The Occasional Chair

 

 

Someone once quipped that an occasional chair is, well, a chair you only use on occasion. In fact, occasional chairs are one of the most versatile yet overlooked pieces of furniture in the home. Perhaps it's better to describe the occasional chair as that which you don't miss until it is gone. A room without an occasional chair seems bare, slightly incomplete. It is the piece of furniture that pulls a room together like the perfect necklace paired with a couture suit.

 

Here are more ideas for the occasional chair:

 

The occasional chair is flexible. It can go near a desk as a guest chair, in a bedroom as a chair you sit in to take off your shoes, or in a living room as part of a seating group. You could even use an occasional chair in the bathroom.

 

It complements a room and adds colour and style to the space.

 

 

It becomes not only a functional seating piece but can make an architectural statement as well.

 

 

Just because the occasional chair is an accent piece does not mean it needs to be singular. The beauty of the occasional chair is in its versatility. Instead of just one, get a pair!

 

 

It is also an opportunity for the homeowner to reflect his or her own style. You can do fun, more bold things with an occasional chair. It's a chance to express yourself.

 

 

In an urban environment, occasional chairs are asked to work even harder than they might in a suburban setting where you have the luxury of space.

 

 

Typically the rooms in a city dwelling are smaller and space is at a premium, so every piece of furniture needs to pull its weight - an occasional chair is usually a smaller chair used to accent a sofa or sectional, or in a bedroom - it needs to wear a lot of hats.

 

Martini lounge chic brought back the low-slung, armless occasional chair, a chair that is comfortable yet small enough to be bought in pairs.

 

 

While it may not be the centerpiece of the room, the occasional chair is an essential part of the space, an opportunity for self-expression, a chance to mix form with function, and a time to have a little fun. An occasional chair should receive the same thought and attention as the sofa. Perhaps, because of its flexibility, it should receive even more.

 

C. McCausland