Choosing a Tub Chair

Tub chairs have been around now for over a century, and have kept their classical shape throughout this time. There have been modifications and additions to the style, but everyone can instantly recognise them. You will find them in the finest hotels and clubs across the world, in coffee bistros and libraries. There is reason why they are so popular, and it all comes down to their rich history. Kings and regality sat in tub chairs long ago, the low slung arms and the low back seat elevate the person sitting in them. This gives a sense of power, and is the draw to them that many people love. Whilst each chair is similar in design, they all seem to have their own character and uniqueness.

By far the most common material used to cover tub chairs is leather. This is the numer one choice because it adds to their grandeur and character. The most important factor is the quality of the leather used. Leather has different grades which come from different parts of the animal. The highest grades are hard wearing and are much more durable. You may see natural patterns in the graining, and this is what the most expensive leather brings. The smell will be very powerful, and this is where that all important character begins to blossom. High grade leather will retain the natural oils and this helps to keep it supple so it will not crack so easily. Cheaper grades will not last anywhere near as long, and it is not uncommon to see the cracks appearing after a few years. This is obviously unwanted, and once it starts it usually means the tub chair will need upholstering again.

You may find you end up paying more for the recovering then the original chair. Buying a quality product in the first place will avoid this, so have a good think about what you can afford when you go to the furniture store. Faux leather tub chairs are also well stocked, and in effect these are just man made materials made to resemble real leather. You can tell the difference straight away, because there will be no graining or patterns in the material. They are usually mass produced in the far east factories and made into decent styles that many homeowners seem to like. The best use for them is as an occasional chair because if you use them every day they will deteriorate quickly.

Second in popularity behind the leather tub chair is this fabric designs. These chairs are very versatile becuase you can create an unlimited amount of patterns and colours with fabric. Many people like the cushioning feel of fabric under them, and it does help to keep you comfortable and in position. With so many textures and styles there is going to be something to suit your home, that is a certainty. Both contemporary and old style homes can benefit from a fabric tub chair beacuse the material can be made to match. Small independant stores can tailor make a chair for you, and these will be the best quality for sure.

A simple neutral colour will go with almost any room, and the lighter shades are becoming more common. Modern homes typically use light and dark colours to provide good contrast, and adding a double tub chair works well as a focal point or stand alone centre feature. Another alternative is to have a neutral back colour scheme, such as white, and then have a black or brown tub chair in the room. The contrast can be stunning, especially if these colours are combines with matching curtains and carpets.

When you are looking for a new tub chair there are a few things you can look for to help you make the right decision. First of all, don't be afraid to have good look at the chair, Look underneath for the label. This should contain the country of origin and the material used. If your buying a leather tub chair you will see the grade of the hide, which will instantly tell you the quality. Next up you need to sit in it and get a feel for it. It should be very comfortable and hug you in place. The seat should be well cushioned and when you sit up, it should spring back into place straight away.

You can even kneel on the seat and take hold of the arm rests. If you oush and pull on them you can get a feel for the quality of the joints. You don't want to see any movement when you do this, as this can be a sign of poor build quality, and bad joint design. If the joints are loose now, imagine what they will be like after some heavy use. Better to look elsewhere if you see this.

The country of origin is another important factor. Ideally you want your chair to be made in the country you are in. Mass produced furniture is the worst for quality almost always. In house chairs are the best, so look for that, and if you are not sure then ask the store assistant for more information, they should be able to tell you.