An accent chair stands alone, so its frame, fabric and proportions all have to hold up without a sofa to share the load. Check these before you buy.
Frame and seat build
Hardwood frames in beech, oak or ash tolerate weight and movement better than particleboard. Look for dowelled or mortise-and-tenon joints rather than stapled corner blocks. Under the cushion, a spring base gives more even support than webbing over thin foam.
The Linear Armchair pairs a foam-and-feather seat cushion with a no-sag spring base. The frame sits on tall matte black metal legs, which keeps the floor visible and makes cleaning simple.
Fabric and leather
Wool blends resist pilling and suit family rooms. Linen has a relaxed drape but marks easily. Aniline leather shows the natural grain and wears in with use. Pigmented leather has a more uniform, hard-wearing surface. Be wary of bonded leather, which has a vinyl backing.
Check stitching at the arms and seat edges. Panels on a leather chair should match in colour and grain direction.
Sizing and placement
Seat height of 42 to 48 cm covers most people. A lower seat suits lounging, and a higher one is easier to rise from. Leave room to walk around the chair, and pull it 20 to 30 cm off the wall so it reads as a deliberate piece.
A swivel chair gives you one more option in an open-plan room. The Cove Swivel Lounge Chair has a barrel back that curves into the arms and a concealed 360-degree base, so it can face the room, the window or the television.
Choosing a contrast
Pick a chair that differs from the sofa in height, texture or colour without clashing. A higher, firmer chair sits well beside a deep, low sofa. A smooth leather chair adds contrast to a boucle sofa. Pair it with a side table at about arm height and a floor lamp behind it.
Care
Vacuum weekly and rotate loose cushions every few months. Condition leather twice a year with a pH-neutral cream. Blot spills with a damp cloth rather than rubbing. Check the care label before steam cleaning.
Environmental labels
Eco Choice Aotearoa is the New Zealand environmental label that covers some furniture and textiles. If indoor air quality matters to you, ask any supplier about foam and adhesive emissions.
Your rights as a buyer
The Consumer Guarantees Act applies to furniture bought in New Zealand. Consumer NZ sets out what it covers.
Try before you choose
See the full lounge chairs collection, then sit in them at our Parnell or Grey Lynn showroom. We can also help match a chair to a sofa you already own.
