The Lounge Chair…Current, Classic, Comfortable…
What is the perfect lounge chair? Is it the one that beckons when you want to watch the Super Bowl, start a new mystery, read the newspaper or unintentionally take a nap? The good news is that supply and demand in the lounge chair category has been in sync for years, so much so that one can find the perfect seat in every style, fabric or leather to suit your taste, comfort and atmosphere. Here are some lounge chairs, each with its own timeless character, all of them “the best seats in the house!”
It is hard to believe that Alvar Aalto designed the Tank Chair in 1936. It is made of lacquered birch and its low-slung seat provides stylish comfort with or without the matching footstool. This gorgeous chair is covered here in Missoni’s colorful and ultra-fashionable chevron woven, and may be purchased online through its manufacturer, Artek Company (artek.fi) and may be purchased through M2L Collection showrooms and online (m2lgenuinedesign.com).
Iconic 20th Century Modern loungers are still being produced by their authorized manufacturers. What amazes me most about these designs is how current, appealing and in demand they still are and how well they mix with every design period. Probably the most famous and best recognized of these is the lounger designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956 for Herman Miller (hermanmiller.com). The EAMES Lounge Chair and matching ottoman is considered one of the most significant designs of the 20th Century. Eames said that he wanted the seat to have the “warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.”
In 1958 Arne Jacobsen designed what is believed to be the first swiveling upholstered chair, the Egg Chair and footstool. They are still made in Denmark by the original manufacturer, Fritz Hansen, and may be purchased from Design Within Reach (dwr.com). If you love the Egg Chair, take a look at the Regina II Chair and ottoman, manufactured by Poltrona Frau (poltronafrau.com) in 2009. Each of these chairs is a classic and they were designed more than 50 years apart!
For those wanting a more traditional style, there are an endless number of comfortable chairs with matching ottomans available. Many manufacturers and stores offer custom options including fabric choices, wood and paint finishes, casters and upholstered skirts. Edward Ferrell (edwardferrell.com) and Baker Furniture (kohlerinteriors.com) offer many styles to suit every comfort level and budget.
The recliner is beloved by many for its comfort. Alas, there are very few that are as handsome as they are comfortable. Design Within Reach (dwr.com) has a number of recliners that are just that. They can be purchased in different leathers and fabrics.
…just a word of caution, you may have to purchase more than one of these classic and ultra comfortable chairs. In our family, my boys, including my husband, rush to claim it first because it is undeniably the most comfortable seat in the room.
