Craftsmanship Behind HSL Chairs

HSL is a proud family business, and we’ve been helping people to feel good in their furniture for over 50 years. Quality craftsmanship, unrivalled comfort and excellent service were the early foundations of our business – and it’s no different today. All of our chairs are made with love, dedication and skill, and it’s this quality craftsmanship that sets us apart from other furniture on the market.

 

Introduction to HSL Chairs

Here at HSL, we’ve built a brand over the last 50 years that has a reputation for producing furniture that not only looks good, but also supports a healthy lifestyle. HSL was set up in 1968 with the aim to “produce comfortable quality furniture”. To turn their vision into reality, owners Jeffrey and Patricia Burrows set up shop in Dewsbury, a town renowned for its furniture making heritage.

Today, our head office and factory are located just around the corner from where the business began over 50 years ago. While we’ve come a long way with product technology, the opening of our showrooms nationwide, and our Exclusive Chair Fitting service, the core of our business remains the same. Guided by our history and heritage, we still want to produce comfortable quality furniture that improves the way people sit, and enhances their lives – and our quality craftsmanship is at the very heart of that.

 

The Unique Approach to Handmade Furniture

The HSL way means doing things differently. Our approach to furniture is rooted in our traditional craftsmanship – but it’s seamlessly blended with modern techniques, to ensure each piece meets the highest standards of quality and comfort.

From our riser recliner chairs to our sofas, everything is designed and made right here in the UK, sourcing the best quality local materials and using expert craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail. We’ve been in business for over 50 years, which means we’ve built long-standing relationships with our suppliers. This enables us to closely collaborate with both suppliers and makers, ensuring that all of our furniture is made to the highest standards, with the best materials available, and sustainability in mind.

Selection of Materials

We always use the best quality materials for durability and comfort. That means you have a choice of fabrics and leathers, to ensure that your chair truly meets your needs. 

Fabric upholstered chairs come in a wide range of colours, textures and patterns, giving you the choice of a chair that suits your personal style. We offer a choice of innovative Aqua Clean fabrics, with antibacterial and stain release technology which allows you to clean household stains with just water, and we’re working to expand our range of natural and recycled content fabrics.

Leather, on the other hand, is durable and easy to clean – perfect if you have children or pets in your home. Most of our chairs are available in both leather and fabric, so the choice comes down to your personal preferences.

We also offer a choice of wooden finishes in many of our chairs, so whether you prefer a light oak or dark mahogany, you can rest assured that every piece of furniture is made with style and support in mind.

Design Process

The design process at HSL is a collaborative effort between craftsmen and designers to create furniture that’s as stylish as it is supportive. Ergonomic principles are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to creating supportive furniture that promotes a happy, healthy lifestyle.

We also work closely with renowned fabric designers like Sanderson, Morris & Co and Moon – brands that are also driven by their long heritage and are committed to creating beautiful designs that will stand the test of time. 

Attention to Detail

Every single HSL chair is crafted with precision and care, with each detail thoughtfully executed to elevate our chairs. Our skilled artisans pay close attention to every detail, using hand-stitched seams to finish our chairs off and make them stand out. You’ll also find beautiful custom finishes, including polished wood accents that enhance their aesthetic appeal but also ensure they’re as supportive as possible. Wooden knuckles, for example, not only add a classic touch, but also make it easier to stand up and sit down.

 

What Makes HSL Chairs Special

HSL chairs aren’t just furniture; they’re a blend of art and functionality, setting them apart for those who value both comfort and craftsmanship. Our collections are designed to look good and feel good, with each chair carefully designed to provide comfort and support for your specific lifestyle needs. Our dedication to quality means that every chair is built to last, combining high quality materials with timeless designs. And with features like custom upholstery and handcrafted finishes, they’re more than just furniture – they’re an investment in style and support for many years to come.

Ergonomic Design

Our chairs are made with health and comfort in mind. We’re committed to creating ergonomic designs that support a healthy posture and contribute to a happy, healthy lifestyle. That’s why we work closely with our Occupational Health Expert Julie Jennings to create our chairs, so you can relax in comfort knowing that each piece in our range has been thoroughly tested and evaluated by an independent health expert with your wellbeing in mind.

Julie also ensures that all of our Comfort Specialists understand good posture, the correct seating position and supportive transfer in and out of a chair, enabling them to help you find the right chair to suit your needs. 

We’ve also recently conducted a study in collaboration with the University of Leeds and Dr Andrea Utley, Reader in Motor Control and Learning in the School of Biomedical Sciences, to look into the physiological impacts of sitting in a HSL chair that fits you. 

The research found that there’s a real scientific health benefit to sitting in the correct size chair, with the evidence showing that sitting in a correctly sized chair reduces your blood pressure by 10%, reduces your heart rate by 6% and increases tissue oxygenation by more than 2%.

Customisation Options

HSL offers a range of customisation options to meet the specific needs and preferences of our customers, ensuring that your chair perfectly aligns with the support you need and style you love. 

You can choose from a variety of high-quality fabrics and leathers to suit your home decor. We also offer our chairs in a range of sizes to guarantee a perfect fit, supporting your neck, back and hips. Some of our chairs come with the option of adding innovative technology, like heated back support – perfect for those who suffer from arthritis or stiff joints – and our riser recliner chairs come with single or dual motor options, so you can get the level of comfort and support you need.

Excellent Service

As a proud family business, we’re committed to providing excellent customer service to complement the quality of our products. We offer personalised support, guiding our customers to choose the right chair to meet your specific needs and preferences, whether you visit one of our showrooms or arrange a home visit.

During our Exclusive Chair Fitting service, our Comfort Specialists will take you through a personalised chair fitting to help them recommend the comfort solution best suited to you and your posture.

And if you have any other questions? Feel free to contact us at any time. Our friendly, dedicated Customer Care Team is on hand 7 days a week to assist with any queries, questions or concerns you may have. 

 

Conclusion

The craftsmanship behind HSL chairs is a testament to our commitment to quality, comfort and customer satisfaction. By merging traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles, we create furniture that’s not only beautiful but also functional, enhancing the wellbeing of our customers. This commitment to excellence ensures that every HSL piece is more than just furniture – it’s an investment in lasting comfort and style. If you’re ready to find out more, use our Chair Finder to find the perfect chair for you today.