The real reason you choose an upholstered chair: comfort. Yes, style matters-you need the chair to fit into your home decor-but you select one because it is comfortable. An upholstered chair is often the "easy chair" you use to relax. Finding a chair that is comfortable involves considering your height, weight, the way you sit, and your center of gravity.
The chair seat is probably the most critical feature of an upholstered chair because it supports your weight. When shopping for a chair, consider these seat elements:
Feel: The seat should feel soft to sit on yet at the same time it should offer firm support. If the seat sinks in too much, you will have to struggle to get out of the chair. If it is too hard, you may become uncomfortable after sitting in the chair for even a short period.
Angle: Your thighs should be perpendicular to the floor because you can't be comfortable if your knees are pointing up or down. Look for a seat height that is right for you. Most chairs are about 18 inches high at the seat, but you can find seats that are higher or lower to match your body shape.
Depth: If you are taller, look for a seat with greater depth that can easily accommodate the length of your legs. A shallower depth is good if you are not very tall, or suffer from bad knees. Ideally, you should be able to sit fully back in the chair so the bottom of the chair touches your calves without applying too much pressure.
Width: A wider seat such that is found a chair-and-a-half is good if you like to lounge in your chair. A chair-and-a-half is also a good substitute for a love seat if you are short on space.