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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
CABRIOLE
Characterised by an often ornately carved, continuous rounded frame, and upholstered in luxurious fabrics, this style became popular during the 18th century.
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.
DAYBED
This resembles a bed, except that it can have arms on both ends, or even a back.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
FOOTREST
This is important for comfort – you should be able to rest your legs on them, and not have them danglingse an adjustable model.
BASE DESIGN
Either a pedestal base, usually in metal, or a stool with legs.
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.