Add Instant Style with Upholstered Chairs

An upholstered chair can bring a high level of style into almost any room in your home. One of the main reasons customers will decide to add an upholstered chair is because they want the fun colors and patterns but do not want the commitment of a larger item, like a sectional. Upholstered chairs are not only about style but are also extremely functional acting as extra seating for guests or as chairs to complement your formal dining room. Whether you are looking for club chairs, wing chairs, or recliners, Home Gallery Stores has one of the largest selections of any online retailer.

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Placement and UseUpholstered Chair

An upholstered chair can easily fit into almost any room in your home. A living room, den, study, family room, bedroom, guest room, or dining room can all be enhanced by an upholstered chair. For some people, adding an accent chair is purely for aesthetic purposes and they will choose a style that is heavy on decoration and low on comfort. For others, an oversized upholstered reclining chair is the perfect place to watch TV and nap. Even if you have an intended use in mind, think about who is frequently in your home and how they will use the new chair. For instance, many customers we talk to will want an upholstered chair that is ornamental but sturdy enough to last through kids and pets playing on it. As with all furniture, it’s about figuring out how the piece is going to be used and making an educated purchase based on your needs.

(Pictured: Lexington Augustine Chair)

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What's My Style?

Upholstered chairs are one of the easiest ways to make a major style impact in a room. For people who love patterns and colors, an accent chair is a low-commitment but high-impact way to bring an interesting look into a room. Instead of buying a sofa or sectional in a trendy pattern that cannot easily be changed, many accent chairs are easy enough to re-upholster if you find later on that you want a change. With upholstered chairs, you can find literally every style, shape, and color imaginable to help transform your desired look into a reality. Be sure to carefully consider where the chair will be used before settling on a color or pattern. White dining chairs look great in magazines but are going to show stains instantly and may not be easy to clean.

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Types of Upholstered Chairs

Upholstered chairs come in a variety of shapes and sizes with a variety of functional attributes. Here are some of the different types of upholstered chairs that can be used throughout the home.

Recliners

Adding a recliner is going to give you a relaxing and ultra-comfortable place to stretch out and read a book, watch TV or take a nap. Recliners often take up more space than you are anticipating, so make sure that you are measuring the width and depth of where you want to put the recliner. An important thing to remember is that you cannot put a recliner flush against a wall; when measuring, account for around 3-4ft of space from a wall to allow for the full reclining position. Then once you have figured out the dimensions, decide on the style of recliner. Traditionally, recliners have a very specific plush look but now you can find recliners that are have a less bulky design that you might not automatically recognize as a recliner. Recliners can either be manual or have a power recline mechanism. When picking between manual and powered, consider who will be using the recliner and which will be more convenient and easiest. Some of the features that can come with recliners are more aesthetic, such as nailhead trim or casters, or more functional, like cooling cup holders or an iPod dock. It just depends on what your style and intended use for your recliner is when selecting what features you would like.

Club Chairs

Arguably one of the most well-known of upholstered chairs, chairs originated in France and were known as fauteuil confortable, meaning the “comfortable chair” and feature low backs, plush seats and wide arms. Over time the shape has changed somewhat and the definition of what is considered a club chair has broadened. Typically the most distinguishing characteristic of a club chair is the enveloping arm shape and soft design.

Upholstered Accent ChairAccent Chairs

Accent chairs can be used to help fill bare spaces and stylishly pull together living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, home offices, or entertainment rooms. When looking for an accent chair, know that there are several ways to incorporate them into your home. You can choose one that is more traditional in a neutral shade that can be mixed and matched with different color accessories. Or pick an accent chair in a fun chevron or bright floral pattern to be the standout, focal piece of a room. Even though accent chairs are typically considered just an aesthetic addition, you don’t need to sacrifice comfort and functionality. There are several types of accent chairs to choose from that are both comfortable and stylish. The classic wing chair is characterized by the enclosing “wings” that are mounted to the back and typically expand to the arms. Slipper chairs are one of the most popular types of accent chairs because the low slung back and seat and clean lines fits nicely into any existing décor. Parsons chairs are a great option if you want to add an accent chair but don’t have a lot of space; Parsons chairs are armless and typically narrow but provide lots of sophistication. Barrel chairs or tub chairs are characterized by their rounded back and arms to form a half-barrel shape. No matter what type of accent chair you are looking for, they can all be found in different colors and patterns, so choose the shape that best fits your decorating tastes. Whether you are looking to add a touch of elegance, a pop or color or give a modern feel to an otherwise classic room, an accent chair will provide the look you desire.

(Pictured: Powell Diana Swoop Back, Cap Arm Accent Chair)

Sleeper chairs

For many people, investing in a sleeper sofa is somewhat out of the budget – especially if guests are far and few between. Sleeper chairs are a great alternative to air mattresses or sleeper sofas and still allow for the occasional overnight guest to feel comfortable. A sleeper chair is going to have a larger scale than most upholstered chairs and when folded out is the size of a twin bed. So while it is not as convenient if you have multiple people coming to visit but a sleeper chair can be a great addition for smaller spaces.

Dining Chairs

The first step in shopping for a dining room chair is to measure your dining table – measuring beforehand ensures that you know how many chairs you can fit and you won’t be surprised when your chairs are delivered. Another thing to consider when choosing a chair is if you want an arm chair or side chair. Side chairs can allow you to fit more chairs at your table because they do not have the extra bulk of an arm chair, making these a great option for larger families. When you are shopping for dining chairs, remember that you want a chair that will just as comfortable as it is stylish – no one wants to be at Thanksgiving dinner and unable to think about anything other than the hard chair they are sitting in. This does not just mean if the cushion is plush. Comfort means is the seat wide enough? Is there enough room in between chairs to easily get in and out? Is the curve of the seat and back designed for a person or is will it be too rigid? Parsons chairs are a very popular dining chair option because they are lightweight, a comfortable design for sitting, somewhat narrow so you can fit more people at a table and they have a sophisticated look. Browse different styles and find one that looks like a chair that you would be comfortable sitting in for all of your family dinners.

Office Chairs

Executive chairs are the ultimate “I’m the boss” statement chairs. If you are looking for a chair that is as equally handsome as it is comfortable, then an executive chair is what you need. Executive chairs are usually leather upholstered, mobile and have an adjustable height, making them very practical but they are also very traditionally styled. This is a good option if you have clients over often and want to make a strong impression. Task chairs are built for mobility for the busy worker who needs comfort throughout the day. A task chair is lighter and less bulky than most executive chairs, making it a good option for someone who needs to be able to move around frequently. A task chair can fit in nicely with most décors because of the simplistic style. If comfort is your number one criteria for choosing a desk chair, then an ergonomic chair is your best bet. Ergonomic means it is designed for maximum comfort, ease of use, and efficiency, so there really is no better option chair in the comfort category. Ergonomic chairs tend to have a more contemporary look and would like very nice in a modern, minimalist office. Reception and Side chairs are very basic, usually wood chairs that are good options for students, in a waiting room or as additional seating in a small office. These types of chairs do not take a lot of room, can be moved very easily and are at affordable prices. While this type wouldn’t really be the most comfortable option for the person who will be sitting at their desk for 8+ hours a day, they are a great for those who only use their office for limited times. Other features you should consider when looking for your desk chair are arm style, stationary or mobile, upholstered or not, seat height and upright or tilting.

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Shape and SizeExposed Wood Chair

Generally speaking, all types of upholstered chairs are on the small to medium scale. However, this is in relation to the type of chair. Dining chairs are naturally going to be a smaller scale but size will differ between arm chairs, side chairs, and Parsons chairs. Club chairs are going to have the biggest difference in size because there is no standard shape. High-back wing chairs are going to take up slightly more space than most upholstered chairs. Pictures can definitely be misleading and will not give you an accurate representation of the size in relation to your home. This is why it is so important to always measure furniture before making a purchase. Also, be sure to map out how the chair will flow with the rest of your furniture. Will there be enough space to walk? Is this chair the right height to complement the other furnishings in that room? Also, you need to consider if you want an arm or side chair. This will likely depend on the intended use. Small side chairs are good to use at a dining table whereas as a larger club chair with cushioned arms is going to be best in a living room.

(Pictured: Sam Moore Antigo Exposed Wood Chair)

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The Best Materials for an Upholstered Chair

A wide variety of fabrics can be used to upholster chairs. What you choose will depend on your intended use. For instance, chenille may be soft and durable and great for day to day living. Leather is consistently in style and ages beautifully; another benefit of leather furniture is the Mayo Clinic has suggested it is good for people with allergies. Kid and pet friendly options are microfibers, polyesters, performance leathers and leather alternatives such as polyurethane. These fabrics are going to be durable and easy to clean. When you are looking at upholstered chairs online, it is best to contact a sales representative from the retailer you are considering purchasing from to get specific fabric content and cleaning instructions.

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Editorial Assistance by Home Gallery Stores Staff