The Side Chair: The Unsung Hero of Personality-Driven Design
Side chairs are often treated like an afterthought. The extra piece. The one that fills the corner or slides in when guests arrive. But in reality, side chairs are some of the most expressive pieces in a home. They quietly reveal who you are, what you notice, and what you value—without ever demanding center stage. Unlike sofas or dining tables, side chairs don’t have to play it safe. They get to be a little bolder, more fun, and a little more nostalgic or sculptural.
When choosing a side chair, function still comes first—but personality follows closely behind. Before falling for a piece that looks straight out of a Parisian café or a 1970s Italian film set, it’s worth asking how the chair will actually be used. A reading chair needs to invite lingering. A bedroom chair might exist more for mood than marathon sitting. An entryway chair needs to be easy to perch on, while dining chairs must balance comfort with durability. The best side chairs earn their place by doing their job well—and looking incredible while doing it.
Scale plays a bigger role than we often realize. A chair can be beautiful on its own, but if it’s too bulky or visually heavy, it can overwhelm a space. Lighter silhouettes, exposed legs, and open frames can keep a room feeling balanced, especially when other furniture carries more weight. Arms add presence and comfort, while armless chairs offer flexibility and ease. It’s all about understanding how a piece visually “sits” in the room.
Comfort is another non-negotiable. A chair that never gets used quickly becomes decorative theater. The most beloved chairs are the ones people instinctively gravitate toward—the seat depth feels right, the back offers real support, and there’s an unspoken invitation to stay awhile. Comfort doesn’t mean compromising style; some of the most iconic chairs in history are celebrated precisely because they balance both so beautifully.
Fabric is where side chairs really get to show their personality. This is often the best place to take a risk—rich velvet, textured bouclé, bold patterns, unexpected colors, or leather that shows a little life. Fabric sets the tone. Velvet feels dramatic and indulgent. Patterned textiles feel playful and expressive. Leather brings a sense of timelessness and edge. Vintage fabrics add soul and history. And remember—chairs don’t have to match perfectly. They just need to feel like they belong together.
Lately, these are the chairs we can’t stop thinking about (pictured above).
We love the Etcetera lounge chair for its irresistible combination of deep, warm velvet and sculptural form. Designed by Jan Ekselius, it feels as much like a piece of art as it does a place to truly relax. Its fluid, enveloping shape creates a striking silhouette, while the rich upholstery adds depth, warmth, and undeniable presence. It’s a chair that transforms a room—not by overpowering it, but by giving it soul.
Then there’s the C-Back upholstered chair, which we love for its quiet confidence. Its softly curved back feels welcoming and supportive, and the fully upholstered frame adds warmth and texture without demanding attention. It’s beautifully balanced and incredibly livable—the kind of chair that works just as well at a dining table as it does styled on its own. Subtle, thoughtful, and endlessly versatile, it’s a piece we find ourselves returning to again and again.
Side chairs may be small, but they carry big stories. And those stories are what make a home feel personal, layered, and truly lived-in.
