Armchair Styles Buying Guide

Words by

Emma Hughes

October 14, 2023

Finding the right sofa may be important, but we can’t forget about the accompanying armchair. It’s the final jigsaw piece of the room, connecting everything together and offering a comfy spot for that surprise guest or a place for the cat to nap after a hard day of…napping.

There are plenty of styles of armchairs to choose from to complement the décor in your room, whether you want to complete a look or throw in a wild card to jazz things up.

Discover the different styles of armchair available, what to consider when buying one, and how to find the perfect seat for your space in our guide.

Contents

Why choose an armchair?

Before we get into the many styles of armchair on offer, you may be wondering why you should opt for an armchair at all?

It’s simple, really. Armchairs provide that extra bit of seating that turns an ordinary living room into a stylish and cosy spot for the whole family to enjoy! And since the style options are endless, you’ll never have to worry about an armchair not matching your décor or clashing with your other pieces.

Whether your aim is to create a tranquil reading nook, a place to work comfortably from home, or simply fill an empty pocket of space in your room, an armchair can bring that extra bit of character to your home – making it feel more complete and thoughtfully designed at the same time.

Choose the right colour, the right material, place it in the perfect place, and voilà! You will have a room that feels uniquely you and fits with your lifestyle, while still having ample room for friends and family.

What armchair styles are available?

Whether you’re blessed with a huge room or you’re working with limited space, we’ve featured some of our favourite armchair styles that you’ll love to sink into. Take a look and see which one tickles your fancy!

Wingback armchairs

A wingback is a great option if you’re looking for spine and lumbar support and this traditional armchair is a staple in any living room. Leather wingback armchairs are always popular and instantly create an indulgent, regal vibe – but a fabric option works in most spaces too. Opt for a cosy checked print, reminiscent of country cottages and British B&Bs, or choose a modern velvet wingback with plush fabric in bold prints and colourways.

Accent chairs

This armchair style doesn’t necessarily need to match the sofa you already have, but instead works as a standalone piece – bringing character to a room. Accent chairs have become increasingly popular in the world of interiors thanks to their versatility. They’re an easy way of injecting some colour into a monochrome space or adding some interest to an unused corner.

A great example of an accent chair is our wonderful Runa armchair. Take a look. Maybe this was the piece you have been searching for to complete your space! If not, we have other accent chairs available. The Hockney brown leather chair and the Hockney green velvet chair, to name a couple.

Tub armchairs

A tub chair is like climbing into a comforting, squishy hug, making it a brilliant option for little reading nooks – or smaller rooms that need some extra seating options. Their compact and curved design helps create a warming, welcoming feel, perfect to settle into after a long day of work.

Not only that, but thanks to their stylish shape and versatile look, they can easily brighten up any room and add a touch of personality that may be lacking. As the saying goes, great things come in small packages.

If you want to use a tub chair for a quiet place to read, make sure to check out our guide on how to create a cosy reading nook for more tips and tricks.

Swivel armchairs

An armchair on a swivel base isn’t only a great way of adding a little excitement to those long work calls, it's also perfect for smaller rooms. Feature a swivel chair in your home office and choose a soft fabric or sleek, luxury leather. Feel like a Bond villain and turn around to greet friends and family when they enter the room. The possibilities are endless with this armchair style.

Has this style caught your eye? Then take a look at the Mills leather swivel chair and see if this has a place in your room.

Tan leather swivel armchair and footstool in a cosy living room with window seat

Boucle armchairs

Boucle armchairs are available in a range of styles but stand out thanks to the distinctive looped fabric that reminds us of teddy bears and all things fluffy. The style came on the scene in the 1940s and has become very popular in recent years. It’s oh so soft and adds an effortlessly trendy element to any room.

If your space is lacking character or personality, then a boucle armchair is the perfect remedy. With their textured finish and on-trend style, they can turn even the smallest corners into everyone’s favourite seat in the house. Discover more about boucle sofas and why you need one in your home in our guide.

Recliner armchairs

Sit back, relax and put your feet up on a recliner. This style of chair has been providing optimum comfort since the 1850s, and has come a long way with manual, electric and swivel options available. Whether you’re watching your favourite film, diving into a good book, or taking a well-deserved nap, a recliner armchair is the comfortable best friend you can always rely on.

They’re not just practical, either. This style of armchair comes in a whole range of colours and styles, so you can rest assured you will find one that blends seamlessly with the rest of your space. What’s not to love?

Snuggle armchairs

Snuggle chairs offer the perfect space for those who love a little extra room to get comfortable – whether it’s watching TV, playing games or reading a book. Snuggle armchairs are typically wider than other designs which means they’re nice and roomy for a single person or can be used for two people to live up to their namesake.

Leather armchairs

Bring a touch of class to your living room with a durable leather armchair. Known for their low maintenance and sturdy support, these armchairs are the go-to spot for unwinding after a long day.

Leather armchairs are a timeless addition to any home, due to them being easy to style and pair with other furniture pieces. They also become more beautiful with age, developing character over time while remaining easy to maintain. If you were ever on the fence about choosing this seating option, we hope we have swayed your decision. After all, any home looks great with a leather armchair!

Chaise armchairs

Chaise armchairs are perfect if you like the idea of an armchair but occasionally wish it had somewhere to stretch your legs too. With their extended seat design, they're made for lazy Sundays, afternoon naps, and those moments when a few minutes of kip somehow turns into an hour!

As well as being wonderfully relaxing, chaise armchairs bring a touch of luxury to any room. They create a cosy spot for unwinding while adding plenty of style, making your home feel a little more like a snazzy hotel every day. They’re a no-brainer, really.

Plush cream armchair in an industrial living room beside a terracotta sofa and leafy plants

Patterned two-seater sofa with mustard cushion beside a black table lamp in a bright living room

Where to feature an armchair in your home

Armchairs aren’t just for the living room! Consider some of our recommendations and enjoy a little comfort throughout your home.

Social seating in the living room

An armchair is of course a great extra seat. Dress it up with a throw over the arm and cushions when not in use. We recommend opting for an accent chair to create a focal feature alongside your sofa, or perhaps an inviting snuggle chair if you have the room.

A chair for baby snuggles in the nursery

Whether you need a comfortable place to feed your baby and read them a bedtime story or simply a spot for cuddles, an armchair in the nursery is essential. A wingback armchair will provide back support for feeds, while a snuggle chair will give you the perfect space for those late-night baby cuddles. We recommend types of armchairs that wipe clean such as leather, just in case there’s any spit-up!

A dressing area in the bedroom

Add an armchair near the wardrobe so you have somewhere to sit while putting on your socks, or tuck it under your dressing table for a comfortable seat to style your hair. Just avoid letting it become a hanging place for clothes and random things that need putting away! A stylish boucle chair is a good option to add an instantly modern vibe to your sleeping space.

A reading chair in the office

Every office needs some type of armchair – somewhere you can take a break away from your screen and desk. Whether you’re browsing the newspaper or tucking into a good book, a tub chair or perhaps the Pellaro blue fabric swivel chair is just the thing you need. Nestled in a corner beside a bookcase, you can comfortably sit back and enjoy a well-deserved break.

What to consider when buying an armchair

Blue velvet swivel armchair beside a wooden sideboard in a panelled room

Comfort and quality

No one wants to get an armchair delivered just to find that it’s too uncomfortable to enjoy. So, it’s a good idea to test out your armchair in store before you buy. Think about whether you need back support and consider the height of the chair and how it fits into your space.

Find your nearest Barker and Stonehouse store and you can come and see which armchair would be comfy enough for you.

Fabric

Consider whether you want your armchair to match the fabrics already in the room or whether you would prefer some contrast. If you have a fabric sofa, what about featuring a leather armchair? And if you have crushed velvet curtains, we recommend a simple fabric armchair.

Size of the space available

You’ll need to consider the size of chair for the space. If you’re working with a smaller area, opt for a compact tub chair or, if you have the room, a snuggle chair is perfect for evenings spent lounging.

Family life

Take a moment to consider how you’ll use the armchair, as this will affect the style of armchair you choose. It’s fair to say that toddlers and certain fabrics don’t pair well, so choose a material that can wipe clean easily if you plan on placing it in a room where children can use it. It’s also not necessarily about how the armchair looks, but how it makes you and your family feel.

How to measure for an armchair

Get the perfect armchair to fit your space by measuring the area and furniture correctly.

Here’s how to measure up for your armchair:

1. Measure the width – take measurements from the widest points, usually arm to arm.
2. Measure the height – take measurements from the back of the armchair to the highest point.
3. Measure the depth – take measurements from the outside edge to the back.

Once you have these numbers, you’ll be able to see if it will fit in the space you have. Keep in mind that some chairs like recliners will need a little more space.

Frequently asked questions

1. What types of upholstered arms can an armchair have?

There are a few different styles of arms on armchairs including:

• English Roll Arm – a low arm with a curve, typically found on country style furniture.
• Lawson Arm – a rolled arm with front pleating.
• Sock Arm – similar to a Lawson arm but without the pleating.
• Track Arm – has a flat top and flat parallel sides.

2. What are the arms of an armchair called?

The arm of an armchair is also known as an armrest and is designed to support your elbow and forearm. Armrests come in different shapes and sizes. For instance, a tub chair doesn't have separate armrests; instead, its curved sides form both the arms and the back.

3. How long should an armchair last?

If you take care of your armchair and it’s made of high-quality material, it could last between 7 and 15 years. Wear and tear could appear sooner than this, but how long it lasts will ultimately depend on how much it’s used.

For more tips and tricks on making your armchair last for as long as possible, make sure to take a look at our furniture care guides.

4. What is an accent chair used for?

An accent chair is used to add a focal point to a room and to introduce an extra layer of character. Accent chairs are usually more decorative and stand out from other pieces of furniture but can be used to tie a room together with the right choice of colour and material.

5. Should a sofa and armchair match?

While they can match, they don’t have to. You could have them match in other ways, by choosing similar material and colour, or you can opt for a contrast to add even more flair to a room.

If you’re thinking about using a range of different seating options for your home design, then don’t forget to check out our guide on how to mix and match sofas and chairs. It’s full of useful tips on pairing varying styles and textures together beautifully.

Learn more about armchairs and sofas

Looking for some home inspiration? Check out our other guides:

• How to choose the perfect sofa

• What colours go with a grey sofa?

• Chesterfield sofa buying guide

• Corner sofas buying guide

Explore our complete armchair collection and find the perfect style for any room in your home.

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