Chairs present one of the greatest challenges to interior designers when it comes to creating the desired effect in an interior space, as they combine form and function in such a compact package.
An inviting Howard armchair in Colefax Chintz may tempt guests to remain by the fire for longer, while an Arts and Crafts chair might discourage further stays beyond Sunday lunch. And you can always enjoy options like bean bag chairs.
Armchairs
A classic armchair makes the ideal complement to any living room set, offering clean lines and sleek silhouettes that seamlessly mesh with contemporary decor styles. Be it an Eames lounge chair upholstered with Colefax chintz fabric or a deep Howard armchair upholstered in Colefax chintz material, well-selected armchairs can add vibrancy and transform any interior space.
The 20th century saw a seismic shift in furniture design, allowing designers to bend wood and experiment with curves. Michael Thonet pioneered this trend through steaming wood, which allowed him to craft bentwood chairs featuring organic shapes. Other iconic examples include Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair and Hans Wegner’s Wishbone chair – with their comforting y-shaped backs offering both comfort and beauty.
Chaise Longues
A chaise longue (French long chair) adds luxuriously comfortable seating to any living space, whether as an inviting reading nook in the bedroom or as an eye-catching accent piece at the foot of the bed.
One key distinction between a chaise and a sofa is their backrest design – chaises have shorter backs, while sofas typically boast longer ones. Chaise design and padding also contribute to its overall comfort; creating harmonious interiors involves selecting elements and colors carefully in order to achieve harmony; pairing an ideal chaise with its suitable color scheme can transform living spaces into tranquil havens.
Windsor Chair
Windsor chairs, famed for their elegance and lightness, have been part of our homes since before the Revolution. Now sought-after collectibles, an early green-painted Philadelphia example with comb- or hoop-back can fetch PS10,000 or more.
Chairmakers were given an outlet for creativity with chairback splats. From simple designs to elaborate engravings that marked important national events, like the Prince of Wales adding feathers to his heraldic badge in late 18th century Britain, chairmakers could express themselves freely when designing them.
Regional variations also became evident. For instance, chairs found in the Thames Valley typically feature different arm bow forms and leg turning techniques than those from Lincolnshire.
Klismos Chair
The Klismos Chair boasts an eye-catching profile while providing both stylish comfort and lightweight practicality. First appearing in vase paintings, its hallmark features are its two defining characteristics – curved legs that splay outward and an ergonomic concave back panel that conforms to the body.
Elegant form withstands time. Klismos chairs were revived during the second phase of European Neoclassicism by Jacques-Louis David for use as props for his paintings; Thomas Hope designed them in England, while Benjamin Henry Latrobe and Duncan Phyfe’s brothers produced similar chairs in America.
Director’s Chair
When we think of movie directors on set, one image that comes to mind is their director’s chair. These lightweight chairs typically consist of a metal frame with canvas upholstery for their back and seat surfaces.
Though director’s chairs are commonly associated with filmmaking, their rich history dates back far beyond Hollywood. Coffer-makers’ chairs and Roman curule chairs can be traced to this design for hundreds of years – they even became popular at concerts because they’re easy to carry, assemble, and disassemble; when not in use, they can easily be stored away in clean, dry spaces.
Egg Chair
Jacobsen created the Egg Chair as part of an interior design commission for Copenhagen’s SAS Royal Hotel. With its distinctive egg shape and nods towards classic wing-back chairs, its iconic form made Jacobsen an instantly recognizable designer.
Egg chairs were initially made out of plaster and plastic; today’s versions use technically advanced foam with fiberglass reinforcement for increased support and lightweight yet sturdy construction. Available in multiple fabrics and leather options.
No matter whether you opt for classic neutral or eye-catching statement colors, chairs, with their sculptural integrity, blend seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary interior decor styles. Cocoon-like chairs often come complete with fixed cushions for additional comfort.
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