Guest Chairs and Side Chairs: A Buyer’s Guide
Guest chairs and side chairs make attractive, functional additions to any conference room, reception area, or executive office. Position them across from your desk for in-office meetings or interviews. Place them in your conference room for supplemental seating. Arrange them in the front office to create an inviting waiting area. There are numerous possibilities.
Oxblood Vinyl Luxurious Conference Chair by Office Furniture in a Flash
But what kind of guest chairs and side chairs will meet your needs? What features should you look for? And just what is the difference between a side chair and a guest chair?
Guest Chairs vs. Side Chairs
A guest chair is simply a chair designated for guests. This broad category includes chairs also described as office chairs, armchairs, library chairs, etc.
Tiempo Guest Arm Chair by HON
A side chair is traditionally defined as a chair with no arms and a straight back, such as you’d find on either side of a long dining room table. Yet a search for side chairs yields a variety of results, from traditional dining chairs to wingback armchairs. This is because many designers and manufacturers interpret ‘side chair’ in a more literal sense; to them, a side chair is any chair that you’d place off to one side, such as might be found in a waiting room or guest room.
Dice Stackable Side Chair by Neutral Posture
For simpler shopping, remember that the terms ‘guest chair’ and ‘side chair’ may be used interchangeably.
Features
What features do you need? Guest chairs and side chairs need to provide comfort, support, and stability to your guests. Look for chairs with contoured shaping. If guests might spend a significant amount of time waiting, padded seats and backrests are a good choice. Avoid backless chairs and stools; these provide little to no back support, and you might find many of your guests standing rather than sit on them. Padded armrests add an extra level of comfort.
Guest Chair by Fulmarque
Many guest and side chairs offer rolling casters as an option. Side chairs equipped with casters are moved easily from one part of the office to another to meet any seating need.
Eurotech Breeze Chair with Fabrix by Eurotech
Stationary chairs, however, are often the better choice for static seating arrangements. In reception areas, furniture placement is much easier to preserve with stationary chairs. In offices, stationary chairs keep guests focused ahead and eliminate distracting movements like absent rolling, rocking, and swiveling.
Sulu Guest Chair by Dauphin
Some of your guest chair needs will be determined by your audience. If your guests normally include children, kid-sized seating will help keep children comfortable and quiet.
5-Piece Seating Set by Childrens Factory
Chairs with generously padded seats and backs are well-received by most guests, but getting in and out of these chairs can be difficult for anyone with limited mobility or joint issues. Stable chairs with lighter padding and solid, supportive armrests best serve these guests. Larger guests may require the wider chair seats offered by bariatric chairs. Chairs without armrests can also help meet the needs of larger guests.
Communique Series Bariatric Guest Chair by La-Z-Boy
Style
Guest chairs and side chairs are available in a variety of styles and upholsteries. Wood accents provide an elegant, traditional look along with rich leather upholstery.
Mid Back Leather and Wood Guest Chair by Basyx
Fabric upholstery is the most breathable material, and is available in a wide variety of designs and colors that can be coordinated with existing office furnishings.
Silero Series Quick Ship Guest Chair by Arcadia
Vinyl is both stain-resistant and highly durable, making it a good choice for high traffic guest seating.
Medium Back Guest Chair with Tufted Back by Carolina House
Do remember when making your choice that your guest seating doesn’t have to be relegated to a corner. With some imagination, it can make a bold statement. Try brightly colored upholstery or a set of different colors to brighten a dull room. Geometrically shaped guest chairs can be mixed and matched for a whimsical look. Pair a leather side chair with the same model upholstered in coordinating fabric for traditional style with a twist.
Smart Series Guest Chair by JDS
Side chairs and guest chairs may be some of the most valuable pieces of office furniture you’ll ever own. Comfortable, stylish side chairs tell your guests that you appreciate them, and that when they come back, they’ll be met by just as warm a reception.
