People often express frustration at finding the right furniture to fit their space.
Understandably so, since most of what’s available in our mega-sized North American product lines is way too large for the average living room, porch, parlour, or master bedroom sitting area.
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Even many larger sized living rooms can’t seat enough people for a modest gathering of six. And please, if you can help it, don’t make your guests sit around the living room on dining chairs that you’ve pulled over from the table. Not comfortable. (Unless of course they’ve had a bit to drink.)
In all these cases, small armchairs are the solution. There’s something for everyone here, with options new and old, save and splurge.
Here are the qualifications:
1. Must be compact in size, (less than 32” wide)
2. Must have arms
3. Must be available in Winnipeg.
Vintage leather: Love the sleek and slender lines of the 1960s molded beech wood frame. [25”wide]
$795 Hoopers, 70 Albert St., www.shophoopers.ca
Canadian made: The Uturn swivel armchair by Bensen comes in an array of colours, but a bold green or red would be a surprising punch in a more traditional living room. [29.5” w] $2200, hut K, 74 Princess St., hutk.ca
Timeless and tufted: This locally-designed tailored classic comes in 14 fabric options and two leg colours. [31.5” wide] $999 EQ3, 1545 Portage Ave., eq3.ca
Budget option: I must admit, Ikea’s Mellby chair is sturdy and the design is wellexecuted. It also comes in real leather in both black and white. [30.75” wide] $299 fabric, $599 leather, ikea.ca
New and now and natural: The Toro chair by Minneapolis designer BluDot is also available in black. [25.5” wide] $1319 hut K, 74 Princess St., hutk.ca
The modern antique: Winnipeg-based furniture dealer and designer Roan Barrion runs www.modernlove20.com
Here’s a vintage example of the Risom chair, originally launched in 1955, which has a timeless look and fine craftsmanship in its solid walnut frame. [28” wide] $2500
The collector’s piece: An original 1967 Hans Wegner armchair rocker in solid oak with natural canvas is basically the ultimate in comfort and style. This unique “keyhole” chair is available for viewing here in the city through www.scandinavianmod.com [30” wide] $2695
Old world luxury: This stately chair would fit beautifully not only in a character home, but also in a new condo opposite a modern sectional. You can’t go wrong with leather and brass nail heads. [29” wide] $2695 Noble Savage Interiors, 364 Stafford St., noblesavage.ca
Updated traditional: The formal federal style armchair goes a bit more casual with textured ecofriendly fabric and warm wood tones in a satin finish. [28” wide] $2982 (other fabrics/prices available). Noble Savage Interiors, 364 Stafford St., noblesavage.ca
Missing
A classic antique wing back chair. Traditional wing back chairs are a nice fit in any decor style. Their high back tends to block off the rest of the room, so they work well to divide an open concept space, and tuck nicely into corners. Check kijiji.ca and local antique stores, but be prepared to reupholster.
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Jaclyn Wiebe is the co-founder of FIRESIDE DESIGN BUILD INC., a Winnipeg based full-service design build company with a focus on custom residential renovation: www.firesidedesign.ca.