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An armchair is more than just a seat. It’s a personal retreat for reading, a stylish focal point in your living room and a welcoming spot for guests. But finding the right one can feel overwhelming. With so many styles, fabrics and sizes available, how do you choose a chair that not only complements your decor but also delivers on comfort and practicality?
This guide is designed to simplify your search. We will walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting an armchair and present a few of our top recommendations for 2026 to help you find a piece you will enjoy for years to come.
Before you start browsing, a little planning can ensure you make a choice that fits your home and lifestyle perfectly. Here are three key considerations.
The first step is to consider the size of your room and where the chair will live. A large, bulky armchair can overwhelm a small space, while a delicate one might look lost in a spacious open-plan living area. Measure the intended spot, leaving enough room around the chair for comfortable movement. Think about visual weight, too. Chairs with raised, visible legs often feel lighter and create an illusion of more space, making them a good choice for smaller rooms.
How you plan to use your chair will dictate the level of support you need. If you are looking for a comfortable reading chair to curl up in for hours, a high back armchair is an excellent option, as it provides crucial support for your neck and head. For a more social setting, a lower-backed chair can feel more open and conversational. Pay attention to seat depth and cushion firmness to ensure the chair suits your personal comfort preferences.
The material of an upholstered fabric armchair defines its look and feel. A plush velvet or a soft, textured weave can add a sense of warmth and luxury, while a simple linen-effect fabric offers a more relaxed, contemporary feel. When choosing, consider practicality. If the chair will be in a high-traffic area or a home with pets and children, a durable, easy-to-clean fabric in a forgiving colour might be the most sensible choice. The legs and any wooden or metal accents also contribute to the overall style, whether you prefer the natural warmth of wood or the sleek look of a modern armchair with chrome details.
Based on design, function and user feedback, here are three distinct armchairs that cater to different needs and styles.
Why It Stands Out
The Faro armchair masterfully combines classic comfort with thoughtful, modern features. Its most notable element is the integrated side storage pocket, a simple but highly practical addition for keeping your book, tablet or remote control within easy reach. The supportive high back and plush upholstery make it an ideal reading chair, while the elegant wooden legs and armrest accents add a touch of timeless sophistication.
Pros
Who is it for? This chair is perfect for avid readers or anyone who values tidy, functional living. Its classic shape and supportive design make it a fantastic addition to a living room or a dedicated study.
Why It Stands Out
The Keira is a chic and compact accent chair for a living room or bedroom. Its design is influenced by mid-century modern aesthetics, with clean lines, angled oak-finished legs and soft, rolled armrests. The subtle wingback style provides a sense of cosiness without adding visual bulk, and the versatile pearl grey fabric complements a wide range of colour schemes. Its smaller footprint makes it an excellent solution for furnishing tighter spaces without sacrificing style.
Pros
Who is it for? This chair is an excellent choice for those living in flats or looking to add a stylish seating element to a bedroom, hallway or small reading nook. It provides comfort and personality without dominating the space.
Why It Stands Out
For those who believe an armchair should be a sanctuary of comfort, the Monroe delivers. This is an oversized chair designed for deep relaxation, featuring a generous seat, a tall back and a distinct, extra-padded headrest. The soft, textured stone-coloured fabric is both inviting and durable, while the sleek chrome accent legs provide a contemporary contrast. This is a substantial piece of furniture that makes a statement about prioritising comfort.
Pros
Who is it for? The Monroe is for anyone seeking to create a luxurious and exceptionally comfortable corner in their home. It is best suited for medium to large living rooms where its size can be appreciated as a feature.
Every home is unique, and your perfect chair might be waiting to be discovered. If these recommendations are not quite what you are looking for, there are many other styles to consider.
Explore our full collection of living room chairs to find a wider range of designs, colours and materials to suit your individual taste and space.
1. How do I choose an armchair for a small living room? For smaller spaces, look for armchairs with a compact footprint and lighter visual profile. Features like slim arms, a lower back and raised legs (which show more floor) can make a room feel larger. A brightly coloured or patterned chair can also serve as a functional accent piece without taking up too much room.
2. What is the difference between an armchair and an accent chair? While all accent chairs are armchairs, not all armchairs are accent chairs. An "armchair" is a general term for a chair with armrests. An "accent chair" is chosen specifically to add a pop of colour, a unique shape or a contrasting texture to a room's existing decor, acting as a decorative focal point.
3. How do I match a new armchair to my existing sofa? You have two main approaches. For a coordinated look, choose an armchair from the same design family or in a very similar colour to your sofa. For a more dynamic, designer-led feel, select an accent chair that contrasts with your sofa. You can create harmony by picking a chair in a complementary colour (e.g., a blue chair with a grey sofa) or by matching the leg material (e.g., both have oak legs).