Help Me Pick a Chair for Our Bedroom

I’m personifying furniture (because of course I am).

We’re in the midst of redoing our primary bedroom, an overdue refresh prompted by an upgrade to a king bed. Our house in Los Angeles (which I still think of as new but really is not so new anymore) has more space, which means we could finally swap out the bedroom set we bought off Craigslist back when we lived in a one-bedroom apartment in New York City. Two purchases have laid the foundation for our new bedroom, first this canopy bed from Rejuvenation then a gorgeous vintage rug from Litt Concept House.

The next piece of the puzzle is a chair for the corner. I have high hopes for this piece! It needs to check several boxes. I want it to be inviting and cozy; I imagine nights cuddled up reading a book or snuggling with my kids. I also want something pretty, to live up to the vibes set by the rug, the bed, the rest of the house. Lastly, it must hold its shape, to withstand everything my family will throw on (or at) it.

Jillian Sipkins, the very talented interior designer helping me with our home, asked me what style I was envisioning so she could offer up some options. That’s when I realized I could see any number of shapes in the spot. Perhaps a stately wingback or a classic English roll arm? What about something with an interesting texture, such as luxe velvet or wrinkled linen?

As I ran through the options, I began assigning personality trait(s) to said chair. Confession time: I personify pieces as they come into our home as if they are guests I’ve invited for dinner. The furniture speaks to me, much like clothing does! The vintage mirror Jill found at a yard sale, with its weathered frame and age spots, is an old lady who lived a full life, while the Room & Board couch we bought in a navy tweed for our family room is like a nerdy, sturdy buddy.

So who am I inviting into our bedroom? (That sounds more scandalous than intended, LOL.) First, a few boundaries. She needs to stand on her own. Unlike so many accent chairs, which look best as a pair, this is a solo show. She also needs to stay put. Lots of very pretty options on the market today swivel, which I know is practical for a multi-purpose room but not what I’m after here. And I’m picturing her in either a white/cream/neutral hue or a shade of blue.

Whatever we choose feels like it has the potential to tilt the tone of the room, to make it more relaxed or more formal or more luxe or more statement-y. Let’s consider the options…

In With the Old

Help Me Pick an Armchair for Our Bedroom

English Roll Arm

Interior Define Rose Accent Chair

Consider her your stylish well-do-do aunt. She was the first that came to mind, classic and elegant with attention to detail (and great legs) all while being quite firm. I worry, however, that we do not have the space for her depth. The lower seat might not be as comfortable for my tall husband.

Wingback

Pottery Barn Thatcher Upholstered Wingback

I think of her like a beauty queen, standing tall and proud like a peacock. She would fit right in — one of the first things we did in our home was put this Rifle peacock wallpaper up our staircase. A statement, to be sure! Wingbacks are the chair equivalent, in my mind, and they set my heart aflutter — especially when upholstered in an interesting print. The height, too, allows for some air and light. I love the modern update of the one above from Pottery Barn. But…what about the level of cozy? Would resting my head on her wings be inviting? Or uncomfortable?

Overstuffed Club 

Rejuvenation Doyle Leather Club Chair

If there’s a gentleman in the mix, it would be the overstuffed club chair in leather. This guy grows better with age, a take-up-space statement piece (anyone else see a hint of manspreading here?). I have promised Matt we will get something like this for our home at some point, but my gut tells me it is better suited for downstairs than up.

Barrel 

Rejuvenation Monrowe Chair

Can a chair give a hug? Because this a barrel chair — especially when done in velvet and with tufting — feels like a warm embrace from your grandma. She’s stately and stylish without being too big. I saw this Rejuvenation model in store and it has since been following me around the Internet. So lovely! Again, I wonder about the cozy vibes? But she’s a frontrunner, for sure.

Chair and a Half

Crate & Barrel Lotus Chair and a Half

Our extrovert! The chair and a half is all about the group hang — she’s got the space. I think of her like your go-to girlfriend, inviting you to curl up with a glass of wine and gossip about everything. I’ll be honest, I’m tempted. Several of you suggested this style when I asked on Instagram and it’s stuck with me. I love the idea that one (or more) of my kids would fit comfortably in here. This Crate & Barrel style, which is wider than it is deep, is ideal for our corner space. 

Slipcover

Sixpenny Elias Chair

A late, unexpected (for me) entry has been a linen slipcover style. This is less about the shape and more about the material and the hem. She reminds me of a French girl, with a relaxed ease that feels effortless and enviable. Sixpenny came highly recommended via Instagram. The more I look, the more I like, especially the roll arm of the Elias style. Shoutout to my friend, Eliza, who pointed out I could wash the slipcover as needed. The last thing I want in this space is anything that feels too precious.

So many good options! Along with the new chairs compiled here, I am scouring secondhand sites and Facebook Marketplace. That would be the dream, to be honest, to find something already loved and lived in.

Your turn! Do you have a pretty, cozy reading chair you adore? What makes it so special? But mostly: Do you personify your furniture? Do any of these styles speak to you? (Please tell me I’m not alone in this…) Click below and share in the comments.

(All chair photos via the respective retailers; some links included above are affiliate links, which means if you buy something I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting SMT!)