One of the biggest design problems in America is that “living” or “front” rooms in older homes (e.g. 1930) were not designed for watching TV. So designers, homeowners, renters, and parents struggle to place a TV and comfortable furniture in a way that is both functional and not unsightly. Contrary to what Orlando says (read the heated argument that ended our friendship here – just kidding), putting a TV over a fireplace is often the only realistic option because a window or doorway cuts off the rest of the room. I’ve been helping two close friends decorate their new and old homes, and they’ve had to solve many of the same problems. Both want a comfortable, warm home, both have 100-year-old traditional homes, and both want to make it feel charming yet modern (one wants it to be closer to “DudeBro PNW Lodge” and the other to “Anthro/Soho Home”). And you two have a more “formal” living room where the only arrangement is that the couch faces the fireplace/TV and you need a side chair that can swivel to watch TV or a chair that you can lounge on side to watch TV (you both have a TV room in the basement but your family likes to watch TV together upstairs in the evenings) It’s the scene where Tom Cruise takes on a mission!!! but it’s not as intense!!!
So I sat in a bunch of chairs (not all of them below, but a bunch) to figure out what this formula is. A swivel chair seems like the obvious answer (and maybe the best solution), but one of my friends asked me to find him another chair that would let him lie down facing the TV. The key to meeting this very specific need is a supportive yet soft backrest that leans back (not too vertical) and soft arms. Let’s go over what I was looking for. By the way, for privacy reasons, I’ll call my friends “R” and “N” 🙂
This is the current leading candidate R for living room – the cushioned back, high arms and large size allow it to recline on its side or normal position (the designer term). The only thing to consider with this is that it is very large so your room needs to be able to accommodate it (your sofa needs to be large too). I might put this in a corner so it can be easily pulled into the room, but I’d need to measure further to make sure it’s not too big. Those round arms look really comfy.
This was the most likely candidate We are planning to buy one for N’s ​​house, but it may be too big for the aisle space we need. It’s 48 inches wide, not a loveseat in my opinion, but it’s definitely bigger than a regular chair. However, it looks like it would allow teenagers to lie on their sides and watch TV, and is far more elegant than many swivel or comfy chairs (which are also pretty plush).
I decided to leave swivel chairs off this list for now (I have too many, so I keep them separate). This swivel chair It looks like a regular accent/club chair – comfortable and traditional in feel (rather than a cooler, clubby swivel chair), and again, with the rounded arms and sloping backrest, it looks very ergonomic (velvet comes in a variety of fabrics and colors, it’s not bad).
The reason I pinned it is This one The reason being is that it looks more like the living room chair we want in N’s house, but A. it’s lightweight so it swivels easily, and B. if the kids like to turn the chair sideways to watch TV (which we do), it’s easy to swing their legs over the armrests.
This is another one It’s not for every room, and it’s very specific in style (like “70s basement”), but if you have the space, it’s super cool and comfortable, and it’s surprisingly easy to throw your legs over the side. The armrests seem supportive enough to double as mini “backrests.” I haven’t sat in it yet, but I’m going to run to Crate & Barrel and try it out.
I am convincing myself This one Right now. Wow, this looks comfy. I don’t know if it’s really heavy (hard to angle it towards the TV) or light, but it definitely tips over sideways easily. Wow, this looks comfy.
The EHD team all agrees that midcentury is back (as some websites are finally starting to realize it’s been around for a few years now, lol). And I This chair Many times. So comfortable and easy to lay diagonally or snuggle on your side. I know my desire to have these teenagers sleep on their sides in the chair is starting to seem silly but as a mom I get it!!
Another cozy chair It’s so gorgeous and so easy to angle and tilt. Jake Arnold’s Collection Crate & Barrel’s products are amazing.
surely This chair Its appearance is simple, but if you place it in a corner or family room, its size, proportions and angles make it ideal for watching TV for hours, or if you like to sit or chat while sitting.
I have This chair It’s on the small side but very comfortable whether you’re sitting sideways (legs out to the side) or normally 🙂 Ottoman If you need to fill a small space, this chair is incredibly comfortable. Make sure your sofa back isn’t too high (no more than 32 inches) or this chair will look small.
I also own This chair I tried sitting sideways and it was fine. The backrest is tilted so it’s easy to watch TV sideways. About the story 🙂
That’s what I aim for! Stay tuned for more challenges I’m trying to solve. xx
Source: Shopping – Emily Henderson – stylebyemilyhenderson.com
