Chairs

Design chairs – how to find the right chairs for your home

1. Types of chair
2. Placing chairs at the table
3. Multifunctional
4. Materials
5. The ideal dimensions
6. Summary

1. Types of chair – different bases and their properties

Designer chairs come with different types of base, so you can choose according to your taste. Some offer added value that goes beyond style and personal preference. Four-legged and sled-base chairs are often stackable; cantilever chairs, as the name suggests, allow a gentle springing motion that makes them much more comfortable; and swivel bases make it easier to turn towards others at the table.

2. Placing chairs at the table – here's how

The dimensions of a chair play a key role when it comes to placing it at the dining table. Ideally, there should be 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the underside of the table, so you have enough legroom.

When choosing chairs, also consider the space in the room and at the table where they'll go. As a rule of thumb, allow 60 cm per person at the table. However, the number of chairs you can fit depends heavily on the table base in combination with the width of the chairs.

If space is limited, choose chairs without armrests that can be pushed completely under the table. Otherwise, walkways can quickly become blocked, or you may no longer be able to open chests of drawers properly.

"Mix different chairs! Whether different models and brands, or chairs with and without armrests – a mix of chairs livens up the look of the room and can be adapted to suit your space." – Kerstin, interior expert

3. Multifunctional – versatile chairs

If you have little space in your living and dining area or kitchen but still like to invite guests, multifunctional chairs are a good choice. Folding or stackable designer chairs take up hardly any room, yet let you extend your dining area in no time and provide enough comfortable seating.

Every home also deserves a statement chair. With its expressive design, it's almost a decorative object, yet it can still serve as a seat or as a practical chair for clothes in the bedroom or living room.

Many design classics, such as the Eames Plastic Chairs by Vitra, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. You can move multifunctional chairs like these wherever you need them – from the terrace to the dining room and back again.

4. Materials – designer chairs made of wood, plastic, upholstery & more

Designer chairs are made from a wide variety of materials. Which one is right for you depends not only on your personal taste but also on the properties of the material.

Wooden design chairs: Wooden design chairs are true classics and give any room a particularly natural, warm, almost rustic atmosphere. They are considered sturdy, durable and high quality. Many renowned manufacturers, such as Carl Hansen & Søn, make their wooden chairs in a resource-efficient way and pay attention to environmental protection. With different finishes – oiled, stained, lacquered or untreated – wooden design chairs are extremely versatile in their look.

Plastic design chairs: Plastic chairs look modern, are lightweight, come in almost every colour imaginable and are extremely easy to care for. Classics such as the Eames Plastic Chairs are also made of plastic and still impress today with their timeless, versatile design. Especially practical: in many cases, plastic design chairs are also weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use.

Upholstered design chairs: Many design classics are also available in an upholstered version, offering even more comfort and a cosy look in the dining and living room. Covered in cotton, leather or polyester fabric, upholstered chairs are not only comfortable but also a visual highlight in any room. Many covers are removable and washable. Bear in mind, though, that at the dining table or in homes with children, the risk of stains is high and care is a little more involved than with wooden or plastic chairs.

Rattan chairs Design chairs with rattan weaving have a long tradition and are as modern today as ever. They have a certain boho charm and suit natural settings with retro flair or a classic style. Rattan design chairs are high quality, light, flexible and durable. You can clean them with a little warm water, but they are not weather-resistant.

5. The ideal dimensions – sitting ergonomically

A design chair impresses not only with its distinctive look but also with its functionality – including a high level of seating comfort.

To sit as comfortably as possible on your design chair, there are a few things to bear in mind. Sit at a right angle – your back against the backrest, your knees level with the seat and your feet flat on the floor.

Many designer chairs are shaped to support exactly this ergonomic sitting position and adapt well to your back.

When buying a design chair, always check its height so that it suits your body height and you can keep your knees level with the seat.

6. Summary – what to consider when buying designer chairs

• Pay attention to the chair's base. Four-legged and sled-base chairs are often stackable,
  cantilever chairs allow a gentle springing motion, and swivel bases offer plenty of freedom of movement.
• Ideally, there should be 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the underside of the table.
• If space is limited, choose chairs without armrests that can be pushed completely under the table. Multifunctional chairs are also practical in small rooms.
• Choose the material to suit the purpose of the design chair and consider its properties.
• When buying a design chair, always check its height so that it suits your body height, letting you keep your knees level with the seat and sit at a right angle.

Buy designer chairs online at Connox - your benefits at a glance

• A carefully selected range from top design brands
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Shopping advice at Connox

Would you like to buy a design chair online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.