Design a Chair News

Design vs. Functionality- Where do Designer Chairs Fall?

admin — Wed, 29 May 2013 08:29:55 +0000

There are some innovative designer chairs to choose from these days. These furniture items can be very aesthetically pleasing, and they can really change the look of a room, but there can be concerns about the functionality of this type of furniture. Some people might be a bit reluctant to purchase this type of item if they suspect that it might be uncomfortable or impractical.

What is a Designer Chair?

A designer chair usually refers to something that has been designed by a talented professional who is skilled at this type of work. Of course, all chairs will have a design, but the way that the word ‘designer’ is used here indicates that it is a bit more unique than the mass-produced type of furniture. It also usually means that this item is going to be a bit more expensive than the average chair. Designer chairs tend to look unique which is what adds to their popularity.

Designer Chairs – Design vs. Functionality

There are many different types of designer chair, so it is difficult to refer to this as a homogenous furniture item. It would also be misleading to suggest that design and functionality are mutually exclusive. With most of these items, the designer will be aiming to create something that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It is also usual for this type of furniture to be built ergonomically so those using it will be at less risk of developing health problems often related to sitting with a bad posture.

How to Get the Balance Right between Design and Functionality

If you intend to purchase a chair that is both appealing to the eye as well as functional, you will need to get the balance right between these two factors. Here are a few suggestions for how you might go about this:

• If you will be sitting in this chair for long periods of time, it will be important for it to be ergonomically designed. Sitting in a chair that was not designed for this type of use could lead to problems like back pain.

• If there is a particular design that you like, it may be possible to get this custom made so that it provides the maximum level of comfort.

• It is important to think carefully about the colour when choosing this type of product. If the chair is going to be getting used frequently, it might be best to avoid the lighter colours which may show wear, tear and marks more prominently.

Here at Design a Chair we know all there is to know about designer chairs, so for any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Which Rooms Most Suit the Style of a Designer Chair?

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:45 +0000

This is a question that commonly arises when discussing our range of designer chairs with customers as due to their stylish and sometimes extravagant designs, finding a suitable room to house them in can be a conundrum. In order to help you out with this, detailed below are a few room options that our previous customers have incorporated a designer chair into and we also think will benefit aesthetically from their introduction;

Lounge

One of the most popular room choices for a designer chair is undoubtedly the lounge. As one of the most used rooms in the home, you can be confident that your designer chair will certainly make an impression in terms of enhancing aesthetics whilst also being more likely to be a functional addition, if you so wish, as users of your lounge can relax on it.

Conservatory

In the majority of cases, the furniture within a conservatory is quite natural with wicker or wood designs, which might make you wonder how a chair designed by us will fit in. You may however be surprised as one of our chairs can quickly create a focal point within the room, catching the eye and developing a real talking point within the room.

Bedroom

Another room within which a designer chair will fit in well is within a bedroom. As we offer so many different designs, a chair will be available to suit your current decor, whether you have gone for a laid back master bedroom with creams and light blues or something more boutique style through the use of reds and blacks.

These are of course only three rooms of your home however we at Design a Chair are confident that on introducing one of our stunning designer chairs within any one of these rooms, the desired effect will be achieved. For style, finesse and the ‘wow’ factor, introduce a designer chair into your lounge, conservatory or bedroom and see the results for yourself!

New chair design for Spring

keith — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:37:33 +0000

Over this cold and often dismal winter, Design a chair has been busy. Even still in the grips of recession people have treated themselves to a designer chair or two, because retail therapy is often the perfect antidepressant.

However, whilst busy making hand made occasional chairs for their customers, little time has been spent on new designs. The two seater Skelter sofa has been a success and the Two drawer Wedgie was completed as a concept. However, Spring is traditionally the time for re-decorating and of course the finishing touch will be the new sofa or chair. Over the last few years, the three piece suite has been superseded by various sofas and statement chairs. A statement chair needs to be very different from the sofas in both design, and texture. With this in mind, Design a Chair will now look towards creating their Spring collection.

As always, it’s fun to type “funky chairs” into Google images. In an effort to produce something different, the manufacturers have steered towards very gimmicky ideas. Nothing wrong with that, but at this moment in time, if a customer spends a fortune on re-decorating, with new flooring etc. do they want a chair in the shape of an upturned hand to complete the look. Again, a brilliant concept and Design a Chair have also made such statement pieces, but more with the teenager bedroom in mind.

For main room however, should we re-visit the retro chair market again. It is very tempting indeed because it is still a very popular concept. We must try and remember that what is retro to us, is brand new to the under 30′s. Original and contemporary is the preferred route but could embrace a smattering of retro.

So it’s challenge on for the kind people that read these news feeds. Please send me your ideas for Spring chairs and they can be anything but traditional/classic. Design a Chair needs you !

How to Promote Your Company Through Your Reception Space

admin — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:00:10 +0000

When a potential customer or client walks in to your reception space, that is the first impression they get of your business. With this in mind, it is therefore essential that the reception area of your commercial premises sets a good impression, so we at Design a Chair thought it would be useful to run through a few ways in which you can achieve this at the same time as promoting your company in the process. Read on to find out more;

Signage

Whilst signage is most commonly associated with the exterior of a property to draw custom in, it can also be a highly effective aesthetic tool within a reception area. The ‘wow’ factor will certainly be achieved if, behind the reception desk, there is a large motif or company logo lit up in bright lights that immediately catches your eye as soon as you walk in. This will instantly show to any visitor that you take pride in the appearance of your premises, are proud of your brand and will ultimately act as a promotional tool as the image of the impressive interior signage will undoubtedly stick in their mind.

Furniture

Furniture is a staple of every reception area, but have you considered how it could be used as a promotional tool? Here at Design a Chair, we can design bespoke chairs for your setting that are embroidered with the web address for your company website, a stylish design of your company name or even your logo. With a vast array of colours also available, your reception area furniture can match your company branding and therefore act as an additional promotional tool in your armoury; something you may never have considered previously!

Little Extras

There are also a number of little things you can do around your reception area to promote your brand to all those who visit. These can be very simple extras such as the addition of branded pens and headed paper for visitors to use and then take away with them, plus the introduction of coasters on tables that are emblazoned with your company name and/or logo. All of these relatively small features can however last long in the memory of those using them!

If you haven’t considered your reception area as a promotional tool before, hopefully this post has opened up your eyes as to how the space can be used to effectively promote your company and services. Don’t forget, for stylish promotional furniture, we at Design a Chair can create something visually stunning so get in touch today to find out more!

Designer chairs personalised for business reception areas

keith — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:09:50 +0000

Promoting Design a Chair can take hours of thought and discussion. Racking your brains and others to kick around the same old ideas which either don’t work or are too expensive or both. Then, out of the blue the idea is brought to you.

A year ago we did an unusual project for an artist. He commissioned us to upholster a large picture frame in tartan. We had used tartan on designer chairs on many occasions, but never this. Anyway the artist and his client were pleased.

Recently, this artist came to see me about a funky chair/sofa for his new studio he was about to open in Knightsbridge. Knowing the enormous cost to set up his studio around the corner to Harrods, I offered to supply a Design a Chair piece on loan with one proviso, that we have our name embroidered on it. The artist agreed and wanted it in the colour scheme of his studio which is bright yellow and black. The seed of the idea was sewn.

We had been toying with developing the Skelter chair into a two seater tub chair. After building a frame and preparing the fabric we now had to find somebody to do the upholstery. Almost immediately we found Cressex Embroidery to do the job. They were very friendly, helpful and knew what they were doing. We decided to embroider “Design a Chair.co.uk” in black to match the piping. Anthony showed me on computer how it would look and the decision was made.

Once the Design a Chair logo was embroidered on the fabric, the idea struck like a bolt of lightening. A range of reception furniture for businesses , and embroider their logo/name onto the chairs/sofas. We would not be restricted to the Skelter and of course the colour choice is limitless. Anthony and Cressex Embroidery are also up for the challenge

All that remains now is the hard slog of promoting the concept.

Make 2013 the Year You Splash Out on a Designer Chair

admin — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:00:46 +0000

A new year often brings new opportunities, so with 2013 now underway why not take up a great opportunity to add a touch of style to your home in the form of a designer chair? If you have always loved the class and style a high end designer chair exudes but have never grabbed the bull by the horns and bought one, we at Design a Chair want to change that!

We want to make 2013 the year that you make the change from the regular run of the mill furniture you may find elsewhere and create a stunning focal point in a room of your property in the form of a quality designer chair from our selection.

Our ability to design and build a custom chair that fits in with your living environment and reflects your preferred tastes should fill you full of confidence that our team will first meet and then exceed your expectations, making your investment in a designer chair for your home one that you will never regret.

We strive to offer you the very widest array of options when it comes to the design of your chair, with a number of different fabrics, colours and style of chair available to you. This means that you can tailor the design of the chair to suit a particular space in your home as well as ensuring it fits in with your current decor perfectly.

Utilising the very latest, modern techniques for your chair’s production, you can rest assured that you will be purchasing a long lasting product that will hold its appearance and quality for a number of years to follow, no matter how often it is moved or sat on!

If you have always wanted to incorporate a designer chair into your home’s interior design, make 2013 the year that you do so and come to us here at Design a Chair for the best in design, style and service.

Designer Chairs “Made in Britain”

keith — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:54:01 +0000

When you design a chair, it is very difficult not to be influenced by other designers work from the past and present. There is as we have said before, a lot of retro designs emulating the great designers of the 50’s and 60’s which is great, but then what happens in fifty years time ? Will we be reworking designs from 100 years previously and calling them Double retro ?
So we need to go back to the drawing board and major on originality. During the last decade or so we have been reluctant to spend a lot of time and money on research and development only to find that our Chinese friends have virtually copied it and selling it for a fraction of the price. The quality was somewhat different but this didn’t seem to matter during the Blaire party days. That party is over and the hang over is only now starting to clear, but things are changing. With bowls of rice being replaced by wages and British consumers starting to respect home made goods, we are at the beginning of the new age of “Made in Britain”
Design a Chair have been successful with their high heel shoe and flip flop designs. It would appear that the teenage bedroom market, although small, is buoyant. Building on that success, thinking outside the box, we have designed a chair which will appeal to both sexes and will have an additional function. The shoe theme will be more general unisex and will incorporate a two drawer chest in the toe.
After a lot of work, we are very pleased with the result of this original piece. We are currently looking at fabrics and will have it on this site during January. All our chair designs are Made in Britain.

This is only a working drawing.

Talking Points: The Best Designer Chairs For Party Season

admin — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:00:30 +0000

Party season is in full swing and if the responsibility ever falls on you to play host then you’re going to want your living room and home looking at its best. Furniture is the centrepiece of every room in a home, and that perfect piece can spark lively conversation and get the party started.

Designer chairs are a perfect way to present something totally unique and personal to you in your home, and some of the funky and interesting designs can really get people talking. In this article we run down our top chairs from us at Design a Chair that can make that ideal centrepiece:

Wizard & Stool

The Wizard & Stool combination is designed with comfort and style in mind; this completely hard-wooded modern take of a classic design is the perfect chair to relax and put your feet up in with a glass of whatever you fancy and look effortlessly elegant while doing so.

S-exy

Modern and adventurous in every sense of the word, our S-exy designer chairs are the perfect party piece to get everyone comfortable, relaxed and the conversation flowing. The unique S-shape of this chair can be even be designed to seat three people.

Chooz

If there was ever a chair that you could use to make a bold, personal statement, it’s the Chooz. Totally unmatched in its design, this stunning occasional designer chair has been influenced by some of the great shoe designers – all that’s left is for you to choose your fabrics!

Ambassador

Unashamedly regal in its design, the Ambassador is the perfect addition to your home that’ll shine this party season. Whether you want to show off your good choice in interior design or invite friends to sit and elegantly sip their drinks while you get some candid snaps, this chair is the perfect centrepiece.

We offer a whole range of fabric options for these chairs and more, so you can customise it to your tastes and home, and they’re all constructed using quality hard woods; no cheap chipboard in sight! To talk through our design options and to get your perfect chair made, just call us on 01494 882 080 or contact us for a personal response.

The Benefits a Designer Chair Can Bring to a Room

admin — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:00:33 +0000

We all want our homes to the look the best they possibly can and will do our utmost to ensure this is always the case. If however you feel something is missing from your room to really add that touch of class and style, a designer chair could be just that. Read on for a few of the benefits investing in a stunning designer chair could bring to a room of your home;

Style

The first benefit is most definitely style. At the cutting edge of design, a designer chair could be the stand out style feature you have been looking for that fast becomes the centre point of the room; even if it is situated in the corner! With a fabulous array of colours and fabrics available to you, a designer chair can easily be incorporated into the chic look you are going for or alternatively be utilised as a standalone feature that catches everyone’s eye.

Individuality

If you are looking to create individuality within the home, the introduction of a designer chair ticks all the boxes. Offering a unique, highly individual look, designer chairs can reflect you as a person, your preferences when it comes to design and your tastes in terms of colour and shape. By having the opportunity to have a strong input in the design and build process, you can make sure your chair reflects your ideals from the very outset right through until it is positioned in your home.

Practicality

Aside from their stylish appearance, designer chairs can also offer practical benefits. If you have an odd shaped living room or a loft bedroom with areas that you struggle to fill and are left as unappealing empty spaces, a uniquely designed and shaped designer chair could fit perfectly into the empty space, providing a beautiful finishing touch to the room.

For the best designer chairs that offer all of these benefits and more, get in touch with us here at Design a Chair where we can work together to create a stunningly unique chair that reflects you and your tastes perfectly.

Design a Chair goes to Runcorn with a funky chair.

keith — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:08:45 +0000

Searching through Google has opened out the geographical area for customers buying from Design a Chair. Debbie who lives in Cheshire typed in Funky chairs into her search engine, and she found us.

This is an extract from her 3 initial emails “I am looking at buying the Witch chair. Please could you let me know how long delivery is from placing the order”. “Hi Keith-Thanks for your response. It would be helpful to have some samples before deciding. Our room will be white, silver and mulberry/purple. I am looking at the chair to be black & white or black& silver. I quite like the chenille collection 35 with the black and white/grey swirls”. “ I like the idea of silver back and black seat but maybe thinking of purple or mulberry seat as my new suite is purple and silver swirls. Once I receive the samples I will be in touch.”

The key to Debbie’s inquiry was fabric samples. As usual we bombarded her with samples and she chose Wave -fant 108 which at the time was not in our fabric collection on site. A fantastic choice ! However she was not going to make our life easy. A Witch chair with LHF arm but with silver coloured legs. Due to the complex angles involved we couldn’t use metal/chrome legs. Instead we coloured beech legs very successfully.

The finished chair looked amazing. We weren’t going to let a round trip of 370 miles get in our way, we wanted to see this chair in it’s new home. It was well worth the journey ! The existing sofas were purple and silver swirls with chrome legs. Silver accessories, and rich purple cushions and some wall paper gave the room life and that wow factor.

However, the amazing coincidence was, some of the scatter cushions on the sofas were the same fabric Debbie chose for the Witch chair. When we had sent the samples weeks earlier, she recognised one to be the same as her existing cushions and the choice became obvious. In the fabric industry I reckon this was an over a million to one situation.

So, we were delighted to see how this fabulous room came together, and more importantly another happy customer !

Keith and Marian
Design a Chair

Article and image with kind permission of Debbie from Runcorn.

Funky Witch Chair