Home Entertainment

 

Seat Yourself

November 3, 2003 By Brooke Lange



Acoustic Innovations


“Sitting in a theater chair should be an experience that takes your cares away and sets them to sea. When seated, you should be tranquilly adrift.”
—Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Assoc. (Click image to enlarge)


General chair features: all handmade; hardwood frames; two reclining positions or motorized recline; unlimited seating configurations; deeply padded coil seats and backs; heat and massage options; console tables with hidden storage or raised location for built-in touchscreen remote; cup holders; limited lifetime warranty; lifetime foam cushion warranty

Number of chair styles offered: 10 chairs (see the new Bridgepointe chair on website listed below), available in more than 100 fabrics, 60 leathers, more than 100 suedes and 80 velvets; can customize with homeowner’s material of choice

Location/history: Boca Raton, Fla.; since 1991

Contact information: 561.995.0090; www.acousticinnovations.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Charleston Cinemachair in Capri chestnut leather: “This is an all-around good chair suitable for most decors. The lines are traditional but could easily work in a contemporary [setting] with a different fabric or leather.” (Click image to enlarge)
Deco Cinemachair in Mayfair suede with buff welting: “I can see this chair being popular among the young and young at heart; easily utilized in interiors that range from slightly contemporary to full-blown Art Deco and beyond.” (Click image to enlarge)
Cinemachair in Windsor 2 Velvet Rojo (available with fringe): “This is perfect for a traditional environment. I like the tufting and nail-head detail, but I’d like to see what it looks like with fringe. Perfect for a theater in a shingle-style home or stone castle.” (Click image to enlarge)

Innovative Theatres


“A theater chair should reflect your style. And since there are many designs to choose from, you should not rush your decision.” —Susan Lachance, Susan Lachance Interior Design (Click image to enlarge)

General chair features:
hardwood frames; touch-button or standard recline; height-adjustable back; stainless-steel cup holders; solid wood feet; down-blend seat and back pillow cushions; custom seating configurations; pop-up tray table in solid maple; lifetime warranty on recliner mechanism and frame and steel spring platform; five-year warranty on cushions; two-year warranty on motorized recline

Number of chair styles offered: 11 styles in 26 premium leathers, 75 fabrics, 15 Ultrasuedes

Location/history: Santa Monica, Calif.; since 1991

Contact information: 310.656.0065; www.innovativetheatres.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Monroe in lipstick-red leather: “I especially like the stylized metal leg, which allows a more contemporary feel and hides that the chair is a recliner. This enhancement rarely is seen in a reclining chair.” (Click images to enlarge)
Evita in natural swirl-patterned fabric: “This chair allows originality in your theater. The grace and soft curves of the upholstery and legs appeal to the feminine buyer; the sculptured and molded design provides a sleek and sexy concept that no other theater chair has accomplished.” (Click image to enlarge)
Classic in leather: “This is every man’s dream. You cannot go wrong with this chair because of the ability to adjust its dimensions to any size.”

Continental Seating


“Since chairs are a huge design element of the room, it’s important to select a line, like this one, that offers many leathers and fabrics.”
—Sharon Gilkey, Montanna & Associates (Click image to enlarge)


General chair features: handmade; kiln-dried hardwood frames of poplar and gum tree; webbing suspension in cushions (versus springs); two reclining positions or motorized recline; foam upgrades available; unlimited seating configurations (straight or curved rows, sofas, love seats or freestanding chairs); cup holders; tray tables in cherry, walnut and black; lifetime warranty on frames; extended five-year warranties available

Number of chair styles offered: 21 styles in more than 160 leathers (six leather grades available); can customize with homeowner’s material of choice

Location/history: McKinney, Texas; since 2001

Contact information: 214.453.4255; www.continentalseating.com


And the Interior Designer Says ...
Wassau in grade-3 Mendoza leather: “I’m fascinated by the ergonomic slant of the padded arms—I bet this chair is a dream to lay back in. The retro design is fun and lightens up the overall look of the chair.” (Click image to enlarge)
Bergamo in grade-5 calf leather with walnut bun feet: “The foot design is very smart looking; this chair is a real design statement. The lines are masculine and would look great in a Deco-themed room. The wall-saver feature [which allows the chair to abut the wall very closely] is great for a media room, allowing you to recline in half the space of a full recliner. (Click image to enlarge)
Stockholm in Maxima grade-5 leather with gold anodized cup holders: “I love that they offer this chair with a motorized option for reclining. My clients are choosing this option more and more. The traditional style of the chair will blend easily in most media room decor schemes; the back is ergonomically designed to really fit your back. It looks like you could sit in this chair for hours.” (Click image to enlarge)

First Impressions


“For the best seat in the house, fabric should be chosen for comfort and style. Cup holders and reclining features add to the experience.”
—Susan Cohen, Susan Cohen Associates, Inc. (Click image to enlarge)


General chair features: handmade; hardwood frames; five standard back and arm shapes and 10 seat widths; unlimited seating configurations; multilayered high-resiliency foam-filled back and reversible seat cushions; slipcover-tailored bodies and arms for ease of reupholstering; hands-free recline mechanisms; custom aniline-dyed leather for special applications; square and round cup holders; built-in and hidden condiment trays; limited lifetime warranty

Number of chair styles offered: 34 styles in 166 velvets and 14 chenilles; hundreds of leathers.

Location/history: Miami, Fla.; since 1975

Contact information: 800.305.7545; www.cineloungers.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
CineSport Lounger in French-embossed and stenciled mohair material: “Elegant velvet damask with ergonomically designed lumbar support—this chair will make a statement in any screening room.” (Click image to enlarge)
CineLounger Classic in white velvet with metallic silver drink holders: “My first impression is of comfort and elegance in the true Art Deco fashion. The exciting details of the chair—its hand-built-to-order specs for back and arm shapes—provide the movie viewer with every amenity for an enjoyable movie-watching experience.” (Click image to enlarge)
CineRetroLounger in chamois Movie House Velvet II with black piping and custom leopard-print and velvet-end arm panels: “This chair, in sumptuous velvet, allows couples to cuddle while enjoying a movie. The tap footrest and tilt-back headrest option create a customized sofa that will enhance the experience.” (Click image to enlarge)

Premiere Home Theatre Surroundings


“For an in-home theater, these are perfect—they’re large, comfortable, adjustable and upholstered like a real piece of furniture.” —Darren Henault, Darren Henault Interiors (Click image to enlarge)


General chair features: constructed using an old-world handcrafted process; eight-way hand-tied seating construction; unlimited seating configurations; whisper-quiet motorized recline; burl wood swivel snack tray; removable anodized cup holder; adjustable head cushions; wall-hugger space-saving recliner design; limited lifetime warranty

Number of chair styles offered: more than 20 designs in more than 100 Italian leathers and luxurious CineSuede; can be customized with material of choice

Location/history: Agoura Hills, Calif.; since 1999

Contact information: 818.865.6777; www.premierehts.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Liberty in red velour with black piping: “Although this is the homiest of the three chairs, it still has a great retro feel. I like the loose cushion back, which makes it easier to vacuum out popcorn crumbs. Also, if you damage a cushion you don’t have to reupholster the entire chair. The break in the line of the arm makes the chair seem finer, less bulky.” (Click image to enlarge)
La Reina in red leather: “All the comforts of the Majestic (below) but with a much more mod look. Definitely more Steve McQueen than Cary Grant.” (Click image to enlarge)
The Majestic in Danzel black fabric with yellow accenting: “Italian leather piping, whisper-quiet motorized recline: Is this a theater chair or a 2004 Bentley? The silhouette is clean and elegant, echoing a typical 1940s theater. The chair is brilliant.” (Click image to enlarge)

CinemaTech Seating


“The ideal theater chair should provide versatility and comfort, and the style should address the client’s needs.” —Sue-Anne Maxted, Leo A. Daly (Click image to enlarge)



General chair features:
all handmade; German-engineered steel frame; hand-tied springs; motorized recline with patented “Lusch” motor drive; articulating headrest; unlimited seating configurations; hand-cut foam; rolled and trimmed leather edges; custom cup holders available

Number of chair styles offered: more than a dozen styles in 60 European leathers (can be protected with Valdalpone Long-Life finish); custom fabric options

Location/history: Addison, Texas, and Irvine, Calif.; since 1998

Contact information: 972.381.1071 or 949.458.7733; www.mycinematech.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Le Grande in dark blue leather: “The Le Grande offers many convenient locations for drinks and snacks ... perfect for football watching.” (Click image to enlarge)
Terminator in honey leather and Terminator II in terra-cotta leather: “This is a great modern alternative. It offers maximum flexibility and recline options. The sleek cushioning looks like it would be very enjoyable. I love the down-filled cushions and the adjustable headrest.” (Click image to enlarge)
Ferien in Bordeaux leather: “This chair offers an alternative to the traditional theater seat and provides options for storage and flexibility. It’s a great transitional chair for those who have a more contemporary, eclectic or traditional decorating style. The angular wedge option [for between-chair storage] is great to maximize sight lines in a theater.” (Click image to enlarge)

American Leather


“Home theater is all about respite from the outside world.The chair is as critical as the electronics; universal comfort is most important.” —Darryl Carter, Darryl Carter, Inc.


General chair features: hardwood frames; European webbing or eight-way hand-tied suspension; high-density foam cushions; down cushion toppers; removable cushions (zippered for ease of cleaning and repair); deep seating proportions; recliner or push-arm or mechanized recline; unlimited seating configurations; various finishes (brass tacks, welting); limited lifetime warranty

Number of chair styles offered: 15 accent chair and recliner styles, and 50 collection chairs, in seven grades of leather in 70 colors or 90 Ultrasuede colors

Location/history: Dallas, Texas; since 1990

Contact information: 972.296.9599; www.americanleather.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Zane in Carrerra black leather: “One thing comes to mind—the Concorde and all of its resplendent pampering. Simple, clean lines combined with sumptuous comfort make this chair a sure bet.” (Click image to enlarge)
Sakatini in carnival white leather and scoundrel Ultrasuede: “Rock ’n’ roll and swivel. Peter Maxx meets The Jetsons. While I’m known for natural monochrome environments, I’d have fun with this one, executing in primary color combinations. Fun-loving whimsy with unbelievable comfort.” (Click images to enlarge)
LAX, shown in carnival green leather: “Harkening back to a bygone era, this chair reminds me of a 1930s Deco movie house. Executed in tobacco leather with brushed aluminum, it speaks to the diverse environment it could be placed in.” (Click image to enlarge)

Fortress Inc.


“The theater chair is the only part of the furniture market that must evolve with the changing advances in the technology market.” —Herb Press, Herbert Gordon Press Design & Assoc. (Click image to enlarge)


General chair features: handmade; hardwood and birch frames; Hide-A-Bed mechanisms (the chair morphs into a bed); retractable and removable arms; wedge arms; motorized massage and heat units; removable tray tables; front-access cup holder; piping and decorative nail-head details; console table/shared arm console for storage and housing a joystick; sliding chair arms; 10-year commercial warranty; full customization available

Number of chair styles offered: 10 styles in 25 leathers, 30 suedes and hundreds of fabrics

Location/history: Chino, Calif.; since 1959

Contact information: 800.873.2828; www.fortresseating.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Melrose in premium lipstick-red leather: “This is a true 21st-century design. With its sleek contemporary profile, it affords the designer to be daring and creative. The European design exudes comfort and elegance.” (Click image to enlarge)
“Inviting and elegant, the Deco promises comfort for the viewer who expects hours of relaxation and ease. This chair is very adaptable to many styles of interior design.” (Click image to enlarge)
“The Corona evokes a feeling of strength and power, as if you were CEO of a major film studio. With its high back and strong arm shape, it portrays a seat of position and importance. Great chair for home, office or theaters where a strong statement is desired.” (Click image to enlarge)

Modular Theater Systems


“A theater chair should cocoon the viewer, but not so much that it suggests sleep. It should also have soft-to-the-touch upholstery.” —Marybeth Waterman, Studio Waterman


General chair features: handmade; mid-spine module to reduce shoulder tension; lumbar module for lower-back support; motorized recline; dual cup holders; removable snack/task tray; unlimited seating configurations; easily removable seat backs for cleaning; limited lifetime warranty

Number of chair styles offered: four styles in 17 leathers, 29 CineSuedes and 16 ColorBoard quick-turn choices (leather and CineSuede combination chair, shown here, which has a guaranteed less-than-30-day turnaround); can be customized with material of choice

Location/history: Portland, Ore.; since 2001

Contact information: 503.631.4447; www.mts-us.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Neo in black leather with CineSuede accents, and in merlot CineSuede with slate accents: “The movie better captivate or this chair will steal the show! With an integrated headrest, upper-back and mid-spine module to reduce shoulder tension, and lumbar support, the Neo will compete with your masseuse. The rolled and pleated CineSuede accents give an added detail to customize the style.” (Click images to enlarge)
Muse in sage CineSuede with raffia inserts: “The comfort of this chair rivals that of an international airliner’s first-class sleeper; the chair back features all the ergonomic comforts while keeping a pleasing profile. And it’s offered with 30-day-or-less quick delivery, keeping designers and clients on track.” (Click image to enlarge)

Bass Industries


“Comfort and aesthetic appeal are key elements I look for in a theater chair when selecting options to present to my clients.” —Michael J. Valente, Michael J. Valente, Inc.


General chair features: handmade; hardwood frames; individually wrapped coil springs in cushions; unlimited seating configurations (individual loungers, straight rows, curved rows, wedges, love seats or sofas); motorized recline; hidden-tilt or high-gloss wood cup holders; decorative metal or wood feet; wood paneling for arm fronts; stainless-steel black-anodized aluminum; limited lifetime warranty; for new line of alternative home theater seating, visit website

Number of chair styles offered: 26 styles available in an unlimited number of leathers, velours or Nusuede; can be customized with fabric of choice

Location/history: Miami, Fla.; since 1963

Contact information: 800.346.8575; www.bassind.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Celebrity in Nappa Mastik leather with mahogany wood inlays: “This chair is really sexy; the wood elevates it to a higher level of luxury. I like the retractable cup holder and extended leg rest, so when the chair isn’t used for viewing it can double as a wonderful sitting chair.” (Click image to enlarge)
Jubilee in Nappa red leather with Nappa gold piping and honey feet: “This is a stylish chair reminiscent of the Art Deco period. It’s comfortable and stylish enough to go into my home library.” (Click image to enlarge)
Royal Rocker in premium gold velour with black cup holders: “This is wonderful for the client who wants an up-to-date cinematic experience at home; it lends itself well to the comfort and aesthetics associated with modern cinemas.” (Click image to enlarge)

La-Z-Boy



“A theater chair should be well designed—one that a person wants to cuddle up in to watch a movie and read a good book.” —Pamola Powell, Pamola Powell Studios (Click image to enlarge)


General chair features: AirSpa Deluxe massage system; motorized recline; unlimited seating configurations; seat cushions set to 150-degree angle for ergonomically correct movie-viewing position; console with storage space and snack tray; multipurpose pull-out drawer for DVD and remote control storage; retractable cup holder and snack trays (in brush metal laminate or Spanish burl laminate); seating cushions available with Tempur-Pedic cushions

Number of chair styles offered: more than 60 home theater and recliner styles in 82 leathers, more than 1,442 fabrics and 52 microsuedes

Location/history: Monroe, Mich.; since 1927

Contact information: 800.625.3246; www.lazyboy.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Zita in camel microsuede, black eclipse leather and garnet: “This is a very attractive chair with a lot of style. It’s not the typical theater chair look, but I believe it will appeal to a more sophisticated clientele. Also, it has all the bells and whistles of home theater seating with more styling, but I’d like to see it as a love seat with a contrasting table. The shape allows for the possibility of a more casual seating configuration rather than traditional stadium rows. The pricing [at $599 to $1,549] is excellent.” (Click images to enlarge)

Matinee, part of La-Z-Boy’s new Home Theater Collection: “This is also an attractive chair with more detailing than the typical home theater chair it resembles. It has great options, and the look of the chair is very inviting. It says, ‘Let’s cuddle up and watch a movie.’” (Click image to enlarge)

Irwin Seating


“As the bridge between your body and the screen, the theater chair must comfort you as much as it complements the theater.” —Connie Beale, Connie Beale, Inc. (Click image to enlarge)


General chair features: handmade; motorized recline; unlimited seating configurations (including rockers, love seats, curved and wedged rows and standard seating); telescoping headrests for unobstructed acoustical experience; extra-wide seat cushions; therapeutic “huggy back” cushion foam; heat and massage options; adjustable lumbar support; flip-up center armrests; power and data connectivity; pillowed neck and side bolsters for ergonomic support; cup holder; consoles; limited lifetime warranty; the largest manufacturer of commercial theater chairs, with six factories worldwide

Number of chair styles offered: seven styles in 10 stain-resistant velvets, 11 top-grain Italian leathers; chairs can be customized with material of choice

Location/history: Toronto, Canada; since 1907

Contact information: 905.567.6656; www.irwinseating.com

And the Interior Designer Says ...
Ambassador Lounger in Home Theater velvet: “The Ambassador Lounger is all about comfort. My favorite features are the footrests. What more could you want in a home theater chair?” (Click image to enlarge)
Ambassador Home Theater Chair in red velvet: “The traditional style is perfect for any home theater. The sleek armrests and cushy seat wink at the grand theater halls of the 1930s, but the chair [also comes in] a love seat if you want to snuggle during a scary movie.” (Click image to enlarge)
VIP Lounger in black leather: “The sleek contemporary look of the VIP is perfect for the ultimate home theater. The telescoping headrests, heated massage, and power and data connectivity provide options that weren’t always [possible] in theater seating.” (Click image to enlarge)

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