How to Choose the Right Chair for Your Home

Finding the right chair for your home can seem like an overwhelming task. With endless options to choose from in every style, material, and colour, how do you even begin to narrow it down? This detailed guide will walk you through all the key factors to consider when picking out the perfect chair. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sitting stylishly and comfortably in no time.

Think how you will use the chair

First, think about how you will use the chair regularly. Chairs serve very different purposes depending on the room they’re in, so take time to envision how you’ll interact with the chair.

For the dining room, you’ll want a chair that can hold up to daily use for long periods of time. Look for a sturdy, armless chair with a cushioned seat can be a good option. Armless chairs allow flexibility in pulling up close to the table. It also allow more people to fit around a table comfortably. However, Stool-type seat is perfect for occasional dining, instead of a full chair.

For a desk chair, excellent back support and ergonomics are key because you’ll be sitting at your desk for long periods of time. Chairs with ample padding, lumbar support, and adjustment options like seat height, tilt, and arm width allow you to customize the fit. If you need to move about less frequently, go for a stationary chair or a rolling base with wheels for easy movement. Cozy chairs and recliners in living and family rooms invite relaxation for conversation, reading, or TV.

For a bedroom reading corner, look for a chair with ample cushioning and comfortable proportions. Prioritize comfort and lumbar support over style since you’ll likely curl up and read for long periods.

If space allows, a chair and ottoman combination lets you put your feet up and increase blood circulation. A rocking chair is another excellent option that allows gentle, calming motion—ideal for lulling oneself to sleep.

Think about whether the chair will accommodate different people. Choose a durable, easy-to-clean chair for kids. Customize proportions for your chairs without worrying about multiple users.

Ensure Proper Ergonomics and Overall Comfort

An often overlooked but incredibly important factor is how ergonomic and comfortable the chair feels. It’s not something you can determine just by looking at a chair.

It’s best to sit in chairs for at least 10 to 15 minutes to check the comfort level. Ignore soreness from the short-term pressure of a new seat. Pay more attention to how your back, legs, and body feel after those initial 15 minutes.

Test out the seat depth so your legs don’t feel like they’re hanging off the edge or you don’t feel sliding forward on the seat. There should be 2 to 4 inches between the back of your knees and the seat edge. The seat height impacts the bend in your knees and the alignment of your thighs to your torso. Your feet should rest flat on the floor without excessive knee-bending.

Lumbar support in the lower back prevents soreness and slouching. Find a chair with adjustable lumbar support so you can get the perfect amount of cushioning for your lower back. Cushion softness is a matter of personal preference, but avoid chairs that are too soft or too firm. Medium-density seats offer the best balance of comfort and support.

Chairs with rocking or moving ability add movement and decompression of the spine to increase comfort. The tilt tension on an office chair should be easily adjustable to find proper recline resistance. Armrests provide relief for the shoulders and upper back, but some chairs are more comfortable without them.

Fabric choice also impacts comfort. Breathable, airy fabrics like mesh allow ventilation, so you don’t get overly warm. Cushions wrapped in soft leather or vinyl tend to cause more sweating.

And watch out for cushions that are overly soft—they seem cozy at first but don’t offer proper support. As always, test the chair in person whenever possible.

Think about Scale, Size, and Proportions

In addition to comfort, it’s important to choose a chair size and proportions that look good in your room. Measure the chair’s height, width, and depth before purchasing to confirm it’s suitable for your room.

An oversized chair in a small space will look awkward and dominate the room. Conversely, a tiny chair in a large room will look comically out of place and undersized

Use the measurements of existing furniture as a guide. When choosing dining chairs, make sure the seat height is right so that your arms can rest comfortably on the table. This creates balance and cohesion, so the pieces complement each other.

In the living room, pick chairs that are relative to the sofa and other seating. Anything too large or small will throw off the pleasing symmetry.

Take measurements of your own body too. Your legs should fit comfortably within the seat width without splaying too far outward. Measure from knee to heel to determine the right chair depth. And measure your hips across to pick a seat width wide enough to accommodate your frame. Having measurements on hand, like your torso height, makes it easier to choose a chair that aligns with your body.

Leave plenty of space around your rocking chair to avoid bumping into walls or tables while rocking. Place rocking chairs flush against a wall only if they have a very limited range of motion.

Take Time to Find a Style You Love

Once you’ve sorted out functionality and fit, the fun part is choosing a style that captures your personal taste. Are you traditional, modern or retro? Formal or artsy? On-trend or more classic? Take some time to browse chair styles and find ones that attract you.

Traditional styles like wingback chairs, club chairs, and tufted leather armchairs have an enduring, classic appeal. Their structured shapes have graced dining and living rooms for decades. Mid-century modern chairs have legs that spread out at the bottom and are thin at the top. They are also low to the ground and have a relaxed shape, which makes them look retro and stylish.

For a more contemporary style, transparent chairs have an invisible minimalism. Soft chairs provide a cozy spot of texture. Choose chair styles you like and mix and match for an eclectic look.

The lines and form of a chair should suit your personal aesthetic. If you love mordern chairs, avoid chairs with a lot of carvings and decorations. If you prefer traditional, skip the very fashionable round chairs. Classic chairs are the best choice for long-term furniture, while bold or unique chairs are better for temporary purchases.

Check Fabrics, Colours, and Pattern Choices

Fabric, colour, and pattern deserve careful consideration as well. Fabrics need to stand up to your family’s daily use and be easy to clean. Leather or synthetic leather is durable and easy to clean. Durable polyester fabrics last well, but delicate fabrics like velvet and loosely woven fabrics show damage quickly. Especially with kids and pets around. Microfiber is an affordable alternative that resembles the softness of microfiber while hiding dirt better.

For colour, picture what complements your existing decor. If your palette is warm, add chairs in tan, terracotta, mustard, or chestnut tones. For cool shades, look at greys, teals, light blues, and seafoam.

Neutral chairs give you the flexibility to swap out pillows and blankets seasonally. Bold colour makes the chair the center of attention. while neutral cushions let the chair fade into the background.

Vivid, large print patterns energize a room, while uniform prints like polka dots or plaids add playful personality. Sticking to a single pattern in different shades helps tie your furniture together.

But don’t go overboard with too many wild patterns, as they’ll compete for attention. Instead, mix solids and prints in the same colour family to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. And if you’re unsure, a solid-coloured chair is always a safe bet.

Shop Smart: Find the Right Balance of Budget, Quality, and Looks

Shopping for chairs requires striking that perfect balance between your budget, priorities, and style you’re seeking. First, get clear on what overall quality of chair you need. An inexpensive chair from a big box store may only last 1-2 years before falling apart. While premium designer chairs at $2,000+ feel amazing but strain the budget.

A well-made chair will last for years, so plan to spend $250-$600 on a mid-level chair. It’s a great investment! And of course, sale prices or high-end brands purchased second hand could also fit into this budget range.

When evaluating budget and quality, prioritize ergonomics, comfort, and construction over name brands. A $500 chair from a lesser-known brand can beat a $750 brand-name chair, as long as the first has better materials and support. And don’t sacrifice proper lumbar support and cushion comfort just to save a few bucks. Short-term savings on a chair you rarely use is money wasted.

Take time to research chair manufacturers you’re considering to ensure they use quality materials and durable construction. Look for kiln-dried hardwood frames, corner blocking and reinforced joinery that will last for years. American made furniture tends to have the highest standards in craftsmanship and materials.

Putting It All Together: Final Tips for Finding the Right Chair

Finally, a few last pointers to cement everything we’ve covered on your journey to finding that right chair for your home:

With this comprehensive guide to selecting the right chair for your home, you now have the information to shop confidently. Take your time, keep an open mind, and envision how the chair complements your life and decor. Before long, you’ll be sitting relaxed and content in a chair that suits you perfectly. The right chair for your sitting is out there waiting for you!