Chairs for your home come in many different varieties, with a chair to fit every kind of space and need. You may wonder what some of the designations mean. Here are a few of the types of chairs you may use in your living area.
Wing Chair
Although the wing chair is a very traditional kind of chair, it has been reinterpreted and given a more contemporary flavor by many modern designers.
Wingback chairs are distinguished by the side panels or 'wings' on the back, which originally served the purpose of shielding from drafts in a room, or excessive heat from the fireplaces. Today, the wings provide a comfortable surface to rest the head for taking naps. A wing chair is perfect for lounging or reading.
Occasional Chair
An occasional chair is just that, a chair that is used occasionally. It is usually an extra chair that is used when you have guests over. Occasional chairs often end up being accent pieces in a room, selected for their decorative value more than anything else.
Club Chair
A club chair is a cushy, upholstered chair with arms. It has arms and a low back and is usually upholstered in leather. The term comes from 19th-century England where gentlemen's clubs that had this type of chairs for relaxing.
Like many other traditional styles, this one has been updated, too. While leather is usually the covering of choice, now club chairs come in fabric, too.
Side Chair
Typically, dining room chairs are side chairs. A side chair is a small chair with a frame that is not upholstered. It has a solid frame and it may or may not have arms. The seat and back may or may not be upholstered. Besides use in the dining room, side chairs may add extra seating in a living room or other spaces. They are not bulky like club chairs.
Slipper Chair
A slipper chair is an armless upholstered chair with short legs that let it sits closer to the ground. It is its low height that distinguishes it, and also makes it a comfortable choice for many.
While originally slipper chairs were used in ladies' bedrooms for sitting, or to help when getting dressed, they can be found in any room in today's modern home.
Recliners
A reclining chair is popular for reading and watching media. You can find traditional and stylish versions in leather or fabric. A recliner lets you put your feet up and relax, then stow the footrest when you're done.
Chaise Longue
A chaise is essentially a long chair, one on which you can stretch your legs without having to use an ottoman. The back is usually at a semi-reclining angle, and this is the chair you use for relaxing.
Chaise longue became chaise lounge in English usage, and that is what it is usually called when we allude to a long, narrow lounging chair. Since this chair is all about relaxation, you will often find this shape in outdoor furniture.
Chair and a Half
A chair and a half is a very useful piece of furniture, being slightly larger than a chair and smaller than a loveseat. The width of a chair and half makes it an ideal piece of furniture for lounging. The chair featured here is modern in style, but you can find one in any style. It may have a tight back and a tight seat, or have loose cushions for the back and seat. It could also have a tight back with a loose seat.
This type of chair is versatile and can work in a number of settings, such as a small living room or a bedroom.
Klismos Chairs
The graceful curves of a klismos chair have assured its popularity throughout the history of furniture. The klismos chairs were first used by Greeks, but the form has been reinterpreted over the centuries.
For use in today's modern interiors and exteriors, you will find klismos chairs in a variety of materials and coverings including metal, wood, and leather.
The following is a partial list of chair types, with internal or external cross-references about most of the chairs. Contents: Top; 0–9; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L. Types of Office Chairs If you're looking for an office chair with maximum comfort and optimal style, there are a few things you should think about before making a purchase. First, consider the frequency and environment in which the chair will be used.