Lounge chair buying guide
Lounge Chairs. A space to relax, unwind and read. Lazy mornings, cosy evenings.
Which lounge chair is perfect for you?
When its time to choose, here’s our helpful guide to making the right choice for you.
A lounge chair is arguably the most personal piece of furniture in your home. It’s where you retreat at the end of a long day, where you settle in with a good book, or simply watch the world go by. It represents a quiet sanctuary a dedicated space for you.
Here at Cimmermann, we view the lounge chair not just as seating, but as a sculptural design piece and a long-term investment in personal comfort. We carefully curate a collection of modern, authentic pieces that are defined by superior craftsmanship and enduring design. This guide will help you navigate the essential considerations, ensuring you choose a designer lounge chair that perfectly matches your body, your room, and your life for decades to come.
what to consider
Think about what you’d like from your lounge chair?
It's got to be practical, have the right level of comfort for you and has to coordinate with your furnishings.
A lounge chair is a key piece of furniture for any room. There’s nothing better than the comfort of a lounge chair and Ottoman to sink into and watch tv or read a book.
Do you prefer a high-backed chair with more support for your head and neck offering a bit more privacy?
Or a recliner which is a more laid-back and restful experience.
Do you like putting your feet up or curling up in a cosy chair, do you like the support of armrests?
what about space?
How much space have you got?
Measure up, make sure you take into account if the chair has a high backrest and armrests.
Always check access, is there enough room to get your new chair through doorways etc?
You’ll want to make the most of your space but you don’t want anything too big or small. In smaller spaces keep furniture to minimum, a smaller footprint is better for a small space combined with light upholstery which will give you an illusion of space. Smaller Lounge Chairs are designed to fit in even the smallest living room or corner of a bedroom.
which material?
You’ve chosen your style of lounge chair now to choose the material. Practicalities matter. How often will you use the chair? Do you have children and pets?
Whereabouts in the room will the chair be? Direct sunlight fades materials and ages it so do think about where you’re positioning your chair.
Leather is easy to clean, long lasting and luxurious. It will develop a beautiful patina and soften over time. Its a practical choice if you have children and pets.
Fabric, there are many different fabric you can choose for your chair, wool, linen, cotton and velvets. A fabric upholstered chair will make it soft and tactile to the touch and look appealing.
Its always best to order some swatches and try them in your space before committing to it. That way you can touch the material and see how it looks with the rest of home.
which colour?
It’s really a personal choice, but some colours do work best in certain spaces and rooms. In a large room darker colours add colour and drama, In smaller rooms, a lighter colour will feel more spacious. What works with the rest of the room?
What is your style? Pale colours work well in a minimal look, richer darker more playful colours in a more eclectic style.
Order samples to have a look at them in situ contact us.
what is the chair's primary purpose?
Before purchasing, you must determine the chair’s main function. A truly great lounge chair is specialised, and its design reflects its job.
The Reading & Working Chair (Task-Oriented)
If the chair is primarily a reading chair or a place for focused work (e.g., using a tablet), you need higher, more upright support.
Key Feature: A straighter backrest and a firm seat depth that encourages an engaged posture.
Ergonomic Consideration: Ensure the armrests are at a height that comfortably supports your elbows while reading or holding a device.
The Relaxing & Lounging Chair (Reclined Comfort)
If the chair is meant for ultimate relaxation or napping, comfort comes first. Think of classic mid-century modern designs that offer a fixed, slightly reclined angle.
Key Feature: A generous seat depth and a high back that provides excellent neck and head support.
Accessory: Consider a matching ottoman (footstool), as lifting your feet is crucial for promoting circulation and achieving full relaxation.
The Accent & Architectural Chair
If the chair's main role is to add visual interest, colour, or texture to a room, the focus shifts to aesthetics.
Key Feature: Unique silhouettes, striking materials, or bold upholstery choices (e.g., a statement leather or bright fabric).
Placement: This chair should complement, but not match, your main sofa and should stand freely to showcase its form
The Fit: Ergonomics and Dimensions
Unlike a dining chair, a lounge chair is built for extended sitting. Because most designer lounge chairs feature a fixed recline (they do not mechanically adjust), getting the right fit is crucial.
Checking the Critical Dimensions
Seat Height: A standard seat height is around 38–45 cm. If you are very tall, a higher seat height prevents your knees from feeling too elevated. If the chair is too low, getting in and out can be difficult.
Seat Depth: This is the measurement from the front of the cushion to the backrest. A depth of 50–55 cm is standard for lounging. If you have short legs, a very deep seat will be uncomfortable as your feet won't touch the floor and your lumbar support will be compromised.
Backrest Height: For complete relaxation, your head must be supported. Look for a backrest that extends above your shoulders to provide proper neck support, especially if you plan to nap or watch TV.
The Importance of Recline Angle
The authentic, fixed recline of a designer lounge chair is precisely engineered to distribute weight and relieve pressure on the lower spine. A good chair supports your back fully across all three sections: lower back (lumbar), mid-back, and shoulders.
materials and craftsmanship
A quality lounge chair should be built to last generations, matching the endurance of its iconic design. Look beyond the upholstery to the internal construction.
Frame Construction
The foundation should be uncompromising. An authentic, solid wood frame (such as kiln-dried oak, ash, or multi-ply birch) ensures stability and prevents the chair from squeaking, warping, or compromising the suspension over decades of use. Avoid frames made primarily of softwood, particleboard, or low-density fibreboard.
Upholstery Longevity
The material you select should align with your lifestyle.
Premium Leather: Provides unmatched durability and develops a beautiful, rich patina over time. It is easy to clean, making it ideal for busy homes, but requires occasional conditioning to stay supple.
High-Performance Fabrics: When choosing fabric, ask about the Martindale Rub Test score. For daily, heavy residential use, a score of 25,000+ is a strong indicator of longevity and resistance to wear and pilling. Natural blends often offer the best balance of soft touch and durability.
Cushioning and Comfort
High-quality foam cores wrapped in layers of feather or down provide a supportive yet luxurious seating experience. Ensure that the core is high-density, high-resilience foam which resists compression over time. Cheaper cushioning will flatten out quickly, requiring costly replacement.
style as an investment: choosing a design icon
A designer lounge chair is an anchor piece that dictates the aesthetic and mood of your room.
Choosing an authentic design classic ensures your purchase holds its style and financial value.
Timeless vs. Trending?
Focus on timeless design and iconic silhouettes (such as mid-century or Bauhaus influences). These pieces maintain their visual appeal across changing decorating trends and, if cared for, often retain strong resale value. A well-chosen design icon is a powerful statement about your taste and commitment to quality.
Discover more about our design icons lounge chairs, Vitra Eames lounge chair, Little Petra and the Chieftain chair.
our favourite lounge chairs
From design classics that perfectly combine comfort, aesthetics and style, to new more recent designs that will stand the test of time, here are some of our favourites.
Vitra Eames Lounge Chair
Probably the most iconic and recognisable lounge chair in the world. Designed in 1956, the Vitra Eames Lounge chair is beautifully constructed using the highest quality of materials available. The Eames Lounge chair and Ottoman have become a benchmark in twentieth century design. Furthermore, the various combinations of leather upholstery covers, wooden shells and bases are now complemented by a white edition and a black edition. Read more about the history and the design of the Vitra Eames lounge chair.
Vitra Grand Repos
The Grand Repos Wing Chair by Antonio Citterio offers exceptional comfort, particularly when paired with the Panchina footstool. It's backrest and seat surface can be moved to different opening angles – from a comfortable sitting position to a relaxed reclined position – by means of a synchronous mechanism hidden in the interior of the upholstery. The armchair can be locked into any desired position.
Carl Hansen + Son CH25
The CH25 lounge chair, like many of
&Tradition Little Petra
Little Petra, designed by Viggo Boesen is indeed surprisingly petite, able to fit into all kinds of spaces, interiors and environments. Low to the ground, open and embracing, it embodies the essence of a lounge chair, allowing for all kinds of seating positions in any cosy setting imaginable. A lot of work has gone into ensuring the utmost comfort, from the seat to the upholstery. Read more about the design and history of the Little Petra chair.
Knoll Womb chair
The beautiful Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman was created by Eero Saarinen for acclaimed designer Florence Knoll. Her request was "a chair that was like a basket full of pillows, something I could really curl up in." Designed in 1948, the Womb chair, made exclusively for Knoll, displays the Finnish-born designer's flair for challenging rules, breaking moulds and setting new standards for modern design.
SCP Balzac
SCP Balzac Armchair is an iconic armchair and ottoman designed by British designer Matthew Hilton.Available in two iconic leather colours. It was included in the well-known Taschen book “1000 Chairs” and has a permanent residency at the Geffrye Museum (now called the Museum of the Home).
Handmade and crafted exclusively in the UK.
House of Juhl Pelican chair
First presented by Finn Juhlat the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1940,the Pelican Chair quickly stood out with its unique shape and bold, sturdy legs. The characteristic soft and organic shape is almost like a body holding a body. When you sit down, the chair practically gives you a friendly hug.
Artek Karuselli
Designed in 1964 the Karuselli Lounge Chair is one of the most unique designs ever seen. The form is a result of extensive experimentation, looking at the shape and proportions of the body, that has created a piece boasting extreme comfort and a very unique shape. Shaped to echo the human body, Its comfort helped by the swivel mechanism is un-paralleled and is paramount in the design.
Lamino chair and footstool
The Lamino Armchair & Footstool was designed by Swedese founder Yngve Ektrom in 1956. Widely regarded as the most comfortable easy chair ever to come out of Scandinavia. Lamino is a prime example of a timeless design classic. Using natural materials and masterful craftsmanship have resulted in a piece of furniture as attractive today as it will be for future generations.
FAQS
lounge chairs
What should I consider when choosing a lounge chair?
When choosing a lounge chair, think about practicality, comfort, and how well it coordinates with your existing furnishings. A good lounge chair should not only look stylish but also fit seamlessly into your space and lifestyle.
Why is a lounge chair an important piece of furniture?
A lounge chair is a key piece of furniture for any room. It provides a comfortable spot to relax, read, or watch TV, and often becomes a focal point in your living area. Pairing it with an ottoman can make it even more inviting and functional.
Should I choose a high-backed lounge chair or a recliner?
It depends on your comfort needs. A high-backed lounge chair offers excellent support for your head and neck and can create a sense of privacy. A recliner, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back and restful experience perfect for those who enjoy fully unwinding.
Do I need a lounge chair with armrests or an ottoman?
If you like putting your feet up or curling up comfortably, consider a lounge chair with an ottoman. Armrests can also add extra support and make reading or watching TV more comfortable. Think about how you like to relax and choose features that suit your habits.
How deep should a lounge chair seat be?
For general lounging, a seat depth between 50 cm and 55 cm is standard. Taller individuals may prefer slightly deeper, while shorter individuals should avoid anything over 55 cm.
Is an ottoman essential for a lounge chair?
While not strictly essential, an ottoman is highly recommended as it allows you to elevate your feet, which aids blood circulation and maximizes the chair's relaxation capabilities.
How can I match my lounge chair to my interior?
Look for a chair that complements your existing colour palette and furniture style. Whether you prefer classic, midcentury, or contemporary designs, materials and finishes play a big role in achieving a cohesive look. Get in touch with us and we can give you our advice and can order samples if you need them. Read about the making of our favourite lounge chairs on our journal the slower home is never rushed.
