The living room is often the heart of the home, a space to relax and entertain. Selecting the right chairs is key to creating a cohesive, stylish look that suits your interior design aesthetic. As you choose living room chairs, keep the overall decorating scheme in mind. The style, silhouette, material and color of the chairs should enhance the intended vibe of the space. Here is how to pick seatings that integrate seamlessly into popular living room styles.
Understanding Different Interior Styles
When selecting living room chairs, it’s helpful to have an understanding of popular interior design styles. This provides a framework for choosing chairs that will complement and enhance the intended aesthetic in your space. Here are some of the most common styles:
- Modern:
The modern style is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and an emphasis on functionality. Neutral color palettes and sleek, unembellished materials are typical.
- Traditional:
Traditional rooms revolve around elegance and refinement. Rich wood tones, classic silhouettes, ornate detailing, and luxurious fabrics dominate.
- Bohemian:
Boho style embraces an earthy, globally-inspired look. An eclectic mix of vivid colors, patterns, and textures drives the design. Mismatched furnishings and vintage pieces are common.
- Scandinavian:
The Scandi look spotlights functional, minimalist furnishings. Light wood tones paired with airy, muted color palettes create a bright, simplistic feel.
- Rustic:
Rustic rooms focus on durable, natural materials and a cozy, down-to-earth charm. Handcrafted wood pieces, textural fabrics, and earthy color palettes bring the countryside indoors.
- Loft:
The loft style features industrial and warehouse-inspired elements like exposed brick, piping, high ceilings, and metal accents. Durable mixed materials and a neutral palette create an urban, unfinished look.
Living Room Chairs in Modern Style
For a modern living room, choose chairs with streamlined profiles that accentuate, rather than distract from, the sleek surroundings. Metal, molded plastic, or wooden chairs in glossy white, black, or chrome suit the refined style. Lucite chairs provide transparency, while still making a statement.
Look for crisp upholstery in solid hues or subtle geometric patterns. Avoid ornate details that disrupt the clean-lined aesthetic. Arrange seating near unembellished coffee tables and modular shelving to maintain the sophisticated modern mood.
Traditional Chairs for Timeless Elegance
Traditional interiors call for chairs that spell sophistication. Rolled armchairs, sometimes with nailhead trim, offer classic appeal. Tufted club chairs, particularly in rich leather, exude refinement. For a feminine twist, try a skirted slipper chair with antique floral chintz fabric.
Carved mahogany wood Queen Anne chairs with cabriole legs make a regal statement. Opt for elegant frames in dark wood tones and plush upholstery in colors like deep red, navy, and emerald green. Place ornately detailed seating near other polished antiques to echo the timeless sophistication.
Bohemian Style Calls for Eclectic Chairs
The bohemian vibe is all about carefree mixing and matching. Combine a variety of vintage living room chairs for lots of character. A distressed leather armchair looks right at home beside a brightly colored velvet slipper chair. Handcrafted chairs with woven wicker, rattan, or bamboo seats add organic texture.
Mismatched patterns on pillows and upholstery drive the eclectic look. Drape textiles like ikat print are thrown over the eclectic mix of chairs. Arrange seating in playful vignettes around hand-carved stump tables. The more unique and curiosity-provoking the chairs, the better for bohemian interiors.
Scandinavian Simplicity Shines Through
Scandinavian style seeks out chairs that are understated yet comfortable for relaxing by the fireplace. Light-hued wooden chairs with gently sloping curves fit the minimalist aesthetic. Danish mid-century-inspired seats in oak, ash, or birch are ideal choices. Woven rattan dining chairs provide textural contrast while retaining the light, airy feel.
Look for cushions and upholstery in neutral solids and subtle Scandinavian prints. Charcoal, misty blue and earthy green tones keep the palette serene. The chairs should provide coziness without detracting from the quiet, functional surroundings. Simple is best for Scandi seating.
Rustic Living Calls for Natural Wood & Texture
To complement a rustic space, seek out chunky chairs made from unfinished wood. Handcrafted maple, pine or oak chairs will feel right at home, lending organic texture. Plank benches and acacia chairs with woven wicker or rattan seats bring in warmth.
Look for visible wood grains, knots, and natural imperfections that add character. Upholstery options like wool, cotton, and linen in solid earthy hues enhance the raw, countryside vibe. Place wood and woven chairs atop braided jute rugs and near stone fireplaces for inviting rustic seating.
Living Room Chairs in Loft Style
To complement a loft-inspired interior, look for chairs that speak to the industrial vibe. Vintage factory carts and stools reimagined as seating introduce urban character. Chairs with metal frames, iron bases, or aluminum accents fit in seamlessly. Mixed materials like weathered wood paired with distressed leather or canvas upholstery keep things interesting. Opt for muted, neutral tones like gray, black, and tan to match the concrete floors and exposed brick walls. The loft look is all about infusing rugged, urban charm into the living space. Chairs made from durable, everyday materials that show patina and wear help achieve an authentic warehouse seating style. Arrange chairs near unconventional tables like old cable spools to complete the unfinished, eclectic mood.
Final Thoughts
With the right chairs, tailored to your interior style, you can fashion a living room that’s both fashionable and functional for years to come. Keep the intended aesthetic in mind and let it guide your seating choices. The chairs you select will drastically influence the ambiance, so choose wisely for a cohesive, welcoming space.
