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Types of Chairs

Chairs aren’t just pieces of furniture to relax on–they offer style and a sophisticated touch to your home. From the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman to the classic Windsor chair, the variety of chair designs really shows how our culture and technology have grown over the years.

The problem comes in when you’re trying to figure out which of the popular types of chairs to choose! That’s where Café Solutions comes in. We’re here to break down the most iconic chairs for your space. Let’s get into the common chair types, design options, and more!

Key Takeaways

  • Office chairs are specifically designed for comfort during long work hours. They usually have adjustable heights and lumbar support.
  • Dining chairs provide essential seating around dining tables and come in lots of sophisticated styles.
  • Lounge chairs make relaxation a priority with plush designs and upholstery.
  • Outdoor options like the Adirondack chair and folding chairs offer practicality and style for casual spaces.

What are the Different Types of Chairs?

different types of chairs
what are the different types of chairs

There are so many different chairs available in modern furniture design, from rocking chairs and armchairs to folding chairs and womb chairs. It might be overwhelming trying to make your choice from all the amazing options brought to you by furniture designers. Here are the main types of chairs to help you choose the perfect chair for you:

Office Chairs

Office chairs are commonly used in the workplace. They’re designed to be able to handle long hours of sitting with ergonomic support.

Most modern office chairs usually have adjustable heights, lumbar support, and wheels for mobility. This makes them the best choice for daily use! Iconic models like the Aeron chair by Herman Miller show off a creative design suited for productivity.

Dining Chairs

Dining chairs are an important part of any dining room. They provide seating around tables for meals and gatherings, making them the social highlight of your home! The Cesca chair, designed by Marcel Breuer, is extremely popular as a dining chair.

They come in a few different styles, like formal upholstered designs and casual wooden options. The Wishbone chair is one of the most famous designer chairs, adding a sophisticated touch to your home with ultimate comfort and functionality. Ladderback chairs, Louis Ghost chairs, Ant chairs, and Tulips chairs are other classic dining chair choices.

Lounge Chairs

Lounge chairs are all about comfort and relaxation. The lounge chair and ottoman usually go together to give you a chilled space to unwind after a long 9-5. The womb chair, designed by Eero Saarinen, is an iconic lounge chair that basically hugs you with its curvy shape and soft upholstery.

The Papa Bear Chair is another cosy and inviting design with plush upholstery. You also get outdoor lounge chairs, like the Adirondack chair, often used to lounge around on the porch.

Rocking Chairs

The rocking chair is honestly a timeless design that lets you sway gently back and forth. It’s a popular choice because the swaying motion is quite relaxing. This wooden chair was originally created for nursing mothers. However, the more modern versions of this wooden outdoor chair still have the rocking motion incorporated with contemporary stylish elements made of wood.

Armchairs

Armchairs give you extra support with side armrests, improving your levels of comfort if you’ve been sitting down for a while. They come in tons of different styles, like the Wingback chair, which has high sides designed to protect you from drafts.

Club Chairs

Club chairs come from the old gentlemen’s clubs in England! They’re basically plush armchairs that are usually upholstered in leather. Their low backs and thick padding make them a great choice for relaxed seating in living rooms or reading nooks. The Wassily chair is based on the club chair concept, with short chair legs and impeccable style.

Egg Chairs

The egg chair, originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in the mid-20th century, is an iconic piece! You would recognise it from its unique egg shape and swivel feature. This super-modern design has become extremely popular in contemporary homes and commercial settings.

Folding Chairs

Folding chairs are flexible and convenient for gatherings or outdoor events. Many people bring them along on camping trips! They can be easily stored when you’re not using them, and they are usually made from lightweight materials like plastic or metal. A director’s chair is also a folding chair.

Barrel Chairs

The barrel chair has a rounded back that looks like half of a barrel. This comfortable chair typically has plush upholstery and comes in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Its simple design makes it suitable for small spaces. One of these chairs can be found in the corner of a room as an accent piece quite often.

Barstools

Barstools are tall seats that you might see at bars or high tables. They usually don’t have backrests and armrests, but this makes it easier to get in and out or hold a conversation with the person next to you. You’ll often see bistro chairs used in modern kitchens and bars.

Side Chairs

A side chair is a modern chair with a seat that usually doesn’t have armrests, like the Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich. They’re mainly used around dining tables or as accessory pieces in living rooms for extra seating or aesthetics. Their simple design makes them flexible for tons of different spaces.

Recliners

Recliners are large upholstered chairs that can be adjusted to lean back while lifting up your feet. They have mechanisms that let you recline smoothly, making them a fantastic choice for home theatres or relaxation areas.

Different Chair Design Styles

Chairs come in a few different design styles that will suit different rooms and aesthetics in your home or commercial space. Here are the most common chair styles:

  • Mid-Century Modern: This design has clean lines and natural forms. The Eames Lounge Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, is a great example of this style.
  • Industrial Style: This type of design has raw materials like metal and wood. Industrial chairs work well in urban lofts or steampunk coffee shops.
  • Art Deco: These are more glamorous designs with bold geometry, like luxurious upholstered club chairs.
  • Scandinavian Design: This is a modern minimalistic yet functional style, usually with elements of natural materials like wood.

What Materials are Chairs Made Of?

what materials are chairs made of
what materials go into making chairs

A chair may be made of various materials or even combinations of materials. Here are the most popular chair materials:

  • Wood: This is a classic choice that adds warmth to your space. There are quite a few wooden chair options, such as oak, teak, and walnut.
  • Metal: Metal chairs are more durable options, such as the Navy chair. You will usually see them in modern designs. Popular metals used in chairs are aluminium and steel.
  • Plastic: Plastic is a super flexible material offering a wide variety of colours, such as the monobloc chair (which is also a stackable chair). The Panton chair was the first chair of its kind. It’s the first piece of mass-produced furniture made entirely of plastic with a cantilever chair design. These are great options for more casual settings and occasions.
  • Upholstery: Many luxurious chairs have fabric or leather upholstery for extra comfort. Leather upholstery in particular makes your space feel a bit more sophisticated.

Café Solutions: Innovative and Affordable Chairs

When it comes down to it, the idea of what a chair is might seem simple, but there are tons of different furniture styles of chairs today. From chairs with arms like desk chairs to plush living-room chairs you’d see in Architectural Digest, you have endless choices!

It isn’t just about functionality, though, a chair also brings style and comfort to your space. At Café Solutions, we provide premium and innovative chairs at affordable prices. Browse our selection today and renovate your space in style.

Types of Chairs FAQs

What is the most common type of chair?

Dining chairs are actually the most common kind of chair. In fact, the side chair without an armrest is one of the most famous chairs.

What chairs are good for the elderly?

Riser recliner chairs are the best chairs for the elderly. This is because they’re extremely comfortable, they can recline and be raised whenever needed. They also have a higher footrest to make it easier for the elderly to sit down or stand up.

What is the famous circle chair?

The famous circle chair is The Round Chair. This iconic arm chair was designed by Hans Wegner in the middle of the 20th century, who was a leader in creative Danish furniture design.

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