Armchair Styles Buying Guide
Words by Emma Hughes
October 14, 2023
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7m
Finding the right sofa may be important but we can’t forget about the accompanying armchair. It’s the final jigsaw piece of the room, connecting everything together and offering a comfy spot for that surprise guest or a place for the cat to nap after a hard day of…napping.
There are plenty of armchair styles to choose from to complement the décor in your room, whether you want to complete a look or throw in a wild card to jazz things up.
Discover the different styles of armchair available, what to consider when buying one and how to find the perfect seat for your space.
Contents
What armchair styles are available?
Whether you’re blessed with a room with high ceilings or you’re working with limited space, we’ve featured some of our favourite armchair designs that you’ll love to sink into.
Wingback armchairs
A wingback is a great option if you’re looking for spine and lumbar support and this traditional armchair is a staple in any living room. Leather wingback armchairs are always popular and instantly create an indulgent, regal vibe – but a fabric option works in most spaces too. Opt for a cosy checkered print, reminiscent of country cottages and British B&Bs, or choose a modern velvet wingback with plush fabric in bold prints and colourways.
Accent chairs
This armchair style doesn’t necessarily need to match the sofa you already have, but instead works as a standalone piece – bringing character to a room. Accent chairs have become increasingly popular in the world of interiors thanks to their versatility. They’re an easy way of injecting some colour into a monochrome space or adding some interest to an unused corner.
Tub armchairs
A tub chair is like climbing into a comforting, squishy hug, making it a brilliant option for little reading nooks – or smaller rooms that need some extra seating options.
Swivel armchairs
An armchair on a swivel base isn’t only a great way of adding a little excitement to those long work calls, they’re also perfect for smaller rooms. Feature a swivel chair in your home office and choose a soft fabric or sleek, luxury leather. Feel like a Bond villain and turn around to greet friends and family when they enter the room. The possibilities are endless with this armchair style.
Boucle armchairs
Boucle armchairs are available in a range of styles but stand out thanks to the distinctive looped fabric that reminds us of teddy bears and all things fluffy. The style came on the scene in the 1940s and has become very popular in recent years. It’s oh so soft and adds an effortlessly trendy element to any room.
Recliner armchairs
Sit back, relax and put your feet up on a recliner. This style of chair has been providing optimum comfort since the 1850s, and has come a long way with manual, electric and swivel options available.
Snuggle armchairs
Snuggle chairs offer the perfect space for those who love a little extra room to get comfortable – whether it’s watching TV, playing games or reading a book. Snuggle armchairs are typically wider than other designs which means they’re nice and roomy for a single person or can be used for two people to live up to their namesake.
Where to feature an armchair in your home
Armchairs aren’t just for the living room! Consider some of our recommendations and enjoy a little comfort throughout your home.
Social seating in the living room
An armchair is of course a great extra seat. Dress it up with a throw over the arm and cushions when not in use. We recommend opting for an accent chair to create a focal feature alongside your sofa, or perhaps an inviting snuggle chair if you have the room.
A chair for baby snuggles in the nursery
Whether you need a comfortable place to feed your baby and read them a bedtime story or simply a spot for cuddles, an armchair in the nursery is essential. A wingback armchair will provide back support for feeds, while a snuggle chair will give you the perfect space for those late-night baby cuddles. We recommend a material that wipes clean such as leather, just in case there’s any spit up!
A dressing area in the bedroom
Add an armchair near the wardrobe so you have somewhere to sit while putting on your socks, or tuck it under your beauty table for a comfortable seat to style your hair. Just avoid letting it become a hanging place for clothes and random things that need putting away! A stylish boucle chair is a good option to add an instantly modern vibe to your sleeping space.
A reading chair in the office
Every office needs an armchair – somewhere you can take a break away from your screen and desk. Whether you’re browsing the newspaper or tucking into a good book, a tub chair is ideal. Nestled in a corner beside a bookcase, you can comfortably sit back and enjoy a well-deserved break.
What to consider when buying an armchair
Comfort and quality
No one wants to get an armchair delivered just to find that it’s too uncomfortable to enjoy. So, it’s a good idea to test out your armchair in store before you buy. Think about whether you need back support and consider the height of the chair and how it fits into your space.
Fabric
Consider whether you want your armchair to match the fabrics already in the room or if you want some contrast. If you have a fabric sofa, what about featuring a leather armchair? And if you have crushed velvet curtains, we recommend a simple fabric armchair.
Size of the space available
You’ll need to consider the size of chair for the space. If you’re working with a smaller area opt for a compact tub chair or, if you have the room, a snuggle chair is perfect for evenings spent lounging.
Family life
Take a moment to consider how you’ll use the armchair. It’s fair to say that toddlers and certain fabrics don’t pair well, so choose a material that can wipe clean easily if you plan on placing it in a room where children can use it.
How to measure for an armchair
Get the perfect armchair to fit your space by measuring the area and furniture correctly.
Here’s how to measure up for your armchair:
1. Measure the width – take measurements from the widest points, usually arm to arm.
2.Measure the height – take measurements from the back of the armchair to the highest point.
3.Measure the depth – take measurements from the outside edge to the back.
Once you have these numbers, you’ll be able to see if it will fit in the space you have. Keep in mind that some chairs like recliners will need a little more space.
Frequently asked questions
What types of upholstered arms can an armchair have?
There are a few different styles of arms on armchairs including:
• English Roll Arm – a low arm with a curve, typically found on country style furniture.
• Lawson Arm – a rolled arm with front pleating.
• Sock Arm – similar to a Lawson arm but without the pleating.
• Track Arm – has a flat top and flat parallel sides.
What are the arms of an armchair called?
The arm of an armchair is also known as an armrest and is designed to support your elbow and forearm. Armrests come in different shapes and sizes. The tub chair doesn’t have distinctive arms and has solid-fit arms which also form the back.
How long should an armchair last?
If you take care of your armchair and it’s made of high-quality material, it could last between 7 and 15 years. Wear and tear could appear sooner than this, but how long it lasts will ultimately depend on how much it’s used.
What is an accent chair used for?
An accent chair is used to add a focal point to a room and to introduce an extra layer of character. Accent chairs are usually more decorative and stand out from other pieces of furniture but can be used to tie a room together with the right choice of colour and material.
Should a sofa and armchair match?
While they can match, they don’t have to. You could have them match in other ways, by choosing similar material and colour, or you can opt for a contrast to add even more flair to a room.
Learn more about armchairs and sofas
Looking for some home inspirations? Check out our guides.
• How to choose the perfect sofa
• What colours go with a grey sofa?
• Chesterfield sofa buying guide
• Corner sofas buying guide
Explore our full range of armchairs and find the perfect armchair style for any room in your home.