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A papasan chair is a very interesting thing, and you can easily recognize one by the distinct bowl-shape seating situation.
There are some models with a large, circular dish in the frame, or some with a leather upholstered bowl on a characteristic metal Papasan chair frame.
This is a classic piece of furniture that won’t go out of style anytime soon. It is the ultimate relaxation tool, regardless of whether you’re getting a regular papasan chair, or even a hanging papasan chair.
Sure, there won’t be any renaissance as far as papasan chairs go, but maybe these chairs could be aesthetically salvaged, if used right. The papasan chair cushions are very comfortable, and you can get a small papasan chair to fit any room.
In a spare, yet layered space, a rattan papasan chair or two, with a white papasan chair cushion, and no prints, looks great. White floors, a lot of books, and some other classic pieces and you get a stunning look.
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But, what things should you be looking at when buying a papasan chair?
- The material is crucial. If you want quality, go for polyester and a stainless steel frame.
- The price should be reasonable, but you can’t go for a cheap one here. Get something that is worth your money.
- The size is also important. You should be able to enjoy in it without discomfort, yet it should fit in your room.
Comfort
When you’re looking at these chairs, you’ll think they can’t really be comfortable. However, many find them pretty relaxing. The large cushion will fit you great, and it’s thick enough for the frame not to cause discomfort.
Image source: Terrance J Cisco Architect, LLC
The cushion’s size is good for people of most sizes, unlike some kinds of chairs that aren’t really comfortable for larger people. You can also get a mamasan, which is twice as wide.
Versatility
The base is actually a large circle on the bottom, and a smaller one at the top, which are connected by vertical support. These circles are open, which lets you shift the position of the cushion, and frame. Want to sit up? Push the frame back.
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If you want to curl up, center the frame on the base for complete support on every side. The cushion and the frame are separate pieces, letting you pull off the cushion and use it as a floor cushion, or even an extra bed.
Stability
Although you may fiddle with the positioning of the frame, this may compromise stability. When it’s positioned for sitting, the support is great, as long as you don’t move a lot. You can easily throw off the balance by leaning to the side, or twisting, and tip the frame off the base.
Image source: Regan Wood Photography
If you center the frame on the base, it’s very stable, assuming you can get in it. Climbing into the chair is a must, but the edges are raised all around, and positioning yourself might be tricky.
Sitting up
When you’re sitting up, you’re basically sitting on a nest, and your bottom is in the cavity, while your legs are hanging over the edge. This means that many people’s feet won’t be touching the ground, and standing up is a tricky task.
Image source: Cordony Designs
You’ll need to push off the frame with your hands, which might easily throw the frame off balance. Below you’ll find a couple of options that are very much worth your money, and you should look into them before making your choice.
Cotton Craft Papasan chair cushion
This is more of a cushion, and not really a chair. It is cotton made, and designed for a papasan chair. There are a few things you should know when looking at it, and the first one is the unsurpassed comfort.
Image source: Pradnya Ranaware
This is the ideal cushion if you’re after comfort, and will fit into any regular 45” papasan chair, giving you the best results. The polyester stuffing adds even more comfort, as well as convenience. It is excellent for dorms, dens, or just about any other place.
And, cleaning it is quick and easy. You can also get papasan chair covers for it, to make it look even better. Getting a papasan chair cover is as simple as choosing a design and buying it.
Art to Real 360 swivel papasan chair with a soft cushion
This is another option, with a 360 degrees rotation, making it very comfortable. The easy adjustability makes it a must have, and it lets you sit and enjoy the breeze, regardless of whether it’s on your balcony, or in the backyard, and comfort is stunning.
Image source: Element Integration
It also gives you stellar performance, making it a highly durable chair, designed with convenience in mind. The thickness and choice of material make it an even better option, and the material is both UV and fade resistant, meaning your chair will look new even after years of use.
It features a replaceable cushion, as well as a durable steel frame.
Outdoor papasan chair
This is another great option you can get on the market. The all-weather resin construction won’t fade, won’t wicker, and won’t splinter. The design is pretty unique, and it gives you amazing comfort.
Image source: ELM Construction LLC
Durability and reliability are also guaranteed by the steel frame and the neutral driftwood finish. If you want a comfortable chair that will last you for a while, this is one to check out. There are seven reversible cushions, and durability and quality are stunning.
Oversized Folding Moon Chair
With multiple colors and a round shape, this chair can blend in a variety of environments. It is oversized, which guarantees extra comfort, and the spot clean design makes it very convenient and reliable.
Image source: Terrance J Cisco Architect, LLC
If you want something that is absolutely worth the money, this is one that you should be looking for. Regardless of whether you’re getting it for a den, or dorm, or TV room, with the level of comfort you’re getting, it’s well worth it. The polyester used for making it is durable, and the dimensions of 37” x 30” x 30” are enough for anyone.
Mainstays Faux-Fur Saucer Chair
With its soft and wide design, this chair adds plenty of comfort. The dimensions are 30” x 28” x 29”, and it’s ideal for almost anyone. The fact that you don’t need any assembly to use it just makes things easier.
Image source: Kristian Walker Photography
There is a foldable frame, great for both storage and transportation, and the faux fabric makes it even better for TV rooms and lounging. If you want to relax at the backyard, or the balcony, this is a great option. It has a maximum weight capacity of 225 lbs., and comes with a 100% polyester construction.
Blazing Needles Solid Microsuede Double Papasan chair
If you’ve ever looked into papasan chairs, you’ve heard of Blazing Needles. They’re a market leader, and if you want next-level comfort, you should look into them. This double papasan is made from 100% polyester, and if you really want to chill, stress-free, it’s a must.
Image source: ASR Interior Designs, LLC
Quality isn’t compromised, and it’s made in the US. And, for added comfort, there’s a single Mamasan cushion, with dimensions of 78” x 58” x 6”.
Blazing Needles Solid Microsuede Papasan chair cushion
Another option by Blazing Needles, this has the same specifics as the previous one we mentioned, but the cushion is smaller. The quality is stunning, just like the durability, and the 100% polyester construction adds comfort.
Image source: BOXHILL
The soft material used to stuff the cushion is very comfortable as well, and the 44” x 44” x 6” cushion dimensions make it good for almost anyone.
Blazing Needles Solid Twill Papasan chair cushion
You get the point – Blazing Needles are great. They have a wide range of chairs, and you’d be hard pressed to find a drawback in any of them. This is another 100% polyester chair, with amazing comfort.
Image source: Laura Garner
It’s made to last you longer than any of the competitors, and with the larger size, it adds a lot of comfort. Cushion dimensions are 48” x 48” x 6”, and it’s made in the USA.
International Caravan Double Papasan chair
International Caravan is another market leader when we’re discussing top-level papasan chairs, and this model will net you great comfort, without ever compromising on quality. The handcrafted design is spiced up by the soft, fluffy cushion. And yes, there’s plenty of room for one to use it, considering the oversized design.
Image source: Woodland Road Design
There’s enough room so you can snuggle up with your better half, and relax. You can use it on the balcony, on the patio, or even in the TV room, and comfort is obviously the driving force behind the construction of the chair.
The soft fabric will cradle your body, and gently cuddle it. That fabric also stands heavy washing, which is an added bonus.
Blazing Needles Solid Twill Double Papasan chair
We’re wrapping up the list with another Blazing Needles chair, and it’s a great double papasan made of 100% polyester, for added comfort, as well as durability. If you want twice the comfort, and twice the fun, this is great for you.
Image source: Bowood Homes
You can catch a movie with your better half, or watch the stars at the balcony, and it gives you a great way to relax after a busy day. The mamasan cushion makes it even better, and the choice of materials and level of comfort make it worth every penny.
Some maintenance tips
Regularly clean the cushion
Dust and dirt will accumulate over time on the cushion, just like on any other cushion or upholstered piece of furniture. Dust buildup can be prevented with regular cleaning, so vacuuming your cushions should be done regularly, if you’re using the chairs frequently.
Vacuum both sides with the right attachment. However, if you don’t use them very often, just do the vacuuming once or twice a month.
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If you happen to have a spill, deal with it right away to prevent stains. Use the right kind of stain removal solution for your fabric. If it’s a bleaching solution, make sure it’s non-chlorinated for it not to cause discoloration on the cushions.
If you have young children, or even pets, spills are basically unavoidable. In this case, go for a microfiber papasan, because it’s the most resistant to stains, and it is by far the easiest to clean.
Deep-clean it once a year
Aside from the regular, common cleaning, a deep-clean should be done at least once a year. One way to do this is to get the cushion to a cleaner, where they have the right tools for cleaning upholstery. However, you can also do this yourself if you want to skip the hassle and save some money.
Image source: Lean Lens Architects
For this, you’ll need an upholstery shampoo that suits the fabric of your cushions. Mixing the shampoo with water should be done according to the instructions on the label, and the solution should be dabbed on the surface, one area at a time. Once you’re done with an area, dry it with a clean piece of cloth. Finally, let the cushion air-dry.
Clean the frame as well
Although it won’t get nearly as dirty as the cushions, the frame should be cleaned too. If you have a traditional rattan chair, this is best done with a cleaning solution that’s safe to use on wooden surfaces. Just like the upholstery shampoo, you should follow the instructions on how to mix it with water.
Image source: Ethos Interiors
Use a clean rag to wipe the solution on the entire frame, and wring it before applying it to the rattan. After the chair is dry, you can use a coat of furniture polish, and give your chair an extra shine.
Once a month, flip the cushion
If you have had a piece of furniture, such as a sofa or a couch, for a while, you’ll know that you can see indentations where people sit most of the time. The same thing may happen to your papasan chair if you don’t flip the cushions at least once a month.
When you’re doing this, you’re also giving it a nice fluffing up, which lets it regain the signature thickness and cozy feeling, and that is what people usually enjoy most with a papasan chair.
Image source: Reviving Design
Other than the procedures mentioned above, there’s really not much you can do to keep the papasan chair in good condition. If you damage the frame by any chance, you can go for rattan wrappings to fix it and reinforce it.
Most stores that stock papasan chairs will have the wrappings, and that’s where you should look for them when you need them.
Wrapping things up with the papasan chair article
Papasan chairs are commonly made of a thick, round cushion, as well as a dish-like cushion frame and a short pedestal base. The pedestal and frame are usually made of rattan, but can be also made from wood, or wicker.
The cushion will be thick, covered in a sturdy fabric, and stuffed with cotton for ultimate comfort. These chairs were first made in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that they saw any commercial success.