Let's talk Office Chairs

*This is a collaborative post with Apres Furniture Ltd

Bear with me. This post might not go exactly where you think.

I’ve realised that over the years I’ve spent a lot of time on office chairs but rarely given them any thought. They’re just there aren’t they? And if I asked you to describe an office chair, we’d all most likely have quite a similar description: high back, wheels, adjustable and a ‘functional’ and often dull colour. Was I right?

I am sure that someone thinks about office chairs in every organisation, some organisations more than others I suspect. I’ve worked in offices where new chairs were part of the refurbishment, where in the 80s chairs were colour coded (I kid you not). I can’t remember if it was red for supervisors, or blue, nor can I remember who could sit on the green ones, the enduring memory is the significance of the colour! I’ve also worked in offices where the chairs are, shall we say, past their best and offices where there’s a mixture of styles and it’s a bit like a cinderella test to get one that works for you.

But given that more of us have home offices, or at least a space to use when we work from home, then we too need to think about our ‘office’ chairs too. Even if our office is a desk in the corner of our living space or bedroom, the kitchen table or a home office. And I suspect for our home office spaces we’re looking for something more stylish than the office chairs of our imagination.

And really, comfort and practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of style.

Photo by Simon Rae on Unsplash

But here’s the thing, office chairs are no longer just the functional type we have in our mind’s eye.

They can be stylish too, and that means their use can be wider reaching too. Break the boundaries of your mind and think about these chairs as alternatives to dining chairs or for those that are more durable use in the garden. Or perhaps having some extra chairs because you host the most fabulous family gatherings and want a more cohesive look, then consider some of the designs of stacking chairs instead.

So next time you sit down on your office chair, at home and at work, really think about if your chair is delivering what it should be, and what you can do about it if it isn’t. I know I spend a lot of time in an office or in front of a pc, and really, everyone deserves something that’s more than just ‘functional’.

* This post is in collaboration with Apres Furniture Ltd.

Love this #90 Contemporary Upholstery

At Grand Designs Live earlier in the year there were plenty of smaller and unique stands which I could have spent much more time looking around. Somehow though I’ve shared very few of those here so far. So it’s time to put that right.

These traditional chairs, have been given a modern look with this contemporary upholstery by Ray Clarke. Every time I look at these pictures, even now, I can’t help but smile.

I think I’d be sitting down on them carefully though.

And did you see the signs? They’re more inviting than usual, aren’t they?

They definitely give that traditional ‘brown’ furniture a fresh new, and fun, new look. What do you think?

5 luxury armchair designs with the wow factor

You'll know that earlier in the year we set out on the quest for new sofas, prompted by being faced with sitting in our uncomfortable 'spare' sofa while the conservatory work took place.  The new sofas arrived as planned, they came through the door (which is always a worry) and look great.  They also brought with them plenty of cardboard, which at the time I planned to put to good use over at the allotment, trying out the 'no dig' approach to gardening, however that didn't quite work out and the cardboard I can't use in the garden will now be destined for our recycling bin.  But that's another story, and I'll be sharing more here soon, I'm sure.

Our search was focussed on sofas, but even so at times we were distracted by some gorgeous armchairs, because, well because, when shopping I'm like a magpie drawn to the pretty things.  There's something luxurious and special about a good armchair, I think, and if you’re looking to make a change this year in your interiors, but are happy with the overall look of your decor so can’t bring yourself to redecorate, then a luxury armchair is a good way to brighten up your space and give it a new lease of life. Whether you opt for an out-there statement piece, or a pair for double the impact, here are five top luxury armchair choices that all have the wow factor and will bring a sense of drama and vibrancy to your living room. 

The classic chesterfield is a timeless design that never goes out of style. Upholstered in a bright velvet it can look exceptionally modern, while a cracked leather will make the chair look more traditional. This bold velvet version by Arlo & Jacob is striking and will certainly make an impact in its setting – either paired with a similar colour palette, as shown here – or as a standout piece against a more neutral backdrop.

Or perhaps a luxury metal-framed chair is the ultimate in glamorous interior furniture. This stunning version from Liang and Eimil combines a striking geometric gold frame, with a pulled velvet cover, showing off two luxurious materials in one stunning chair. A pair of these chairs next to one another in a bay window or either side of a fireplace will score you some serious interior envy. Highlight the frame colour in your other accessories, like lamps and picture frames, and the effect will look chic and put-together. 

If you're looking for something more traditional, a Rococo style French-inspired armchair will have your regal rear feeling like it’s sat upon a throne in no time. Placed in a room with a strong patterned wallpaper and drapes, this overtly ornamental piece will take centre stage and provide the perfect perch for your derriere. This rococo-style armchair is the perfect example. 

Or perhaps you're thinking something bigger is better, and this high backed chair from Tom Dixon is no exception and likely to give you a hug every time you use it. An updated version of a classic, the curved edges and dramatic height take this traditional-inspired piece from drab to fab. What’s more, this electric blue (also available in striking black) has the ultimate wow factor for a spectacular interiors update. 

Finally, if you’re looking for something with less height but equal levels of wow-factor, then this scallop-shaped armchair could be the one. The dramatic shape is provided by the petal-like fluting to the back of the chair, giving a nod to art-deco styling. This beautiful chair from Audenza will bring a touch of glamour to your interiors and deserves to be placed next to a fully stocked liquor cabinet, but would work equally well in your bedroom. 

So, five armchairs, all different styles, all with their own wow factor. Which would you choose?

* This is a collaborative post.