Choosing an Accent Chair Based on How You'll Use It

• Looking for a chair to read in?

If reading is one of your favourite ways to relax, don't choose a chair based on looks alone. After an hour or two with a good book, the support it provides will matter far more than the fabric or colour.

A supportive backrest helps you stay comfortable longer, while well-positioned armrests give your arms a natural place to rest. They're easy to overlook in the showroom, but they're often the features you'll appreciate most once the chair is in your home.

• Looking for a chair to relax in?

If your chair is mainly for watching TV, reading or simply unwinding at the end of the day, a deeper seat and a gently angled backrest are usually the most comfortable combination.

They let you settle into the chair more naturally and stay comfortable longer. On the other hand, if you tend to sit upright or use the chair mostly for conversation, a slightly shallower seat may be a better fit.

• Looking for a chair everyone can enjoy?

When the whole family uses the same chair, what feels comfortable to one person doesn't always work for someone else.

In most homes, a seat that's neither too deep nor too firm is the safest choice. It accommodates a wider range of heights and body types while making it easier for everyone to sit down and stand up comfortably.

When is a Swivel Chair the Right Choice?

A swivel chair lets you turn in different directions without moving the chair itself.

If your living room is open to the kitchen or dining area, you'll appreciate being able to turn toward a conversation, the television or the view outside without repositioning your chair.

It's also a practical choice beside a fireplace, in a reading nook or anywhere your attention naturally shifts throughout the day.

Unlike a recliner, a swivel chair typically doesn't require extra clearance behind it. You get the flexibility to turn while using about the same amount of floor space as a stationary chair of similar size.