Have a Seat

I’m working on a project right now where we are looking for some chairs – single chairs, not a set, which got me thinking about what a statement the right chair can make. Then I started thinking about what I would buy if the choice were entirely up to me. So, in no particular order, here are three of my favourite, go-to styles. Each is a classic, yet can be tweaked depending on fabric and colour and finish to suit your personal preferences and needs. Make it yours!

The Bergère chair:

French in origin, the bergère dates back to the 18th century, and generally has an upholstered back and seat, with large, loose seat cushion. The wooden frame of

the chair is exposed, and is often (but not always) ornamentally carved. The arms are partially upholstered. While originally the frame would have been painted and often gilded, it has become common to see them today unfinished or distressed. Likewise, though they would be traditionally upholstered in silk, today they can be found with anything from burlap to leather to cheetah prints. This floral one from Anthropologie is a more casual version of what is usually a more formal chair (fabric and finish is all!!), and I just love this velvet electric green one by James S. Duncan.

The Barcelona chair:

Even if you didn’t know what this chair was called, you’ve seen it. One of the most iconic pieces around, Ludwig Mies

van der Rohe (an architect of the Bauhaus school) designed it for the German Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona Exposition. The epitome of modernism, copies can be found (at a much much lower price-point) at many

stores and websites, but if you are a purist and want the real thing, it has to come from Knoll Studio! Check out this blue kid-size version from them.

The Slipper chair:

Basically, a slipper chair is a small, armless, high-backed

upholstered chair. It generally has a fairly low seat, and while originally created to provide a place for a woman to toss her clothes (come on, we all do it) or sit while putting on shoes, it has moved into the living room as well. Its small scale and low stature means it can be unobtrusive, but easily pulled out when extra seating is needed. I like it because it’s a great accent piece, and I just like saying “slipper chair”. They can be contemporary in feel, like this Ikat-print one from Urban Outfitters, or more traditional (and girlie) like the “Harlow” from Windsor Smith.

Sophia is principal at Sophia Vayda Interiors and our beautyconnexion.com