The ABCDs of decorating with your new Swan Chair.

The Swan Chair was specially designed for the opening of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958, by the hotel’s architect, Arne Jacobsen. One of the first examples of furniture designs to make use of moldable materials, the Swan Chair is a neo-modern classic with its flowing curves and striking shape. Use its appeal to add new focus to the decoration of your home. Bear the following in mind when you are planning to redo a room which is functional and shows off your personal style:

• Accent. What is the purpose of the room? Which two items of the décor do you want to draw attention to? The type of room will determine what furniture and functional items must be placed in it. In a living room a television is a standard item and is accepted as functional rather than a highlight or feature. Place your Swan Chair in an area which allows the best functional use of the room that provides comfort and allows easy access.

• Balance. Is there sufficient space for seating? Can you develop a balance between the open space in the room and the cluttered areas where seating, accessories such as side tables and lamps and functional furnishings like book racks can be positioned? Take a bird’s nest approach to laying out your room – it should have an area to settle in for any period of time, but also have spaces where other activities can take place in comfort.

• Color. Is your new chair the primary or striking color in the setting? Do your walls compliment or contrast the color of your furnishing? The Swan Chair is generally finished in the bright and strong color of the era in which it became famous. If a striking orange clashes with the rest of your décor, something needs to be changed. Using neutral tones, such as gentle creams, on your walls allows you the flexibility of a variety of accent colors in the room. If your walls don’t allow your chairs color to shine, you may be better served by painting – it’s generally quick and easy and will change the entire appearance of the area. Use accessories like throws, scatter rugs and lamp shades to match the chair color in lighter tones. Take a conservative approach with patterns and textures to avoid overcrowding the room visually.

• Direction. What is the best direction for a seating? Where does light enter the room? Where is the focus or the best visual feature from a seated perspective? It’s pointless to have a great view from the room if the chairs are pointed in the wrong direction. Position the TV at an angle where viewers have a sense of depth and can see windows and space beyond the focal area. Remember that this chair was designed to swivel easily, use its versatility to access all the highlights of your space.

• Efficiency. Can you place your seats to allow unobstructed passageways in or through the room? Are chairs placed close enough together to allow easy conversation? Place side tables close enough to the seats for easy access to form functional clusters in the area. The function of the room must be first in mind – if the layout is not practical, you won’t make full use of the space.