Fine Design: An Armchair in the Bedroom

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

An Armchair in the Bedroom

A comfy armchair is a necessary bedside buddy for a bed. Count on it when you just want to lean back and relax without having to mess up the bed you've just made. Upholstered armchairs can cost a small fortune, especially if they are well-made. Even at the low end stores, they sell for nearly as much as a love seat. Buying an armchair is like buying art--besides being intensely personal, there are quite a bit of factors to be considered.

There are a lot of armchairs out there--fully upholstered, upholstered with some wood, rattan, cane, wicker, recliner-type, you name it. The challenge is finding one that will fit the bedroom in its ambiance of relaxation and repose, and most of the armchairs out there do not fit this category. Most armchairs are designed to go in a living rooms and a few just you of doctor's waiting rooms and the women's lounge at Nordstrom.

Bedroom chairs must be super-comfortable, one that you can melt into, and big enough to sit criss-cross applesauce in. It does not have to be a recliner, but the back has to be high enough for good support, maybe even for a catnap. Higher arms are preferable too. This comes in handy when you're reading a book; it can support one bent elbow so your arms don't tire. Arms are also perfect for holding a sweater or a throw. Wings can also substitute for arms.

Here are a dozen chairs that fit the bill, in different styles, for different personalities.

Clean and Modern Straight lines make these chairs perfect for master bedrooms. No-nonsense, his-hers and yet totally stylish.

Above: Mod Madison Chair by Dapha for Baker Furniture, Sweep armchair by West Elm

Sleepwear: Essence PJs by Natori at www.zappos.com

Sexy The rounded seats, the size and sumptuous fabric of these chairs make them so sexy. They're called 'cuddle chairs' by the way.

Above: Eos Swivel Chair by Room and Board, Griffith Cuddle Chair by Horchow

Sleepwear: Laila by Cosabella at Bergdorf Goodman, www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Ultra-Feminine Think Carrie Bradshaw. These chairs are sophisticated yet playful and pack a lot of punch and personality.

Above: Sonia Chair and Haute House Portuguese Lace by Horchow

Sleepwear: The Afterhours Satin Pajama by Victoria's Secret, www.victoriassecret.com

Cozy The first chair speaks shabby-chic comfort but the knife edging keeps the look clean. The second chair on the bottom has the perfect proportion of upholstery and wood, and would complement a beautiful wood headboard quite nicely.