The Different Types of Chairs and Their Purposes

When furnishing or refurbishing our home, we tend to stay true to our style and design. We get the appropriate curtains, rugs, kitchen appliances and storage space. But when it comes to chairs and their appearance, we need to pay more attention as they’re the centrepiece of a room and can easily make a statement. They’re one of the most used items in the house, and their comfort and functionality should be a priority.

Even if the overall concept and design of the house and the chairs may be the same, their purpose is different in every room. In some rooms we relax, in some, we work, and in some, we eat. For all of those activities, we need different chairs. Lucky for us, there are thousands of options on the market to choose from.

Club Chair

Before the 18th century, most chairs were made and used only as a sturdy place to sit and were mainly practical. Comfort and beauty weren’t a priority. People created them to eat meals, write letters and sew clothes. After a while, with the turn of the new century, furniture makers started to implement padding on their backs, armrests and sides. And that is how the idea of comfortable chairs began. After that, every well-situated household had this luxury item we now call a club chair.

source: home-designing.com

Like in the past, we use it for the same purposes today – relaxing, drinking, or smoking a cigar. They are popular among traditional-style houses and business owners as they relate them to class and luxury. These chairs are padded with leather, usually in a dark brown tone. The standard shape has wide armrests, low backs, and padding. But depending on the manufacturer, the shape and size can vary. These modern chairs are perfect for lounging in the home library or for reading a newspaper in the office. You can combine them with a wooden side table and a table lamp and create the perfect corner for relaxation.

Tub Chair

Tub chairs have become a trend and gained a lot of popularity in recent years. They’re known for their versatility – they can be found in households, restaurants, cafés and even in nightclubs. They’re chic, well-proportioned and aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes people confuse them with armchairs because of their shape, but the main difference is the height of the back. Tub chairs have a shorted back to lean on but are still a number one choice because they’re small and compact.

They’re the first pick for many homes, especially those smaller in size. They save space and don’t cause roadblocks which is important with house furniture. Tub chairs will look great in the living room to relax after a long day or the dining area to have your family dinner, but they will also fit in the workroom or kid’s bedroom. They are never plain and can adapt well in reception areas where they’ll make a statement with bright colours or patterns. Offices also use these chairs because of their comfort and choice of materials.

Rocking Chair

source: montedesign.com

Did you know that the first rocking chairs were created in 1710 in America, attaching two ice skates to the bottom of a regular chair? At first, they were double sitters but later evolved and became what we know today. But their real production and mass usage started 75 years later. Since then, their design has improved significantly. They have different silhouettes that will complement any modern home. Its primarily used for relaxation and has calming effects. The rocking motion stimulates our brain to produce endorphins responsible for improving our mood and reducing stress.

We all know that rocking chairs help babies fall asleep, but adults are not an exception to this effect. It also helps grownups to fall and stay asleep. That’s why doctors recommend this chair to people with sleeping disorders and difficulties. In 1998 scientists conducted research in a nursing home and found that older people with dementia who used the rocking chairs for 1-2 hours for six weeks started to feel less anxious. Plus, they requested less pain medicine. It also improves balance and post-operative healing, especially in the abdomen area. Many people also combine these chairs with leg rests for an even more relaxing experience.

Rocking chairs can come in different shapes, sizes and materials. You can get the classic design, glider chair, swivel rocking chair, reclining type, etc. But the most commonly used is the nursery type for new mums and their babies. They can be made out of wood, plastic, metal or a combination of the three, padded with leather, velvet or simply wicker. Whatever you choose we’re sure you’ll enjoy every minute spend on it.

Bar Stool

Bar stools were initially created for bars, resorts and restaurants, but nowadays, they can fit into every home. They are used in the kitchen, game rooms, playrooms and home offices. Of course, if you have a bar at home, these will be the perfect seating option. They are not just furniture – they’re there to make a statement and accentuate the room’s overall style. They can have many looks, from designer chairs to DIY chairs you specifically created for your home.

Most often, they come with padding but can be easily customized. You can reupholster them, attach armrests or a back piece. Painting them a new colour will give them a breath of freshness and a completely new look. Many of them can spin, so it’s easier to have a conversation, and their height is adjustable. If you have guests over, everyone can adjust their seats and feel comfortable around the table. They are also affordable and won’t break your bank if you decide to buy them.

Quality bar stools will last for a long time. They are made from wood, plastic or metal. They can improve your posture by keeping your spine upright and opening up your airways so you can breathe deeply. Moving to a higher sitting area and swivelling around can lead to new ideas and inspirations; that’s why many artists and performers use barstools while working. These modern chairs will bring a completely new look to your house, so don’t hesitate to give them a try.

Arm Chair

source: pinterest.com

Armchairs offer a classic design, emitting luxury and elegance. Comfort is something you won’t be miss with them. They’re spacious and have cushions and padding that give you an amazing sitting experience. Convenient for older and younger people, they will look gorgeous combined with a vintage coffee table filling you with a sense of calmness and enjoyment. Armchairs can be a great conversation starter and a furniture piece to impress visitors. If you want to put an accent to a specific room or a part of a room, this is the perfect piece to do it.

To Sum Up

As you can see, there are many options to choose from – bar stools for your kitchen, rocking chairs for the nursery, or tub chairs for your living room. Don’t be scared to experiment with style, design and colour, be bold and spruce up your home with a single piece of furniture.