Showrooms
Contact
My Account
Track Your Order
A Chair for All Occasions
Surely the most misunderstood piece of furniture in the home is the occasional chair. As its name implies, it’s a piece that can be moved around and used in various ways as the ‘occasion’ demands. And yet, a lot of us simply find a chair we like, stick it in the corner and forget about it.
The occasional chair should make a statement, preferably saying something about its owner at the same time. Why not avoid the predictable ‘status chairs’ that we’ve all seen ad-nauseum in every design magazine, and opt instead for something original; something surprising…something with personality.
“Personality is very important when it comes to occasional chairs.”
“We use them a lot to add a bit of variety to a room; a bit of colour and pattern. Occasional chairs also give people an alternative if they feel like sitting a bit more upright, rather than in a deep sofa.”
Kimber’s choice of occasional chairs is eclectic, ranging from 18th century Louis XVi antiques, through to ultra-modern pieces.
And the biggest mistake people make when choosing an occasional chair? “Trying too hard to match it perfectly to their other furniture. An occasional chair should stand on its own.”
Ruth Levine of Ruth Levine Interior Design, says she uses occasional chairs in most of her projects, usually to create balance, or provide colour, or even whimsy.
“The occasional chair is a focal point of the room, so it can add real punch to an otherwise neutral palette."
Levine says an occasional chair can be as simple as something you’ve found in a back lane and have had recovered. Or it could be a piece you’ve inherited from a grandparent.
One of the most beautiful Australian designed occasional chairs in recent years is the Seymour, by Charles Wilson in collaboration with King Living. Wilson, who has an ongoing partnership with King Living’s in-house design team, was also responsible for the Andrea and Zaza sofas.
He says his goal was to create a chair that would become a favourite place to perch: “Somewhere to relax in the evening with a glass of whisky and a good book.”
He spent 18 months developing the chair, experimenting with mould-making and sophisticated techniques, not just for the fibreglass shell, but for the upholstery and cantilevered base.
There are three versions of the chair; a high-back, mid-back and a low-back, with a choice of two base options - a timber swivel base in a range of finishes, and a fixed-leg base in powder coated black or white for a more structured look. All versions have deep roots in mid-century modernism and draw on Wilson’s exemplary knowledge of design history.
Of course, the Seymour can be specified in fabric or leather upholstery.
Another option is the King Boulevard Chair, with its elegant curved form. Created in-house, the Boulevard is available in Standard and Compact sizes to fit almost any space. A wide number of timber finishes are available for the legs.
Also, created in-house is the Oliver Tub Chair, featuring a discrete swivel base for easy movement. The classic form will suit any interior aesthetic and is right at home in the bedroom, living room, or even in an executive reception space.
Visit your King Living showroom to test drive the range of occasional chairs and speak with one of our consultants about fabric options.
