Finding the perfect living room chair may seem trivial, but it can make or break the aesthetic of your space. The right chair pulls together your decor, showcases your style, and provides a comfortable spot to lounge with guests. With so many options to choose from, selecting a standout living room chair may appear daunting. But armed with the right information, you can easily identify chairs that align with your taste and transform any living room.
How to Select a Living Room Chair
Don’t let the vast array of living room chairs overwhelm you. By considering a few key factors, it becomes much easier to narrow down your options.
Consider the Room’s Purpose
Before even browsing chair styles, think about your living room’s purpose. Is it a formal entertaining area for hosting elegant dinner parties? Or is it a casual, cozy TV room for family movie nights? If chiefly for formal gatherings, opt for straight-backed dining chairs or tufted parsons chairs. For relaxed media rooms, choose plush recliners or softly upholstered armchairs. Identifying the room’s main function guides you toward chairs suited for their intended use.
Evaluate Size and Scale
The scale between furniture and room size affects interior harmony and flow. A dainty slipper chair may get dwarfed in a spacious living area with towering ceilings. Similarly, an oversized recliner could make a petite lounge feel cramped. Measure your room size along with existing sofas, ottomans and side tables. Then browse chair dimensions to find options with proportions that complement the room.
Identify Your Style
Your living room chair serves as a style statement. So before purchasing, define your personal aesthetic. Are you drawn to modern minimalism with polished chrome and leather? Or is your taste more traditional Victorian with carved wood frames and floral upholstery? Even if your decor comprises multiple influences, recognizing your leanings guides you to chairs that align with your vision. Complement existing furnishings for a cohesive look or use chairs to consciously contrast and stand out.
Factor in Comfort
Even the most stunning chair misses the mark if lacking comfort for sitting and relaxing. Assess cushion density, arm width, lumbar support and overall proportions. Chairs with ample padding and ergonomic shapes provide long-term coziness without strain. So test chairs in person when possible, assessing how your body feels after a few minutes lounging. Comfort matters just as much as visual appeal.
Choose Material
The chair material profoundly impacts durability, ease of maintenance and style. Leather withstands heavy use but requires regular conditioning. Meanwhile, fabric upholstery offers diverse patterns yet demands gentle cleaning methods. Beyond the covering, inspect the frame. Hardwoods like oak and maple provide superb stability but come at a greater cost. Opt for chairs with high-grade materials suited to your lifestyle.
Best Chairs for Showcasing Style
Now that you know what to look for in a living room chair, explore options that truly stand out. From mid-century modern to custom upholstered, the possibilities for showcasing personal flair are endless.
Mid-Century Chairs
For a splash of retro charm, mid-century modern chairs accent your space with nostalgic style. Defined by slim angled legs, gently curved backs and muted earth-toned upholstery, mid-century seating harkens back to its 1940s origins. But vibrant pops of crimson, chartreuse or sapphire upholstery fabrics put a modern spin on this iconic aesthetic. Or make a bold statement by opting for lipstick red or jet black leather instead of tan and brown hues. Well-chosen mid-century chairs lend a hip yet refined element to contemporary interiors.
Patterned Accent Chairs
Nothing jazzes up subdued living rooms quite like eye-catching accent chairs bedecked in vibrant patterns. Choose graphic black-and-white zigzag stripes for high-contrast drama. Opt for floral chintz or dynamic damask to awash your space in vivacious charm. Or pick chairs covered in tribal ikat, Navajo blankets patterns or traditional batik for ornate multicultural allure. Upholstered parsons chairs and shapely barrel chairs particularly pop in bold designs. Place your patterned accent chair underneath a contemporary pendant light to fashion an artful scene stealing vignette.
Tufted Leather Armchairs
For quintessential old-world allure, elegant leather armchairs promise decadent European flair. Deep button-tufting lends plush ornamental detail as rich mahogany wood frames establish stately gravitas. Pair tufted leather seating with a Chesterfield sofa, claw foot side tables, a ornate area rug and library bookcases for full cozy British manor ambiance. Choose chestnut brown hues for a traditional gentlemen’s club feel or opt for inky black leather for lavish modern refinement. Luxe armchairs transform your living room into an intimate sanctuary for curling up with a glass of aged Scotch or classic literary novel.
Custom Upholstered Chairs
Bespoke upholstered chairs provide the pinnacle of personalization for your space. Select high end designer fabric by the yard from your favorite Etsy artisan or local interior designer. Contrast multiple patterns like dynamic stripes and scrolling damask for an eclectic mismatched coordinate look. Pick a posh velvet that matches the hue from a beloved art print already hanging in your living room. Add custom details like antiqued brass nailheads, contrast double welting or a sentimental monogram for elevated singularity. Building chairs to suit your distinct vision results in a living room that brilliantly broadcasts your essence.
Tying a Room Together
After selecting the perfect standout living room chair, strategically incorporate it within your existing interior. Mindful placement and repetition of key design concepts pulls the space together into a polished curated vision.
Repetition and Contrast
Echo hues, shapes, textures or patterns from current furniture and artwork. For a cohesive aesthetic, choose chairs that complement favorite detailed elements. A custom chair made in the exact orange velvet of accent throw pillows ties spaces together through smart color repetition. Contrast weaves interest by blending complementary designs that vary in color, shape and texture. Place that same orange velvet chair alongside a navy blue leather sofa and aged oak coffee table for compelling variation.
Strategic Placement
Living room chair placement impacts both aesthetics and functionality. Position standout chairs near focal points like fireplaces, large windows or conversation areas. Angle seating toward views you wish to highlight. Place chairs near side tables that hold table lamps for ample reading light. And take measurements so walking paths accommodate comfortable traffic flow for guests no matter the occasion. Well-situated statement chairs attract attention while facilitating an inviting ambiance.
The plethora of living room chairs spans a wide range of styles, shapes, materials and colors to suit any taste or decor. Seek chairs that align with your personal aesthetic and your room’s existing elements. Mid-century modern, patterned accent chairs, tufted leather armchairs and custom upholstered pieces each promise unique flair. Strategically place your standout chair to showcase your style for guests during your next dinner party or relaxed family movie night.
