Choosing furniture that makes your heart sing is one of the pleasures of kitting out your home.
It doesn’t matter if you rent or own; picking pieces that add or enhance your space will make it a more appealing place to be.
While not exactly an essential piece like a bed frame or a sofa, a good armchair can make a room, offering a comfy space to unwind, get lost in your latest read or kick back in front of the box. Whether set beside the sofa as a seat for one or tucked into a corner to become the foundational piece of your reading nook, the right armchair more than earns its spot in your home.
The choice is huge, and so shopping for one is no small undertaking. There is a small checklist to consider before you slap down that plastic.
Where do you imagine this armchair sitting? If it’s just an occasional chair to sit in the hall or bedroom, comfort may not be top of the list. However, if you’re hoping it will become your favourite perch, look for deep cushioned seats (foam fillings offer a decent level of bounceback), a high back and armrests to keep you supported while seated.
Armchairs come in all flavours, from Midcentury-themed pieces to snuggly designs that are an ode to cottagecore. Find a chair that works with your existing interiors, or a model that will work with your moodboard for full-room renovations. Nobody wants an ugly piece taking up precious floor space.
If you’re in the market for a new armchair to elevate your home’s comfort levels, we’ve rounded up the best designs below. From deep boucle-clad seats to leather-looks complete with matching footstools, get ready to sit pretty.
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Oliver Bonas Frank Green Velvet Armchair
The tub chair is a living room favourite, with some crediting King Louis XV for making the barrel-shaped seats popular with the French elite. Comfortable enough for royalty, they’re still hugely popular today, most often spotted in bars and smart hotels.
Bring the luxe look home with Oliver Bonas’s contemporary spin on the seat; its Frank armchair is covered in soft green velvet complemented with blush contrast piping. Also available in blue, it’s destined to become your favourite seat in the house.
Buy now £325.00, Oliver Bonas
John Lewis Ease Leather Recliner Armchair and Footstool
Whether it's for the lounge, WFH space or a study if you have one, John Lewis’s stunning Ease design oozes elegance. The flared-back design and open arms create a sense of space - but don't worry, there's only space for one so you won't be forced to share. Stone-coloured leather wraps the seat, cushion and included footstool, offering a uniform look that will remain timelessly stylish.
Buy now £949.00, John Lewis
Dunelm Angus Kashmar Chenille Snuggle Chair
For those who want their furniture to look like it’s done a bit of living, this roomy armchair fits the bill. It’s covered in a striking kilm-inspired chenille fabric that’s both super comfortable and makes a statement and comes with a pair of matching cushions to dial up the cosy vibes. Foam cushions and a wide seat make it the perfect place to curl up while the perfectly spherical dark wood legs offer another vintage-esque detail to admire.
Buy now £799.00, Dunelm
Spinningfield Fairfield Frame Lounge Chair
With plenty of straight lines and sharp angles, this chair has nailed mid-century styles but for a snip of the price of an original. This is a chair for sitting in with deep cushions to support you while watching the box or catching up with the papers. The forest green-coloured cushions add to its appeal.
Buy now £179.99, VonHaus
Dunelm Beatrice Matte Velvet Power Recliner Armchair, Luxe Navy
Offered in navy velvet upholstery, this armchair is the perfect place to curl up in front of the box or get stuck into your latest page-turner. The design features a reclining back and lay-down function - ideal for afternoon napping - and a taller backrest for full body support. Foam padding adds to the sumptuous feel while FSC wooden legs offer the final polished finish.
Buy now £429.00, Dunelm
Anthropologie Celestial Petite Accent Chair
A petite chair to sit in a bedroom, hallway or living room corner, the design unites a classic shape with cool astrology-themed upholstery. With a spring seat, it's as comfortable to sit in as it is lovely to look at.
Buy now £698.00, Anthropologie
MADE Jarrod Accent Chair
Like a kid’s nursery school chair come to life, this adorable armchair is made for one person only, meaning there’s no pressure to budge up and share the gorgeously soft bouclé upholstery. The low-rise chair makes a superb statement, either in the living room or in the bedroom and thanks to the neutral colour, it can be matched with any shade of pillow or throw.
Buy now £799.00, MADE
Anthropologie Kershaw Embroidered Acacia & Mango Wood Armchair
We've got a lot of love for neutral armchairs; they can be accessorised with throws, cushions and side tables as the seasons change, offering an easy way to update your look.
Anthropologie's design is built on a solid mango wood frame and topped with deep cream-coloured cushions finished with black contrast embroidery. A real showstopper, it'll look sensational in practically any corner of the house.
Buy now £1498.00, Anthropologie
Emma J Shipley Dalston Kruger Giraffe Chair
Bring the safari feel home with the whimsical prints of renowned illustrator Emma J Shipley. The artist’s work has been printed on cotton satin and used to upholster this statement wingback armchair to stunning effect. Supported on solid beechwood legs and with a wooden frame, the foam cushions create a plush place to sit and unwind.
Buy now £749.00, La Redoute
Swoon Ludwig Armchair, Kingfisher Velvet
If you're looking for a low-commitment way to introduce colour into your interiors, why not try furniture?
Swoon Editions has this jewel-toned wingback armchair that may appeal to those who like to dress their interiors conservatively. Wrapped in luxuriously soft velvet, the Scandi-inspired piece is a picture of elegance, complete with a buttoned back, deep seat and comfortable armrests.
Plus, the frame is guaranteed for 15 years, giving you peace of mind on your new furniture investment.
Buy now £879.00, John Lewis
Soho Home Mila Armchair, Rust, Velvet
We've been lusting over the pieces at Soho Home ever since private members club Soho House launched its homewares arm. For this armchair edit, the object of our affection is this design-led armchair, offered in a gorgeous rust-coloured velvet.
Just the thing for snuggling into all autumn and winter, the unique hexagonal silhouette sits on a swivel base, allowing you to admire and enjoy it from all angles.
Buy now £1395.00, Soho Home
