Upholstered chairs for the kitchen: tips for selection and care
The level of comfort when choosing furniture is of paramount importance, which is why more and more housewives are inclined to buy soft chairs for the dining room or the kitchen. They will allow you to comfortably sit at the table to have a cup of coffee or sit with family for a family dinner.
Advantages and disadvantages
A soft chair is a product with a seat cushion, the thickness of which is 4 cm or more, while the back can also have soft quilted upholstery or remain firm. In the classic version, the seat depth is at least 45 cm, and the width starts from 40 cm. These parameters correspond to the physiology of an adult. The main advantages of upholstered chairs are as follows:
- comfort of use;
- practicality;
- exceptional functionality;
- variety of designs, dimensions and designs.
However, there are also disadvantages. One of them is associated with the fact that the additional burden in the form of a filler significantly increases the weight of the product, although not so much that it cannot be moved.
The second disadvantage is the requirement for frequent cleaning. Usually, models with leather upholstery are washed with ordinary soapy water, and the woven inserts are vacuum cleaned.
Varieties
There are several types of upholstered chairs that differ in their design features.
- Dining model - this option is the most popular among buyers. It is distinguished by straight legs and a flat or curved back, which completely repeats all the anatomical features of the body.Some models have armrests, which is especially true for spacious kitchens or separate dining rooms.
- Bar stool - this model is appropriate in tandem with a stand. Such products have high legs, and a special crossbar is provided for the support of the limbs. Stability is provided by spaced legs and a solid, rounded base of impressive size. Depending on the specific modification, the backrest is low or high, individual options allow for height adjustment of the chair, which makes it possible to use chairs both with a modern bar counter and with a classic table.
- Stool Rather, it is a prototype of a chair, which includes a seat and supports. Such models are in demand for small-sized premises. Despite the presence of soft seats, stools are not designed for a long pastime, so you have to sacrifice comfort in order to save free space. In most cases, the height of such products does not exceed 45-50 cm, which allows them to be placed under the table after use.
Manufacturing materials
Upholstery and filler
The appearance of upholstered chairs and their quality directly depend on the materials used for upholstery and filling; in most cases, products covered with leather, leatherette or textile fabric are offered for sale. High-quality upholstery materials must certainly meet the following requirements:
- strength;
- crease resistance;
- immunity to all kinds of dirt and moisture.
- ease of cleaning.
The most practical option is leather. Such chairs look invariably expensive, they are characterized by wear resistance, and to clean them, it is enough to wipe them with a sponge dipped in soapy water. However, the cost of such models is high, so not everyone can afford such chairs.
Leatherette - this is a rougher material, in addition, over time, such upholstery begins to crack and flake off. The cost of such products is quite affordable, and the variety of materials allows you to choose chairs in any color scheme, including those imitating natural materials.
Eco-leather is as close as possible to natural leather in its operational parameters, but it is distinguished by its small thickness, therefore, such pieces of furniture cannot be used in an intensive mode - they quickly lose their presentation.
The most budgetary option is considered to be special upholstery fabrics and fabrics, most often found velor and velvet coverings... To increase their moisture and wear resistance, fabrics undergo mandatory processing (spraying or impregnation), which allows them to endure any adverse factors.
Similar models are on sale in the widest color palette, they can be monochromatic or multi-colored, which allows each customer to choose products that best match the overall style of the room.
As for fillers, natural materials are most often used (horsehair, down or felt), but in recent years they have been replaced by foam rubber, aselex, spunbond, as well as polyurethane, periotek and other synthetic materials.
The cheapest are considered foam rubber and synthetic winterizer, however, they quickly disappear and lose their shape. It differs in maximum elasticity asselex, and the most hypoallergenic are recognized periotec and spunbond.
Traditionally, chairs are equipped with a spring mechanism, making the seat comfortable and physiological.
Frame
Modern dining rooms and kitchens are literally replete with metal objects, which is why chairs made of this material look very harmonious and effective. Metal is a durable and ductile material at the same time. It is usually used to make ornate legs and backs.
Traditionally, metal is coated with chrome, which makes it relevant to purchase such furniture for kitchens decorated in high-tech, minimalism and other cutting-edge trends. The metal frame can be used in combination with all types of padding.
The metal easily transfers temperature fluctuations, mechanical loads and shocks, increases the wear resistance and durability of the product as a whole. Such chairs can withstand a load of up to 150 kg, keeping their original appearance for many years.
Of the disadvantages of the metal frame, a large mass of the product can be noted, so it is advisable to choose models that include lightweight hollow elements. Keep in mind that when in contact with the skin, metal parts often cause significant discomfort, so it is advisable to get pads made of soft rubber, cork or felt.
Wooden frames they look very stylish, they harmoniously fit into interiors designed for country or Provence, they have a pleasant texture and low weight. Natural wood has always been associated with a home, so this kind of furniture seems to fill the room with warmth and comfort. The following types of wood are most in demand:
- Cherry;
- oak;
- beech;
- Birch;
- alder;
- Pine.
As a rule, wooden elements are decorated with carvings and varnished.
Decor
To increase the aesthetic appeal of the product, upholstered kitchen chairs are complemented with velvet covers, which additionally protect the seats from dirt. At the same time, the material is selected so that it harmoniously fits into the interior design of the kitchen. Frame elements are often varnished or painted with acrylic enamels.
In recent years, the technique has been popular decoupage, which allows literally in a few hours to change the appearance of furniture, make it more stylish and unique. To perform decoupage, napkins or thin fabric are most often used. Of the other popular decoration methods, you can designate aging, gilding, carriage coupler and applying a textured pattern.
How to choose?
If you are the proud owner of a spacious kitchen or a separate dining room, then you can opt for large, beautiful chairs with a soft back. They look majestic, and their use is as comfortable as possible. Modern industry offers a wide range of models, including those with an adjustable backrest, which is very convenient for families with children of different ages.
But in a small kitchen it is better to choose soft stools that can be easily removed after use and free up space for cooking and other work.
Lovers of long kitchen gatherings are better off paying attention to models with armrests. It is convenient to sit in them with a cup of hot tea or watch your favorite program on TV. The choice of upholstery material depends entirely on the taste preferences and financial capabilities of a person. And for those who believe that expensive leather as a cover for chairs in the kitchen is an unacceptable excess, the industry offers the widest selection of synthetic materials that almost do not differ from natural ones.
The following video will tell you about soft chairs for the kitchen.