How to Choose the Perfect Armchair: Our Top Recommendations

An armchair is more than just a piece of furniture; it's a personal retreat. It’s the spot where you unwind with a good book, catch up on your favourite series or simply enjoy a quiet cup of tea. But with so many styles, materials and features available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Are you looking for a classic reading chair for a cosy nook, or a modern recliner chair with all the comforts for your main living space?

This guide is designed to help you navigate the options. We'll walk through key considerations for choosing an armchair and highlight a few standout models that balance style, comfort and practical features for the modern UK home.

Finding Your Ideal Armchair: A Quick Guide

Before diving into specific products, let's cover a few essential points to consider during your search. Thinking about these factors will help you narrow down the vast market to find a chair that truly suits your needs.

1. Define Its Purpose

How you plan to use your armchair is the most important factor. If you're creating a dedicated reading corner, you might look for a high-backed reading chair with good lumbar support and comfortable armrests. For the main living area, a plush lounge chair or a functional recliner might be the priority, offering a place for long-term relaxation. If your goal is purely stylistic, a striking accent chair can introduce a bold colour or unique texture to your room's decor.

2. Material and Maintenance

The upholstery of your chair affects both its look and its longevity. A velvet armchair offers a luxurious, soft feel and a rich depth of colour, making it a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance. For households with children or pets, or for those who prioritise easy cleaning, materials like PU leather are a practical option as they can often be wiped clean. Consider your lifestyle and how much maintenance you're prepared to undertake.

3. Measure Your Space

An armchair should complement your room, not dominate it. Before you buy, measure the area where the chair will go. Use masking tape on the floor to mark out the chair's footprint, which helps to visualise its scale. If you're considering a recliner chair or a swivel armchair, remember to account for the extra space needed for the chair to fully extend or rotate without hitting walls or other furniture.

Our Top Armchair Recommendations

Here are a few recommendations from our catalogue that cater to different needs, from ultimate relaxation to versatile functionality.

MCC Direct Push Back Recliner Chair

Why It Stands Out: This model focuses on delivering a classic and effective reclining experience. It’s a straightforward, comfortable chair built for relaxation. With three distinct reclining positions—90°, 120° and 160°—it adapts easily from an upright seat to a near-flat position for a nap. The push-back mechanism is simple to use, and the PU leather finish is both comfortable and practical.

Pros:

• Versatile reclining options for sitting, watching TV or resting.
• Durable and easy-to-clean PU leather upholstery.
• Features a handy side storage pocket for remotes or magazines.
• Sturdy metal frame supports a weight capacity of up to 150kg.

Who is it for?: This is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a traditional and highly functional comfy chair for the living room. It's ideal for those who prioritise straightforward comfort and low-maintenance materials over contemporary bells and whistles.

GRAVFORCE Velvet Modern Accent Chair and Ottoman Set

Why It Stands Out: This velvet armchair set is designed for the modern home, blending style with smart features. The standout element is the inclusion of 2 USB ports built directly into the chair, allowing you to conveniently charge your phone or tablet while you relax. The chair comes as a complete set with a matching ottoman and a coordinating pillow, creating an instant, cohesive relaxation station.

Pros:

• Integrated USB ports for convenient device charging.
• Comes with a matching ottoman for full-body comfort.
• Soft velvet fabric and an adjustable backrest enhance the lounging experience.
• Acts as a stylish accent chair that is also deeply comfortable.

Who is it for?: This set is perfect for the tech-savvy and design-conscious individual. It’s well-suited for creating a chic and functional reading nook in a bedroom or a stylish corner in a living room where both comfort and connectivity are key.

CLIPOP 360 Swivel Velvet Chair

Why It Stands Out: The primary feature of this chair is its versatility, thanks to the smooth 360° swivel function. This makes it incredibly practical for dynamic spaces where you might need to turn to face a desk, a television or another person without moving the entire chair. The ergonomic tub design and velvet upholstery provide comfort, while the robust carbon steel legs ensure stability. Note that this product is sold as a set of two.

Pros:

• Practical 360° swivel base for multi-directional use.
• Ergonomic design with padded backrest and armrests for support.
• High load capacity of 150 kg provides a stable and secure seat.
• Sold as a pair, offering value for furnishing a larger space or creating a conversational set.

Who is it for?: This swivel armchair is ideal for multi-functional rooms. It works well in a home office, as a comfortable dining chair or in an open-plan living area where flexibility is needed. It’s for those who need their furniture to adapt to different activities throughout the day.

Exploring Other Styles?

If you appreciate the durable and timeless appeal of a leather-like finish but our recommendations above aren't quite what you're looking for, there are many other options to consider. Different designs can offer unique silhouettes and features to suit your specific taste.

To see a wider variety of chairs with this practical and stylish finish, explore our full collection of faux leather armchairs to find the perfect match for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Armchairs

How do I choose the right size armchair for my room?

Start by measuring the available space and use masking tape on the floor to outline the chair's width and depth. This gives you a real-world sense of its scale. Don't forget to account for extra clearance if you're choosing a recliner chair or swivel armchair. Also, consider visual weight—a chair with a slim profile and raised legs will appear lighter and take up less visual space than a bulky model that sits directly on the floor.

What is the difference between an accent chair and a regular armchair?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference in intent. A regular armchair or lounge chair is typically chosen with deep, long-lasting comfort as the primary goal. An accent chair, on the other hand, is often selected for its aesthetic impact—to add a pop of colour, an interesting shape or a unique texture to a room's design. It can be perfectly comfortable, but its main role is often decorative.

Are recliner chairs difficult to assemble?

Assembly difficulty varies between models. Many modern push-back recliners are designed for simple assembly, often requiring you to just slide the backrest into brackets on the base, with no tools needed. More complex models with electronic features may require more steps. It's always advisable to check the manufacturer's instructions included with the product before you begin.