Anatomy of an accent chair

What goes into making the perfect upholstered accent chair?

We asked several furniture manufacturers how they evaluate five critical design considerations: Proportion and ergonomics; frame and structural integrity; suspension and cushioning; upholstery fabric and how it interacts with the form; and style and market positioning.

“An accent chair is arguably one of the most challenging pieces of upholstery to get just right. Every detail matters, from proportion and comfort to construction and tailoring, [and] connecting the dots is the key,” said Rick Lovegrove, vice president of upholstery for Universal.

Here’s how five manufacturers and their product development teams evaluate criteria when bringing a new product to market.

Z-Gallerie + Karat Home

Milan Rousset, Director of Sales and Marketing, on upholstery fabric choices

“The same silhouette can take on a completely different personality depending on its upholstery; a neutral fabric might emphasize its sculptural shape, while a bold color or playful pattern can make it the focal point of a room. Fabric is a defining part of the chair’s identity.”

Coaster

Lisa Romero, director of product development, on proportion and ergonomics

“Structure longevity, comfort and fabric are all key to the overall seat feel and construction. We check arm height, seat height and proportions to ensure the chair is comfortable and well balanced. We are committed to offering quality construction, better finishes and fabrics at competitive price points. We test all furniture to meet strict weight and durability requirements, including seat load, seat impact and individual leg strength. Our goal is to source and create furniture that is built to last while offering relatable, on-trend styles.”

Adriana Hoyos Furnishings

Adriana Hoyos, Head Designer, on style and market positioning

“Our upholstery is closely connected to our ‘Living in Fashion’ philosophy, where fashion and luxury influence how we approach textiles, patterns, details and finishes. For example, we are currently exploring quilting in leather, drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship and detailing found in luxury handbags and high-end automotive interiors.”

Universal

Rick Lovegrove, VP Upholstery, on frame and structural integrity

“The frame is the architecture of the chair, and good design must work within sound construction. We collaborate closely with our engineering and manufacturing teams to make sure the structure supports the design intent while delivering the strength and durability expected from our benchmade product.”

Fairfield

Dixon Mitchell, CEO, on suspension and cushioning

“Beyond frame geometry, suspension and cushioning are the two most critical elements in creating comfort: the spring system and spring gauge establish the chair’s foundation and ‘ride,’ and we may also incorporate springs into a tight back for additional support. Cushion construction is where the sit and appearance come together, and we use premium polyurethane foam, carefully selecting its softness or firmness as part of the recipe; whether the design calls for a sculptural, tailored profile or the relaxed comfort and natural wrinkles of Blendown, proper construction, maintenance and care allow the cushioning to provide lasting comfort for many years.”