Choosing an armchair comes with many decisions, but unlike when choosing a sofa where you would usually have to consider the size to accommodate other people, you can tailor your new armchair to your own needs and preferences. There is something very satisfying about curling up with a good book in your favourite comfortable spot, so getting the right chair for a cosy corner may require some thought!
An armchair does not necessarily have to match your current sofas, but it should complement it and of course, be comfortable! And remember, an armchair is not just for the living room, a stylish, well-placed chair also has a place in other rooms of the home, such as the bedroom or hallway. To help you decide which armchair or accent chair is right for your needs, we’ve taken a look at the key things you should consider…
Style
An armchair reflects your chosen style and personality while complementing the environment that you live in, so picking the right style for your home is an important factor. Do you want a lovely, laid-back number, something to pop in the corner of your bedroom or do you need something that can withstand little hands and pets? Deciding your chosen style and needs at the start will help along the way.
If you want to encapsulate comfort, try a traditionally styled armchair, the kind of chair you can’t wait to get home to at the end of the day and curl up on! Our Duke armchair features a beautiful high-winged back and wide seat that creates a timeless look that would suit many styles of homes.
An updated take on the classic wing design with a smartly buttoned back, our Ernest armchair would happily sit within a modern or traditional settings without ever compromising on style.
If you’re looking to add an armchair to your interiors to create a little character or as a focal piece, choose a style that is recognisable as a standalone piece. Our Art Deco inspired Harper accent chair does just this and will draw the attention of anyone who walks into the room with its beautiful fluted back design. Larger than the usual style that harks from this era, Harper gives you plenty of space to showcase this wonderful style, but also room to get comfortable and sit back and enjoy a cocktail or two if you wish!
Size
Considering the size of your room with the chair is about as important as the level of comfort your chair brings. If you live in a smaller space, then opt for a more slim-lined style like our Evie accent chair. The smaller silhouette will maximise the appearance of space within the room and is ideal to sit in other areas of the house, such as in the bedroom to add a pop of colour or texture.
If you have more space to play with it and you can introduce a larger scale chair, then our stunning Louis armchair is perfect for making a statement. Its high winged back provides plenty of support for your head and the wing detail envelops you for optimum comfort.
Upholstery
You should be choosing an armchair with the intention of having it in your home for a very long time (our frames are guaranteed for a lifetime, after all) so do keep this in mind when deciding on fabric and colour. Consider, how will your armchair be used? Will it be for everyday use, where a soft, comforting fabric will be needed? Do you want it to make a statement, so only a jewel-like velvet fabric will do? Or will it be used by children to bounce off and pets to rest on, so a more durable fabric will do the trick?
Velvet: Jewel-like velvets, such as our Betty accent chair shown here in gorgeous Deep Turquoise and Butterscotch cotton matt velvet not only provides somewhere suitable to sit when you’re looking for comfort, but the beautiful texture of the fabric will amp up the style stakes of any home.
Wool: If you’re looking for a beautifully tactile fabric, then upholstering in wool is a wonderful choice and will add a sense of warmth and comfort to any room. Our dappled viscose wool is refined yet robust and perfect for hectic modern family homes. The delightfully dappled effect lends this fabric some extra visual interest.
Brushed Linen Cotton: Both supersoft to the touch and highly durable, there is no wonder that brushed linen cotton is one of our most popular fabrics. This washable cotton has a refined, textural appearance with an appealing brushed finish which make it perfect for upholstery.
