Choosing a single-seat sofa or lounge chair

A typical chair here is about 73 cm wide and 80 cm deep, small enough for a reading corner or the space beside a window. Allow another 50 to 60 cm in front for legs and passing, and angle the chair slightly towards the sofa if it is there for conversation.

If the chair will sit next to a sofa, compare seat heights so the two line up. Overall heights run from about 60 cm for low lounge chairs to just over 100 cm for high-backed designs, which support the head when you read or nap.

With cats or dogs at home, versions such as Lucian Lounge Chair (Pet Friendly Fabric) are the practical pick, as the fabric is meant to cope better with claws and hair. Vinyl wipes clean easily, while Chenille and Teddy feel softer but collect dust and need regular vacuuming.