Home Decor

The best seat

in the house

by Jennifer Backstein • photos stephani Buchman

Agood chair is like a good friend – it’s there to support and embrace you, to 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 the house, and how we live in our homes. While there are many different styles and options of chairs on the market, the defining feature of a good chair is one that balances esthetics, comfort and quality.

Here are some things to pay attention to.

#1 Function (and style)

Before you can consider a chair’s esthetic attributes, you must first determine its functional requirements. Will you be sitting for short or extended periods of time? Will you be engaged in any activities while seated? In terms of the space you’re placing it, is it casual or formal in nature? How many people do you need to seat? Is it a high-traffic area, exposed to wear and tear?

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 and ottomans. What about upholstery? With a back or armrests? What about the depth and angle of the seat?

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.

#2 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 or web, down or foam; the quality of upholstery – these all factor into the price.

#3 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 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, 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 the piece, and its scale in relation to the rest of the space, and how it may impact the natural flow of traffic and sight lines to windows and other focal points,

TIP: When planning your space, keep in mind the area required around your furnishings. In the living room, I like to leave 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table, and about 36 inches between armchairs, sofa and loveseat. If your seating is for watching television, I recommend a gap of approximately seven feet.

As you can see, a lot goes into choosing just the right seating for your space and your… rear end. Do your research, make a list, and discuss your options with a qualified designer who knows what works and can bring some new ideas to the table – or in this case, the chair!