Chairs | domino https://www.domino.com/category/chairs/ The ultimate guide for a stylish life and home—discover your personal style and create a space you love. Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:15:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 The 7 Best Dining Chairs, as Inspired by Our Favorite Spaces https://www.domino.com/content/best-dining-chairs/ Thu, 30 Dec 2021 06:05:00 +0000 https://www.domino.com/content/best-dining-chairs

Designers and DIYers reveal their shopping (and styling!) secrets.

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Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Dining chairs aren’t the typical first-apartment purchase. You wouldn’t live without a mattress (you need to sleep!) or a sofa (where else would you slurp instant ramen while watching The Bachelorette?), but dining room furniture never feels as essential. That is unless you want to host people for brunch—or just eat at an actual table every once in a while. Come to think of it, investing in dining chairs is crucial.

Now for the fun part: It’s time to play Goldilocks and choose the perfect set for you. While the best get-togethers start with a killer playlist and free-flowing wine, comfortable chairs that invite guests to linger long after dessert, when the plates are left with nothing but a few crumbs, are the unsung heroes of any dinner party. Aesthetics, of course, has its own role to play. If you’re ready to graduate from the sofa to the dinner table and buy a real set of the best dining chairs, read on for answers from designers and DIYers to that age-old question: How do you pick out the perfect seat? 

Our Favorites

The Smooth Operator: Lulu and Georgia Joel Dining Chair

Gray linen blend low profile, barrel back dining chair by Lulu and Georgia
Joel Dining Chair, Lulu and Georgia ($599)
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Arms: Yes | Seat height: 18.5 inches | Material: Linen-and-polyester blend

What we like:

  • Performance fabric
  • Unique, low-profile silhouette
  • Also available in a natural colorway

Worth noting: 

  • Ships in 2 to 3 weeks 

When designer Abbie Naber was tasked with furnishing an entire SoCal home, the dining table chairs had to nail the trifecta of style, price, and sensibility. “We chose CB2’s Lisette because it hit the mark on many levels for us: comfortability—its fabric had a bit of cushion to it and arms were a requirement—and color—forgiving yet still light, like the palette of the space,” she offers. The best part, though, may be the unexpected silhouette, which Naber describes as modern but not too predictable. While this particular version is no longer in stock, we did find an alternative at Lulu and Georgia that nails Naber’s criteria.

Photography by Charlotte Lea; Styling by En Shell

Shop More Upholstered Dining Chairs

The Bauhaus Beauty: Noom Gropius CS1 Chair

Modern Chair Gropius CS1 in Velvet Fabric by Noom
Noom Modern Chair Gropius CS1 in Velvet, 1stDibs ($1,050)
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Arms: No | Seat height: 18.5 inches | Material: Velvet

What we like:

  • Handcrafted
  • Offered in 6 colorful and neutral fabrics
  • Part of the new collection from Noom, a Ukraine-based design company

Worth noting: 

  • Production takes 7 to 8 weeks
  • Priciest of the list

This year may be the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus school, but we first spotted this chair originally dedicated to the iconic German movement in a Los Angeles home crafted by Jessica Hansen of Tandem Design in 2022. The velvet-covered modern frame is fashioned from wood, foam rubber, and injection-molded soft foam, which is more durable than you’d think and the main reason Hansen chose it for her client Sara Matarazzo. After growing up in an Italian household where furniture was more often than not covered in plastic, Matarazzo was seeking a balance between form and function. The cylinder-like, sculptural silhouette is described as cozy and soft; despite its artful appearance, its a comfy place to eat a family meal.

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The Durable Chameleon: Division 12 Resto Chair

Green Resto Dining Chair
Division 12 Resto Chair, Design Public ($399)
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Arms: No | Seat height: 19 inches | Material: White oak, stained oak, or recycled HDPE

What we like:

  • Endless color options
  • Curved backrest and wide seat

Worth noting:

  • Lead time of 7 weeks

The biggest draw of Division 12’s Resto is the customization. “The brand offers an extensive list of options, and it was a fun way to add color in a place that sometimes is more muted,” recalls designer Regan Baker of a dining area she worked on in a San Francisco home. After playing with a bunch of looks, she landed on mint for the frame and a yellow plaid cushion fabric that could sustain wear and tear from kids. “In general, the Resto chairs are a great fit for somewhere where durability is key,” adds Baker, noting that the company is a commercial brand typically tapped for restaurants. 

Photography by Suzanna Scott

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The Dinner Party Companion: RoveConcepts Angelo Chair 

Angelo Dining Chair in Blush
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Arms: No | Seat height: 19.5 inches | Material: Velvet upholstery on steel or brass

What we like:

  • 17 color and fabric options, from suede to bouclé
  • Modern frame

Worth noting:

  • Selling quickly

Designer Zoe Feldman knew her clients needed plush places to post up for long, boozy dinner gatherings. After considering multiple pieces, she settled on the Angelo chair by RoveConcepts for a few reasons. “We wanted a color that was not already represented but also didn’t feel like a complete departure,” explains Feldman, noting the moody paint shade and depth of the wallpaper. “Blush is a wonderful neutral that gives the space some welcome lightness, delicacy, and a quiet pop of color.” The curvy frame also gives it a soft touch of femininity that was not only an aesthetic win but, paired with the velvet upholstery pulled over a high-density foam seat, won points on comfortability, too. 

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The Trendy One: Industry West Cane Armchair

Cane Armchair Industry West
Cane Armchair, Industry West ($950)
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Arms: Yes | Seat height: 17.25 inches | Material: Ash and cane

What we like:

  • 5-year warranty
  • Order free material swatches
  • In stock (ships quickly!)
  • Lounge, armless, and bench options

Worth noting:

  • Deep seat (21.3 inches)

DIYer Brit Arnesen of Britdotdesign always envisioned cane chairs when she began converting her garage into an open-concept living room, complete with a terrazzo fireplace and dining area. “I didn’t necessarily have any preferences in terms of shape or dimensions, because I planned to build a table to go with them,” she shares. Industry West’s cane armchair is even closer to her vision than she expected to find (and the $160 T.J. Maxx ones she landed on). Though the natural colorway is no longer available, the mid-century frame adds beautiful contrast in the black- and green-painted ash wood. If you can’t splurge on a set of classic Cesca chairs, why not give this contemporary twist a try?

Photography by Brit Arnesen

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The Statement Silhouette: Audo Afteroom Dining Chair

AFTEROOM DINING CHAIR PLUS Designer Afteroom Studio
Afteroom Studio Dining Chair, Audo Copenhagen ($527)
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Arms: No | Seat height: 18 inches | Material: Walnut veneer or upholstered and steel

What we like:

  • Built to last
  • Comfy, upholstered seat
  • Scandinavian minimalism

Worth noting:

  • Estimated delivery is 5 weeks

If you’re searching for something unexpected to wow guests, consider Afteroom Studio’s dining chairs. “We love that they feel like little elegant characters,” says Russell Whitehead of London-based firm 2LG Studio, who paired the steel-framed stunners with a sculptural table created in collaboration with jesmonite artist Olivia Aspinal in his and Jordan Cluroe’s own dining room–slash–workspace. “We needed dining chairs that could hold their own but had a lighter appearance to play against the solid shape of the table leg,” he adds. “Their slim, playful shape is the perfect complement, and the options on upholstery allowed a level of freedom to bring these in line with our color palette.” 

Photography by Megan Taylor

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The Casual Slingback: Lulu and Georgia Vix Dining Chair

Vix Dining Chair
Vix Dining Chair (Set of 2), Lulu and Georgia ($1,298)
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Arms: No | Seat height: 18.25 inches | Material: Leather, Sungkai wood 

What we like:

  • Stackable
  • Solid wood 
  • Sold as a set

Worth noting:

  • May take 2 to 3 weeks to ship

Why we chose it: For a laid-back yet luxe look that will only get better with time. 

While we have long admired the Strap dining chair—a bitonal leather and wood combo crafted by Thomas Hayes Studio—we frankly don’t have $3,000 to spare for one. (See them in Meredith Chin’s creative haven, the countertop version in model and chef Sanne Vloet’s Los Angeles loft, and Maria Dueñas Jacobs’s Manhattan apartment.) For those of us tasked with furnishing a dining room on our own a little more affordably, there are plenty of similar styles on the market that bring these two classic materials together in a woven format. Take Lulu and Georgia’s Vix chairs, for example. They feature a naturally tanned leather over a curved yet sturdy Sungkai wood–based frame. 

Shop More Leather Strap Dining Chairs 

How We Chose These Products

Finding the perfect set of seats for your dining table, kitchen corner, or breakfast nook is no simple task—should you opt for a classic wood look or a comfier upholstered frame? Do you want something lush like velvet or a top-notch performance fabric that’s a breeze for wiping up pasta sauce and wine spills? So we found a few of our favorite dining table chairs and asked the designers who sourced them why they were the ideal fit for that space. 

Our Shopping Checklist

Size

Dining chairs come in all shapes and sizes, but determining the right dimensions for your room depends most on your existing dining table. Ergonomics is pretty important to eating—no one wants to feel like they’re in need of a booster when sitting down or bruise their knees every time they have to get up—so be sure to account for ample leg and lap room when taking measurements. For a standard table, the seat height these designers went with fell between 17 and nearly 20 inches. Though Baker also advises most guests won’t want to straddle the base of a table, so it’s equally important to think about where the legs of the chair and table meet (if at all—this is less of a concern with a pedestal or trestle table). 

Arms vs. Armless

It’s all about space allotment. Baker suggests asking yourself a few questions first: Where will the arms fall at the table? Will they prevent the chair from sliding underneath the table? “From here, it becomes a style choice,” she notes. “Arms can add a structural or architectural moment, which is why we like to use them, especially on the ends of tables where there is often more room.”  

Comfort

Chair arms are also tied up with comfort—sometimes it’s nice to have a place to rest your elbows, but if space is tight, you won’t want to feel like the sides are closing in. Material choices are also a factor. We get it; dining chairs should be visually stunning. But if you’re planning to sit on them regularly, you don’t want to feel sore or stiff in a half hour. “Sit tests are always important,” stresses Baker. And if you’re entertaining often, you might want to opt for a structure that’s easy to maintain. Naber suggests focusing on materials that are simple to clean and stain resistant, such as a wood chair with a leather pad. 

Pro Tips for Styling the Best Dining Chairs 

  • It’s important to think about how you’ll occupy a dining space. “Are you more into long dinner parties and therefore need pure comfort with your choice of chair? Or is space a strong concern, so you need a streamlined chair?” poses Whitehead. 
  • For a more casual dining environment, play with the height of your chair—a taller back lends itself to a traditional vibe, whereas a shorter frame can feel more modern. Or simply add in a bench or stool.
  • Sometimes vintage is best. For a Washington, D.C., home, Feldman found Biedermeier chairs. “They offer a modern silhouette, while the curvature of the patterned wood creates tension against the stark lines of the wallpaper,” she says. “Sculptural occasional chairs have the ability to stand alone and be anchored to the space without a table.”
  • Naber’s biggest tip: Avoid being too matchy-matchy. “I like combining materials and allowing contrast to happen,” she shares. “If you have a black dining table, try pairing it with a lighter wood or vice versa. Also think about other materials, not just wood.”

Cult Classic Chairs

Ask Domino

Q: How much space should there be between dining chairs? 

Baker suggests leaving at least 4 inches between chairs to prevent guests from feeling like they’re on top of one another. A general rule of thumb, according to Naber, is 24 inches per chair: “If the chair itself is wider, then you’ll need to accommodate for more space.” You can fudge that calculation a bit more in high-traffic areas that call for space-saving measures. For example, consider backless stools—which are usually narrower than traditional dining chairs. More specifically, Baker will reserve about 4 inches between each chair to prevent people from feeling cramped. 

Q: How do I clean and properly maintain my dining chairs?

This depends on the material or upholstery you choose. For instance, cane can be brittle, making it susceptible to tears and fading, so try to keep it out of direct sunlight and moisturize it every now and then with a water-and-oil mixture (just be careful not to oversaturate it!). Wood and metal can always be easily wiped down after spills, but a cushion is more likely to stain, so stick to performance fabrics if you have kids or a penchant for hosting family and friends.  

Q: How many dining chairs should I have? 

The number of seats is largely dependent on the length or diameter of your table, whether it’s round or rectangular. “Generally someone selling a table will tell you how many chairs it can accommodate, but all chairs have different widths—many are in the range of about 20 to 26 inches,” points out Baker. In other words, 45 to 60 inches should allow you to sit anywhere from four to six people, designers reveal, but your chair count ultimately boils down to common sense: After all, you can fit more skinny, armless chairs than large armchairs in any space. 

The Last Word

Whether it’s a modern dining chair or cheap dining chair, aesthetics is usually priority number one, but designers note comfort is just as important. “Everyone has different thoughts on what is comfortable. Some people don’t like chairs with openings in the back or don’t like upholstered chairs because of food on the fabric,” says Baker. “Some people want chairs to be wipeable, in which case a wood or plastic chair is more ideal, but it’s always an important conversation to have initially because it’s so subjective.” 

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Perfect the Art of Working From Home With the Best Desk Chairs https://www.domino.com/content/best-desk-chairs/ Mon, 24 Sep 2018 23:23:10 +0000 https://www.domino.com/content/best-desk-chairs

We found 22 stylish seats for getting things done.

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Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Working from home comes with many pros and cons. Pro: You can get from your bed to your desk in under five minutes (or less if your bed is your desk). Con: Maybe you’ve been making do with a shoddy workspace and your posture is suffering. 

The journey to a better home office starts with a more supportive seat. Whether you are ready to move off the couch or committed to converting that weird nook from a cocktail control center to a laptop landing pad, make it official with one of the best desk chairs. A balance of form and function, our 20 favorites look and feel good, primed for remote workstation resets. We’ve organized them below by price, with brands ranging from Target to Herman Miller, and we promise not one looks as if we sourced it from your brother’s gaming room. 

Our Favorites

Best Desk Chairs Under $300 

If you’re not into the corporate look, designer Sean Leffers is a firm believer that dining chairs are just as comfortable as office chairs but easier on the eyes, especially if your desk happens to be in your living room or bedroom. And our home editor, Lydia Geisel, couldn’t agree more. If you’re on a budget or tight on space and just need somewhere comfy to sit from 9 to 5, all you need is a cushioned seat or one with a high back. And to take up less visual (and physical) clutter, Geisel’s advice is to go armless. From a slipcovered sweetie to a few traditional-looking swivels—including the TikTok viral Amazon number—our budget-friendly gems hold their own among the fancier options on our list. 

Best Desk Chairs Under $500 

“You spend half your life in bed, but your office chair likely comes in second,” Allison Petty, design director at Hyphen Co., stresses. While her preferred pick, the Eames Group chair, is more in the realm of dream-desk-chair territory, we took the reasoning as to why she loves the classic (it’s “comfortable, attractive, and built to last,” she says) to heart when searching for more affordable options out there.

Best Desk Chairs Under $1,000 

The more ergonomic adjustments there are—a substantial height range, reclining positions, movable armrests—the more expensive a desk chair can run. But if you suffer from back or neck pain, the below favorites are a worthy investment. Our favorite in this group, Branch’s award-winning Verve chair, comes in four additional fun finishes beyond the basic black—but that’s the hue that clocks in under $500. Going with a trendier coral or mint pushes the price just a hair over that amount, but the upgrade is worth it for a statement, especially if the goal is delineating your workspace. 

As is true for a few of our top picks, materials factor in, too. Think: a burl-wood back, brass-capped natural rattan—with a slipcovered, tailored cushion and upholstery of linen and cotton. Or as other interior designers have let on, go for a no-waste option by searching Chairish for preowned, preloved vintage items, like the Marcel Breuer chairs you can find at the co–working spaces.  

The Best Desk Chairs Under $2,000 

Dipping into serious splurge territory means one of the following: full customization, exclusive styles, or iconic designs (like the Saarinen Tulip chair, seen above). Investing in a Humanscale Path, for instance, is like creating a bespoke chair—you can choose everything between fixed and adjustable arms; four different frame finishes; 40-plus fabrics; and different types of wheels. This version of Emeco’s 1940s Navy chair got a modern upgrade from British textile designer Jasper Morrison. And ergonomics play as much a part as design at Herman Miller, which appears twice on our favorites list. As one reviewer of the Cosm writes, “My back thanks me every time I spend too much time on the computer.”

Our Shopping Checklist

Seat Height and Depth

We like to think a well-designed WFH space is not complete without a chair that looks good from every angle. But before exploring color options or innovative mechanisms, first pay close attention to the size of your desk, which will typically run 30 inches tall. The ideal seat height, width, and depth should provide ample support, leave enough room underneath your workstation (no bruised knees), and enable your elbows to rest evenly with your keyboard. Test it out by popping a squat—while your back is pressed up against the backrest, your feet should be flush with the floor. 

Armrests and Adjustability

If you’re always typing away, you’ll likely prefer an office chair with armrests to give your wrists a much-deserved break. But if space is tight and your desk is small, a slim, armless silhouette will likely be a better fit. “I think armrests are a personal choice,” says Petty. “I don’t require them, and they do make sliding the chair under a desk a little easier.” 

According to Petty, the secret to a sweet seat is adjustability. Most furniture designed for sitting takes a one-size-fits-all approach, but task chairs are unique in that they often feature built-in ergonomics. Petty suggests selecting a chair that can be easily altered to best fit the proportions of your body. Bonus points if it swivels and leans back—keep an eye out for multiple levers.  

Material

Ultimately the best desk chairs prioritize functionality, but by no means do they have to look as drab as that sounds. Avoid the round-the-clock corporate day job look by picking a bright hue—our finds, below, offer a wide range of colorways—or a playful pattern. No matter your preference, Petty says it has to be upholstered. The most popular options include fabric, vinyl, plastic, mesh, and—Petty’s favorite—leather for a luxe look. “Don’t even consider a nonupholstered option,” she stresses. “The extra cushion is going to make the biggest difference when you have to sit all day long.” 

Pro Tips for Styling Desk Chairs

  • If the adjustability factor isn’t worth the splurge, MacGyver a pouf into a footrest or a pillow into a booster seat; Gorra’s trick is to reach for a sheepskin, which she says will “lend a little more cushion for all those Zoom calls.” 
  • Avoid clashing colors (saturated hues work well with natural woods or neutral whites) and try mixing styles (pair a sculptural mid-century modern thrift with a traditional or industrial table).
  • Don’t forget to surround yourself with items that spark a smile, whether it’s adding extra light from a task lamp (like a clip-on cutie our style editor, Julia Stevens, can’t recommend enough) or pasting together a mood board to keep the creative juices flowing.

The Last Word

The best desk chair for you is, well, all up to you—your taste, working style, location, and needs. Let’s say you’re short; a seat with an adjustable height is paramount. Or maybe you’re someone who sends a few emails from bed before bopping back and forth between your desk and couch; having a $2,000-plus Herman Miller original likely isn’t warranted. If you’re tight on space and only have so much room, then we’d opt for a slimmer, armless design. The last thing you want, as designer Meghan Hopp has told us in the past, is to have something big and bulky get in your way. And while some may be into that vibe, we love task chairs that can masquerade as something else or literally are something else—like a slipcovered dining chair.

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The Best Reading Chairs for Every Nook Inside Your Home https://www.domino.com/content/best-reading-chair/ Sat, 20 Nov 2021 08:49:00 +0000 https://www.domino.com/content/best-reading-chair

Including a chic outdoor egg seat.

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A good reading chair has a way of letting you step out of the chaos and sink into your own little world, even for a few minutes. While the sofa is an innately social piece of furniture (so you have to consider the preferences of cohabitants in picking one out), a chair can be just for you. Play with shape, color, and pattern and let the seat you choose express your personal style, whether you opt for a bold statement or a serene retreat. And since you’ll probably spend hours in this spot, you don’t want to skimp on quality and comfort. That’s why we’ve consulted experts, reviewers, and our own accent chair–obsessed editors to bring you the best reading chair selections on the market, so you can cozy up in your personal reading nook with that novel everyone’s been talking about. Or just stream the Reese Witherspoon TV adaptation. We won’t judge.

Our Favorites

Best Tub: Crate & Barrel Nora Tub Chair

The tub chair is believed to have originated in Europe more than 250 years ago, taking its name from Americans who thought the sloping, semicircular design of its continuous arms and back resembled a bathtub. This version has all the rounded elegance of the traditional design but with oversize, marshmallow-like proportions. The ultra-cozy shape is contrasted by dark solid wood legs that hint at the sturdy hardwood frame underneath.

Best Iconic: Knoll Womb Chair

Red Knoll Womb Chair
Womb Chair, Knoll ($5,687)
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Eero Saarinen’s classic Womb chair was the Finnish designer’s take on the ultimate place to curl up. As the name suggests, the mid-century organic design is meant to soothingly envelop the sitter no matter which way they’re lounging. The sturdy fiberglass frame is cushioned with high-quality foam and finished in a wide array of upholstery options, from bouclé to velvet to leather. As relevant today as it was in 1946, this is an iconic piece that will never go out of style.

Best Swivel: Serena & Lily Parkwood Swivel Chair

Chairs photo
Parkwood Swivel Chair, Serena & Lily ($2,998)
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If you want a change of scenery without standing up or need your chair to double as a spot for socializing, a swivel adds versatility and a dash of fun. Crafted from high-end, sustainable materials, this piece offers luxe comfort thanks to generous cushions made with a soy-based foam core, recycled fiber batting, and hand-tied coil springs. Choose from dozens of patterns and colors to customize the elegantly curved design.

Best High-Back: Hem Hai Lounge Chair + Ottoman

This lounge chair takes the high-back support of a traditional wingback and thoroughly updates it for the modern home. The industrial metal frame is paired with a swooping upholstered silhouette that’s somewhere between mid-century and futuristic in style. With wide, sloping arms; a back that’s high enough to fully rest your head; and a cushioned ottoman to put your feet up on, this embodies relaxation in its sleekest form.

Best Value: Lohoms Upholstered Armchair

Chairs photo
Lohoms Upholstered Arm Chair, Amazon ($155)
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With a durable solid-wood frame and linen upholstery in a warm mustard hue, this piece checks all the boxes for quality and versatile style—which you might not expect given its accessible price point. More than 600 shoppers give this armchair top marks for its ease of assembly, sturdiness, and support. If you’re looking for a charming chair that takes its cues from high design for under $200, this is your best bet.

Best Armless: West Elm Mara Hoffman Chair

West Elm Mara Hoffman Chair
Mara Hoffman Chair, West Elm ($699)
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While an armless reading chair might not sound sufficiently cozy, this sloped silhouette curves at all the right angles for a cradling effect. And paired with the fiber-wrapped (of your choosing!), high-resiliency polyurethane foam cores of both the top and bottom cushion, the experience can best be described as cocoonlike. For an optimum lounge, however, consider kicking your feet up on the matching ottoman

Best Recliner: Macedonia Mid-Century Modern Tufted Back Fabric Recliner

Chairs photo
Macedonia Mid-Century Modern Tufted Back Fabric Recliner, Amazon ($230)
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Gone are the days of your dad’s bulky basement recliner. With a slim profile and tufted upholstery, this chair barely registers as a recliner at first glance. There’s no unsightly external handle; when you want to lounge, just lean back and the chair reclines with you. More than 2,000 reviewers praise this chair for its quick and painless assembly and great value for the price.

Best Leather: Hay Bernard Lounge Chair

Hay Bernard Lounge Chair
Bernard Lounge Chair, Hay ($995)
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While some leather chairs can get swallowed up by too much material, our pick for best leather design masters the balance between sumptuous and clean-lined. The handsomely tailored seat and back are set into a visible solid oak frame, and the blanket-style arms add unique visual interest and extra comfort. The top-grain leather is available in an inviting cognac brown as well as moodier stone and charcoal shades.

Best Egg: Better Homes & Gardens Willow Sage Steel Wicker Outdoor Egg Chair

Chairs photo
Willow Sage Steel Wicker Outdoor Egg Chair, Better Homes & Gardens ($297 was $347)
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Reading nooks are not indoor exclusive—although this chic seat is reviewer approved for functioning both indoors and out. Whether you’re working with a small-space patio, full-blown backyard, or covered porch setup, our top reading chair for cozying up with your favorite book is this well-priced and top-rated Walmart gem. The cocoonlike style is crafted from a weather-resistant blend of wicker and steel materials that reviewers can’t stop raving about: “I waited all summer, and the second it was restocked I bought it. Hands down the best decision I could have made—it is the most beautiful piece of furniture I have ever owned. It was the easiest assembly; took me about five minutes. It’s sturdy, gorgeous, and so comfortable. You can fit two people easily, and it is such a high-quality piece of furniture!”

Best Updated Club: Article Gabriola Lounge Chair

Chairs photo
Gabriola Lounge Chair, Article ($499)
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A joy to look at and sit in, this piece takes the classic club chair and remixes it into a charming new silhouette that would be at home anywhere from a transitional bungalow to a modern loft. We love that it sports solid wood legs and is upholstered in a soft ivory bouclé, and that the seat cushion is loose and has a removable cover. It’s not too heavy at 40 pounds, and there is a little assembly required when it arrives at your door. It would make a fine reading nook in a living room or bedroom, or even a spot to crash with a book in a nursery. The chair comes highly reviewed by Article shoppers, too, with multiple remarking that it is “comfortable,” “cozy,” and “sturdy,” and there’s a matching ottoman should you want to stretch out versus curl up.

Best Traditional: Pottery Barn Carlisle Upholstered Tightback Armchair

Chairs photo
Carlisle Upholstered Tightback Armchair, Pottery Barn ($999)
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Not only does this chair incorporate some of our favorite timeless details—trimly tailored upholstery, rolled English arms, turned wood legs—it’s built to last, so it’s sure to become an heirloom piece. Handcrafted in the U.S. with traditional furniture-making techniques, the design is upgraded with modern amenities like steel springs for continuous support and adjustable levelers for uneven surfaces. Customize your comfort even further by choosing between polyester-wrapped cushions for a firmer feel or a down-blend wrap for a softer feel.

More Reading Chairs We Love

Our Shopping Checklist

Fabric

When deciding between the many upholstery options out there, we recommend a clear-eyed approach that’s focused on function in addition to looks. To ensure your chosen piece will last for years to come, consider your current lifestyle. If you have kids or pets, for example, it’s probably in your best interest to avoid fussier fabrics like silk, shearling, and mohair. Performance upholstery, on the other hand, will be more resistant to stains and wear. Our favorites are blends, which offer the best of both worlds when it comes to natural fibers (like cotton or wool), and synthetic fibers (like polyester) designed with cleanability and durability in mind.

Base Material

With a chair, a solid foundation is essential. Look for frames and legs that are made from either solid wood, metal, or a combination of the two. These materials set the standard for long-term stability and beat out lower-cost options like manufactured wood (also known as MDF).

Design 

When it comes to style, it seems as if there are as many types of reading chairs as there are genres of books—from more traditional styles like wingbacks and club chairs, to the sleek lines and iconic shapes of mid-century modern designs, to brand-new silhouettes that remix the past or leave it behind altogether. As with choosing a book, you’ll need to find a chair that fits your particular mood. That said, comfort should always be built into the design. Look for arms that are cushioned (instead of bare wood or metal), a back that’s high enough for you to lean into (go for a back height of around 30 inches or more), and extra support from springs or webbing to really let you sink in. 

Ask Domino

Q: What can I do to ensure my chair is as low-maintenance as possible?

If you prefer to balance an open book in one hand and a cup of coffee or snack in the other, spills and crumbs are likely inevitable. Luckily there are ways to take durability to the next level. There are always trusted indoor-outdoor fabrics, such as those by Sunbrella. Or pretreat the fabric with a stain protector like Scotchguard or Fiber-Seal

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A Curvy Pair of Galvanized-Steel Armchairs Is Hiding on Wayfair for Under $200 https://www.domino.com/style-shopping/wayfair-metal-armchairs/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.domino.com/?p=300915

All these restaurant-grade seats need are striped cushions.

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Normally, we wouldn’t associate galvanized steel with comfy seating—but after uncovering a pair of powder-coated metal chairs on sale over at Wayfair, we’re rethinking the combo altogether. The most considerable appeal of GAR’s Olivo armchairs lies in the clean-lined yet curvy frame that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s easy to picture these shapely seats as a modern punctuation to the ends of a dining table on a back patio or as sculpturesque accents layered inside a living room. Although our editors were initially drawn to the Olivo’s silhouette—along with a 43% discount, marking the black finish down to $94 a pop and the cream-coated duo to $109—what ultimately won us over was the versatility. At just 18 pounds each, these are lightweight enough to move from room to room or in and out of the house with ease. And with its bare, minimalist style comes an opportunity to personalize yours with the addition of some colorful or patterned cushions.

43% Off GAR Olivo Armchairs in Black, Set of 2

But if you, like us, have doubts that the stark wiry frame isn’t inviting enough for guests to linger through happy hour and dinner, allow one reviewer to quell those fears: “Fantastic chair. Sturdy and comfortable.” The sturdiness we wouldn’t question. Consider that the brand behind this sleek set is one of the largest suppliers of furniture for restaurants and bars, which signifies it knows a thing or two about durability, all but guaranteeing longevity. Comfort-wise, however, we might still be slightly skeptical.

This is where our previously mentioned cushion customization comes into play. The open seat structure makes it easy to add personal flair in the form of a bolster; there are plenty of back posts to tie onto, though a nonslip bottom should hold steady on metal all the same. With this in mind, we rounded up everything from darling checks to timeless stripes that would pair perfectly with either the black or cream base. (The 19-by-23.25-inch seat dimension is roomy enough for a rounded or square pad.) Below, shop a few of our other favorite metal armchairs hiding at Wayfair, along with corresponding cushions to cozy them up.

More of Our Favorite Wayfair Metal Armchairs

Cushions to Complete the Look

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This Swivel Chair Is the Cooler, More Enduring Version of Your Standard Nursery Glider https://www.domino.com/style-shopping/mitchell-gold-bob-williams-swivel-chairs/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 05:36:00 +0000 https://www.domino.com/?p=286730

The 1940s-inspired design is as inviting as they come.

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When it comes to nursery gliders, I often hear from moms that there is a divide in thought. Are they really worth the investment? Will they actually end up getting used? And, a big one: What do you do with them when they are inevitably outgrown? Some say don’t bother with buying the thing, to begin with. Angela Tafoya, a new mother and the branded editorial director at Domino, has a different take. During those sleepless nights and middle-of-the-night feeds, she told me, you’re going to be happy you have one since most babies need movement to lull them back to sleep. 

Our editors look at all kinds of kids’ products, day in, day out, and gliders often fall into two camps: comfortable but not cute or stylish to look at but stiff to sit in. At its worst, the furniture piece is a potentially expensive one-and-done purchase not designed to seamlessly transition past the newborn stage (those gliding mechanics aren’t exactly elegant). When Angela and I started poking around for a nursery glider that could do it all, we had a collective lightbulb moment after landing on a design from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ collaboration with designer Rafael de Cárdenas: the Sunbeam swivel chair

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Sunbeam Swivel Chair

Chairs photo
Sunbeam Swivel Chair By Rafael de Cárdenas, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams ($2,715 was $3,194)
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The Sunbeam fuses the effortless movement of a glider with a 1940s Art Deco–inspired design that endures far beyond the nursery, justifying the investment (which is comparable in pricing to similar types from Domino-reader favorites Lulu and Georgia and Serena & Lily). While it trades in the rocking motion for a side-to-side swivel, Angela says she prefers the style. For starters, it features a wide range of movement that can translate to a womblike experience for your baby. The armrest placements are high, making them perfect for feeding positions. And with a 22-inch-deep seat, the silhouette promises supportive comfort—you know, in case your baby won’t sleep anywhere else. And the swivel mechanism? It’s completely hidden from sight.

There are oodles of customization options here. While every chair frame is constructed in North Carolina with kiln-dried and sustainably sourced engineered wood, there are a whopping 373 fabrics to choose from—many of which are durable performance textiles. We’re fans of the performance faux shearling, in particular. It’s a versatile pick that feels inviting, cushy, and decidedly chic. Other personalized design details include three seat cushion options (a signature-blend poly, eco-luxe poly, and eco-down blend) and the choice to add fabric contrast on the front or back of the chair. 

Psst: The Sunbeam swivel is also 15% off through May 7 during the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Friends and Family Sale (usually only available to Comfort Club members). Want 30% off? Opt-in to Comfort Club at checkout to save on this order and all orders for the next 12 months.

More Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Swivel Chairs We Love

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I Tried a Washable Dining Chair—Here’s How It Held Up to My Toddler https://www.domino.com/content/levity-furniture-review/ Wed, 05 Jan 2022 06:31:00 +0000 https://www.domino.com/content/?p=197946

And chili. And berries.

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Within five minutes—I kid you not—of putting together Levity’s Scandinavian dining chair (it arrived flat-packed and took about 20 frustration-free minutes to assemble), my potty-training toddler sat on it and had an accident. Life is comical, isn’t it?

Under normal circumstances, panic would have ensued. A mad dash to blot and clean with attempted calm (“It’s okay, it’s okay—accidents happen,” all while steaming inside) would have played out. But instead, I was calm—truly. Because Levity’s upholstered furniture is specifically made to endure situations just like that one.

Were they not designed to be stain resistant as well as machine washable/dryable, would I have ever dared bring fabric dining chairs (albeit ivory ones!) into my home? Absolutely not. And I definitely wouldn’t have let that same nascent spoon user eat chili on that chair a few days later. As her tiny, sauce-covered hands grasped the upper cushion of the chair, I remained unruffled. 

Rather than react in distress, I simply spot-cleaned the area with water—just because I didn’t have time at that moment to take the covers off and throw them in the machine. Then later that evening, I popped off the cushions with a forceful tug, removed the covers (they’re held on snuggly with superstrong elastic), and threw them in with the wash. They came out of the dryer in perfect condition and back onto the chair they went. 

The start-to-finish process of removing, washing, and recovering is generally easy-breezy. And even though getting the covers on requires a little bit of finagling (it seems to be easier each time I’ve done it), it’s well worth the effort for the level of peace it brings me. Given all of life’s stresses, this chair has made it clear to me that nondurable upholstered furniture (or rugs for that matter) should not be one of them. But it’s not just the exterior covers that makes these chairs great, it’s that the interior cushions are covered in a waterproof material—which prevents spills from seeping in (remember that potty-training accident I mentioned?). 

Another bonus: You can purchase an extra set of covers (choose from 16 solid colors and 18 patterns)—a nice option if you don’t want your chairs to be bare during washes or if you just like the idea of switching it up, the way one might with throw pillows on a sofa seasonally or as your tastes change. You could even get creative—taking inspiration from Jordan Ferney’s folding chairs—and dream up a two-tone look. And while you do that, don’t for one second contemplate which colors best hide stains, because that worry is obsolete. 

Domino’s editors independently curate every product on our site, because we’re just as obsessed with a great deal and an under-the-radar discovery as you are. Items you purchase may earn us an affiliate commission.

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When You Want Chic But Chill, Look for the Best Beanbag Chairs https://www.domino.com/content/best-bean-bag-chairs/ Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:23:00 +0000 https://www.domino.com/content/?p=196987

Our favorites are surprisingly stylish.

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We know, we know: You likely don’t associate beanbag chairs with high style. But we’re also guessing that you’re thinking of those crushed velvet or baseball glove numbers from childhood. Today’s beanbag chairs have gotten a major glow-up. There are structured models for elegant yet comfortable seating, plus others that come in a host of bespoke fabrics, like thick-pile velvets and Belgian linen. Beanbag chairs are also an excellent way to outfit a welcoming environment: “Any low-profile seating signals cozy, loungelike, laid-back vibes,” says designer Hollie Velten of Spaces by Hollie Velten. “Sometimes the right beanbag-filled sofa can rival an expensive Togo sofa or another iconic ’70s piece.” 

So whether you’re channeling designs from 50 years ago or simply looking for a playful way to upgrade your living room furniture, don’t rule out this humble, eminently movable option. Read on for the best beanbag chairs of the moment, from structured to super-squishy.

Our Favorites

Best Stripes: Majestic Home Goods Bean Bag Chair Lounger

Amazon Bean Beg Domino
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Material: Polyester | Color: Black and white | Filling: Polystyrene (50 percent recycled)

What we like:

  • Machine washable
  • Structured design
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

Worth noting:

  • Not many color options

Why we chose it: Structured design with a South of France aesthetic.

Beanbag chairs are often oversize, which means a brightly printed cover can sometimes read as a bit garish. But Majestic Home’s version toes the line without going overboard: Its black-and-white–stripe pattern works well both poolside and indoors and adds a bit of Hollywood Regency flair. It’s also constructed with a high back, which makes this chair ideal for those who don’t want to struggle much to get in and out of a seat.

Best Structured: Serena & Lily Newport Lounger

Serena And Lily Newport Lounger Domino
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Material: Polyester-cotton blend | Color: Various | Filling: Polystyrene beads

What we like:

  • High back
  • Elegant design
  • Only 10 pounds

Worth noting:

  • Limited color palette

Why we chose it: Classic beanbag comfort in a more structured model.

For a beanbag chair that is a bit more polished than your average model, Serena & Lily’s is ideal. With its high back; a chic, neutral color palette; and streamlined design, this one looks as at home in a playroom as in a primary bedroom. And at only 10 pounds and with an included grommeted rope handle, it’s easy to move from room to room.

Best Custom Fabrics: Restoration Hardware Grand Bean Bag

Restoration Hardware Grand Bean Bag Domino
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Material: Various | Color: Various | Filling: Expandable polystyrene

What we like:

  • Child-safe locking zipper
  • More than 100 fabric options
  • Large size

Worth noting:

  • One of the pricier models
  • Professional upholstery cleaning recommended

Why we chose it: A large beanbag chair that comes in an astonishing range of fabrics.

Ripstop nylon has its place in your home, but sometimes it’s not smack-dab in your living room. For a beanbag chair that’s as elegant as your sofa (and maybe even the same fabric), look into Restoration Hardware’s oversize version, which comes in 108 different fabrics and colors, from Belgian linen to bouclé to velvet. These chairs all also have a sturdy leather bottom; the thicker material mitigates wear and tear on the piece. For a more affordable version with several fabric options, West Elm carries a special-order beanbag, but note that it is smaller and has fewer ways to customize.

Best for Kids: Oyoy Corduroy Bean Bag

Oyoy Corduroy Bean Bag Domino
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Material: Cotton | Color: Coral | Filling: Styrofoam

What we like:

  • Whimsical details
  • Lovely color
  • Appealing fabric for children

Worth noting:

  • Spot-clean only

Why we chose it: A stylish beanbag with a bit of cheek.

One of the best parts about decorating children’s rooms is adding a bit of whimsy to the design. And while any beanbag is generally a winner in a kid’s bedroom, we especially love Oyoy’s for its playful details. The cover is constructed out of a soft, corduroy-velvet, which not only looks sharp but is fun for little hands to touch. It’s also topped with a delightful pom-pom, making it a less serious option that is perfect for the little ones in your home.

Best Outdoor: Lujo Bean Bag Indoor X Out

Lujo Bean Bag Indoor X Out Domino
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Material: Acrylic canvas (Sunbrella)| Color: Various | Filling: Polystyrene

What we like:

  • Made of material suitable for indoors and outdoors
  • Chic color options
  • Has a coordinating ottoman

Worth noting:

  • Beans ship separately from cover

Why we chose it: A rugged beanbag chair that looks as great on your deck as in your den.

We’re all spending a lot more time outdoors, so why not upgrade your alfresco furniture? Lujo’s beanbag chair is outfitted in extremely durable Sunbrella fabric, which is mold- and mildew-resistant, UV- and fade-resistant, waterproof, and machine washable. But thanks to the addition of mélange yarn in its construction, the fabric appears like (and has a textural depth similar to) wool, making it suitable for indoor use as well. We also love the brand’s lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, as well as the five-year warranty against fading and deterioration. 

Best Handmade: BohoLounger Oaxaca Boho Lounger

BohoLounger Oaxaca Boho Lounger Domino
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Material: Cotton-blend | Color: Various | Filling: Not included

What we like:

  • Comes in two sizes
  • Hand-dyed and hand-loomed material
  • Made to order

Worth noting:

  • Certain colors can sell out
  • Does not ship with filling

Why we chose it: A well-made product that supports a small business owner.

If you’ve been searching for a unique beanbag chair, there is no better place to hunt than Etsy. That’s where we discovered BohoLounger, a company that makes custom beanbag covers out of nubby, cotton-blend textiles sourced in Oaxaca, Mexico. Colors range from bright hues to neutrals, ensuring you can find a fabric that matches nearly any design style. Note, however, that this cover does not ship with filling. The upside of that, though, is that you can pick whichever type suits your design style best.

Best Colors: Fatboy Original Bean Bag

Fatboy Original Bean Bag Domino
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Material: Nylon | Color: Various | Filling: Virgin polystyrene beads

What we like:

  • More than 20 colors available
  • Easy to clean
  • Extremely durable

Worth noting:

  • Less structured design

Why we chose it: An ultra-durable beanbag that comes in a rainbow of colors.

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect pop of color, look no further than Fatboy’s durable beanbag chair, which comes in an array of bright hues, from jewel tones to neutrals. We also love its durable nylon material, which renders it not only stain- and water-resistant but able to stand up to the rigors of even the roughest puppy or small child.

Best Alternative: Domino x Crate & Kids Renn Memory Foam Chair

Renn Memory Foam Chair Domino
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Material: Polyester-cotton | Color: Peach | Filling: Polyurethane memory foam

What we like:

  • Unique fabric
  • Memory foam filling
  • Elegant channel tufting

Worth noting:

  • Only two colorways
  • On the smaller size; likely a better choice for children

Why we chose it: A chic seat for kids that’s halfway between a beanbag and a club chair.

For those of you looking for a child’s seat that is significantly more structured than a beanbag but not quite at the level of a regular chair, the Renn offers the best of both worlds. Constructed out of super-accommodating memory foam, there’s no fear of displacing too many filling beads (because there aren’t any!). We also love the chic fabric, which is made out of multiple complementary shades of peach and orange. And if we can give ourselves a plug: The chair is a part of Domino’s collaboration with Crate & Kids, and our chief content officer, Kate Berry, helped design it.

Runners-up

How We Chose These Products

These beanbag chairs were chosen by Domino’s market editor, Cat Dash, who searched high and low to find models that are durable, structurally sound, and way chicer than anything you may remember from earlier decades. We also tapped design experts Stephanie DeBrincat of Rockabye Mommy and Hollie Velten to share their knowledge on how to shop for beanbag chairs, plus proper care.

Our Shopping Checklist

Size and Shape 

“Your size and weight will determine what suits you best, but the available floor space is another important consideration,” says DeBrincat. “Generally a 28- to 36-inch diameter would suit the little ones best, and for adults, look for a beanbag around 45 to 50 inches in diameter, which can comfortably seat up to two people.” As for shape? DeBrincat says that standard round beanbags may be fun for kids in a playroom, but adults with back pain should consider bags with a higher back for more support.

Filling 

“The fill density may be a matter of personal preference, but to ensure you have options, look for a beanbag with a zippered inner layer that allows you to adjust the fill level to your liking,” says DeBrincat. 

There are also so many options for the type of filling. “The most common beanbag fill is expanded polystyrene beans (EPS) or urethane shredded foam,” she adds. But if you’re looking for more sustainable materials, those are relatively easy to find as well. “Organic kapok fiberfill is an excellent substitute for conventional foam and bead materials,” notes DeBrincat. “This is the go-to option for low VOCs for improved indoor air quality, plus comfort and softness.” Other natural options, she says, include 100 percent organic cotton, buckwheat hulls, natural latex, and recycled materials.

Material 

“Because beanbags tend to get more aggressive use, the fabrication is important,” DeBrincat explains. “Look for quality stitching with double-stitched seams, a durable fabric (like cotton twill or a linen blend), and quality zippers concealed under a fabric flap.” Velten will also make her own bespoke bags. “I’ve reupholstered simple store-bought bags before to add something unexpected, like a grown-up print or fun corduroy for texture,” she says.

Support 

While beanbags may appear to be a casual, novelty item, they offer comfortable support when sized and filled properly. “A low-density fill may not offer enough lumbar support for long-term use, so consider keeping the maximum fill to maintain its shape and for optimized comfort,” says DeBrincat. “Properly filled beanbags will form around the natural shape of the body, creating an extremely comfortable and therapeutic seat.”

Ask Domino

Can you wash a beanbag chair? 

Yes! “Like most textiles in the home, beanbag covers come in washable options,” says DeBrincat. “Find a beanbag chair with a removable cover and an inner liner that securely contains the filling. This will allow you to easily care for and wash the cover regularly to prevent allergens and bacteria from building up on the fabric.” Regular vacuuming also removes dust and debris; helps maintain the fibers’ integrity; and can help extend the life and look of your chair.

Are beanbag chair bags bad for your back?

If you have back pain, look for a chair with good ergonomic and lumbar support. “A lounger with a medium-to-high back will provide additional support, while a dense fill will also offer more stability when getting up and out of the chair,” says DeBrincat. “Remember that most beanbags and loungers are lower to the ground than your standard sofa or chair. So keep in mind the strength and stability it will take to climb in and out of it with ease.”

How often should you replace the beans or stuffing?

“Over time, you will notice that your beanbag will start to flatten and lose its shape; standard beads contain air and will compress over time,” says DeBrincat. “A general rule of thumb is to add filling every two years.” It’s easy to find stuffing options with a quick Google search; Big Joe’s is one of the most popular and is widely available.

The Last Word

Beanbag chairs not only belong in spaces other than a kids’ play area, they sometimes can level up the entire design of a room. A customized chair in a sophisticated fabric or print can add just the right amount of playfulness and comfort to make any room feel more unique and welcoming.

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The Outdoor Chairs From Adele’s Oprah Interview Are So Chic We’d Put Them in Our Living Room https://www.domino.com/content/adele-oprah-interview-rh-chairs/ Sun, 14 Nov 2021 06:05:00 +0000 https://www.domino.com/content/?p=189755

Here’s where to snag your own pair.

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With Los Angeles’s Griffith Observatory as her backdrop, Adele will spill her secrets and sing her songs (both old and new) to a crowd of A-listers for a one-night-only special on Sunday, November 14. As part of the televised event celebrating her latest album, the singer is joining Oprah Winfrey for an interview in Winfrey’s famed rose garden—from the comfort of RH’s Capri teak lounge chairs

That’s right, we found the exact chairs Adele and Oprah will chat in on Sunday night. Unlike the furniture featured in Oprah’s sit-down with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, these seats are pricey, at $1,795 each for nonmembers. The U-shaped back beckons you to sink in, while the double-tension rope adds texture without visually weighing down the piece. Plus the whole structure is handcrafted from teakwood, the most durable option (if treated well) for outdoor furniture. 

The best part? The chic seating pulls double duty. Its curved silhouette  pairs just as well with a coffee table inside as it does with a grill out on the patio. And the performance upholstery protects against rain and wine spills alike. “Sometimes it lasts in love,” as Adele says.

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6 Restaurant Designers on the Most Comfortable Dining Chairs They’ve Sat In https://www.domino.com/content/dining-chair-ideas/ Wed, 17 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.domino.com/content/?p=188142
Courtesy of Legacy Records.

Sitting down has never looked so good.

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Courtesy of Legacy Records.

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A great restaurant offers more than just exceptional food. Beyond effortlessly arranged watermelon radish salads, perfectly grilled arctic char, and crisp Grüner Veltliner, there are multiple sensory elements that make a meal memorable: dimmed lighting, dainty stemware, curated playlists, and yes—the perfect dining chair.

Not all restaurateurs agree on what this elusive seating ideal is, though: “Ultimate comfort and restaurant dining do not necessarily go together,” argues Laurence Edelman, the chef and owner of the West Village landmark Left Bank. “There’s nothing wrong with being comfortable, but at a certain point, it can lead to being downright antisocial. A restaurant is a public space, and the seats should be designed to foster alertness and engagement.”

Hospitality experts go to great lengths to achieve a certain comfort level for their guests, and their criteria often expand to other areas (durability, structure, and style are often top of mind). These seasoned restaurateurs scour furniture fairs, antique marketplaces, architectural resources, and even other restaurants in search of the best dining chairs. Here, we asked six of them to share their favorite designs.

If you’re a utilitarian at heart…

Chairs photo
Galvanitas Industrial Plywood Chair, 1stdibs ($173)
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“On 1st Dibs, I recently came across Galvanitas, a company that has manufactured school and stadium furniture since 1934. Its classic S.16 chair is timeless, incredibly durable, and comes in several colors and finishes. We recently used them in our newest Boqueria location in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, DC, and the subtle pops of color add a ton of personality to the space.” — Matthew Tannenbaum, design director, Boqueria

If you look for comfort above all…

Chairs photo
Ethnicraft bok side chair black, ABC Home ($689)
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“I live near Union Square in Manhattan, so ABC Carpet & Home is my go-to for dining chairs.

“When evaluating a chair, I always take into consideration a lot of things besides its look. What is the height of the chair? The clearance to the table? How does it support your back? I look for a chair that’s comfortable but not a lounge chair.” — Ryan Hardy, executive chef and partner, Delicious Hospitality Group

If you have minimalist sensibilities…

Chairs photo
Seoto-EX Arm Chair, OOKKUU ($1,115)
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“If I could choose any chair for my next restaurant project, I would use the Seoto-EX Arm Chair from OOKKUU. In Japanese, ‘seoto’ refers to the sound of a shallow creek, and this collection is named for the soft but memorable impressions of the special carving techniques that accentuate the images of nature in the wood.” — Sidong Lang, partner, New Practice Studio

If you have a wild side…

Chairs photo
French Louis XV Style Upholstered Fauteuils, 1stdibs ($2,000)
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“We have a handful of Louis XV armchairs, which have been painted and upholstered with jaguar-print fabric. They look great and are very comfortable, but are also large and expensive. We try to use them at the least desirable tables so the takers feel the love.” — Edelman

If you relish in long dinner parties…

Chairs photo
Rén Dining Chair, Stellar Works
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“I love the Stellar Works Rén Dining Chair designed by Space Copenhagen, which can be found in 11 Howard’s library in NYC. It has great proportions and just the right amount of cushion.” — Tannenbaum

If you’re an art collector…

Chairs photo
Claude Lalanne Ginkgo Chair, Sotheby’s
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“I would love to mix Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne’s sculptural pieces like the ginkgo chair with other more functional chairs. I like the couple’s work because they masterfully blurred the boundary between fine and decorative arts. This piece fits in and contributes to the ambiance in restaurant settings, which seek aesthetic sophistication.” — Xuhui Zhang, director of real estate development and architectural design, Junzi

If you love a color moment…

Chairs photo
Eames & saarinen organic chair, Hive Modern ($2,440)
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“If I could choose any chair for my next restaurant project, I would choose the beet-hued Eames Chairs against the weather-stoned walls at La Colline du Colombier. This chair is one of the most striking and memorable design moments to my restaurant eye.” — Hardy

If you secretly wish you lived in Paris…

Chairs photo
Riviera Armchair, Serena & Lily ($338)
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“Chairs, while obviously important, are not my biggest concern as far as restaurant design goes. But if money were no object, I’d definitely go with a quality version of a French rattan bistro chair with arms. They’re indestructible and look better with wear. They’re the chairs in the dream restaurant that exists in my head.” — Edelman

If you prefer your French style with a tropical twist…

Chairs photo
Chaise en rotin Lena Chair Bloomingville, Mon Design (€299), Mon Design ($299)
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“I read a lot of decor and design magazines, and every year I go to the Maison & Objet show for inspiration. For a modern twist on the classic French rattan bistro chair, I love this Lena chair from Bloomingville. It’s great for both comfort and design.” — Cedric Cadin, owner, La Cafette

If you value a design classic…

Chairs photo
Wishbone chair, Design Within Reach ($655)
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“I often browse through Instagram and Pinterest for initial inspiration, but my current favorite chairs among all my projects are the ones Tang Hotpot uses. The mid-century, Scandinavian-style chair was designed by Hans Wegner.” — Lang

If you’d rather splurge on a seat with a pedigree…

Chairs photo
Pierre Jeanneret Floating Back Armchair, 1stdibs ($9,500)
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“Usually, you see Pierre Jeanneret chairs as statement pieces in small quantities or on display in a gallery. It would be fun to go crazy without any budget limitations and source vintage versions of these chairs from all over the world.” — Tannenbaum

Discover more entertaining essentials hospitality experts love:

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The Glam Chair We’ve Noticed in Every Ultra-Chic Dining Room https://www.domino.com/content/art-deco-dining-chairs/ Tue, 10 Sep 2019 17:50:24 +0000 https://www.domino.com/content/art-deco-dining-chairs

Pull up a seat.

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Every chair comes with its own personality. At one end of the spectrum, you have Pierre Jeanneret’s famous cane chair: a seat so chock-full of wisdom and authority that even college professors would be jealous. On the other end, you have chunky swivel chairs and quirky stools. These friendly surfaces embody the fun and casual qualities one might search for in a new best friend. Then, somewhere in the middle, you’ll find this contoured statement seat: Sophisticated yet sexy, this is the kind of chair you want to take out on a date.

The seat in question has no name, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t instantly recognizable. Often found in sultry dining rooms, it can easily be identified by its strong swooping curves, half-moon back, and abrupt brass legs, which are unmistakable references to Art Deco design. Despite its 20th century allure, we’ve been noticing this glamorous gem resurfacing in the homes and dining rooms of design-minded individuals.

No stranger to Parisian apartments or vintage round dining tables that mimic its romantic shape, this semicircular seat’s bold silhouette complements a wide variety of decor styles. It can go high-glam in a rich velvet or simmer down in modern camel leather.

Just comfortable enough to invite guests to gather but not too cushy to the point where they’ll stay into the wee hours of the night, this chair presents the perfect marriage of ease and luxury. While some furniture purveyors have kept with this straightforward silhouette, others have adapted its curves to form new cozy nests.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite versions of this glam seat so you can get in on the trend no matter your budget.

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Lenox Dining Chair, West Elm ($249)
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Velvet is a match made in heaven for a seat as luxe-looking as this. In a dining room that catches great sunlight, these airy chairs promise not to obstruct the view with their slim steel frames.

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Audrey Dining Chair, Interior Define ($400)
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Chic and totally customizable, you can take this chair in just about any stylistic direction. Crisp white linen, for instance, will lend itself well to a rustic-luxe setting while an inky gray would serve as an edgy complement to industrial, cool decor.

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Antonio Acrylic Chair, CB2 ($439)
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Offering a more contemporary riff on Art Deco ambiance, this re-creation’s sculptural frame gets its all-encompassing form from a single piece of molded acrylic. Instead of a built-in backrest, guests are instead greeted and supported by a cozy pillow for extra comfort.

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Coco Dining Chair, Gubi ($645)
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Borrowing references from modern minimalism and the Bauhaus, this chair’s back doesn’t span the sweeping half-moon shape we’ve been seeing, but its streamlined joints and its balanced composition embody elegance all the same.

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Avao Chair by Pedro Paulo Venzon, Matter ($1,600)
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Reduced to its most basic form, Venzon’s solid rendition will stop couch potatoes in their tracks.

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Lunar Chair, Bohinc Studio ($3,700)
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True to its name, Lara Bohinc’s Lunar Chair proudly follows its own orbit with its crescent-shaped trajectories that appear to defy gravity.

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Le Corbusier Lc7 Swivel Chair, Hive ($2,755)
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For a view that spans 360 degrees, Le Corbusier’s revolving and revolutionary chair puts a fresh spin on a classic silhouette. 

Want more dining room inspiration?

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How to Mix and Match Your Dining Room Chairs and Actually Pull It Off

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