Selecting the Best Chair for Your Space
An expert guide to design, comfort, usability, colour, sustainability, aesthetics, functionality and price
Introduction
Choosing the right chair isn’t just about seating — it’s about how people experience and interact with your space. The perfect chair balances design, comfort and practicality, while respecting budget constraints and long‑term performance. This guide will walk you through key considerations to help you specify seating that elevates your interiors and supports your project goals.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Space
Before you select a chair, define how it will be used:
Workspaces: Ergonomics and adjustability are essential for daily use.
Meeting & Conference Areas: Prioritise comfort for extended periods without compromising visual cohesion.
Reception & Lounge Spaces: Make a strong first impression with inviting and striking seating.
Multipurpose Zones: Expect flexibility — stackable or folding chairs can adapt to changing needs.
Your choice should reflect how the user will engage with the seating day after day.
2. Design & Aesthetic Harmony
A chair isn’t just functional — it’s a design statement. A well‑designed chair complements architectural style and enhances ambience.
Proportion & Scale: Ensure the chair’s silhouette works with the room’s ceiling height and furniture scale.
Timeless vs Trend: Contemporary pieces can feel fresh, while classic European design often offers enduring character.
Cohesion: Coordinate materials and finishes with your overall palette.
We can help with multiple approaches — from lightweight folding solutions to more expressive lounge seating — all rooted in thoughtful European design language.
3. Comfort & Ergonomics
Irrespective of style, comfort is non‑negotiable.
Seat depth & height: Match human scale for your audience (e.g., visitor areas vs meeting rooms).
Backrest support: Consider curvature and posture support.
Cushioning & upholstery: Upholstery choice influences comfort and acoustics, as well as maintenance.
Well‑designed seating accommodates a range of body types and supports good posture, which is vital in work and hospitality environments.
4. Usability & Functionality
Today’s interiors demand more from seating than ever before.
Stackable & Foldable: Ideal where flexibility and storage efficiency are required.
Mobility: Lightweight chairs facilitate quick reconfiguration.
Task‑Ready: Chairs that are easily cleaned and maintained extend lifecycle value.
Whether chairs nest, fold flat or stack, usability features save time and space.
5. Materials & Sustainability
Sustainable design matters. Consider:
Recycled or responsibly sourced materials.
Durable constructions that withstand heavy use.
Low‑impact finishes and fabrics.
European‑designed seating often leads in thoughtful material selection — blending durability with ecological consideration.
6. Colour, Texture & Finish
Colour has a powerful emotional impact. Consider your palette:
Neutrals for longevity and versatility.
Accent tones to tie in branding or highlight a zone.
Texture combinations like soft textiles or mixed materials for visual richness.
Strategic use of colour and finish contributes to aesthetic alignment and user experience.
7. Price & Value
Price should reflect value over time, not just initial cost.
Longevity: Better‑made chairs last longer and look better longer.
Serviceability: Replaceable parts and good warranty support reduce total cost of ownership.
Project Fit: Choose seating that fits the intended lifecycle of the space.
Smart specification always considers both short‑term budget and long‑term performance.
Conclusion: Make the Right Choice
Selecting a chair is part art, part science — demanding design sensitivity and function‑first thinking. With expert guidance and access to quality European seating options, you can specify solutions that impress visually, perform reliably and deliver lasting value.
Ready to find the perfect seating for your next project?
Talk to us at Chart Interiors for tailored recommendations and support throughout your specification journey.
Explore inspiring seating solutions and speak with an expert at www.chartinteriors.com — helping you choose the right chair for every space.
Space planning for audience seating
Optimise Your Auditorium Seating: Discover Chart Interiors’ Black Book
Chart Interiors, a leading UK supplier of high-end European seating solutions, is proud to offer The Black Book – an essential free guide designed specifically for architects, interior designers, and specifiers working on audience seating projects in auditoria, lecture theatres, conference centres, and event spaces.
Whether you're planning seating for a seminar room, training suite, or multi-purpose concourse, The Black Book offers expert insights into the layout, specification, and technical considerations that ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable audience experiences. Drawing on decades of industry expertise, this downloadable guide demystifies the complexities of seating design for both fixed and retractable installations.
Why Download The Black Book?
Practical Layout Guidance: From recommended seatway dimensions and row depths to aisle widths and tiered riser calculations, the guide provides clear, illustrated advice aligned with current British Standards and best practice.
Compliance with Building Regulations: Learn how to meet critical safety criteria such as maximum seat counts per row, escape route capacity, and load-bearing requirements for telescopic platforms and guardrails.
Support for Flexible Seating Needs: Whether you’re specifying self-tipping seats, portable chairs, or telescopic seating units, The Black Book outlines the unique considerations for each application, helping you design for both performance and flexibility.
Optimised Capacity Planning: Backed by real-world case studies – including projects at Westminster Abbey, Sherborne International School, and the Royal Veterinary College – the guide demonstrates how Chart Interiors’ expert space-planning can maximise seating capacity without compromising comfort or compliance.
Trusted Partner for High-Performance Seating
Chart Interiors is renowned for its agile, detail-driven approach to contract furniture procurement. By collaborating closely with Europe’s leading manufacturers and offering end-to-end design support, the team ensures every seating installation – from initial concept through to delivery – is smooth, stylish, and future-proof.
If you’re involved in the design or specification of seating for educational, corporate, or public assembly environments, The Black Book is a must-read resource.
Download your free copy today here and elevate your next seating project with confidence.
A long standing partnership in commercial seating
A Trusted Partnership in European Seating Design
Chart Interiors x Leyform: A Trusted Partnership in European Seating Design
At Chart Interiors, strong relationships with trusted suppliers are key to delivering exceptional service and products. One such partnership we’re proud to spotlight is our long-standing collaboration with Italian seating specialist Leyform.
For over 50 years, Leyform has been a recognised leader in ergonomic, design-led seating for the contract and office sectors. Their collections combine Italian craftsmanship with technical precision — offering solutions that are not only visually refined, but also built for high-performance environments.
From executive office chairs and conference seating to courtroom benches and auditorium systems, Leyform delivers products that align with the values Chart Interiors champions: design integrity, product reliability, and seamless specification support.
Our partnership with Leyform allows Chart Interiors to supply projects across the UK with premium Italian-made seating tailored to architects, designers, and contractors seeking both form and function. Whether for commercial interiors, public spaces, or private offices, Leyform’s versatility and quality are evident in every piece.
We’re proud to call Leyform not only a valued supplier, but a trusted friend. Together, we continue to support UK projects with elegant, dependable furniture solutions that stand the test of time.
Explore more of what we offer via www.chartinteriors.com or get in touch to discuss your next project.
Or if you are a dealer and wish to find out what your terms with Leyform are please contact us
Leyform Brochure