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SanSerif Creatius is one of several companies marketing furniture designed for sustainability. This 100% cardboard recliner rests peacefully in nature. It's part of their "Grows and Let Grow" exhibition.
[caption id="attachment_1006" align="aligncenter" width="537" caption="SanSerif Creatius Cardboard Bold Chair"]
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Cardboard furniture is generally recycled, recyclable, made without nasty chemical finishes, and designed to break down in a natural environment. That process can take several years of sitting in the elements, or it can be sped up slightly by adding it to your compost pile once you're ready to move on. In the meantime, it has more style than the refrigerator boxes I used to decorate.
[caption id="attachment_1007" align="aligncenter" width="537" caption="Santiago Morahan Green Furniture"]
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The time for decomposition varies, and it's hard to believe these cardboard pieces can hold up as outdoor furniture. But if you like the look, you should probably go for it. (This Instructables makes it as easy as grabbing some glue and watching the video.)
[caption id="attachment_1004" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Punto Neptune Biodegradable Outdoor Furniture"]
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This toxin-free green furniture looks stronger and a little more comfy. I figure, even if it doesn't last as long poolside as something traditional, and lasts longer than we'd want in a landfill, it's better than burying plastic. A good alternative, just not always a perfect solution.
[caption id="attachment_1003" align="aligncenter" width="537" caption="'Pulp Furniture' Recyclable Cardboard Seating"]
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To really push the design, this sturdy set of coffee table, chairs, and clock look just like the coffee carriers and egg cartons they're likely upcycled from. I just hope I don't see a hundred of these in next month's compost: green furniture should still be furniture you can live with.
[caption id="attachment_1002" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Lloolo Textiles Biodegradable Design Accents"]
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Biodegradable textiles make me wonder when the technology will be adapted to make unwanted gifts disappear.
[caption id="attachment_1008" align="aligncenter" width="537" caption="Shinwei Rhoda Yen Green Furniture for Gardens"]
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This garden bench doesn't just decompose, it feeds the mushroom spores it comes with until it breaks apart. It sounds like a great living art project, for someone else. For now, I think it makes more sense to be nice to my heirlooms and buy new stuff at garage sales....
Photo by photogl/Shutterstock[/caption]
A leather couch is a piece that serves as a stately, beautiful addition to your home. Yet, with time as you enjoy using it, the leather couch that was the centerpiece of your living room can get faded and dull, taking away from the overall look of your room. As you look at your investment and wonder what happened, don't fear. You can salvage that leather couch and return its once rich and vibrant look with the help of proper leather care.
Focus on Getting It Clean
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Photo by Daleen Loest/Shutterstock[/caption]
First, before you begin any restoration, you need to clean the upholstery well. This is tricky, because anyone who has tried to clean leather knows that cleaning it with water or detergent, as you might have tried with non-leather upholstery, can damage the leather.
To avoid this problem, choose a mild cleaner designed specifically for leather. Look for one that is made from non-toxic ingredients, so you do not risk further damage to the leather from harsh chemicals. Before using the cleaner, brush off any visible dirt or debris, and consider using a vacuum to get loose crumbs and dust out of crevices on the upholstery. Beyond this basic dusting, however, you should not need to do any cleaning before using the leather cleaner, because the right leather cleaner will offer powerful cleaning action.
Many leather cleaners need to be diluted prior to use, so follow the instructions to properly dilute the cleaner. Then, test a discreet area of the upholstery before cleaning the entire piece, just to ensure that the leather does not react to the cleaner. If it does not, clean the leather using a small amount of the cleaner on a lint-free cloth. Take caution not to over-saturate the leather, and allow to dry completely after it’s cleaned.
At this point you may already notice a difference in the look of your leather couch or chair, because some of the dullness comes from caked on dirt and dust. However, to truly restore your leather, you need to do some conditioning as well.
What Is Leather Conditioning?
Leather is a product made from the hide of an animal. During the animal’s life, it constantly replenished its hide with natural oils. Once the hide has been turned into leather, it no longer has access to these critical oils. That is why leather often dries and cracks as it ages.
Leather conditioner restores that important moisture. With the right leather conditioner, your dry, cracking upholstery can look like new again, simply by giving the leather the moisture it needs.
How to Use Leather Conditioner
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Photo by Cunaplus/Shutterstock[/caption]
Applying leather conditioner is easy. Your couches are already clean at this point, so you need to grab a new lint-free cloth and apply a small amount of your chosen leather conditioner to the cloth. Then, rub it into the leather. You may notice a slight darkening of the leather, but don't worry, this is normal. In most cases it will lighten as the conditioner dries.
Working a little bit at a time, cover the entire couch or chair with your leather conditioner. You may notice a bit of excess on the surface, which is OK at this point. However, if you are seeing a lot of excess, you are using too much conditioner. A quality leather conditioner will go a long way using a small amount, so start with just a little and work your way up to more if you need it.
Once the couch is covered, it needs to dry. Let it dry overnight, if possible, to ensure that all areas are fully dry. Once the upholstery is dry, wipe off the excess conditioner. You will be amazed at how beautiful and clean your furniture looks.
Tips for Choosing the Right Products
With just a little bit of work, your leather upholstery can be in close to new condition again. However, the key to success is finding the right product. As you shop for leather cleaner and conditioner, look for a product made from natural, non-toxic ingredients. If possible, find a product that comes from a company that specializes in leather care. Doing so will ensure that the product gives you the desired results.
With the right product, you can restore the look of your leather couch, chair or other piece of furniture, breathing new life into it and saving yourself the cost of replacing an expensive piece.
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Photo by Alex Roz/Shutterstock[/caption]
About the author: Jim McGowen is the founder of Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, the #1 selling leather conditioner on Amazon.com. The company's new product, Leather Honey Leather Cleaner, works to clean the leather prior to conditioning. A supplier to many industries, Leather Honey has the perfect leather conditioner for furniture....
Marianne Wing Chair 6071399 from Bailey Street by Sterling Lighting[/caption]
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Eclectic, reclaimed, and upcycled furniture and decor items are in in a big way, with an emphasis on black and white contrast or at least a gray-scale-and-sepia-tones combination that evokes a turn of the century look and feel, like a black and white photograph. That means lots of found art, like manuscript pages, musical notation, or even postmarks or passport stamps. But while usually these are printed on paper and used as wall art, a simple off-white upholstery beautifully mimics aged parchment, and is a perfect medium for these unconventional "patterns."
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Chateau Blanc Arm Chair HKG-94027-2 from AFD[/caption]
Antique style chairs that feature upholstery that's been "written" on are more common than you might think, and make for a gorgeous and striking accent in a room with a neutral, eclectic-antique decor. Typically, the upholstered parts of the chair are covered in elegant script in varying sizes and styles of handwriting, often in French and frequently punctuated with numerical notations, stamps, logos, or signatures. The designs can be distinct or more abstract, clear or smudged and muddied, but are usually printed on a material with a slightly coarse, canvas-like texture to give the chair a slightly more practical look and feel.
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Marianne Arm Chair 6071398 from Bailey Street by Sterling Lighting[/caption]
That said, the design of the chair itself can be fairly elaborate; ornately carved arm chairs or wingback chairs with nailhead upholstery are common choices, particularly ones with at least a hint of French antique inspiration. The wood portions of the chair can be painted, stained and polished, or left with a natural finish, but are generally designed to give the chair a sense of old world elegance and sophistication. If the material and patterning of the upholstery make the chair feel casual, the overall design keeps just that hint of formality for a really lovely transitional style.
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Citographie Gray Linen Armchair 23168 from Uttermost[/caption]
Though black on white is by far the most common color scheme for this design, it certainly isn't the only one out there. This Citographie chair from Uttermost pairs a blueprint colored blue-gray linen upholstery with assertive, print-style off-white text and bright brass nails, while other designs might pair more colorful stamps (postal or passport) with an off white upholstery. The point is less the color contrast and more the complex and overlapping layers of text that make these arm chairs really feel like an accent.
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Amrit Cube Ottoman 23138 from Uttermost[/caption]
Ottomans with this type of upholstery are also starting to make their way into the collections of many furniture designers, both as a pair for matching arm chairs and as an accent all their own. The style of the upholstery is overall quite similar, but the design of the ottoman itself is sometimes a bit more contemporary, like the Amrit Cube above. The difference is subtle, but worth paying attention to, as it can skew the look of the room as a whole to have a more modern industrial feel.
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Marianne Ottoman 6071400 from Bailey Street by Sterling Lighting[/caption]
Though arm chairs and ottomans are the most common, they're by no means the only type of furniture that features this type of script-as-pattern design. Painted chests, vanities, screens, and more have all gotten the same treatment, and are specifically designed to lend an old fashioned yet hand crafted touch to whatever room they're in. As with much of a restoration style, this particular look is meant to make antique styles feel a bit more practical and accessible rather than too nice to touch. For accent chairs in particular, the result is a chair that has an old world style, but that isn't too fancy to sit on.
What do you think of this distinctive fabric style? Do you like the look of these restoration style arm chairs? Let me know in the comments below!...
The white on wood of a classic Eames Eiffel chair beautifully matches the white on wood of a Scandinavian modern decor (by Increation Interiors Ltd)[/caption]
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White is the base color for a Scandinavian modern design, but unlike other modern styles, it isn't a cold, glossy white. Instead, it's a white that's specifically intended to make spaces feel wide, open, warm, and clean, particularly by emphasizing natural light. You won't find much texture or color on the walls, so the warmth of these very white rooms is created primarily with lots and lots of natural, light-finished wood, especially on the floor and, to a lesser extent, the furniture. The classic Eames Eiffel chair, with its simple, curved white seat and elegant wood legs is perfectly at home in this style, adding a bright, clean, slightly sculptural touch to a very simple space.
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Mid century modern chairs help maintain the simple elegance of a Scandinavian modern design, allowing a few bold, colorful accents to shine (by Design Platform, photo by David Lauer)[/caption]
Even beyond the white walls and light wood floors, Scandinavian modern design tends to be pretty light on color. Rather than a broad color scheme or even coordinating elements, this style prefers small, brightly colored accents that act as punctuation against all that white, like a single throw pillow or a simple yet colorful lighting fixture. Once again, a basic white-and-wood mid century modern chair helps establish this very neutral, natural color scheme, so the colorful focal point can be something small and specific.
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The simple, curvy wood arms and legs of mid century modern chairs stand out beautifully in a minimalist white on white room (via Houzz)[/caption]
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That said, in a sufficiently white room, the wood portions of a mid century modern chair are all the accent the room needs. This breathtakingly white bedroom is so stark and simple that the elegant, shapely arms of the matching accent chairs are intensely eye-catching. Since the arms and legs of mid century modern chairs are rarely simple, square, or ordinary, they make a natural pair for a very minimalist space, and add a softer, more organic element that makes all that white feel much more inviting.
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A Scandinavian modern space that favors wood is the perfect backdrop for all-wood chairs like these elbow chairs (by Christine Tuttle Interior Design)[/caption]
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Of course, not all Scandinavian modern spaces are quite so bare. By increasing the amount of wood used and intermixing all that white with a little bit of gray or very light beige, you get a space that's still simple, but that's much warmer and has a strong natural vibe - especially when paired with floor-to-ceiling windows. Here, a few mid century modern elbow chairs serve less to add color to the space and more to give it shape. With the exception of their subtly curved backs, almost everything in this kitchen is very straight and square, and that, combined with the elegantly tapered legs, helps mellow out the modern feel of the space and lets the natural element shine.
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Black leather mid century modern chairs add a more assertively modern element to an otherwise very natural, neutral Scandinavian style (by KUBE architecture, photo by Greg Powers)[/caption]
On the other end of the spectrum, leather-and-metal mid century modern chairs, like this iconic Wassily chair, can give this same simple, open, natural style a very chic modern appeal. While many mid century modern chairs are very sleek, curvy, and ergonomic in design, others are strikingly unusual (this one in particular is made of a series of leather straps pulled tight on a tubular metal frame). That, combined with the use of black leather and metal rather than white plastic or wood give the room a very different vibe, and stand out in contrast to the warm neutral backdrop.
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Subtle curves, natural wood, and simple finishes all add personality to a simple space (by John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA)[/caption]
Scandinavian modernism is nothing if not an extremely simple, minimalist style. But mid century modern chairs are a good mate for this type of design because they're deceptively simple themselves: the perfectly ergonomic shapes seem effortless, the lines clean, and the materials subtle and unobtrusive. But those same "simple" designs are widely considered prizes of 20th century design, and are immensely aesthetically pleasing. Though they're made from simple materials, they're ones that really shine when set against a subtle backdrop, and their gently curved and tapered lines add shape and elegance that's largely absent from a more contemporary take on "modern" design.
But what do you think of this slightly unusual combo? Do you like the way mid century modern chairs pair with a Scandinavian minimalism, or do you prefer them on a more traditional backdrop? Let me know in the comments!...
Brushed stainless steel chairs are a perfect match for a restaurant-inspired modern kitchen (by Chris Pardo Design - Elemental Architecture)[/caption]
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Metal chairs are a natural pair for a very modern, industrial style kitchen. Restaurant inspired kitchens focus on simplicity and functionality, and tend to feature a lot of sleek stainless steel, so metal chairs are right at home, either up against a kitchen island bar or at a separate dining table. The smooth lines typically found on metal dining chairs also helps foster the clean, finished look that's so desirable in a very minimalist contemporary design, and a simple brushed finish has just enough gloss and shine to add subtle texture and visual interest to a very simple space.
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Gunmetal gray chairs paired with concrete elements and exposed bulb lighting makes a picture perfect industrial style (by Zuo Modern)[/caption]
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Metal dining chairs and bar chairs also work incredibly well with a more rugged industrial/warehouse style, particularly when paired with concrete elements rather than stainless steel. This has a much grungier, edgier look than a chic minimalist modern style, and the chairs tend to have a more machine shop look and often slightly darker, gunmetal finishes. Here, metal chairs work well because they feel very sturdy and practical, but can give an older, converted space a more contemporary touch. Where metal-and-wood factory chairs would give a similar setting a more antique feel, a gunmetal chair has a very modern look.
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Metal dining chairs can add a homey touch to a relaxed cottage or farmhouse decor (design and photo by Saint-Onge Design)[/caption]
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That said, metal dining chairs don't have to be quite so aggressively modern, and actually can pair surprisingly well with a few very traditional styles. The kitchen above, for example, has a picture-perfect cottage feel, with gorgeous natural wood, textured fabrics, and lots of natural light. Here, the metal dining chairs feel more relaxed and casual, even homey. The simplicity of the classic Marais A chair's design certainly helps, and the use of a galvanized rather than brushed or polished finish only adds to the charmingly rustic quality of the space.
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Metal chairs work beautifully with a monochromatic gray decor, and can add a nice "found" element to a rustic chic style (by Alykhan Velji Design, photo by Bookstrucker Photography)[/caption]
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Conversely, metal dining chairs can add a surprisingly sophisticated touch to an upscale farmhouse design. A monochromatic gray-on-white decor has become a very popular choice for kitchens, dining rooms, and great rooms because most shades of gray feel very elegant without being too assertive, and stand out against white without being quite as high contrast as a black and white decor. Here, gunmetal gray chairs lend contrast to the predominantly white space, picking up the color in the table runner, artwork, and lighting fixture for a cohesive, monochromatic feel. Because the dark gray isn't quite black and the whites are often off white, the room has a softer, more antique feel, while the consistency in terms of color makes the room feel unified and just a little bit formal, despite the use of fairly rustic elements.
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Metal chairs can work surprisingly well in a transitional dining room, particularly if you choose ones with a more traditional silhouette (by Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25)[/caption]
Metal dining chairs with a more traditional design are perfect for a transitional space, since they combine a very contemporary material and finish with an iconic yet simplified traditional silhouette. In the petite dining area above, the traditional design of the metal chairs and the layers of color and pattern in the same color family give the space a subtle traditional feel, while the repetition of circular geometry (in the chair backs, tabletop, and pendant light) add a slightly more contemporary edge that makes the space feel clean and polished. The metal dining chairs don't stand out as an assertive accent, but are an integral part of the balance and unity of the design.
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Metal dining chairs can also act as a contemporary counterbalance to a very traditional space (by Fia & Company, photo by Bohdan Chreptak)[/caption]
Very modern metal dining chairs can also work in a transitional space when used as a counterbalance to more traditional elements. The dining room above is quite a traditional one, with antique hardwood floors, gorgeous wainscoting, a fireplace, and crown molding. But the simple metal chairs and minimalist dining table transform the space, giving it a much more contemporary air. The other, more transitional elements in the room balance out the two so the chairs don't feel out of place, but instead make a fresh statement in a very traditional space.
What do you think of these metal dining chairs? What style do you think they pair best with? Let me know in the comments below!...
Curran Armchair 23134 from Uttermost[/caption]
One of the simplest and most obvious ways to go about finding a statement chair is to look for a chair with a unique upholstery. If your sofa and recliner are done in solids, even a chair with simple stripes will stand out. Of course, the sky is the limit when it comes to the patterns available – not just the traditional stripes, checks, and polka dots, but everything from floral and paisley prints to colorful modern abstracts. Brocade fabrics will add a more traditional feel to your space, while bold colors (even solid colors!) can help liven up a neutral space. You can even find accent chairs covered with everything from the Union Jack to handwritten French script. And because it’s only a single piece of furniture, the pattern can be as bold, colorful, or busy as you please – it’s meant to draw attention, but the limited size and space taken up by a single chair won’t overwhelm the space. In this sense, accent chairs are really a great chance to let your design flag fly, and embrace the style you weren’t quite sure you could pull off on a whole-room scale.
Kavita Accent Chair 23197 from Uttermost[/caption]
Of course, bold colors and wild patterns aren’t for everyone. If you prefer a more neutral decor, one way to add a little extra style is with accent chairs that have a unique shape. If you have largely contemporary furniture, adding a simple wingback chair can be all the difference you need – the style will stand out by contrast, and add a touch of elegance even to a modern decor. But there are plenty of unusually shaped accent chairs out there, from fainting sofas to petite French-inspired benches with an odd number of thin, spindly legs or even retro pod chairs. Now, granted, odd shaped chairs aren’t always the most comfortable, but again, that’s sort of the point – these are chairs you can sit in, but that you don’t have to – they’re secondary to your main sofa or even your favorite recliner. But even a simple chair done in a unique shape, like this gorgeous Kavita armchair, can be delightfully eye-catching.
Winchester Armchair in Blue Denim 98216 from Zuo Modern[/caption]
This might seem like an odd feature (especially if you’re looking to avoid the frump factor), but roughing up an accent chair a little can actually add a lot of personality to the design. Again, this really only works when it's a single piece of furniture in a whole room, but a little wear and tear can turn a relatively generic accent chair into something genuinely artistic and interesting to look at. Maybe this will sound silly, but I can’t help but think of that armchair from The Matrix – you know, the red chair Morpheus sits in? It’s been beaten up, down, and all around a future dystopia, but for all that, it’s memorable, which is exactly what you want out of a statement chair. This Winchester chair is no Morpheus chair, but the same basic idea still applies – the industrial, grunge look of the slightly raggedy, roughed up denim is its own stylish force, and definitely sets a tone for the rest of the room. This also works well with antique wingback chairs, with a little or a lot of wear-through on the painted wood parts, or, for a sun room, weather worn wrought iron or wicker accent chairs are a great way to bring an outdoorsy feel inside.
Chahna Velvet Accent Chair 23620 from Uttermost[/caption]
One of the wildest choices (pun intended) you can make for an accent chair is animal print. The conventional ones are zebra stripes and cheetah or leopard print, but you can find statement chairs in just about any animal-themed material – croc leather, shark or ray skin, tiger print, cow hide, or (my personal favorite) giraffe print. These can range from downright safari like (with all the leather and mahogany you’d expect from a hunting lounge) to a lot more modern than you might expect. Textured leather accents are particularly coming into vogue on just about every type of furniture, and giraffe print in particular works well in a lot of colors you wouldn’t ever find on a giraffe to make a slightly abstract, slightly familiar pattern. Wild animal prints are bold and daring and not for the weak of heart, but are a great way to spice up a neutral decor without making a big pattern or upholstery commitment.
Classic Baroque Arm Chair 4609-C from PolArt[/caption]
Of course, the best way to choose an accent chair to showcase your own personal style and add a designer flair to any old living space is to simply go with your gut. If you see a chair that catches your eye and realize you can’t live without it, well, that’s probably a good bet. Whether it’s something done with a bold color, made out of a unique material, or just has that secret something that appeals to you, the best accent chairs are ones you know right on sight. For me, that might be these antique replicas made out of bright, glossy, colorful polyresin, but for you, it could be just about anything. It’s important to make sure that the accent chair you choose suits the room you want to put it in. A good accent chair will stand out without looking out of place – which can be a surprisingly fine line depending on how sharp the contrast between the chair and your existing decor. After all, the point is to get a chair that expresses your style without a big change – you won’t want to end up redecorating around your new favorite chair!
But what are you looking for in an accent chair?...
Cultured Collection Balloon Chair KS114016 from Toscano[/caption]
Dome chairs, as the name implies, are arm chairs that are topped off with a distinctive dome, giving them an unusual, balloon-like shape. The dome is attached to the back and sides of the chair, not only covering it like a canopy up top, but also ensconcing the chair from both sides as well. The dome can be deep or shallow, is usually (but not always) upholstered, and is designed to be tall enough that even very tall people can sit in them comfortably. The extra height and unusual shape are what make this chair so distinctive, and even a single one can add an arresting classic style to your living space.
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Victorian Parlor Balloon Chair AF16755 from Toscano[/caption]
But dome chairs weren't originally designed just for looks. From a historical standpoint, the most important function was protecting the person sitting in the chair from drafts. The sides and top of the chair create a relatively deep, sheltered space (though some are moreso than others), allowing you to sit back comfortably and be protected from currents of cold air in the surrounding room. Particularly facing a fireplace, that makes these chairs extra cozy, though often they were placed in less hospitable areas of the home - like an entryway - and used by servants while waiting to admit guests.
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Ellis Occasional Chair 98384 in Beige from Zuo Modern[/caption]
Though your home is probably less drafty than ones from a few hundred years ago, even in a modern setting, dome chairs certainly have their uses. For one, they're good at blocking sound as well as air flow, both insulating someone sitting in one from the noise of the room and, when paired with another matching chair, can create a relatively quiet, private conversation area. Dome chairs are particularly well suited to use as standalone reading chairs, because they create a cozy little self-contained nook that's warm, quiet, and perfect for curling up in.
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Lady Alcott Victorian Balloon Chair KS1140 from Toscano[/caption]
Though they're a bit more rare, you can also find double-wide dome chairs that are big enough to seat two. These are more like a compact settee than a full loveseat, but offer a little extra room, if not to share, than to curl up and get comfortable. This Lady Alcott chair is a bit on the narrower side for a two seater, but the back, arms, dome, and sides of the chair are all cushioned as well as upholstered for maximum coziness, meaning just about every surface inside the chair is comfortable for leaning or reclining. The wider dome is a touch less claustrophobic, but also a little less warm and cozy for one.
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Continental Balloon Chair I-JM-HUP016-PM from AFD[/caption]
Dome chairs are fairly easy to dress up or down to fit the style of your living space. While the big dome up top is always going to be a distinctive feature, the level of detail in the woodworking, the type of wood and finished used, and the type and amount of fabric used on the upholstery can all have a big impact on the final appearance of the piece. Chairs with unupholstered domes, for example, have a slightly more casual, wicker-like appearance that makes them a nice pair for a sunroom or conservatory, while satin, velvet, or leather in rich browns or gem tones are better suited to a parlor, library, or a more elegant living room. You can also find designs almost anywhere in between; accent chairs sporting simple, neutral-toned fabrics are particularly popular, and work well with a French country style.
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Dome Chair 4658-C from PolArt[/caption]
You can also find dome chairs with a more modern twist. Though it's hard to scrub the Louis XV influence out of the base design even if you strip away the ornate Rococo style woodworking, swapping from the traditional wood and fabric to a polyresin plastic and bonded leather in a solid, bold color creates a look that's very chic and very modern. The shape of the chair evokes the classical style, but the outlandish material choice gives the look a sassy, slightly tongue-in-cheek feel that's perfect for an edgy yet glamorous modern space.
Dome chairs are one of the more unique furniture designs out there, and they're a great way to give a distinctive look to your living room, whether you have a very traditional style, or a really stylish modern one, and they're absolutely perfect for anyone looking for a comfy chair to curl up and read a book in....
Pika 20 Lounge Chair, FMI10041 by Fine Mod Imports[/caption]
The pika style chair is a sleek, slick contraption that's form builds on the curves of the human body. Its swooping shape is less formal than a straight-backed chair, and also less hard on the spine. Held up on two strong but slender legs, it allows for slight movement and adjustment. Pika chairs might look fragile but they are actually surprisingly hardy. Like the iconic Barcelona chair, it is cool and contemporary, reminiscent of the comforts of modern living.
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Restro Lounge Chair, FMI1031 by Fine Mod Imports[/caption]
As much as this might look like a trendy piece of modern installation art, the ball chair is was created by a Finnish designer in 1963. Famous for its unusual shape, it is the perfect retro throwback. The interior is typically cushioned, for maximum lounging mileage.What I like best about the ball chair is that it goes both ways--funky and fun, or sleek and stylish. The model in the picture above--leather and polished aluminum--would fit right into a contemporary lounge, but these chairs are available in a range of colors and materials. So if you are more a hot pink or turquoise type, the ball chair has got your back.
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Adjustable Chaise In Pony, Brown And White, FMI1153, by Fine Mod Imports[/caption]
Probably one of the most iconic pieces of furniture of all time, the chaise-lounge has existed, to some degree, for millennia. There are pictures of people luxuriating on day-beds all the way back to ancient Egypt, although this particular couch is most commonly associated with the elegance of 19th-century salons and sumptuous boudoirs. Whether you plan on doing a lot of swooning, or just want something swank to lie around on, there are countless styles of chaise lounge, from leather, to velvet, to covered all over in rococo swirls.
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Fiona Lounge Chair by Bellini Modern Living[/caption]
Another timeless piece of furniture, the armchair is probably the most common type of chair out there. There are so many different kinds--wingback chairs, throne chairs, even rocking chairs. Though if you are really looking for the ideal lounge chair, the overstuffed is really the way to go. The one in the picture above is leather, but they come in basically every size, shape, and color, and no living room built around comfort is really complete without one. I did the majority of my college coursework curled up in one particular overstuffed chair.
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Otello Outdoor Lounge Chair, FMI10076 by Fine Mod Imports[/caption]
Alright, this may not be a living room chair per se, but show me the rule that says your lounge can't spread out into the great outdoors? Especially this time of year. Whether they are by the pool, the lake, or just a patio, outdoor lounge chairs turn a yard into an extension of your home. Some are built for sunbathing, and some are adjustable between flat and upright. Many outdoor chairs are made from weather-resistant materials, so you never have to worry about leaving them outside in the elements.
There are so many great ways to upgrade your living room to classy and comfy, and a lot of great manufacturers to choose from. Fine Mod Imports and Bellini Modern Living both have an extensive lounge-friendly section.
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Classic Baroque Chair, 4758-D by Polart[/caption]
If you are in the market for something classy yet simple and fresh, a baroque style chair may be the thing you're looking for. Baroque chairs make great dining chairs and can give a little spice to an average wooden dining table or offset a couch in the living room. You could consider this style of chair antiqued, but it is in a fun way! The tufted back you can see in this chair is definitely coming back in style, as now you can find tufted furniture in all kinds of fabrics and colors your heart could want. It also has clawed feet and a slight frame to differentiate it from standard chairs you might normally keep in your home.
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Restro Lounge Chair, FMI1031-brown by Fine Mod Imports[/caption]
Lounge chairs, while not as commonly identified by that name, are another kind of chair you may want to place in your home. It's an egg shape, what isn't there to love? This style is incredibly modern, and makes you feel surrounded and secure when sitting in one. Instead of having four legs, there is a singular, solid base which it stands on, giving the lounge (or egg) chair a different weight distribution and therefore a different feel when sitting in one. That comfortable, surrounded feeling is good for a teenager as well, as it gives them an extra sense of privacy in their room beyond a closed door! These are better for bedrooms and recreation rooms unless you have that modern-style theme throughout the home because it will otherwise stand out.
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Frame Finish Armchair, 611-C by Polrey[/caption]
A fancy armchair is also a good choice to consider, as it exudes regality with multiple frame finish and fabric options to customize with. Because of its decadence and arms on both sides, it's a better fit for a living room or bedroom and meant to be more of a centerpiece to a room than part of a consistent style; too much of this elaborate type of furniture can make a room feel stuffy and worse, be difficult to dust! But a chair or two is a nice touch to give a room the grandeur that it currently lacks. Like the baroque style chair, this also has a tufted back, but with a more elegant and less whimsical tone.
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Frame Finish Dome Chair, 658-C by Polrey[/caption]
A dome chair is a good compromise between the egg and the framed style chairs if you like the security the egg type provides but find its style clashing with a more traditional furniture set. It is not tufted like some of the other options, but instead has a dainty patterned and striped back. A brown, simple frame allows it for a lot more matching options with other furniture, especially in the living room. This also has clawed feet that give it a little extra character that your space may lack otherwise.
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Chesterfield Vinyl Chair, 777-P by Polart[/caption]
Vinyl is a "no muss no fuss" kind of fabric, difficult to stain and easy to clean, making it perfect for chairs. It can be placed in porches and living rooms alike. A living room chair outside? Don't worry, vinyl resists water so it can be rained on! Its light coloring and spacious arm rests give any room a sunny disposition. This vinyl chair in particular has tufted sides and overall comfortable seating.
Whether your needs are for fancy, elegant, fun, or other styles, there is a chair type for you....
Black Accent Chair, Malibu BLACK by Bellini Modern Living[/caption]
Neutral colors are the most fitting for a modern man chair, so go for a black, brown, or grey. Why? These colors are stain resistant and match everything, so you crack open a cold one with the boys on game night without having to worry about spills damaging your good chair if it gets a little rowdy. There's nothing worse than finding the perfect chair and then immediately staining it. It may seem a little boring to not have a chair with a lot of pizzazz in the color department, but a hot-rod red man chair can quickly look tacky in a living room environment.
Sydney Grey Velvet Chair, TOV-C64 by Tov Furniture[/caption]
Leather or a leather-looking equivalent is ideal because it's tough, like you, and it's a more durable kind of fabric to have for a good man chair. When it does wear and tear, it still looks good for a long time, as leather gets away with a classy "weathered" look in modern homes. You could also go for a softer touch like velvet if you find leather uncomfortable, which is completely understandable seeing as leather gets sticky in the summer or you just might need a little more cushion for long sitting periods. Remember the perfect man chair is about your own preferences and not what you think other people define a man chair as.
Espresso Occasional Chair, 98085 by Zuo[/caption]
Back and arm support are crucial to owning a comfortable man chair you can sit in frequently. You don't imagine a bar stool as a man chair because it's not intended to support you for long periods of time; you're not supposed to get too comfortable at a bar. That said, how high you want the arm rests to go, or if you prefer a chair without them, is a choice up to your personal levels of comfort. This also applies to if you want a chair that has a slight recline introduced in its back, which some of the chairs have as an option. Note that I'm not talking about reclining chairs, but chairs that have a permanent arch in their backing.
Jed Chair, TOV-A65 by Tov Furniture[/caption]
Once you have your basic structure of your ideal man chair picked out, let's get into the details. A truly modern chair is as minimalist as possible with no flourishes. This is the area where a leather fabric really shows off, being the man chair's main component. The most detail you're going to get on these kinds of furniture is in the legs. Do you want thin or thick legs on your chairs? Do you want them to taper, or be the same width throughout? Metal, wood, or wood look-alike are going to be your best options, and you should really think about what kind of flooring this chair is going to rest on, and if it's going to be moved often, when making the decision. You really don't want to pick a gorgeous man chair and then have it immediately scuff your floors. Wood legs are better on hardwood, and metal on carpet, though you can always buy a couple of little foam pads to stick to the underside and avoid scuffing entirely as well.
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Tanned Arm Chair, 23336 by Uttermost[/caption]
A stylish chair definitely is your other option, and the one that really has a lot of character. It's easy to get caught up in an excessive piece that looks good on its own, but clashes with the rest of your furniture. Go for a classy tufted back that gives your chair an old business kind of look, as buttons tend to match their chair's color and don't stand out too much. Nail head detailing is good for the same reason, though they are more neutral metal colors than the exact color of your man chair. A little bling for your chair tells everyone that you're not just a man, you're a stud. A nail stud. No matter what you end up choosing, your chair will be the perfect addition to a modern man cave.
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