The Unique Chair Even Interior Decorators Regret Buying

Seating is important for both interior decorating and the function of a space. The right chair should not only complement your overall design but also provide comfort for whatever activity while you're sitting in it, whether it's watching television, enjoying a conversation, or reading a book.

A wingback chair is a classic style often used in more traditional interiors. The style is regal and elegant and adds an element of charm to any room. Originally designed in the 16th century, the chair was much more elaborate with carvings and designs. And while they may look stuffy, many styles are quite comfortable to sink into while reading or conversing. It also provides head and neck support, which is ideal if you plan to sit in the chair for a long period of time.

Though this style is a prevailing favorite, for some interior designers, it's a regret. Adding this chair style to a room has a few drawbacks. That's not to say this chair is never a good idea. But there are some rooms that may benefit from other chair styles.

While wingback chairs are classic accents, they're often too large for the space. Director of Design at Guest House, Bret Sundberg, explains that she recently bought a wingback chair and quickly regretted the purchase. "I recently bought a leather wingback chair for my living room. Although it looks large and plush online, in reality it was far too tall, bulky and upright to be a functional accent chair at all," Sundberg explains to The Spruce. "It's one of those pieces that makes a really fun statement and looks great for staging but isn't actually the best decision for comfort." Wingback chairs can be notoriously stiff and don't offer much in terms of laying back or reclining. For those looking for comfort or to totally relax, it's probably not the best option.

"The wingback chair also cuts the room off drastically," Sundberg goes on to explain. The chair's high back can reduce the open sightlines, so it's probably not the best option if you're one for open and airy interiors. If you do love the look of wingback chairs, it may be best to place them with their backs facing a wall or in a corner so they're still open to the rest of the room but don't diminish the open sight lines.

Wingback chairs offer plenty of style but little function for the average home. The combination of being both large and bulky and uncomfortable to relax in had Director of Design Bret Sundberg regretting the chair for her living room. "I wish I would've went with something like a bench or over-sized ottoman to fill the space while still allowing it to feel open," Sundberg tells The Spruce. Both a bench and ottoman are lower seating options that maintain an open and airy room, which can go a long way in making the space feel larger.

However, both a bench and an ottoman are backless seating options, so they aren't the best if you're looking to sink back and relax. Opt for styles like a club chair or a barrel chair, which offer the oversized comfort with a much lower back. For comfort with a slimmer profile, turn to chairs with a mid-century modern aesthetic like the Easy Chair or the Womb Chair. Comfort and style don't have to be mutually exclusive. And rest assured that even professionals may make design mistakes.