Which chairs and sofas are best for your living room?

Which chairs and sofas are best for your living room?

We have a lot to our chairs and seating. These pieces of furniture breathe life into our living rooms and office spaces, but even more importantly, they’re right there for us whenever we need to kick back and take a load off. Interior furniture first and foremost needs to look good, but it must also offer a cosy, prospective escape when time allows. When shopping for chairs; comfort and design are right at top of the tick boxes. So far, so good, right? But what about Longevity? Suitability? Care? Construction? These elements need real consideration...

1. Which chairs and sofas are best for your living room?

You’ll need a piece of furniture that fits in finely with the surrounding décor (e.g. leather chair for a modern office, wicker chair for a breezy conservatory) but you’ll also have to think about size and proportion. You don’t want your chairs to be too big for the room, but it’s important they aren’t dwarfed by other objects either. Take that tape measure out before you start shopping and assess the amount of space you have to play with. Try to ensure there’s a sufficient gap between different chairs, and also between the settee and coffee table.

2. How do your chairs arrive?

Occasional chairs often arrive fully assembled, although larger, longer items may be split into two parts initially so they can be manoeuvred into the room. It’s essential to take room measurements before you buy – including doorways and wall dimensions – so you can guarantee this furniture will fit inside without being scuffed on a corner en route.

3. How do I care for this furniture?

You’ll need to follow particular cleaning procedures for different types of upholstery (wicker vs leather, for example). Nonetheless, there are a few measures you can take to prolong the lifespan of your occasional chair or sofa, no matter what you buy. Refrain from sitting or resting heavy items on the arms, and consider floor protectors to prevent wooden boards from furniture foot marks. Keep liquids and sharp objects well away from the item, regardless of the material, and attempt to keep seats out of direct sunlight to avoid tone fading and damage over time.