How to Choose the Right Armchair for Your Home

 

Shown: Ashford Armchair, handmade to order in a choice of fabrics, leathers and finishes.

An armchair can provide a comfortable place to relax, complement your existing sofa or become a distinctive feature within your room. With traditional, contemporary, compact, swivel, reclining and accent designs available, choosing the right armchair involves more than simply finding a style you like.

This guide explains the important points to consider, including how the chair will be used, the space available, the level of support you prefer and the most suitable upholstery for your home.

How will you use your armchair?

Begin by thinking about where the armchair will be placed and how often it will be used.

A chair intended for everyday relaxation may need a supportive back, comfortable arms and a generously cushioned seat. An occasional chair used mainly when guests visit can be more compact, while an accent chair may be selected primarily to introduce a new colour, texture or shape to the room.

If you enjoy reading, consider a chair with good back support and enough space for a small side table or floor lamp. For watching television and relaxing, a recliner or deeper chair may provide the comfort you need.

Explore different armchair styles

Armchairs are available in many different styles, with each type offering its own combination of comfort, appearance and practicality.

Traditional armchairs

Traditional armchairs often feature rolled arms, shaped backs, turned wooden feet or decorative upholstery details. They work particularly well in classic interiors but can also introduce warmth and character into a more contemporary room.

Contemporary armchairs

Contemporary armchairs usually have cleaner lines, simplified shapes and modern materials. They can complement a contemporary sofa or create a subtle contrast when placed within a more traditional interior.

Accent and statement chairs

An accent chair is designed to add visual interest to a room. It may feature a distinctive shape, bold upholstery, patterned fabric or contrasting materials.

A statement chair does not need to match your sofa exactly. Choosing a complementary colour or texture can make the room feel considered while allowing the chair to have its own identity.

Occasional chairs

Occasional chairs are generally more compact than generously proportioned armchairs. They can provide useful additional seating in living rooms, bedrooms, dressing areas, home offices and open-plan spaces.

Because sizes and comfort levels vary, check whether the chair is intended for occasional use or will provide sufficient support for regular seating.

High-back and fireside chairs

High-back armchairs offer additional support around the shoulders, neck and head. Their more upright seating position can make it easier to sit down and stand up, depending on the design.

These chairs can be a practical choice for reading, relaxing or creating a comfortable seating area beside a fireplace.

Swivel chairs

A swivel armchair allows you to change direction without moving the complete chair. This can be particularly useful in open-plan rooms where you may want to face different areas, such as the television, a window or other seating.

Before ordering, allow enough surrounding space for the chair to rotate without touching nearby furniture or walls.

Recliner chairs

Recliner chairs are designed for extended relaxation and may have manual or powered mechanisms. Some models also include adjustable headrests, footrests or additional support features.

Check the amount of clearance required behind and in front of the chair when it is fully reclined. Powered recliners will also need to be positioned close to a suitable electrical socket unless a compatible battery option is available.

Compact armchairs

A compact armchair can provide comfortable seating without overwhelming a smaller room. Look for designs with narrower arms, shallower seats or raised legs, which can help the room feel more open.

Always check the complete external dimensions rather than judging the size from photographs alone.

Choose the right armchair size

An armchair should feel appropriately proportioned for the room and the surrounding furniture.

Check the chair’s overall width, height and depth, including any projecting arms, feet or recliner mechanisms. Marking these dimensions on the floor with masking tape can help you understand how much space the chair will occupy.

Remember to leave sufficient room for walking around the chair and for opening nearby doors, drawers or cupboards.

Find a comfortable seat height and depth

The internal seat measurements can be just as important as the chair’s overall dimensions.

A deeper seat can provide a relaxed sitting position, while a shallower seat may suit someone who prefers to sit more upright. Taller users may appreciate a higher back and a more generous seat depth, while shorter users may find a shallower seat more comfortable.

Seat height affects how easily you can sit down and stand up. Your feet should ideally rest comfortably on the floor without excessive pressure behind your knees.

Consider the level of support

Armchairs can feel very different depending on their frame, suspension, cushioning and upholstery.

A firmer seat may provide greater support and retain a more structured appearance. Softer fibre or feather-filled cushions can create a relaxed feel but may require regular plumping and reshaping.

If back, neck or mobility support is particularly important, try the chair in person where possible or contact us for guidance before ordering.

Should your armchair match your sofa?

Your armchair does not have to be an exact match for your sofa.

Choosing the same collection can create a coordinated appearance, particularly when matching upholstery and finishes are available. Alternatively, combining different designs can give the room more character.

For a balanced result, look for at least one connecting feature, such as a shared colour, similar leg finish, complementary fabric or related design detail.

Choose the right upholstery

Your choice of upholstery will influence the chair’s appearance, comfort and everyday care requirements.

Fabric armchairs are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures. Consider a practical, durable fabric if the chair will be used frequently or placed in a busy family home.

Leather offers a distinctive appearance and can develop natural character over time. Its colour and surface may gradually change with use, light and age.

Harris Tweed introduces natural texture, colour and heritage character. It can be used across the complete chair or combined with leather for a contrasting finish, depending on the collection.

Always check the individual product information and care guidance before making your final choice.

Consider children, pets and everyday life

For a busy household, consider how easily the upholstery can be maintained and how it may respond to regular use.

Mid-toned, textured or patterned fabrics can sometimes be more forgiving than very pale, plain materials. Removable cushion covers may be useful, although they are not always designed for domestic washing and the manufacturer’s care instructions should be followed.

If you have pets, consider the possibility of claws, shedding and transferred dirt when choosing the fabric and position of the chair.

Check the frame, feet and finishing details

The chair’s feet and finishing details can help it coordinate with the rest of the room.

Depending on the model, you may be able to select different timber colours, metal finishes, piping, studs or contrasting upholstery. Options vary between manufacturers and may affect the final price.

Made-to-order armchairs can provide greater choice, allowing you to create a chair that suits your room rather than accepting a limited stock finish.

Measure your delivery route

Before ordering, measure the doors, hallways, staircases and turns the armchair must pass through.

Compare the narrowest part of the access route with the packaged and unpackaged dimensions of the chair. Remember to account for door handles, radiators, bannisters, ceiling heights and restricted turning space.

Some chairs may have removable feet or other detachable components, but this should be confirmed before relying on them for access.

Try your armchair in our Hull showroom

Visiting our Hull showroom gives you the opportunity to compare different seat depths, cushion fillings, back heights and upholstery materials.

Not every armchair or available option will necessarily be displayed, but we can discuss your preferences, show available samples and help you understand the differences between suitable collections.

Appointments outside our usual opening hours may also be available. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a visit.

Choosing your armchair

The right armchair should suit your body, your room and the way you intend to use it. Consider the chair’s purpose, external dimensions, internal seat measurements, upholstery and level of support before making your decision.

If you are uncertain which design would work best, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss the available styles, customisation options, delivery service and suitability for your home.