The right armchair is a comfortable place to rest, relax and recharge at any time of the day. Whether you want to read a book, enjoy a drink or hit pause on a busy day, the solace of well-built, designer luxury chairs, remains unmatched.
Unlike a couch or a bed, an armchair offers front and side support to let you relax in an upright position without the expectation of ever sharing the space. Another benefit is that it can be the ideal accent to your room introducing boldness, brightness and textural contrast in the perfect balance. With so many options, you could end up being overwhelmed, which is why you need our guide so you can choose the right designer armchair.
There has been an eternal tussle about the actual difference between the two, so we will demystify the whole thing for you.
The difference may seem obvious, but design innovations made in both chairs to provide a better and more supportive seating experience have blurred the lines a little. Nowadays, some chairs that are still considered armless provide some level of side support.
The defining difference is that an armchair has definite arm support, designed for that purpose. Any chair that offers side support that could be used to rest the arms is not necessarily an armchair unless it has defined and specific armrests.
Armchairs are categorised by their size, shape, the material they are made out of and their proportions among other features. Here are the most popular types of contemporary armchairs:
Leather armchairs are covered either completely or mostly in leather. These versatile and durable chairs with classic charm are easy to clean and maintain. They can be reupholstered if necessary, making it possible for the same chair to move through generations and styles while retaining its original shape.
Where and how are the most important questions to ask yourself before buying accent chairs.
Where you are going to use it will determine the ideal size of the chair, the colour and the materials that will complement your decor scheme suitably. How you plan on using the chair will determine the kind of chair you need. The second consideration would also determine the materials and capacity. These two questions will often lead to many others and eventually lead you to the perfect chair.
Choosing the perfect armchair for your needs is a balance of functionality and style, both of which are highly personal.
There’s not really any one-size-fits-all kind of chair so it needs to be chosen with careful consideration to make sure that it meets your requirements and contributes positively to your aesthetics.
How comfortable you are in a chair is determined by many factors that differ from one person to another. Your weight, height and posture would determine how much cushioning you need, where you need it and what density is best.
The heavier you are the more pressure you put on your hips and lower body when you sit. Chairs with little or thin cushioning can be uncomfortable. Over time the density of your cushioning, which is most likely foam, can become thinner and need replacing. This happens much sooner with thin cushioning.
The cushioning is not the only thing that determines the comfort of a contemporary armchair. The shape and design of the chair have a lot to do with it too. Physiotherapists advise ergonomic chairs that support good posture especially if you plan on using your chair for long periods. A well-designed chair supports your spine’s natural curvature, offering both comfort and posture support, even in modern styles. Consider testing a chair out to see how it supports the base of your spine.
You cannot always see the frame of your armchair and might never even know what it is made of or how exactly it is put together. However, this is an important factor because it is essential to the structure of your chair and how long you can expect it to last.
Luxury chairs are crafted from high-quality, solid wood frames, ensuring long-lasting durability and structural elegance. This makes for a safe and sturdy chair that is unlikely to be damaged or worn out in a short period of time.
Apart from the frame, another important part that you may never see is the foam and springs, both of which are essential to your comfort. Similar to bed springs, these bouncy metal coils support your weight while you sit and together with foam and cushioning set luxury armchairs apart from run-of-the-mill wooden chairs.
Comfort and durability speak to the function of your armchair while the style and design speak to the decorative value. The latter is equally important because in most cases, the chair contributes more to aesthetics than functionality.
When customising your armchair, consider the fabrics, colours and materials used in your home, the type of wood used in your furniture and the type of flooring you have.
An armchair is a great way to amplify design elements you love in your home or even introduce pieces you feel are missing like contrasting colours, textures, or patterns.
Explore all the elements and how they relate to the rest of the room. Armchairs are a great way to add contrast, but in a room full of eclectic decor it can also contribute to decorative chaos.
The material or fabric used to cover or upholster armchairs is varied with variable styles, levels of durability and price points. Materials like leather and suede have been popular choices for decades and can lend classic style to any shape of a chair.
Contemporary designs make use of different fabrics, some not even technically upholstery fabric to achieve a specific look and feel. While these designs can be beautiful and complement your space well, you may be disappointed in the durability of non-upholstery fabrics as they are more likely to be worn in a short interval of time.
When choosing your upholstery material consider how durable it is, what the consequences of having it stained would be and if it can be cleaned or repaired if necessary.
Space is the ultimate luxury in modern interiors and you might not have it exactly where you want it. Armchairs can create a space-savvy seating area in areas that aren’t big enough to be an extra living room.
Armchairs can also fit in with existing furniture as part of a bigger arrangement. In both cases, the size of your chair is important, both practically and aesthetically. Make sure the chair you choose is the right size for your room. A chair that is too big will look out of place and the same goes for a disproportionately small chair.
When visiting furniture stores, designers and showrooms it can be handy to have the measurements of your coffee table (if you will be using your armchair along with one), the other chairs in the room and the room itself. It is also vital to consider doorways as most chairs cannot be disassembled to bring in and out of your home.
Armchairs do have varied uses and perform differently to fulfil these functions. When you know where and how your chair will be used, you will have a better idea of what the chair you are looking for looks like and what it is made of.
Leisure chairs are built for comfort and have a more reclined or reclining backrest. Although these are great for reading a book or having your coffee, they are an inappropriate choice for an office or desk chair. Instead, the desk or office chair should have a sturdy and supportive backrest that can provide comfort for long hours at your desk.
Cosy and luxurious fabrics like suede or even fur are more suited to the bedroom than high-traffic areas where they are likely to be stained and damaged. In high-traffic areas or places where small children and pets could make use of the chairs, a different kind of luxury might be best. Leather and wipable upholstery is a great choice here.
Brands like Gamma and Dandy offer modern armchair designs that combine geometric aesthetics with exceptional comfort. Their style is perfect for homes that combine modern and classical decor to create a unique and hyper-stylish space. They also fit in well with minimalistic furnishings and can add a welcome touch of personality to minimalist design.
If you want to make the most of a small space without having to compromise on luxury, style, or elegance, consider the Giorgio Collection. A trusted brand offering sleek modern armchairs that provide the ultimate comfort of a plush armchair without taking up any more space than is necessary.
Marac is known for its unique armchairs and the luxurious leather and fabric collection, allowing you to customise the upholstery. The beauty of a simple design is that it is versatile and can be incorporated into any design scheme.
The days of armchairs playing the smaller companion to the couch in your living room set are far behind us. Today, they have value and function beyond the obvious. A good armchair can make the entire room more welcoming or turn it into a place to sit and enjoy some time alone.
In every space, whether expansive or intimate, an accent chair awaits to complete your design vision. It’s all just a matter of wading through the options, careful consideration and bringing the right one home.
The perfect armchair for your living room should complement your room decor either through coordination or contrast. Because your living room armchair is likely to share the space with other furniture, its size, especially the height is extremely important. Your chosen chair should be of a compatible height with your luxury sofas, so as not to disrupt the flow of conversation and the convenient use of the other furnishings such as floor lamps in the living space.
Even if your armchair is chosen to contrast with your existing furniture and decor, make sure it matches your room in size and doesn’t look and feel out of place.
Comfort and luxury are all the rage in modern interior design and the dining room is no exception. Whether it’s at the dining table or on the side, it’s always good to have the possibility of providing additional seating.
Narrow highback armchairs provide the perfect plush table seating with an emphasis on quiet luxury by providing soft and comfortable luxury instead of overstated and impractical shows of luxury in decor. Armchairs chosen for dining tables may reduce the number of people who can sit at the table to accommodate the arms that traditional dining chairs do not have. However, they will make for a more comfortable experience.
Your bedroom is your refuge, your sanctuary and can be a place where you do more than sleep. Adding a statement-making chair with a matching footstool creates an elegant space for relaxation, reading, or quiet contemplation without the need to remain in bed.
If you need a private moment to yourself or just love the calm escape you’ve created in your bedroom, a comfy leather armchair is the perfect addition to your space.
An armchair allows you to enjoy the space and its tranquillity comfortably. The perfect cosy retreat is just a few steps away from your bed.
With a range of customisable designer armchairs, FCI London is the place to find the perfect chair for any room or space in your home. Whether you are looking for a sturdy and durable swivel chair for your home office or a soft and comfortable recliner armchair for your baby's nursery we have a team of professional and knowledgeable interior designers waiting to steer you in the right direction.
Experience the comfort and quality of our wide range of armchairs from world-class designers and artisans first-hand before making your decision. We are home to one of the largest collections of furniture in London and offer quality craftsmanship trusted by the most refined homeowners and discerning interior specialists.
FCI London is the foremost lifestyle and furniture house in the United Kingdom, with almost four decades of experience. We have built our position by supplying high-grade bespoke furnishings, furniture and lifestyle offerings and through our attention to detail, personal service and customisation expertise. We urge all discerning customers to head to our establishment, check out our extensive offerings of armchairs and have a meeting with our experts for a complete revamp of their residences.
Whether you’re interested in armchairs, recliners, outdoor offerings or the perfect match for your dining room, our skilled team will help you make a selection that will elevate your home.
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