10 Solo Seating Spots to Sink Into
These cosy spots will inspire you to find your very own chair for one
Sometimes, snuggling up on the sofa with your loved ones is just the thing you need. But if you long to carve out a quiet area in your home to enjoy a moment to yourself, start by creating the perfect place to sit.
There are so many characterful chair designs available that it can be taxing to narrow down your search. Start by fixing your budget, thinking about the available space and the type of seat you have in mind – do you want somewhere to perch for a few minutes or a comfy armchair you’ll be happy to occupy all afternoon? Next, you’ll need to pick your fabric – patterned or plain – and visualise how it will mesh with the rest of your decor. These 10 solo seating spots should give you some inspiration when it comes to creating your own corner of calm.
There are so many characterful chair designs available that it can be taxing to narrow down your search. Start by fixing your budget, thinking about the available space and the type of seat you have in mind – do you want somewhere to perch for a few minutes or a comfy armchair you’ll be happy to occupy all afternoon? Next, you’ll need to pick your fabric – patterned or plain – and visualise how it will mesh with the rest of your decor. These 10 solo seating spots should give you some inspiration when it comes to creating your own corner of calm.
2. Put your feet up
Ramp up the comfort of your armchair with a matching footstool. A pleasing, pebble-like design counters the angular lines in this sleek living space.
Reupholstering can give mid-century chairs a new lease of life; choose simple linen or cotton for a contemporary reworking of a retro style.
Ramp up the comfort of your armchair with a matching footstool. A pleasing, pebble-like design counters the angular lines in this sleek living space.
Reupholstering can give mid-century chairs a new lease of life; choose simple linen or cotton for a contemporary reworking of a retro style.
3. Bring up a bookworm
Tempt teens to read by giving them a comfy chair in their bedroom and a stash of books to hand. Layer small-scale prints with solid brights against a white background for a scheme that’s both fun and relaxing.
Why real books will never die
Tempt teens to read by giving them a comfy chair in their bedroom and a stash of books to hand. Layer small-scale prints with solid brights against a white background for a scheme that’s both fun and relaxing.
Why real books will never die
4. Find a fireside space
Bag yourself a prime fireside spot with a smaller sized chair – for one this shape, try searching for ‘cocktail chairs’ online – that can easily be shifted aside when necessary. Luxe fabrics, such as velvet, lend extra softness, while contrasting cushions are easy to swap in and out depending on the season.
Bag yourself a prime fireside spot with a smaller sized chair – for one this shape, try searching for ‘cocktail chairs’ online – that can easily be shifted aside when necessary. Luxe fabrics, such as velvet, lend extra softness, while contrasting cushions are easy to swap in and out depending on the season.
5. Fit a bijou bench
If you don’t have room for banquette seating around your kitchen table, but still fancy a place to perch while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, try a small bench, like this neat number. For a hint of New England nautical style next to neutral cabinets, opt for stripes.
If you don’t have room for banquette seating around your kitchen table, but still fancy a place to perch while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, try a small bench, like this neat number. For a hint of New England nautical style next to neutral cabinets, opt for stripes.
6. Try a new texture
Stop a neutral scheme from falling flat by introducing interesting textures. This woven chair brings a hint of warmth thanks to its natural composition, which also makes this spot for one into the focal point of the space. For something similar, look for pieces made of jute or water hyacinth.
Stop a neutral scheme from falling flat by introducing interesting textures. This woven chair brings a hint of warmth thanks to its natural composition, which also makes this spot for one into the focal point of the space. For something similar, look for pieces made of jute or water hyacinth.
7. Wing it
Wingback chairs were originally designed to provide a sheltered spot within draughty old houses. While these days you can just crank up the heating, it’s still a design that creates a feeling of privacy and being enveloped.
Wingback chairs were originally designed to provide a sheltered spot within draughty old houses. While these days you can just crank up the heating, it’s still a design that creates a feeling of privacy and being enveloped.
8. Hang out
When space is not an issue, you can get away with installing a piece that’s a little unusual or oversized. A swing chair like this would bring back childhood memories of playgrounds (or the 1970s!) and provide a definite talking point at parties.
More: Cool (and Contemporary) Hangout Zones With Hanging Chairs
When space is not an issue, you can get away with installing a piece that’s a little unusual or oversized. A swing chair like this would bring back childhood memories of playgrounds (or the 1970s!) and provide a definite talking point at parties.
More: Cool (and Contemporary) Hangout Zones With Hanging Chairs
9. Cosy up your sleep space
Add a comfy armchair to your sleep space for an extra place to perch. Bedrooms are usually tucked away from the hubbub of the rest of the house, so can make great escapes. Having said that, you should probably skip this one if you’re the type to use it as a dumping ground for your ‘floordrobe’!
Add a comfy armchair to your sleep space for an extra place to perch. Bedrooms are usually tucked away from the hubbub of the rest of the house, so can make great escapes. Having said that, you should probably skip this one if you’re the type to use it as a dumping ground for your ‘floordrobe’!
10. Rock and roll
Slow down the pace with the ultimate in relaxed seating – the rocking chair. Choose a contemporary design, such as this juicy orange option from Jens Risom, or a more traditional wooden style.
TELL US
Do you have your own escape spot? Share it with us in the Comments.
MORE
Garden Seating Nooks Worth Dreaming About
DIY Fix: How to Reupholster a Chair Seat
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Slow down the pace with the ultimate in relaxed seating – the rocking chair. Choose a contemporary design, such as this juicy orange option from Jens Risom, or a more traditional wooden style.
TELL US
Do you have your own escape spot? Share it with us in the Comments.
MORE
Garden Seating Nooks Worth Dreaming About
DIY Fix: How to Reupholster a Chair Seat
14 Ways to Create the Snuggliest Living Room Ever
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If you’re planning an extension, it may be possible to design a picture window with extra depth for a window seat. A bespoke cushion pad will ensure a snug fit, while a dedicated side table and light will mean you can settle in for a few hours of relaxation.