The Classic Slipper Chair: A Handy Accent for Any Room
14 great ideas for using this superbly versatile armless chair around the house
When I need to squeeze in extra seating in a room that is short on space, I turn to the classic slipper chair: an armless, upholstered chair with short legs so it sits lower to the ground. It is a space-saving chair because its total dimensions are smaller than an upholstered arm chair.
Historically the slipper chair was used in bedrooms to help ladies get dressed. The armless design offered plenty of room for those petticoats, inflated skirts, and corsets, so you could sit down to pull stockings and shoes on and off. While we typically no longer wear such extravagant pieces, we still love the slipper chair, only with a more modernized style.
The slipper chair makes a great accent chair. It can look sharp and tailored, detailed and traditional, or eclectic and fun. And they often are more affordable than armchairs. Let's take a look at how a slipper chair is a excellent seating option for a variety of situations in today's home.
Historically the slipper chair was used in bedrooms to help ladies get dressed. The armless design offered plenty of room for those petticoats, inflated skirts, and corsets, so you could sit down to pull stockings and shoes on and off. While we typically no longer wear such extravagant pieces, we still love the slipper chair, only with a more modernized style.
The slipper chair makes a great accent chair. It can look sharp and tailored, detailed and traditional, or eclectic and fun. And they often are more affordable than armchairs. Let's take a look at how a slipper chair is a excellent seating option for a variety of situations in today's home.
Thanks to its narrow shape, a velvet upholstered slipper chair can easily fit in a small area without looking awkward, while adding beauty to a foyer. And harking back to its original function, it offers a place to leave a coat or put on your shoes.
If you like to rotate your furniture to accommodate varying sizes of gatherings, think about using slipper chairs around a coffee table. Many slipper chairs that are light enough to be moved easily to change up a seating area.
Add boldness to a chair and turn it into art. Armless chairs can be covered with faux fur and not look bulky. And without the arms, it will be less expensive to upholster. Have fun trying out a bold print!
Use slipper chairs as a room separator. Their smaller size means they can separate two rooms without taking up the entire walkway. Keep them neutral to keep the space calm and pop them with color with a throw pillow.
Many master bedrooms in new homes have a small space off to the side. Add slipper chairs there to create a little reading nook.
Combine them with a floor lamp, small table and a shared ottoman in the center.
Slipper chairs are still typically used in a corner of bedroom to assist in getting dressed. They have lower backs than they did in the 1800s, and can fit with any room style.
When you need seating in front of a window use a slipper chair. Their low profile will not disturb the view.
If you don't need extra seating out all the time, your slipper chairs can take advantage of an awkward space too small for an armchair. Just pull the chairs closer into the center of the room when you need them.
These slipper chairs can be moved around to open up the conversation to more people.
They look great from all angles. Use a deep fabric or print to ground them. They are narrower than armchairs so the print won't feel too bold.
Slipper chairs come in all styles and finishes. I love the elegant Louis XV style of this one from Ballard Designs. You choose the upholstery. I think this would be great in a bedroom — so romantic!
This Urban Outfitters slipper chair makes a beautiful bold statement in this indigo ikat fabric.
Give a unique feel with button tufting and shapely legs. I love the look of tufted upholstery and legs with wheels. This one is gorgeous.
More chairs:
Modern Icons: The Barcelona Chair
Design for Guys: 8 Great Accent Chairs
Take a Seat: Clear Choices for Lucite Chairs
More chairs:
Modern Icons: The Barcelona Chair
Design for Guys: 8 Great Accent Chairs
Take a Seat: Clear Choices for Lucite Chairs
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