Four ways the over sized chair is making a comeback

I’m all about cozy. My personal vibe leans more farmhouse cottage meets whimsical cabin. But cozy rooms sometimes lack the floor space that modern open concept homes have for sectionals or an over sized chair and a half with an ottoman. After decades of stuffed sofas with these matching monstrosities, I was relieved to see more furniture being designed for a modest size living room. Two years ago I praised the rise of the sleeker, more sophisticated size conscious side chair.

But the larger scale options never fully went away and to their credit, they seem to have been undergoing a makeover to fit a more elevated market. Here’s a few looks that had me taking another look! Four examples that are as cozy as a dorm room papasan chair but could hold their own in a million dollar mansion.

Chair with a built-in ottoman

The graceful lines and shape of this chair is fantastic. This perfectly represents the movement of the chair size evolution. It is more conservative on space than a larger armchair with an ottoman yet it gives similar function. And with all the class! This is the chair everyone fights for in the room. This is the chair you tuck your little one in next to you as you read their favorite story book. In a great room, a study, the corner of your owner’s suite- you find a place for a chair that looks as great as this.

Chair with the fur

What could look like the sheepdog of seating is saved by the graceful arch of the wood arms. Of all the selections- hands down- this has to be the softest! I could see this in a mountain style ranch estate and I would want to curl up in it by a stone fireplace to watch the snow fall outside the window.

Barrel Chair

This swivel style barrel chair is nice and wide, making it a contender for the replacement of the chair-and-a-half. What I admire most about this design is the mixed materials that allows for a variety of styling. The rich leather tone and nail heads is traditional, while the blue plaid gives it a casual cabin vibe.

My favorite detail is that the piping on the cushion matches the leather instead of simply allowing it to be color matched to the blue. A minor design element that makes all the difference!

Cloud (9) Chair

I view this as a modern day replacement for a papasan chair. Something so simple- a frame and a pillow- that begs you to sink right into it and get cozy. There are a few details here that are elevating it- the leather corners sewn into the cushion and the wrap on the metal pipe arms. This photo also illustrates the subtle way you can combat it’s imposing size in a room setting. Notice the very small, and yet masculine, side table. The concrete look compliments the grey linen fabric and it’s all you really need to rest a drink. Imagine this tucked in a corner with a abstract floor lamp or a cluster of pendant lights overhead.

And that’s my current observations on the furniture scene. I appreciate the evolution of the market from smaller, practical pieces to larger scale items that scream comfort and luxury. Fun fact on the papasan chair I referenced: the chair dates back to WWll when veterans brought it back from Asia (according to Wikipedia). It was then popularized by Pier One in the 1970’s. I do think about Pier One from time to time. It was the home decor store of my youth. I can still remember walking into the one at the Fox River Mall in Appleton 20 some years ago. It makes me a little nostalgic for wood painted elephants and brass turtle bowls. It also makes me want to do a follow-up to the article I wrote in 2024 about “Two Aisles” and see what we’re up to as a culture. I tend to spend more time in antique stores than home decor shops these days so it’s probably time to change it up and make a few lighthearted observations. The year is young so I guess we’ll see!

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