Choosing seating styles for your living areas can be time consuming and tough work on your legs with all that sitting and standing. Here are a few tips to save your muscles:
There’s a chair in there
High back, low back, wing back? So many choices.
- The right height is when your thighs should be parallel to the floor
- If you’re tall, look for seats with greater depth. You can always all cushions if you want to make it shallower.
- Shallower seats will make it easier to get up – good if you have dodgy knees.
- The back height depends on the use: For reading or watching TV choose a higher back because neck support is important. Lower backs are good for chatting, as you tend to sit straighter.
- Wide chairs are great if you like to lounge in your chair.
Lounging around
According to Harvey Norman, you should think about how you'll use your sofa:
- If you like to put your feet up, consider a lounge with recliner functions.
- If you have to accommodate guests overnight, think about a sofa bed.
- If you'll want to rearrange your lounge setting for different occasions, look into buying a modular lounge.
If you like to lounge on your lounge, deep sofas with moveable cushions might work better than traditional sofas with a strong back, which are better suited to people who like to sit upright.
If space is at a premium, consider lounges that have built-in storage, and avoid wide, chunky designs.
What look works
Leather is practical because it’s easy to clean and maintain.
For textiles, go for plain over a pattern as it easier to change decor with cushions and throws.
Coming into warmer weather, consider textural, breathable materials such as cane or rattan.
