We sampled some of the most comfy, outrageous, splendid chairs
for sale in the South Valley. Here’s what we think
Step It Up
Econo Furniture, 7390 Monterey St., Gilroy
– Approximately $250
– Though the seat of the high heel chairs aren’t big enough for curling up with a good book, the back is at a comfortable, slightly reclined position. The main purpose of the chair, of course, is to provide a great conversation piece for any room. Just know that if someone does decide to use the heel, it won’t be any great discomfort to them. Plus, owning this chair means in all likelihood, you’ve got the coolest chair on the block.
The Over-Stuffed Green Monster
Fortino’s Total Home, 321 Tres Pinos Road, Suite A, Hollister
– Approximately $700
– While inviting and well-cushioned, this arm chair was too over-stuffed. If you don’t sit in it dead center, you’ll roll to one side. And while sinking into cushiony upholstered splendor is clearly the goal of this kind of chair, it takes the poofiness a bit too far.
Gimme a Hand
Econo Furniture
– Approximately $300
– There are two versions of the hand chair, one making the A-OK symbol, and one with all fingers stretching upwards. While both chairs were surprisingly comfortable, the A-OK hand had the added comfort of an arm rest made by the forefinger and thumb touching. You just have to find the right spot to nestle between the fingers.
Arms Wide Open
Fortino’s Total Home
– Approximately $700
– This chair was the opposite of the Green Monster. It looks pretty uncomfortable, but it’s actually quite pleasant to sit in. The leather cushions were nice and the wide wooden arms were surprisingly comfortable to lean on and were just the right height. There were other chairs with wooden arms, but they were too skinny and therefore dug into uncomfortable places if you lean on them.
Rodrigo, Rodrigo, Save Me!
Rosso’s Furniture,
212 Tennant Ave., Morgan Hill
– Approximately $1,000
– This fainting seat is part couch, part recliner and all comfort. Anything you do in this chair must be appropriate for sitting in a full recline, such as reading, thinking, sleeping or fainting. Your eye level goes skyward with the angle of this seat, which can even make watching television difficult.
Spin Me Right Round
Rosso’s Furniture in Morgan Hill
– Approximately $1,000
– This unusual round chair is like lounging on a cloud. The seat is designed with total relaxation in mind. The only thing not relaxing about it is the process of getting settled on it and trying to get out of it, which involves a lot of scooting and adjusting. Once settled, though, this chair is a dream.
The Black Leather Beauty
Fortino’s Total Home
– Approximately $1,000
– Though there were several leather chairs on the floor, this one was the clear winner. Others’ arms were too low, or the back was too firm, making you feel as though you were either being pushed out of the chair or forcing you to have impossibly good posture. This chair was soft, but not too soft, and comfortable, with the arms in just the right place to cuddle up between them.
Winging It
Rosso’s Furniture in Morgan Hill
– Approximately $1,000
– Anyone in search of the perfect reading chair to curl up on will love this chair. It’s high, winged back and arcing arms not only look like royalty, it feels like getting the royal treatment, too. As odd as it looks at first glance, this chair is remarkably comfortable and would certainly give any room an added dose of personality.
