing them.
A good amount of style for your living room
The living room is the most accessible and most public part of the house, and is therefore the best space to project your sense of aesthetics and personality.
The living room is the most accessible and most public part of the house, and is therefore the best space to project your sense of aesthetics and personality.
Depending on the size of the living room, you can create different kinds of seating arrangements. Accent chairs are the best bet here as they come in various designs. In addition, they make a big style statement.
Accent chairs are versatile pieces of furniture; the variety on offer these days can leave a homeowner spoilt for choice. They are so design driven that along with providing functionality, they double up as decorative pieces as well.
The best thing about using accent chairs is that most of them are upholstered, which means you can either add drama with bright printed fabrics or balance overtly opulent setting of the room with plain fabrics in subdued hues.
If other pieces of furniture and soft furnishings, such as the wallpaper, are making the room look heavy, use slipper or parson chairs – with their simple and sleek designs, these chairs will provide the perfect balance.
Tip: Chairs with less upholstery and more frame take less space and keep the room looking spacious. This works well for small spaces. And no, you don’t have to compromise on beauty here. Pick chairs with beautifully designed backrests.
Mind the height in the dining room
No meal can be enjoyed in an uncomfortable chair, so make this your rule of thumb for dining chairs. The backrest and the seat should provide a comfy and firm feel without negatively affecting the posture of those seated.
No meal can be enjoyed in an uncomfortable chair, so make this your rule of thumb for dining chairs. The backrest and the seat should provide a comfy and firm feel without negatively affecting the posture of those seated.
Be careful about the height of the dining chairs at the time of purchase. If you are not buying a single dining set but separate pieces, keep the height difference between the table and the chairs in mind. Leave enough space between the seat of the chair and the base of the table so that the person sitting on it doesn’t get cramped in. Similarly, there should be at least two inches of space between the two chairs so there is enough distance between two diners sitting next to each other.
It is a good idea to go for chairs without armrests as they take up less space. They should also be light since they need to be pulled and pushed from under the dining table.
Pick designs that appeal to you. Yes, you can pick different chairs; gone are the days of having identical chairs around your dining table. Look for the same height but in a different design. Consider getting similar pieces with different upholstery or get the same design in different colors.
But remember, there should be an order in this chaos. You must bring in some element that binds these chairs together and is also synchronised with the table. They should match the overall look of the room.
Utility meets design in the bedroom
The decor of your bedroom should revolve around your bed. However, not everyone needs a sitting area in there. The purpose of this area should decide your choice of furniture.
The decor of your bedroom should revolve around your bed. However, not everyone needs a sitting area in there. The purpose of this area should decide your choice of furniture.
For instance, if all you need is a cozy nook to read a book before you hit the bed, a wing back chair with a footrest in matching fabric is all you need. For not-so-spacious bedrooms, armchairs with slender silhouettes work wonders.
However, if the sitting area also doubles up as a family den, where you often spend time with your children, go for a pair with an ottoman on the side or a small table in between.
If you feel that you need more seating space, instead of one long bench at the end of your bed, go for two small stools. Easier to move around, these small stools offer greater flexibility and can be shifted around the space when required.
Small poufs and ottomans placed at the end of the bed can work as contingency seating arrangement; these come with storage space as well – wise investments for small flats.
The occasional chair for any space
Very often, we all need an extra chair here and there. The occasional chairs should be easy to move and durable. Select pieces that are not only high on the decorative quotient but are also good specimens of sturdiness.
Tip: The Louis XVI style chairs are good options – their classic designs usually blend well with a diverse range of decor.
Very often, we all need an extra chair here and there. The occasional chairs should be easy to move and durable. Select pieces that are not only high on the decorative quotient but are also good specimens of sturdiness.
Tip: The Louis XVI style chairs are good options – their classic designs usually blend well with a diverse range of decor.
You can also go in the opposite direction and choose occasional chairs that become conversation starters thanks to their exquisite look.
Read more:
Which Window Blind is Right for You
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
Tell us:
Could you tell us about the seating arrangements that work best in your home? Chairs, sofa sets, seating on the floor, etc? Write in the Comment box below.
Read more:
Which Window Blind is Right for You
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
Tell us:
Could you tell us about the seating arrangements that work best in your home? Chairs, sofa sets, seating on the floor, etc? Write in the Comment box below.
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