How to choose an armchair
For many, an armchair is the place we head to unwind at the end of a long day. Whether it’s for watching tv, enjoying a good book or catching up with friends, a comfy armchair is key to most living rooms. To create the ultimate relaxation space, it’s important to choose your armchair carefully. However, with so many chaise longues, accent chairs and loveseats available, it can be hard to choose. Let us help you break down the details to find an armchair that’s made for you
The different types of armchair to choose from
Every space is different and every home will have new requirements for an armchair. Perhaps your tiny living room needs a small armchair, or maybe your spacious living room is crying out for a loveseat or chaise longue.
There are many different types of armchairs to choose from and each one will serve your space differently. Here are some of the most popular armchair types to help you narrow it down.
Armchair
An armchair in the same style and colour as your sofa will complete your living room suite. In our own collection, you’ll find that most sofas have a matching armchair. If you’d like to make a statement, consider an armchair in the same style as your sofa but in a different colour.
Smaller armchairs are specially designed to slot in easily to the corner of even the smallest bedroom or living room. Just because the space is smaller, it shouldn’t mean you miss out on the functionality and comfort of an armchair. With clever furniture choices, a small space can feel every bit as spacious as a large one.
Accent chairs are often a little smaller than a standard-sized armchair or an easy chair. They tend to be more modern, showcasing innovative materials and striking silhouettes to create the ultimate centrepiece for your living room. If you’re looking to up your design credentials, an accent chair can be a fun way to introduce modern design to your home.
If you have plenty of space, then a chaise longue is both a decorative and functional choice of armchair. This cross between a daybed and an armchair dates back to 17th-century France. Nowadays, there’s plenty of chaise longue styles around, so there’s one for any space, whether it’s modern or traditional.
If you have room for a larger armchair, then a designer loveseat is the perfect choice. These modern designs are wider than your typical armchair, but smaller than a two-seater sofa. Loveseats offer a great spot to stretch out with a cuppa, snuggle with your four-legged friend or enjoy movie night with a loved one.
How to measure for your armchair
Whilst choosing an armchair, it’s important you know how much space you have available. That’s why we always recommend taking measurements before placing your order. Here’s how to measure your space best.
Top tip: Use masking tape or newspaper to map your armchair onto the floor. This will show if there's enough space for it.
1. Clear the area where you’d like your new armchair to sit.Measure out the length, width, depth and height of the space.
2. Remember to take into account any architectural features, shelving or lighting.
3. Once you’ve taken these measurements it’s time to choose the best armchair for your space. Other important things to consider are the height of the chair’s backrest and if you’d like armrests or not.
4. Before ordering your armchair, we suggest performing a thorough access check. This helps make sure the armchair will fit through your doors and hallways when it arrives. You can find step-by-step instructions in our Access & Measurement Guide on the main Delivery information page.
What style armchair should I choose?
Comfort is the most important thing to consider when buying an armchair. Everyone sits differently; some like having their feet up, others enjoy curling up and many prefer sprawling over the armrests.
So, if you want to create a comfy place to relax, make sure your comfort sits centre stage. After all, there’s no point investing in an armchair you find too uncomfortable to use. We suggest visiting showrooms to try out an armchair before you invest in it.
Traditional armchair
If you’re keen to stick to your home’s classical style, a traditional armchair makes a great choice. Available new and vintage, traditional armchairs normally have rolled armrests, high backs and curved wooden legs. Chesterfield armchairs in particular may offer the comfort and classical style you’re looking for. You could even choose upholstery in a colourful finish to make it feel a little more contemporary.
Modern armchair
When it comes to modern armchairs, think clean lines, bold shapes and clever functionality. To make your modern armchair the centrepiece to your living room, choose a bold colour or a sculptural silhouette. Opt for an oversized modern armchair to create the perfect place to curl up and relax.
Mid-century armchairs are famous for combining both form and function. Furniture from the era was forward thinking, with a minimalistic, functional design and sleek aesthetic. Choose an armchair with a darker wood frame and natural upholstery to really get that mid-century look.
What's the best material for an armchair
So, you've chosen your armchair’s style but now it’s time to pick the upholstery. This is an equally important decision. After all, this armchair will be in your home for years to come, so it needs to suit your lifestyle perfectly.
The best way to choose a fabric is to see it in person first. Most showrooms only have one of each armchair on display, so it’s down to luck if it’s upholstered in the fabric you’re considering. However, they should have fabric samples for you to look at. There may even be another armchair or sofa with the upholstery you’re after, that way you can still see it in person.
If you’re buying your armchair online, order some fabric swatches before committing to it. That way you can touch the material and see how it looks with the rest of your décor.
Narrow down your options before ordering any armchair upholstery samples. Consider things like how often you’ll use the armchair, if you’ll need to wash it lots and if there’ll be plenty of grubby fingers or paws touching it. This should help you decide on the right fabric type. Read on to learn more about the most popular types of armchair upholstery.
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Perfect for: High use
Easy to clean and long-lasting, leather is a popular choice for armchairs that are being used regularly. This super durable fabric will develop a beautiful patina over the years and become unique to your home. That means pets and children are more than welcome on leather armchairs.
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Smart fabrics
Perfect for: High use
Smart fabrics are long-lasting and durable, making them great upholstery choices for family homes. They’re made using synthetic fibres, this makes them easier to wash and clean, especially if the covers are removable. If you have children and pets, this could be the armchair upholstery for you.
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Cotton
Perfect for: Medium use
Cotton is a natural fibre that’s breathable and soft, making it a great choice for an armchair. Depending on the cotton, it can be a little more high maintenance than other armchair upholstery options. But with the right care, a cotton armchair will look great in your home for years.
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Wool
Perfect for: Medium use
Wool is an all-round great fabric when it comes to upholstery. It’s breathable, so it stays cool in summer and keeps you warm in winter. It’s also pretty hardy compared to other upholstery fabrics. For busy family homes, look for wool fabric that’s blended with synthetic fibres to make it even more durable.
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Linen
Perfect for: Medium-high use
Boasting similar qualities to cotton, linen is actually the more durable of the two. That’s what makes it a great fabric for busy family homes. It will help you stay nice and cool in the summer, but also keep you warm in colder months. Linen often looks a little creased at first, but this softens over time.
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Perfect for: Low-medium use
Velvet has a reputation for being a high-maintenance fabric. Spillages need to be treated quickly and in the right way. That’s why we recommend using velvet upholstery on low-use armchairs. Whilst silk and cotton velvets are the more premium options, synthetic velvet often offers a more cost-effective and easy-to-clean alternative.
