Finding the perfect seating can be difficult. As a mom, I want my family to be comfortable, as a designer I want my furniture to be beautiful. Luckily, with hardworking performance fabrics we don’t have to choose one over the other. Today, I want to share a few designer tips that will help you choose the right seating for your family.
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- Measure -
The first thing you want to do is measure your room so you can figure out the right scale of furniture. This step should never be overlooked! You could find the “perfect” pieces only to bring them home and they don’t fit in your space properly, leaving you frustrated. You will want to measure the space, it is helpful to draw a simple floorplan on graph paper (see my other blog post about space planning).
- Style -
Now that you have your measurements done you can move on to deciding on a style. One of the first question I like to ask new clients is “Do you want your space to feel formal or informal”? Once you have answered this question, you should consider comfort. I always suggest looking beyond furniture sets that are too matchy-matchy so you can really customize your families comfort level. The biggest concern my clients have with more formal seating is comfort. Everybody has a different comfort level, but here are some tips to help. Look for a seating that is wide enough so you’re not having to shift around to find a comfortable spot. If its an upholstered piece, make sure it has adequate padding. Most quality seating will feel a little stiff at first but over time will soften with use as opposed to lesser quality furniture feels soft right away but doesn’t retain its shape over time. Now you can start looking at seating options. From your measurements, you can decide on the right scale. If you are working with a smaller space, you might want to consider some pieces that has visible legs. This will help create visual space and your room will appear larger. If you have a large space, you might consider a larger upholstered piece with well-defined shapes.
- Arms -
What style arms should I choose? The style arms you choose play an important role in the overall look of the furniture piece. Traditionally, there are three types of arms. English, Rolled and Square. The English arm is low and set back with a slight roll. It feels tailored and works well in homes that are traditional or even cottage style spaces. The rolled arm curves outward and will take up a little more space, something to consider if you have a smaller space. This arm is traditional but feels a little more casual and relaxed. You often see this style arm used with slipcovered pieces and if you enjoy naps on the sofa, this arm makes a good place to rest your head. This arm style feels right in most homes. The square arm (or box arm) has straight lines. This style feels right in a home with a vintage vibe, a more modern style or even a room that is more tailored. I like that you can use this style arm as extra seating when entertaining and its a great choice for smaller rooms as it takes up less space. Depending on the size of your space and how your family uses it, should determine the arms you choose.
- Fabrics -
With upholstered furniture, you will have the opportunity to bring in colors, patterns and textures that suit your personality. There are many different types of fabrics such as, linen, velvet, leather, and the list goes on. There is also a vast selection of patterns like, brocade, stripes, paisley, and so on. The fabric you choose for your seating is very important. Depending on the formality of your room or what stage of life you are at currently in, you may want something that won’t show stains easily or a fabric that has good protective coat. The fabric you ultimately choose should reflect your style. A newer fabric that is making waves is Crypton. This fabric quickly becoming a favorite of performance fabrics. Crypton is stain and odor resistant. It is antimicrobial and made without harmful chemicals, making it the perfect family-friendly fabric.
Details
Small details are incredibly important because they are what makes your room special. Adding things like tufting or exposed legs to your seating will make it unique and create this amazing statement piece in your room. Another detail to think about is the back of the seating. Will it be seen from all sides? If so, you may consider a chair with an interesting back detail. Don’t forget the details of your furniture because they are what make your room go from blah to beautiful.
Quality
Quality is one of the most important things to look for when finding the perfect chair. You should check to make sure the seating you are interested is structurally sound. Run your hand over the different surfaces, you shouldn’t feel any snags in the fabric or splintering in the wood. If you are shopping in person, is the furniture piece sitting level with the floor or is it wobbly? Does the wood dent easily? if it does in the show room, it will not hold up to daily life. If you are shopping online, real reviews will be your best friend!
Lately, I've been thinking about how entertaining at home used to be a regular part of social life, from casual cocktail parties to spontaneous evenings with friends and neighbors. Perhaps what our homes are missing isn't another beautiful piece of furniture, but more opportunities to connect. I'm exploring the return of in-person conversation, simple weekly get-togethers, and how creating intentional conversation spaces in our homes can help bring back a little more connection, community, and time together.