The Man-Chair

By Shelagh Duncan

If you used to watch Frasier and remember his ‘impeccable’ sense of style, you may remember that he suffered greatly at the ugliness of his father’s grossly overstuffed, battered “man chair” for 11 years. I could feel his pain as that hideous chair created an eyesore in the middle of his very tastefully decorated condo. However, the really painful part came in the series finale when Frasier’s father moves out and Frasier finally gets to put his beloved Eames recliner in the living room. His father comes to visit, sits back in the Eames recliner and says “Hmmm … this is pretty comfortable. I would have been okay with this!”

So what makes a chair a “Man Chair?” Does it have to look like a pillow fight is going on underneath worn out upholstery?

Certain key elements set apart some chairs as being more appealing to a man: 

1. Comfort

When choosing a chair, a man’s number-one concern is comfort. One of the things most men love is a high back so they can lean their head back to relax.

2. Leather

Men love leather. I’m a designer, not a psychologist, so I can’t tell you why — but there is something about the look, smell and feel of leather that is irresistible to most men. Maybe it goes back to the days when men were the hunters. 

3. Arm rests

Men don’t feel comfortable folding their hands in their laps – they need arm rests. 

4. Foot Rests

Naturally an upholstered foot rest is part of the perfect “Man Chair”. They need somewhere to put their feet up after a hard day! 

5. A Place for Essentials

That would be reading material, remotes and beer. A side pocket or two will fit the bill. 

6. Generous Proportions

Even if your man isn’t over 6 feet tall, most men like a chair that feels roomy. If he is tall with long legs, then pay attention to seat depth. Average seat depth is about 22″, but a tall man may appreciate a chair that is a couple inches deeper. 

7. Rugged Good Looks

When looking at the style of a chair for a man, look for one that is just as ruggedly handsome as he is. Angular lines, distressed leather—you get the idea. 

8. Statement

A bike chair, or ejector-seat chair make a statement about the man and his interests. Good luck finding those! 

9. Recliners

The Recliner – not always very pretty, but big on comfort and convenience. This chair is appropriately named, “Chill”, but for more than being a great place to chill out. This rocker, recliner has a thermo-electric beer cooler built right in to the arm! So, as he sits and enjoys its massage features while sipping his cold brew, he may never want to get up. The ultimate Man Chair! 

10. Wingbacks

The library wing chair is a classic and came fromEnglandin the mid-1800s. It was the first type to be upholstered in leather rather than fabric, and provided a convenient head rest – that could be wired for sound in future versions. The ‘wings’ originally protected the user from chilly drafts. It’s still a popular style for its classic, masculine look, and is at home in almost any décor. Definitely an elegant Man Chair. 

So if, like Frasier, you’re putting up with a less than lovely chair that is the favorite of the man in your house, don’t wait 11 years to try luring him into a replacement. I bet you’ll find one you would both be more than okay with. 

Hope you enjoyed our peek into the world of Man Chairs. 

Until next time… 

Shelagh