The Science of Comfort
My 'office chair' used to be a Panton. Yes, I know, style over function, which became obvious very quickly. So I swapped it for an Eames DSR Eiffel chair (which we already had as we use them at the kitchen table), which is marginally better, but certainly not brilliant. Sure it looks great, but is it comfortable to sit on for hours on end at the computer? Er, no. Alas, it's what I am sitting on as I type these very words. Neither my back or behind appreciate it.
Last week I was invited to check out the Ekornes Stressless range of sofas, recliners and office chairs, and having made a beeline for the office chairs for obvious reasons, swiftly followed by the über comfortable recliners, it's fair to say I have now become a little obsessed.
Okay, a lot. And to be totally honest, much more than I thought I would be.
Not only have I been day-dreaming about which style and leather colour I would choose for my chair in the studio, but I've also been day-dreaming about which recliner in which colour I'd have in the living room. I've narrowed it down to blue, white or black for the studio, in the Metro or London design (London being new for 2016), and the Metro or City recliner and footstool in Clementine or Black for the living room. There would be lots of arguing about who gets to sit in it, so I think there would have to be some kind of timetable or reward system in place.
Sitting in a Stressless office chair was a revelation. A 'Oh, so THIS is what a comfortable chair feels like' moment. There is obviously no comparison between my 'office chair' and a Stressless office chair, and these aren't just any old office chairs, they're reclining office chairs. Fancy a little snooze at your desk to re-charge those creative juices? Not a problem.
The technology in these chairs is seriously impressive, and all the Stressless chairs have a read or sleep position for the headrest when in the recline position.
Most of the recliners are available in three sizes (a bit Goldilocks and The Three Bears really), with a size and style to suit pretty much everyone. I'm a medium by the way, just like Mummy Bear.
An obsession with the science of comfort and movement, coupled with innovative technology, makes Ekornes Stressless a force to be reckoned with when it comes to seating. They've been around since 1934, so I think they know a thing or two about what works and what doesn't, and I imagine they're rather horrified at my current office chair situation.
The fact that the Stressless range embodies Scandi Mid-Century charm is no coincidence - the Norwegian company launched the first Stressless brand and first chair in 1971, with many of the new designs taking inspiration from the original, which can't be a bad thing.
Since I can't have one in real life, at least not yet, I thought I'd share a fantasy, dream studio moodboard with you. My studio is the most neglected room in the house (well, perhaps apart from the main bathroom), and it's next on the list for a much needed overhaul. Sadly it probably won't look quite as glam as this moodboard, but it's good to have goals, you know?
Clockwise from top left:
Dix Blue Estate Emulsion - Farrow & Ball
'Metro' Office Chair in Black - Ekornes Stressless
Alex Drawer Unit - Ikea
Date Palm - Indoor Plants
Sonnet Desk - Safavieh
PS Cabinet - Ikea
Black Venice Pom Pom Basket - Edit 58
Vintage Beni Ouarain Rug - Moroc Tribal
Ranarp Lamp - Ikea
Remember that High, Low, Old and New is a great mantra for putting a room together, as demonstrated above. I love this moodboard, if I do say so myself.
But back to Ekornes, and let's not forget the Stressless sofas, which are every bit as comfortable as the chairs. The E300 is my favourite with it's soft curves and simple lines, and again available in a vast range of colours. I quite fancy the white (sometimes I even surprise myself). And yes, the sofas recline too.
Next year will see the launch of a Stressless recliner and sofa with integrated footstools due to popular demand, and I expect that with the launch of the sleek, contemporary London and Paris designs, that you'll be seeing a lot more of Ekornes Stressless in the interior magazines and on your screens.
Oh, and if you're one of the lucky few that happen to have a home cinema, look no further. There's only one problem - you might not get up again.
Check out the Ekornes website for more information and to find your closest retailer, and see how comfortable the Stressless range is for yourself.
Last week I was invited to check out the Ekornes Stressless range of sofas, recliners and office chairs, and having made a beeline for the office chairs for obvious reasons, swiftly followed by the über comfortable recliners, it's fair to say I have now become a little obsessed.
Okay, a lot. And to be totally honest, much more than I thought I would be.
Not only have I been day-dreaming about which style and leather colour I would choose for my chair in the studio, but I've also been day-dreaming about which recliner in which colour I'd have in the living room. I've narrowed it down to blue, white or black for the studio, in the Metro or London design (London being new for 2016), and the Metro or City recliner and footstool in Clementine or Black for the living room. There would be lots of arguing about who gets to sit in it, so I think there would have to be some kind of timetable or reward system in place.
 |
| Metro Recliner and Footstool in Black and City Recliner and Footstool in Clementine Images: Ekornes |
Sitting in a Stressless office chair was a revelation. A 'Oh, so THIS is what a comfortable chair feels like' moment. There is obviously no comparison between my 'office chair' and a Stressless office chair, and these aren't just any old office chairs, they're reclining office chairs. Fancy a little snooze at your desk to re-charge those creative juices? Not a problem.
The technology in these chairs is seriously impressive, and all the Stressless chairs have a read or sleep position for the headrest when in the recline position.
Most of the recliners are available in three sizes (a bit Goldilocks and The Three Bears really), with a size and style to suit pretty much everyone. I'm a medium by the way, just like Mummy Bear.
 |
| Stressless Recliners - London, City and Metro Designs // Image: Bianca Hall |
An obsession with the science of comfort and movement, coupled with innovative technology, makes Ekornes Stressless a force to be reckoned with when it comes to seating. They've been around since 1934, so I think they know a thing or two about what works and what doesn't, and I imagine they're rather horrified at my current office chair situation.
 |
| Stressless Office Chairs - Metro, London and City Designs // Image: Bianca Hall |
The fact that the Stressless range embodies Scandi Mid-Century charm is no coincidence - the Norwegian company launched the first Stressless brand and first chair in 1971, with many of the new designs taking inspiration from the original, which can't be a bad thing.
Since I can't have one in real life, at least not yet, I thought I'd share a fantasy, dream studio moodboard with you. My studio is the most neglected room in the house (well, perhaps apart from the main bathroom), and it's next on the list for a much needed overhaul. Sadly it probably won't look quite as glam as this moodboard, but it's good to have goals, you know?
Clockwise from top left:
Dix Blue Estate Emulsion - Farrow & Ball
'Metro' Office Chair in Black - Ekornes Stressless
Alex Drawer Unit - Ikea
Date Palm - Indoor Plants
Sonnet Desk - Safavieh
PS Cabinet - Ikea
Black Venice Pom Pom Basket - Edit 58
Vintage Beni Ouarain Rug - Moroc Tribal
Ranarp Lamp - Ikea
Remember that High, Low, Old and New is a great mantra for putting a room together, as demonstrated above. I love this moodboard, if I do say so myself.
But back to Ekornes, and let's not forget the Stressless sofas, which are every bit as comfortable as the chairs. The E300 is my favourite with it's soft curves and simple lines, and again available in a vast range of colours. I quite fancy the white (sometimes I even surprise myself). And yes, the sofas recline too.
 |
| E300 Sofa // Image: Ekornes |
Next year will see the launch of a Stressless recliner and sofa with integrated footstools due to popular demand, and I expect that with the launch of the sleek, contemporary London and Paris designs, that you'll be seeing a lot more of Ekornes Stressless in the interior magazines and on your screens.
 |
| A Selection of Stressless Leather Colours // Image: Bianca Hall |
Oh, and if you're one of the lucky few that happen to have a home cinema, look no further. There's only one problem - you might not get up again.
Check out the Ekornes website for more information and to find your closest retailer, and see how comfortable the Stressless range is for yourself.
Posted in collaboration with Ekornes. Words and opinions by me, as always.