A Study in Ergonomics, Economics and Good Practical Fun
It is difficult to fathom that the simple chair could have so much history behind it, but for thousands of years it has held symbolic value in many societies and cultures as an article of dignity and state, aside from its obvious practical value as an item of furniture to be sat upon.
Even today in the United Kingdom the chair is venerated as an emblem of authority in the House of Commons, and all manner of associations, boards of directors, organisations, clubs and political parties meet under the guidance of a “Chair”, in effect the person who occupies the senior position, keeps order, decides the order of events and, in some cases, wields the casting vote.
The chair enjoyed a similar prestige in ancient Egypt, as well as in China during the period of the Tang dynasty.
Of course all of this notwithstanding the chair is essentially for sitting upon, but the dynamic that ensures that the furniture is designed for maximum comfort is determined by ergonomics. Ergonomics is quite literally about the maximisation of comfort for the user, and when an item of seating is being designed ergonomic considerations are weighed up alongside non-ergonomic factors such as availability of space, portability and aesthetic value, and not least of all cost. In deed it could be said that the manufacture of seating is in essence a balance of ergonomics and economics.
Bright colours bring out the character of the modern home
Whilst the traditional, stately chair has a role to fulfil the modern home calls for seating that is portable, visually attractive, comfortable, economical and, if at all possible, fun. Bright colours as opposed to regal varnish bring out the character of the modern home, and an item of seating that can be moved from the television to the computer to the bedroom offers the best practical value.
Casual seating is not a new concept. The stool, basically a chair without a back or armrests, has been with us for centuries. A separate footrest is also sometimes an option and has historically been variously known as a hassock, an ottoman or a pouffe.
One of the most exciting ranges of modern portable seating is manufactured by Fatboy, and its speciality is in the field of bean bags, hammocks, foot stalls and dog beds. All of these products come in an extensive range of colours and sizes to suit all tastes.
The simple act of sitting down has never been so much fun.
Comfortably the Best Products of Their Kind
Most of us spend time engaging in some kind of physical exertion, be it walking, visiting the gym, going for a run or just undergoing the trials of everyday work.
Even the most sedentary of occupations will often involve stress of some kind or another – troublesome clients with unreasonable expectations, demanding deadlines, unreasonable employers, traffic jams, unreliable buses or the unpleasant necessities of having to travel upright on an overcrowded tube in the very immediate company of somebody with an allergy to soap.
What all of us, however active, need to do from time to time is to sit down, even maybe lie down, and “chill out” in the comfort of our own home.
Comfort though does not always come with a settee in the corner or a chair at the table. Sometimes comfort means being where we want to be, sitting how we want to sit, lying where we want to lie. Sometimes a conventional cushion doesn’t quite do it. Sometimes the bed is not available to us.
A very useful thing to have around the home is a bean bag. A beanbag can be used as a pillow or even as a bed, a lounge bag, or even as an option for the office at home or at work. It is a truly versatile option.
One of the best and most diverse ranges available is offered by Fatboy, launched in 2002 and now available in at least 35 countries around the world. Fatboy offers options in all shapes and sizes, for all members of the family and even for the dog!
As well as bean bags Fatboy also produces a range of hammocks, all of them offering enough space for several people to sit as well as being a makeshift lounge bed or even just bed for the garden area.
Fatboy hammocks come in a range of vibrant colours, and are rain proof, moisture and dirt repellent and easy to clean. Additionally they are designed with safety always as the number one consideration.
Relaxation is important to us as a means of recuperating and indeed just to remind us of what it is we toil for. When we are comfortable our minds can concentrate on the important things. Be comfortable, enjoy leisure time and family life, and be inspired.