The Different Names for Chairs: A Comprehensive Guide

Do you know the difference between an armchair and a recliner? Or a bench and a rocker? If not, you're not alone. Many people are unaware of the different names for chairs and their parts. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the various types of chairs and their components.

When it comes to chairs, there are many different types and names. An armchair is a large, comfortable chair with parts for supporting your arms. The part of the seat on which you rest your arm is known as the armrest. The part of a chair that you lean on when you are sitting on it is called the backrest. A bench is a piece of furniture for one person to sit on, with backrest, legs and sometimes two arms. A recliner is a chair with only one arm on one side seat and long in which you can sit with your legs stretched out, a large and comfortable sofa (3 inches) in length. A rocker is a chair for two or three people that usually has a container under the seat for storing things. A sling is a large, soft and comfortable seat with arms and backrest on which two or three people can sit.

A seat without backrest or armrests for two or more people is known as a loveseat. The part of a chair or vehicle that supports the feet is called the footrest. The upper part of a chair or car seat on which the head rests is known as the headrest. A high chair in which children too young to sit at the table eat is called a booster seat. An Indian English term for a large seat on the back of an elephant, usually one with a cloth roof, is howdah. One of the curved pieces of the lower part of a rocking chair that allow the chair to move back and forth is known as rockers. A chair that has two curved parts underneath, so that when someone sits on it they can move it back and forth is called a glider. The part of a chair where you sit is referred to as the seat.

A set of two chairs and a sofa that match each other is known as a suite. A special chair in which a king or queen sits is called a throne. A small table that folds from the back of the seat in front of you on an airplane or train is called a tray table. Fabric or leather used to cover chairs and sofas is referred to as upholstery.

By being able to refer to the different types of chairs with their correct names in English, you will add valuable words to your vocabulary and allow yourself to sound much more like a native speaker of the language. Knowing all these different names for chairs will also help you when shopping for furniture or discussing seating arrangements with friends and family.