Seating Arrangements

You probably have more seats than any other piec e of furniture – from sofas to loungers, armchairs to dining chairs and s tools. Seats help set the s tyle for a spac e, and here, we show you your options, plus ho w to tell a chesterfield from a c abriole, and a wing-back from a Windsor!

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

You probably have more seats than any other piec e of furniture – from sofas to loungers, armchairs to dining chairs and s tools. Seats help set the s tyle for a spac e, and here, we show you your options, plus ho w to tell a chesterfield from a c abriole, and a wing-back from a Windsor!

Kartell Plastics Duo sofa, price upon request, from Space.
Kartell Plastics Duo sofa, price upon request, from Space.
Uno (combination Q1) sofa, from $1,780, from King Living.
Uno (combination Q1) sofa, from $1,780, from King Living.
Tradition Fly sofa, $8,005, from Grafunkt.
Tradition Fly sofa, $8,005, from Grafunkt.
Fredicia Haiku sofa, from $7,557, from Danish Design.
Fredicia Haiku sofa, from $7,557, from Danish Design.
B&B Italia Tufty-Time sofa, price upon request, from Space.
B&B Italia Tufty-Time sofa, price upon request, from Space.
Types of sofas
CHESTERFIELD

Known for its quilted style, this 19th-century English design is traditionally upholstered in deep brown or tan leather, and features rolled arms, a deep seat and wooden feet. Often associated with old-school drawing rooms and libraries, it has a “preppy” look.

Felix Studio Bed, from $5,460, from King Living.
Felix Studio Bed, from $5,460, from King Living.
LAWSON

This has a distinctive backrest comprised of removable pillows separate from the sofa frame, and arms that are lower than the back. It’s usually upholstered in fabric and layered with large cushions.

Gus Switch sofa, $2,720, from Journey East.
Gus Switch sofa, $2,720, from Journey East.
TUXEDO

With ties to Modernism and the 1920s, this style is defined by a frame with arms and back of equal height. It cuts a low rectilinear profile, with elegant proportions.

Elliot sofa, $3,999, from Courts.
Elliot sofa, $3,999, from Courts.
CABRIOLE

Characterised by an often ornately carved, continuous rounded frame, and upholstered in luxurious fabrics, this style became popular during the 18th century.

Lucano Sanur sofa, $890, and ottoman, $290, from Star Living.
Lucano Sanur sofa, $890, and ottoman, $290, from Star Living.
Sancal Duo sofa, $13,583, from Dream.
Sancal Duo sofa, $13,583, from Dream.
King Cloud II recliner, from $8,214, from King Living.
King Cloud II recliner, from $8,214, from King Living.
Cassina LC4 chaise longue, $7,269, from Dream.
Cassina LC4 chaise longue, $7,269, from Dream.
B&B Italia Landscape chaise longue, from Space.
B&B Italia Landscape chaise longue, from Space.
Walter Knoll My Chair chaise longue, $11,703, from Proof Living.
Walter Knoll My Chair chaise longue, $11,703, from Proof Living.
CHAISE LONGUE

Literally translated as “long chair” from French, this is an upholstered seat that is long enough to support the user’s legs. Some models feature an arm.

Moroso Saula Marina lounger, $14,379, from Xtra.
Moroso Saula Marina lounger, $14,379, from Xtra.
DAYBED

This resembles a bed, except that it can have arms on both ends, or even a back.

Lema Yard daybed, $10,040, from W. Atelier.
Lema Yard daybed, $10,040, from W. Atelier.
RECLINER

A comfortable chair that reclines, it has a backrest that can be tilted back and, often, a footrest that can be extended using a lever. Some models have smart features, such as sensor control.

Lucano Tatum Master chair (adjustable backrest and headrest), price upon request, from Star Furniture.
Lucano Tatum Master chair (adjustable backrest and headrest), price upon request, from Star Furniture.
Tom Dixon Wingback chair, $12,589, from Xtra.
Tom Dixon Wingback chair, $12,589, from Xtra.
MDF Italia Mia chair, $4,439 from Dream.
MDF Italia Mia chair, $4,439 from Dream.
 PP Mobler Teddy Bear chair, from $34,155, from Space.
PP Mobler Teddy Bear chair, from $34,155, from Space.
WING - BACK

A distinctive accent chair, it features a typically high back, winged sides and a generous scale. The protective “wings” were originally designed to shield its occupant from draughts and heat from the fireplace.

HK Living Rattan Egg chair, $990, from Make Room.
HK Living Rattan Egg chair, $990, from Make Room.
CLUB

This armchair gets its name from the fashionable 1850s’ English gentleman’s clubs where it was often used. It is usually heavily upholstered, and has arms as high as its back.

Caracole Black Beauty chair, $1,549, from Taylor B.
Caracole Black Beauty chair, $1,549, from Taylor B.
SLIPPER

This type of chair was used in ladies’ bedrooms and dressing rooms. It is identified by its low height, narrow width and high back – it may have a shape resembling that of a shoe, but its name supposedly comes from its ideal proportions for sitting on to put on footwear!

Oliver B Onda chair, $2,999, from Harvey Norman.
Oliver B Onda chair, $2,999, from Harvey Norman.
WINDSOR

This traditional chair features a back that is bowed or hooped, with multiple thin, turned spindles attached to a solid seat, as well as spindle legs that splay outwards.

Challenge chair, $3,110, from Grafunkt.
Challenge chair, $3,110, from Grafunkt.
Vitra Monopod chair, from $3,255, from Space.
Vitra Monopod chair, from $3,255, from Space.
What to know
HEIGHT

Bar stools and counter stools have a crucial difference – bar counters are higher than standard kitchen counters, so the seat height of bar stools should be 70cm to 85cm, while that of counter stools should be 60cm to 68cm. Or, choose an adjustable model.

Knoll Bertoia bar stool, $2,476, from Dream.
Knoll Bertoia bar stool, $2,476, from Dream.
FOOTREST

This is important for comfort – you should be able to rest your legs on them, and not have them danglingse an adjustable model.

Caracole In Stitches high stool, $1,319, from Taylor B.
Caracole In Stitches high stool, $1,319, from Taylor B.
BASE DESIGN

Either a pedestal base, usually in metal, or a stool with legs.

Madam Stoltz stool in black and natural, $139, from Make Room.
Madam Stoltz stool in black and natural, $139, from Make Room.
BACK DESIGN

Backless – these allow you to sit and turn in any direction. Low-back – these have a contemporary look that is almost backless, but have some support. High-back – these are the most comfortable with full support, but tend to be heavier in look and weight.

De La Espada Commune stool, $1,621, from Dream.
De La Espada Commune stool, $1,621, from Dream.