Choosing a lounge chair: the best models, manufacturers, selection criteria

Lounge chair Is one of the most popular types of furniture. It can be found both in country houses and in small apartments. Today the market offers the widest selection of models that differ in the area of ​​use, design, upholstery, filling and additional accessories. In this article, we will describe the main operational parameters of different types of seats, give a definition of the selection criteria and an overview of popular manufacturers. We will also compile a rating of the best models of lounge chairs according to the bestsellers of the leading online furniture stores.

Design features

The structure of a classic lounge chair consists of a frame, filled pillows and upholstery that can be used in a wide variety of materials.

Frame

It perceives the load from a person, and is a load-bearing base for other elements. Should be fairly lightweight combined with strength and durability. As a rule, the following materials are used as a frame:

• wood. Wear-resistant rocks are used. For the internal parts of the product, alder, pine or birch are used, and for the external decoration and elements of the supporting frame: oak, beech, walnut, hornbeam;
• metal. Steel is used for the production of assemblies that are subject to particularly intense loads. Whole frames are made from alloys with aluminum. However, their strength depends on the design features, the presence of profiled parts, jibs and other reinforcing elements;
• plastic. Used in budget class chairs or outdoor furniture. It has high elasticity, but it is subject to thermal deformation.

PHOTO: i.ytimg.com

Upholstery

There are many varieties of upholstery fabrics. When choosing them, you need to pay attention to the following indicators:

• strength - the upholstery material for the chair must have a dense structure;
• elasticity - since the armchairs for the most part have soft cushions, it is necessary that the upholstery withstands numerous stretches without damage;
• ergonomics - the surface of the material should be easy to clean and withstand treatment with household chemicals.

PHOTO: remont-samomy.ru

Filler

The ease of use of the product depends on it. As a rule, manufacturers use several types of fillers, and in places of maximum impact, spring blocks. The following is often used as a filler:

• foam rubber;
• batting;
• synthetic winterizer;
• artificial and natural felt.

PHOTO: dommino.ua

Criterias of choice

If we are talking about a traditional "interior" lounge chair, the optimal ergonomic design parameters will be as follows:

• deviation of the backrest relative to the seat 115-130º. On some models, it is adjustable;
• the seat has a slope from the edge to the depth of the chair by 10-15º;
• the height of the seat surface from the floor level is 35-48 cm. Based on the average height of a person (160-170 cm), the optimal height is 42 cm;
• seat depth 50-90 cm, width 50-70 cm.

PHOTO: mblx.ru

Interior models of chairs - a variety of styles

The furniture market can offer a wide variety of models of chairs, made by both large enterprises and private craftsmen. However, both the former and the latter often offer products made in an inexpressive style. Armchairs, like other furniture, must necessarily comply with the canons of style.

Country

It is a rustic style that combines simplicity, functionality and identity. Only natural materials are used for furniture: wood, wrought iron, natural upholstery (cotton, linen, leather). The design of the chairs is simple, without complex geometric shapes. Wood carving is allowed, but more often the surface imitates rough processing or is artificially aged.

PHOTO: sep.yimg.com

Scandinavian

Furniture, including armchairs, made in scandinavian style, functional, simple in shape, convenient in daily use. The color scheme is dominated by white, blue, gray shades. Wood is used as the base material. The cushions can often be removed from the wood base for cleaning. Some have removable covers. For upholstery fabric, choose a matting, small velveteen, scotchguard. As a filler, modern materials with high elasticity are used: dense foam rubber, foamed polyurethane, latex, etc.

PHOTO: sankt-peterburg.doski.ru

Loft

This style formed in the process of settling in old buildings of a technical nature. Hence the choice of material for furniture: glass, metal, often covered with imitation rust, impact-resistant plastic. Since the loft assumes the presence of a large open space, the rooms are furnished with massive upholstered furniture. Armchairs and sofas are often mounted on wheels, which gives them a certain amount of mobility.

PHOTO: besplatka.ua

Vanguard

The main emphasis in furniture is on color. This is a combination of poorly comparable shades and different materials in the upholstery. The shape of the chairs can also be quite unusual. However, only true masters can find the line when a bold design decision has not yet turned into meaningless bad taste.

PHOTO: homecrux.com

Modern

The main canons of the Art Nouveau style are smooth curves of forms and floral ornaments in the design. Wood is used as the main material, bronze, brass, natural stone are used for decoration. The textures of the upholstery also contain images of flora and fauna. The material is natural fabrics and leather. The furniture itself can be either massive or sophisticated.

PHOTO: ogodom.ru

High tech

This style cultivates simplicity and functionality. The furniture is dominated by simple shapes with regular shapes. The materials used are a combination of glass, metal, plastic and wood. The upholstery of armchairs and sofas is predominantly monochromatic in calm beige or gray colors. Some designers use color accentuating techniques specifically on armchairs or cushions.

PHOTO: toypuf.ru

Classicism

This style has its origins in Victorian England, but with a more modern content. Embossed (carved) surfaces are widely used in furniture. Chair legs can be with or without thread, but always curved. All designs are strictly symmetrical with well-defined lines. As decorative elements, various overlays are used, both from carved wood and from "noble" alloys: bronze, brass. The upholstery is plain or with restrained floral patterns.

PHOTO: legko.com

Convertible chairs - versatility and multifunctionality

Convertible lounge chairs are much more expensive than conventional ones, due to the complexity of the design and the presence of transformation mechanisms. However, they perform several useful functions at once, which fully compensates for their high price.

Armchair-bed

There are several basic variations of the chair-bed: with and without armrests. But the main classification is carried out according to the type of transformation mechanism.

Accordion - is considered the most simple and convenient to use. The seat rises a little upward, freeing itself from the locking devices, then the whole structure stretches forward, folding into a full-fledged berth. The disadvantage of this mechanism is the thick back of the chair. An additional advantage is the presence of a small box under the first section.

Eurobook - is one of the most reliable and durable due to the absence of mechanical assemblies and parts. The seat simply slides forward, and the back rests in its place. The disadvantage is that the sleeping place is too short. This mechanism is used only in oversized seats.

Dolphin - a rather complex and short-lived mechanism, but, in comparison with the previous ones, does not require special efforts during transformation. The seat slides forward on casters and then lifts up on special parallel hinges.

PHOTO: obustroeno.com

Recliner

These are premium chairs designed for complete relaxation. They have a complex transformation mechanism that allows you to adjust the angles of the backrest and a special footrest. Depending on the degree of mechanization of this process, the following types of seats are distinguished:

• mechanical - the transformation device is supplied with springs and gas lifts. The change in position is initiated by strong pressure on the back, and the process itself is rather slow;
• electromechanical - equipped with electric motors with gear drives and servo drives. Push-button control both from a stationary remote control and from a remote control. Such chairs are much more expensive and do not work without being connected to a household power supply.

PHOTO: krasdom.com

Frameless armchairs - relaxation at an affordable price

Frameless chairs are not suitable for every interior. Their design is a bag filled with free-flowing filler or air. The shape can be very diverse, but the most common are: a drop, a cylinder (stump) or a ball (ball). To strengthen the structure and ease of use, the products can be divided into several sections, as well as have an outer and inner shell.

Filler bags

The inner cover is filled with polystyrene foam balls, sometimes synthetic fluff is added. The outer cover is a kind of "upholstery". It can be cleaned in the washing machine, which greatly simplifies the maintenance process. It should be remembered that a chair filled with synthetic fluff is hygroscopic and it is not recommended to install it in damp rooms or outdoors.

PHOTO: story.com.ua

Inflatable chairs

As a rule, they are made of polyvinyl chloride. Completely imitate the shape of a classic armchair with armrests. Vinyl can be smooth, textured, or flocked. Any color palette and degree of transparency can be realized. There are fold-out models that can be used for limited sleep. It is recommended to use special pumps for filling with air.

PHOTO: img3.elmir.ua

Garden models - convenience and resistance to bad weather

Chairs for relaxation in the country, in the garden or in nature have special requirements for strength, compactness (portable models), as well as resistance to high humidity and mechanical stress.

Sun lounger

Foldable armchair of medium size, has a rigid supporting frame made of metal pipes (with canvas seats and a back), wood or plastic (additional soft loungers). Such furniture is not intended to be carried over long distances, as it is rather oversized. As a rule, it is stored folded in the pantry.

PHOTO: diz-cafe.com

For fishing

The traditional design of a fishing chair consists of a metal frame made of aluminum tubes and a canvas seat and backrest. Many models are equipped with additional accessories: cup holders, fishing rod holders, tables for tackle and bait, etc.

PHOTO: i.ytimg.com

For giving

Stationary furniture for a summer residence, as a rule, is represented by armchairs made in a traditional style - weaving on a frame. But as a material of manufacture it is recommended to choose not a vine, but technorattan - a polymer (PVC) reinforced with fiberglass. Such furniture does not need to be removed indoors, even when it rains.

PHOTO: oltre.pl

Original constructions for rest

Engineering thought does not stand still, and over the past years, many designs of existing seats have been created and modernized, as well as new ones have been developed.

Rocking chairs

Basically, four types of constructions are used, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Runners. Classic design with two support bars, slightly curved at both edges. This rocking chair is quite noisy. Requires constant repulsion, since the amplitude of the pendulum movements is rapidly dying out. It can only be used effectively on hard surfaces. And the advantages can also be noted: a high level of the seat above the floor level, compact size and relative cheapness.
2. Vienna model. The runners form a single whole with the armrests and lock into a single loop. The material used is rattan or steamed bent beech.
3. Glider. There is a pendulum suspension with several bearings between the fixed base and the swinging seat. Often, such a rocking chair is equipped with a pouf under the feet with a similar rocking mechanism. The advantage of this design is that it can be used on carpets. Of the shortcomings, users note unusual rocking movements - the seat does not move at an angle to the floor, but parallel to it.
4. Papasan (spring). The structure consists of a fixed hollow base, inside which a powerful spring is installed. The seat, backrest and armrests are one hemisphere-shaped structure. Rattan is traditionally used as a material of manufacture.

PHOTO: roomester.ru

Suspended

As the name implies, these chairs are suspended in the manner of hammocks, the only difference being that they have rigid frames. There are the following types of hanging chairs:

• by the shape of the frame: ball, cocoon, egg;
• by the method of fastening: ceiling, stretching (additionally attached to the floor with a rubber band), with a separate stand.

PHOTO: weareart.ru

Lift chair

The chair has a classic shape, but is additionally equipped with a servo drive that raises the seat. Control is carried out by a remote control, most often on a wire. Some models have an additional function to lower the backrest. As a rule, they are purchased for the elderly with musculoskeletal disabilities.

PHOTO: imgres.tailbase.com

Massage chairs

Provide maximum comfort, promote quick recovery and relaxation. Depending on the functionality, they have different methods of exposure: vibration, heating, kneading, pneumatic impacts, etc. The prices for such products are quite high, so they can be far from afford. not every.

PHOTO: casada.ua

Below are photos of stylish and unusual chairs.

1 out of 12

The video provides information on how to choose a lounge chair:

Feedback from users of popular armchairs:

Classic bean bag. It's good to roll on it

The Nordway armchair is a great choice

The Kreso rocking chair is a pretty comfortable chair

Jysk Jordrup armchair - soft and very comfortable

Calia leather armchair is a beautiful piece of furniture

Summarizing

When choosing a lounge chair for yourself, having decided on its type and appearance, pay attention to the manufacturer. In the domestic furniture market, the following are considered the best:

• Anderssen (Russia);
• Shatura-Furniture (Russia);
• Furniture-Holding (Russia);
• Pinskdrev (Belarus);
• Rival (Russia);
• Blando (Russia).

We hope this article was helpful. Share the link with your friends and take part in the discussion.