How to Choose the Perfect Armchair

An armchair can do more than add an extra seat. The right design brings comfort, character and balance to a living room, whether it is creating a quiet reading corner, softening a larger seating layout or adding contrast beside a sofa. Choosing well means thinking about how the chair will be used, how much space it needs and how it will sit with the rest of the room.

Consider How the Chair Will Be Used

Start by thinking about the main role of the armchair. Different uses call for different proportions, levels of support and overall shapes.

• Occasional chairs work well for adding extra seating and visual interest without taking over the room
• Reading chairs often benefit from supportive backs, comfortable arm height and a more upright sit
• Relaxed lounge chairs usually suit deeper seats and a softer, more laid back feel

Being clear about how the chair will be used helps narrow down the most suitable options from the start.

Measure Your Space Carefully

Even a single armchair can affect the flow and balance of a room, so it helps to measure properly before choosing.

• Allow around 60 to 75cm of clear walkway space where possible
• Check how close the chair will sit to coffee tables, side tables and other seating
• Think about whether the chair feels visually balanced with the sofa rather than oversized or too slight
• Consider both the footprint of the chair and the amount of space it needs around it

A well proportioned armchair should support the layout rather than compete with it.

Choose a Style That Suits the Room

An armchair should feel connected to the rest of the room while still holding its own as a distinct piece.

Classic Armchairs

Classic styles tend to feel timeless and work well in more traditional or layered interiors.

• Often have supportive upright backs
• Suit rooms with a more established or formal feel
• Bring character without relying on trend led shapes

Contemporary Accent Chairs

More contemporary designs can introduce contrast and sharpen the overall look of a room.

• Usually feature cleaner lines and simpler profiles
• Work well in more design led interiors
• Can help break up softer or more traditional seating arrangements

Wingback Chairs

Wingback designs remain popular because they combine comfort with a stronger visual presence.

• High backs can offer more support
• Well suited to reading corners and quieter seating spots
• Add shape and a more architectural feel to the room

Select Upholstery Carefully

Upholstery affects not only the appearance of the chair, but also how it performs over time. Think about how often it will be used, how formal the room feels and how much maintenance you are comfortable with.

Fabric Upholstery

Fabric is often the most versatile choice and offers plenty of flexibility in look and feel.

• Soft, comfortable and inviting
• Available in a wide range of textures and tones
• Well suited to more relaxed living rooms

Leather Upholstery

Leather can bring structure, richness and durability.

• Easy to wipe down and maintain
• Often develops more character over time
• Well suited to rooms that need a slightly smarter edge

If the chair will see regular use, look for upholstery that feels durable as well as visually appealing.

Think About Comfort Details

Comfort often comes down to the smaller design details rather than appearance alone. A chair that looks right still needs to feel supportive in everyday use.

• Seat depth should suit the way you naturally sit
• Arm height should feel comfortable when relaxed
• Cushion filling affects both softness and support
• Back height influences how upright or settled the chair feels

Whenever possible, it helps to think about long term comfort as much as first impressions.

Make Sure It Works with the Rest of the Room

The best armchairs feel like part of the overall scheme rather than an extra piece added at the end.

• Make sure the scale works with the sofa and nearby tables
• Repeat tones or materials that already appear elsewhere in the room
• Use the chair to add contrast without making the scheme feel disjointed
• Think about how it will sit within the layout, not just how it looks on its own

A well chosen armchair can add both comfort and definition, helping the room feel more complete.

Checklist Before You Buy

Before making a final decision, it helps to check a few essentials.

• Is the chair the right size for the room
• Does it suit the way it will be used
• Will the upholstery work for everyday life
• Does the style sit comfortably with the rest of the room
• Have you allowed enough surrounding space for movement and balance

Bringing the Room Together

The right armchair adds more than an extra seat. It can bring comfort, visual interest and a stronger sense of balance to the room. Taking time to think about use, proportion, upholstery and style will help you choose a piece that feels right both practically and visually.

For more advice across the home, browse our full collection of furniture buying guides.