The British interior designer and actress, Amanda Pays, once said, "You want to be able to sit in a good chair comfortably for a few hours and be able to talk and enjoy a glass of wine. There's nothing worse than sitting in an uncomfortable chair."
Luxury chairs epitomise that statement since the basic attribute of such chairs, regardless of their design, is their comfort level. The chairs are made from the best materials and designed with an eye on both comfort and aesthetic appeal to produce works of art that can elevate the appearance of luxury interiors.
While there is a range of chairs which have gained favour among luxury interior designers, tub chairs are particularly popular because of their comfort, design excellence and versatility to complement all kinds of interiors. For instance, if you are looking for luxury chairs for your modern minimalist living room, tub chairs are excellent options.
On the other hand, they are equally suitable for classical interiors. The tub chair was first developed in the 19th century and according to historical records, it was France's Louis XV who was the first to use it. Given its origins of royal approval, it is no surprise that the chair has become a popular choice for luxury interiors, and among the interior designers who get to design them.
However, the suitability of these chairs with modern luxury interiors of different styles is also a significant factor behind their popularity. In this feature, we are going to look into some of the specific reasons why these chairs have become the preferred choice of some of the most successful luxury interior designers.
Luxury interiors are distinctive and striking owing to the presence of tastefully designed furniture. The signature design of luxury tub chairs, with their distinctive curves and compactness, offers a degree of class and sophistication that remains unique. Modern luxury interiors are particularly focused on clean lines and functional excellence, which is why the understated luxury of tub chairs has emerged as one of the preferred options in recent decades.
Consider a modern minimalist luxury living room. Luxury interior designers want the space to appear classy without being overwhelming and among other things, they often opt for tub chairs to complement the aesthetic. For instance, a set of leather tub chairs in neutral colours will offer the kind of design and aesthetic appeal to the living room that will further enhance the commitment to minimalism.
However, the design appeal of the chairs is not only the function of their distinctive rounded curves and height. The role of the best materials and high-quality upholstery is equally important in the enduring appeal of luxury tub chairs. A solid wood chair upholstered with premium leather will offer a degree of design appeal and comfort that a similarly designed chair made from engineered wood and upholstered with synthetic fabric never would.
Although tub chairs are striking pieces of furniture which augment the luxury quotient of any living space, there is much more to them than simply design appeal. The chairs, also known as barrel chairs, have also gained popularity among discerning individuals for being uniquely comfortable and functionally outstanding. Whether by design or accident, the unique design of these chairs aligns with the principles of ergonomics by default.
The backrests of the chairs are at a lower height, which promotes better lumbar support and comfort. The distinctive curved design provides greater support to the lower back and thereby enables you to sit in a great posture. For instance, if you plan to sit on one of these chairs for prolonged periods while watching a game of football or reading a book, you can do so without any possibility of discomfort.
Additionally, premium materials like plush leather or velvet heighten the degree of comfort and offer you a luxurious seating experience like no other thanks to high-end padding. Consider adding cushions to the chair to make it a cosier and more comfortable spot. In essence, barrel chairs are a unique combination of comfort, design excellence and lifestyle-related benefits.
The aesthetic appeal and comfort offered by the chair depend significantly on the type of fabric you choose. The luxury furniture brands that we work with offer barrel chairs upholstered with a range of fabrics, starting from the luxurious sensuality of velvet to the breathable lightness of premium Egyptian cotton. Some of the other fabrics which offer a stunning luxurious aesthetic include wool and silk. We are confident that we can help you choose the right one.
You can never go wrong with premium leather and it is no surprise that for centuries it has been one of the most popular upholstery options for chairs in luxury interiors. Lend your living space the classical timelessness of plush leather tub chairs to create an eye-catching aesthetic. Moreover, premium leather is highly durable, comfortable and gets better in appearance over time.
Sophistication and elegance are key attributes of luxury spaces, which makes a grey tub chair a favoured choice among luxury interior designers. The neutrality of the colour allows designers to mix and match the chair in diverse colour schemes to create a coherent look while adding a refined aesthetic to modern living spaces. Consider adding a bold-coloured rug or cushions to the space to create a stunning contrast.
According to our interior designers, these chairs can be excellent additions to any part of your home due to their elegant design, rich upholstery and the comfort they offer.
Recreate the classical appeal of the grand dining rooms of London's finest members-only gentlemen's clubs by incorporating these chairs in your dining space. For instance, a set of cherry-coloured leather upholstered tub chairs at a mahogany solid wood table will create an inviting aura for your guests. Ensure that the backrests of the chairs are tall enough so that they can fit snugly into the table and don't slide underneath.
Living rooms and bedrooms are both excellent choices for placing one or more of these chairs. A striking red leather tub chair will offer an interesting focal point in your Knightsbridge living room and draw considerable interest.
On the other hand, one of these chairs by the window of your bedroom will be a comfortable spot to read, reflect or simply rest. You can consider placing a set of these chairs in your home office to offer your visitors high-end plush seating.
The ultimate aim of luxury interior design is to create an interesting and cohesive space, which is both comfortable and aesthetically spectacular. Consequently, you need to pair the chairs with the other pieces in your living space to create an interesting look.
For instance, metallic accents offer an excellent foil for chairs in neutral colours like black, grey, white or cream. Consider placing a coffee table with metallic legs in brass or gold finish near the chair to create a sophisticated look.
Bespoke interiors require custom-designed chairs which create just the right look and allow you to create a truly unique aesthetic. For instance, tub chairs generally have lower backrests but you may want a higher one. A customised chair will enable you to have exactly the sort of chair that you want.
Designer chairs are not meant for the mass market because designers work on the chairs individually and eventually offer a limited number for sale. Italian hand-made shoes or Swiss watches are not mass-produced because of the degree of work that goes into the making. The same goes for designer tub chairs.
One of the most iconic tub chairs ever produced is the one designed by Hans Wegner in 1954. It consisted of a pair of upholstered portions on a bent frame made of wood. Over the years, some of the leading furniture designers have come up with even more inventive options.
We work with some of the leading designers and luxury furniture makers and have done so for several decades. Our representatives will ensure that you walk away with your perfect designer tub chair.
FCI London has more than 40 years in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted creator of luxury interiors in London, both large and small.
Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress-free and convenient.
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary tub chairs, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
Book your appointment today!
Whether you’re interested in armchairs, recliners, outdoor offerings or the perfect match for your dining room, our skilled team will help you make a selection that will elevate your home.
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