Part of successfully decorating a living room is choosing the main furnishings with care. Among the most important of those main furnishings is the selection of the right living room chairs. There are a few basic factors to keep in mind when considering different chair options, including scale, style and color, function, comfort, and price.
One of the first things to consider when choosing any living room furniture is the style and color. The idea is to make sure each element of the room works together to create the look that you want. If the goal is to create a room that reflects a specific time or place, then make sure your choice of living room chairs fits into that particular era. For rooms where the goal to showcase treasures collected through the years, it is possible to be a little more flexible with the chair designs. Just make sure that the major pieces in the room reflect the primary colors of your decorating scheme. Secondary colors can be picked up with pillows, drapes, and other accessories.
Scale is also very important when choosing the best living room chairs. Even if the style and color are just right, the chairs will look awkward and out of place if they are too big or too small. You’ll know the chairs are too big if they tend to minimize the impact of the sofa, or if they call too much attention away from the focal points in the room. If they seem to disappear and make no contribution to the room, then the scale is too small.
Function and comfort are musts if you plan on using the living room. Ideally, the living room chairs you choose should include ample padding on the back, seat, and arms. This will ensure people can sit with comfort for long periods of time without beginning to feel cramped or stiff. Selecting upholstery that is easy to clean is also a good idea, especially if you have children or pets. There are many upholstery options today that are formulated to repel dirt and stains. While they cost a little more, the time and effort they save over the years is well worth the extra price.
As with most home purchases, cost is also something to consider when purchasing the right living room chairs. If you are on a tight budget, resist the urge to settle for cheap living room furniture, simply because it has a lower price. Spend some time in thrift shops and at estate sales looking for used living room chairs that are solidly built, the right style, and the right color. You’ll find that your limited budget will go much further than you thought, while also filling your living room with chairs that do not have to be replaced in just a few years.
