July 2021 | Laura Fullow Designs

Statement Chairs That Stand Alone

by Laura Fullow | Jul 16, 2021 | Blog

The chair is perhaps the oldest, most utilized, and most functional piece of furniture that we humans have invented. No matter how much space you have in your home, you always have room for a chair. Chairs are often overlooked when considering furnishings. After all, they only seat one person and tend to be an afterthought or a one-off impulse purchase. Chairs usually get stuck in a corner with a side table and a lamp — not quite the inspiring setting in which to read a book or to chat with a friend.

I’d like to encourage you to think of a chair as a statement piece — a way to elevate your space and add some interest through different shapes, silhouettes, patterns, and textures. Also, consider how you want to use your chair. Do you like to curl up and lounge? A wide chair or a chair-and-a-half might be a good choice. If you often host parties, low-profile swivel chairs don’t obstruct conversations and guests can choose where to focus their attention.

Let’s explore a few of my favorite styles!

The Wingback Chair

The wingback chair is named for the tall “wings” attached to the back of the chair. This chair was originally designed in the 1600s and has remained mostly unchanged. The design served to shield occupants from drafts from behind while trapping heat from a fireplace. These days we don’t use them for their intended purpose, but they are still popular for their unique vertical shape and mix of wood and upholstery. This style is often used in living rooms, dining rooms, libraries, and home offices.

The *Veronica Indigo Chair* exhibits grandness and minimalism at once. The mahogany frame is finished in Harlow silver, with thin ribs of detailing outlining its arms and back. Ample padding makes it as comfortable as it is chic.

The Club Chair

The Club Chair is essentially an armchair with high arms that are padded, creating an enclosed, enveloped feeling. This style — also known as a smoking chair — was created around 1929 in France and soon became a staple in gentleman’s social clubs around the world. The Club Chair is traditionally covered in leather but rich upholstery fabrics are also appropriate. This style works well when paired with a side table, or in a media or theater room. Club Chairs can also be used in living rooms, libraries, studies, or home offices.

Covered in distressed black top-grain leather and mounted on a smooth swivel base of weathered oak, the *Maxx Swivel Chair* is a modern take on the classic library chair.

The Armchair

Armchairs are the most recognizable style — a cushioned, comfortable chair with arm support on each side. Armchairs are ideal for bookreading An armchair is a comfortable, cushioned chair with a support on each side, where you can rest your arms while you sit. Armchairs are often confused with accent chairs, and it is true that armchairs can be accent chairs, and accent chairs can be armchairs. However, an armchair always has arms; an accent chair may or may not have arms. Armchairs work well in any space and come in various sizes. An armchair with an exposed frame (arms and legs) will feel “lighter” in a space, as opposed to a fully-upholstered armchair that sits low to the floor.

Sculpted arms of drifted oak emerge from shaggy, cream-colored seating of Mongolian fur of the *Ashland Armchair*.

The Lounge Chair

Lounge chairs are long, low chairs with angled backs that allow for the occupant to recline, either partially or completely. Lounge chairs can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces, and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and reclining characteristics. The lounge chair was created in 16th Century France and was known as a chaise lounge, or “lounging chair.” During the Rococo period, the chaise longue became a marker of social status and was used by the wealthy to rest without the need for retiring to the bedroom. Today, lounge chairs complement a variety of decor styles and spaces. They can be found in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, foyers, and home offices.

The invitingly curved seat of the *Chance Lounge Chair* is accented with dramatic horizontal channels is covered in soft, camel-colored top-grain leather. Rich, tonal frame captures alluring negative—and positive—spaces.

Fun and Funky Chairs

Sometimes a statement chair is more than a particular style — it is a whole vibe! Whether you choose a traditional style with an updated twist or a unique, custom piece, a statement chair can be just the thing to elevate your space.

Pro Tip: Hanging chairs can be used indoors as well. It creates a fun, unexpected interactive element in your space — and teenagers love it.