Choosing the Best Tub Chairs
The tub chair has been used for hundreds of years, but even with this kind of history, not all of them are created equally. Whether you are purchasing a brand new one, or a purchasing beautiful antique tub chair, there are things that you must look at to ensure that it will last. Fixing them can be much more costly than most other types of furniture, so you really want to make sure that you get it right the first time.
Kings and other nobles used to love to sit in tub chairs; they were comfortable and because of the shape, gave them a sense of power. Over the years, the look of them has barely changed, and you can still find them in many of the nicest hotels and lounges in the world.
Because of the expense in recovering them, the most common (and smartest) covering is leather. You want to make sure that it is a high quality. This can be determined not only by the feel and smell (which should be quite strong), but also by the natural patterns that occur in the leather over time. A nice hide, if kept up properly, should last many generations and only gets more beautiful as it ages.
If you are looking at a brand new model, take a look at the company that made them. The smaller the business the better. Larger warehouses will mass produce these chairs with very cheap labor and the result might look the same at first glance, but will ultimately break down a lot quicker and need to be repaired. You can either spend some money on a good piece up front, or pay more later to fix it or even buy a new one. Many of the smaller woodworking places put a lot more time and love into each individual piece.
As you shop around, do not just sit in the chair to feel its comfort. Try to move the frame around (like the arms) and listen for any squeaks or creaks. This will tell you if the frame was made from quality workmanship. Also, check out the springs in the seat to insure their resilience. You should do this whether you are looking at the very new or the older ones, as this is a purchase that could last you a lifetime.
With the style and glamor of tub chairs, who would not want one in their home? They have a unique look and a deep history than is valued by many decorators. Now that you know what things to look for, shopping for one or more will bring you great delight. Be sure to pick up tub chair covers to keep your piece in the best condition.