Papasan chairs: a thing of the past or the future of interior design?
Most adults these days have fond childhood memories of sitting comfortably in papasan chairs in their parents’ living rooms, perhaps while watching cartoons or reading a book under the light of a floor lamp. Back then, many of us really loved the papasan because it was so comfortable, especially with the thick fluffy circular mattresses.
Nowadays, however, we often see used papasan chairs selling for ridiculously low prices on online auctions, or even dumped in alleyways, free to anyone who takes a fancy to them. There are still several stores that sell the traditional chairs that are imported from Asian countries like the Philippines, but even these stores say that sales have declined considerably over the years.
Does all this mean that papasan chairs are really a 1970s fad, or do they still have a bright future in the world of interior design? The opinion of the general public is quite mixed, but we can definitely say that these chairs are not going away anytime soon.
Despite some people’s prediction that the papasan will become the “stairmaster of the future,” there are still plenty of Americans who like to keep this piece of furniture in their homes, and not just to hold on to their past. Here are some great reasons why you might also want to include a papasan chair or two in your home:
Comfort – There are a few other seating options that could even come close to the papasan chair when it comes to comfort. Whether you want to watch TV, read a book, chat with your friends or warm up in front of the fireplace, a papasan chair would be the perfect choice.
Low price – Many furniture stores sell new papasanas for less than two hundred dollars. If you run into a special sale event, you can even get a new one for $50 or less. Second-hand papasans can be had for as little as $10 or even free, as many people are giving up theirs in favor of more modern seats.
Aesthetic Appeal – They typically handcrafted from rattan and have the unmistakable charm and splendor of nature in them. Often a colorless stain is applied to the wood so that the intrinsic beauty of the rattan is visible, but there are also some that are stained with a darker wood color. The accompanying cushion also comes in all varieties of materials, colors, and patterns, so you’ll be able to find one that matches your personal style.
Light weight – One of the most remarkable characteristics of the papasan chair is its very light weight. Despite its adequate size, which is comfortable enough to fit any body size, the chair is surprisingly lightweight because rattan doesn’t weigh much. This makes it easy for you to move the chair from room to room if necessary.
Versatility – During the 1970s, when the papasan chair first became popular, they were only available in a basic design and size. These days, however, in addition to the regular chair that is bowl-shaped and can seat one person, there are also two-seater papasan chairs that are oval in shape. These are known as mamasan chairs. There are also matching footstools and tables to complete the ensemble.
Some say that the papasan chair has become tacky over the years, especially when compared to more modern furniture that has been introduced of late. But with the right fabric choices and a keen eye for interior design, you can definitely use them to brighten up a room and make a space look more modern than ever.