You’re allowed to have chairs you seldom use and probably don’t actually need. They even have a special name – occasional chairs. Dining chairs and armchairs have a purpose they need to fulfill. Occasional chairs only need to look good!
Occasional chairs can be a great way to settle an unresolved wall or corner in your home. This first image is a perfect example of the power of a pair of well chosen chairs to ground an artwork in a sense of place. Notice how both the yellow colour and the curves of the tufted seats are echoed in the painting. When bringing different pieces together, it’s much more important to think about repetitions of colour and shape than it is to match the eras of the pieces.
Another great place for a fabulous occasional chair is in a bedroom. Yes, it may become a dumping ground (well that’s useful isn’t it?). But when it’s a chair as beautiful as this one, you may become more self-disciplined just so you can enjoy admiring its fine lines.
As interest in all things 1970s continues, consider a new or retro chair in tubular steel and leather. While this chair sits perfectly here in a contemporary setting, it would also add great contrast among more traditional furniture pieces.
And finally, occasional chairs can be all about adding some whimsy. While sheep’s wool covered chairs have been in fashion recently, they are also a design classic that will bring years of enjoyment. Very difficult to be grumpy when you have a chair like this in your life!
More info on the designers of these four rooms via the links below.
2. Arent + Pyke
3. MIM Design
4. Nildo Jose