Lounge Chairs + Armchairs
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Modern Lounge Chairs & Armchairs
After the sofa, the lounge chair is the next most important piece of modern furniture in most living rooms, and together they form the core of living room design and function. A typical configuration might place a sofa across from a fireplace or other focal point of a room and then a mid-century modern lounge chair to the left and a modern armchair to the right. Place a coffee table in the center of the group and a well-chosen rug under that, and you have the makings of a great spot for entertaining. If a sofa is thought of as a good place for an afternoon nap, the living room accent chair is the place to curl up with a book or crossword puzzle.
Accent Chair Types
Lounge Chairs
Cozy and inviting, lounge chairs are accent chairs with deep seats and slightly reclined seat backs, designed to encourage relaxation. Lounge chairs may be fully upholstered or not, with wood or metal frames that add to their visual appeal. These comfortable chairs also may or may not have arms, with some contemporary and modern loungers being almost cup-like in shape.
Lounge Chairs with Ottomans
Though their backs are slightly reclined, lounge chairs on their own do not allow their occupants to fully stretch out with their feet up. This is where chairs with ottomans come in – these furniture pairings comprise a cozy chair and a matching ottoman, which sits just in front of the chair to provide a convenient place to put up your feet.
Armchairs
Armchairs are large, plush, typically fully upholstered accent chairs with vertical seat backs. They’re made to provide comfort and support to someone in an active position, though they can be just as comfortable for curling up in. As their name suggests, armchairs do have arms for added support.
Chaise Lounges
Chaise lounges, also simply called chaises, are comfortable accent chairs that are nearly completely flat, demanding utmost relaxation from their occupants. Chaises are long, reclined chairs made to contour to the body in a naturally reclined position. They’re typically armless and upholstered, though some chaise lounges may have visible frames and arms.
Recliners
Recliners are convertible accent chairs with built-in mechanisms for transforming from standard armchairs to reclined loungers or chaises. The mechanism may be activated by pulling a lever or simply leaning back in the chair, which will recline the seat back and extend a hidden footrest. These multipurpose chairs are excellent options for a wide variety of living and lounging spaces.
Hammocks
These outdoor lounging favorites are just as useful indoors. Indoor hammocks are hanging chairs typically made up of a simple panel of durable fabric or net of woven fibers suspended from one or more chains affixed to load-bearing posts or joists in your walls or ceiling. Because they’re made of fabric or rope, hammocks instantly contour to your body to provide total support. Plus, their soothing hanging motion adds to their relaxation potential.
Swivel Lounge Chairs
Swivel lounge chairs are accent chairs with swiveling bases that allow someone the freedom to position themselves at whatever angle they please without having to adjust how they’re sitting in the chair. With a swivel accent chair, identifying the best sitting position for engaging with all sides of a conversation is as easy as getting comfortable and turning the chair, not your body.
How to Choose a Lounge Chair
Consider lounge chair dimensions.
When choosing an accent chair, it’s good to consider size, comfort, and style all at once. Choosing a comfortable lounge chair should always be top priority, but it’s also important to choose a stylish chair with suitable dimensions for your space. Though almost all accent chairs are designed for a single sitter, there are no standard dimensions to reference – lounge chairs can vary widely in size from piece to piece. Be aware of how much space you have for accent chairs in your living room and pay particular attention to the dimensions of the chairs that catch your eye while shopping.
Opt for comfortable materials.
It’s important to be thoughtful when choosing an upholstery material for your lounge chair. As with other upholstered chairs, there are two primary material options to choose from: leather and fabric.
Leather Lounge Chairs: Upholstery materials and the function of a chair are important considerations. A leather lounge chair is a dream to mid-century modern collectors and contemporary interior designers alike. High-quality leather is durable, impressive, and handsome, becoming even more so over time. Leather is excellent at retaining heat, making leather chairs some of the warmest and most enveloping accent chairs available.
Fabric Lounge Chairs: Fabric lounge chairs are softer to touch and more breathable than leather options. Many modern fabrics come with superior durability and are available in a wide range of colors and textures. Many accent chairs and armchairs available at Design Within Reach can be upholstered in a number of fabrics including leather.
Style is of course an essential piece of the puzzle, but durability and ease of cleaning are also necessary considerations – especially if you live in a household with children or pets. For durability, think about leather, cotton, linen, wool, and some synthetic fabrics. But beware: leather can scratch easily. When shopping for accent chairs at Design Within Reach, click the question mark beside a material’s name for information on its content, durability, ease of cleaning, and more.
Don’t forget an ottoman!
Modern ottomans provide a finishing touch and add that extra bit of comfort – a place to put your feet up after a long day. They also can add an informal extra seat when you have a roomful of guests. Whether you choose a recliner, chaise lounge, or a leather armchair, Design Within Reach offers a wide assortment of comfortable options.