Lounge chairs offer comfort and a welcoming ambiance to living spaces. They’re available in a wide range of styles to suit various decor tastes. Choosing the right size is essential for ensuring comfortable seating.
They have deep seats and wide frames for support. Some also come with footrests known as ottomans for reclining.
Classic armchairs
Classic armchairs, upholstered in luxurious fabrics like velvet and leather, are a staple of traditional and vintage living rooms. These chairs usually feature high backs and winged sides that protect users from draughts and create a sense of grandeur. Their seats may be soft and cosy or sculptural, with shapes that nod to Greek and Roman design. They may also incorporate metal elements as frames and bases or be covered in intricate, hand-woven beads, as was the case with the Yoruba chairs, whose beaded designs can include as many as 100,000 beads per chair.
The designers behind the eponymous modernist brand Knoll gave Harry Bertoia complete freedom to follow his creative instincts, and the result was an iconic collection of wire-form furniture that debuted in 1952. Perhaps the most iconic of these pieces is the Bertoia Diamond chair, whose sculptural yet rounded seat seems to hover in midair and allow space to pass right through it.
While the LC4 lounge is often associated with Le Corbusier alone, the trio of architects that he worked with to produce it actually designed the piece in 1929. Unlike other modernist seating at the time, the LC4's adjusting reclining mechanism was revolutionary in its day and set the standard for adjustable comfort.
Danish designer Hans Wegner's wingback Papa Bear chair showcases his unparalleled craftsmanship and mastery of form. Inspired by the way that bears embrace their young, he sought to create a sophisticated seat that offers a similar protective and comforting embrace. Introduced in 1951, the Papa Bear is still manufactured by Knoll and remains a favourite of contemporary design enthusiasts. Its enveloping shape and plush upholstery make it a perfect complement to both modern and contemporary interiors.
Recliners
Lounge chairs are a stylish seating option that elevates the ambiance of your living room. They enhance comfort with plush cushions and ergonomic designs, ensuring they are the right choice for those who prioritise relaxation. You can also choose from a variety of colours, shapes, and styles to find the perfect chair for your home.
The type of fabric or leather you select affects the chair’s durability, maintenance requirements, and overall feel. Leather lounge chairs are durable and elegant, while fabric options are light and soft to the touch. Some even have a textured finish for added style. For an upscale look, you can opt for a fabric lounge chair with a metal frame, which adds a sense of luxury to any room.
You can also purchase an accent chair if you want to create a focal point that expresses your unique style. These chairs can be easily matched with other furniture pieces to create a harmonious aesthetic and enhance the ambiance of your living room. They are available in a variety of colour options, from bright hues to subtle shades. You can also find lounge chairs with a range of patterns and designs to match your personal taste.
The key difference between a lounge chair and an armchair is their ability to recline. While an armchair has arms, a lounge chair is designed for relaxation, offering adjustable seating and ergonomic support. You can browse a variety of lounge chairs for your living room on 1stDibs, including recliners and chaise lounges that offer a cosy spot to read or watch TV. There are also classic armchairs with sturdy frames and soft fabrics that blend with any decor style.
Chaise lounges
If you're looking for a lounge chair that would be right at home in the pool of a five-star resort, look no further than the stylish Joss & Main Langley Outdoor Fabric Chaise Lounge. This chair combines beauty, durability and comfort to create the ultimate relaxation experience. With its clean lines and thoughtful design, this lounge will complement any living room without detracting from the rest of your furniture.
Chaise lounges (or chaise longue, if you prefer) are the perfect hybrid of a chair and a daybed. They've been around since ancient Egypt and made their way to 16th-century France, where they became a popular option for the aristocracy. Today, you'll find chaise lounges in many styles, from sleek and contemporary to mid-century modern and traditional.
One key difference between a chaise lounge and a sofa is the back. A sofa has a back that runs along the shorter side of the seat, while a chaise lounge features a back that extends down the longer side of the seat, which allows you to lie back and relax.
Another benefit of a chaise is that it sits closer to the ground than a typical sofa. This makes it easy to use in front of focal points like fireplaces and windows. Plus, it's a great option for smaller spaces, where a standard sofa might feel too bulky.
When shopping for a chaise lounge, consider the space where you'll use it and how many people will be using it. You'll want to make sure it fits well and is comfortable for everyone, so you'll be able to spend long hours relaxing. Also, keep in mind that you'll need at least 24 inches of clearance to move the chair and other pieces around it.
Mid-range
The right lounge chair can elevate your living space, providing a place to unwind and entertain. Browse a variety of styles, from classic comfort to mid-century modern flair. Add a side table to hold drinks or books and an umbrella for shade from the sun. Aside from their size, the most important feature of a lounge chair is its comfort level. Look for models with high-density foam cushioning that cradles your body. Some chairs also have ergonomic designs that improve posture, reducing back strain.
Depending on your budget and decor preferences, there are many affordable options to consider. Plastic and resin chairs are lightweight and easy to clean, making them ideal for casual seating. They’re also resistant to moisture and fading, meaning they can endure harsh weather conditions without damage.
On the other hand, upholstered lounge chairs have the potential to become the focal point of your living room. High-end luxury chairs provide the best possible lounging experience, incorporating premium materials and meticulous design. They can cost a significant amount of money, so be sure to explore options that suit your lifestyle and budget before making a purchase.
Aside from aesthetics, it’s crucial to choose a durable material that will withstand the rigours of daily use. The majority of lounge chairs are crafted from one of three materials: fabric, leather, and metal. Fabric armchairs can come in a range of colourways, from neutral to vibrant, while those that utilise leather are buttery soft and long-lasting. Look for fabrics with a durable waterproof sealant that will protect them from moisture, stains, and UV radiation. Be sure to regularly inspect and reapply these protective coatings as needed.
High-end
Lounge chairs symbolise relaxation and serve as a key design element in both residential and commercial spaces. They offer a balance of aesthetics and functionality, serving as an extension of the rest of the space while providing superior support for sitting for long periods.
Mario Capasa’s collection includes a wide range of lounge chair designs, from modern chic to classic comfort. These versatile seating options allow you to choose a style that best suits your home and lifestyle.
A lounge chair differs from a sofa chair in its ergonomic design, with reclining capabilities and a deeper seat depth to let the pelvis settle back and the spine relax. They also often have a lower back angle and softer, more rounded shapes that encourage good posture. Some models include lumbar support pillows to enhance the ergonomic comfort and improve the chair’s versatility for long periods of time.
Many lounge chairs also offer additional movement or support features, such as swivel bases to pivot between a conversation and window view, rocking or gliding for gentle motion, manual or power recline for fine-tuning angles, and an ottoman or built-in footrest to elevate leg placement, which can reduce strain on the lower back. These upgrades increase the chair’s utility but may add to the footprint and price, as well as maintenance requirements, so it’s important to carefully consider all of your options before selecting one.
The Carlo Accent Chair offers a contemporary blend of Scandinavian warmth and modern edge, wrapped in plush ivory bouclé fabric and anchored by sculptural walnut-finished wood arms. Its mix of textures feels natural and organic, like a designer’s take on your favourite childhood teddy bear. Designed for slow moments and soft minimalism, it’s the perfect addition to creative living spaces or trendy lounges.
