When it comes to elevating the comfort and aesthetics of your home, few pieces of furniture can rival the timeless charm of an armchair. If you're in search of the perfect armchair, then follow our comprehensive armchair buying guide, where we will delve into everything you need to know to make an informed decision. From understanding what an armchair is to choosing the right style and size, we've got you covered.
Armchair Types
What is an Armchair?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of selecting the perfect armchair, let's start with the basics. So, what is an armchair? An armchair is more than just a piece of furniture; it's an embodiment of comfort and style. These luxurious seats are designed with your relaxation in mind, providing a plush, cushioned haven to unwind in after a long day. It typically features armrests on either side and a comfortable backrest, making it an ideal choice for lounging, reading, or simply enjoying a moment of tranquillity. Armchairs come in various styles and designs, catering to different tastes and interior aesthetics, making them a versatile and timeless addition to any home.
What is an Accent Chair?
In the world of armchairs, there's a particular category that deserves attention - the accent chair. These chairs are distinctive furniture pieces known for their eye-catching designs, often featuring unconventional shapes, intricate details, or creative upholstery patterns that demand attention. They stand out with bold colours or patterns, creating a striking contrast with the room's decor, and are intentionally placed in areas where they become focal points, like corners or near fireplaces. While prized for their visual impact, accent chairs are also functional, offering seating for guests, reading, or adding a decorative touch to any space. Whether it's a vibrant pattern, a unique shape, or exquisite upholstery, accent chairs are designed to stand out and make a statement.
Armchair Styles
Now that you have a clear picture of what an armchair is, let's explore the diverse styles available to complement your home's aesthetic.
Traditional Armchairs
A traditional armchair is a classic and timeless piece of furniture that embodies the elegance and charm of traditional interior design. These chairs typically feature classic and ornate designs with a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Think wooden accents, plush upholstered cushions, curved arms, and rich, luxurious fabrics. These chairs evoke a sense of timeless sophistication and are well-suited for interior styles that embrace a classic and vintage aesthetic.
If you're drawn to the timeless elegance of a country manor or the charm of vintage interiors, traditional armchairs like Elsie and Cornelius are the perfect choice. These pieces feature classic designs with wooden accents and intricate details.
Our charming Elsie Chair is complete with a solid wooden frame and upholstered in luxury linen to offer superior comfort, quality, and style. Featuring an elegant, curved back, exposed oak legs, and lovely soft button detailing, it is the perfect traditional armchair for your home interior.
The traditional Cornelius Chair is another sophisticated piece with stylish button detailing and a simple yet classic design. With a solid beech wooden frame, a soft touch back, and exposed wooden legs this chair provides superior quality and comfort. Cornelius also offers a variety of finishes from neutral plains to colourful maximalist prints.
If you adore a traditional finish, don't forget to consider the Louis-style armchair. These armchairs are characterised by their opulent and ornate designs, often featuring intricate wood carvings, gilded accents, and curvaceous silhouettes. Louis-style armchairs typically have cabriole legs and are lavishly upholstered with sumptuous fabrics. They exude a sense of grandeur and luxury, making them a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication in interior décor.
Our best-selling Florence chair epitomises this French Louis style, featuring a carved wooden frame and gorgeous cabriole legs. Upholstered in the finest quality linens, and available in a range of complementary designs, this Louis armchair is well-suited for both traditional and formal settings, adding a touch of regal charm to any room.
Highback/Wingback Armchairs
For those who appreciate a touch of grandeur, highback or wingback armchairs are a go-to option. These chairs are known for their tall backrests that provide excellent support and create a cosy, enclosed feeling. They exude a sense of luxury and are perfect for creating a reading nook or a fireside retreat.
A highback chair, as the name suggests, is characterised by its tall backrest, which extends higher than the headrest of a typical armchair. This tall backrest provides excellent support for the upper back and shoulders, creating a cosy and enclosed feeling when seated. Highback chairs are often chosen for their ability to provide a sense of privacy and comfort, making them ideal for reading or relaxation. They come in various styles, from traditional to modern, and can be upholstered in a wide range of fabrics, making them versatile additions to both classic and contemporary interiors.
A wingback chair, on the other hand, is defined by its distinctive wing-shaped sides or "wings" that extend from the backrest to partially enclose the sides of the chair. Wingback chairs typically feature high backrests, often with tufted upholstery, and are known for their elegance and sophistication. They are often used as accent pieces in living rooms or as statement chairs in bedrooms. Wingback chairs can be found in various styles, from traditional with classic patterns to more modern and minimalist designs, making them versatile choices for various interior decor styles.
Modern Armchairs
If your taste leans towards the contemporary, modern armchairs like Idris and Manali will be more to your liking. These chairs embrace clean lines and minimalistic design. They are ideal for spaces with a sleek, urban aesthetic.
The Manali armchair is a modern and sleek piece of furniture that is the perfect addition to any boho-inspired home. Crafted from mango wood, this chair not only provides durability but also adds warmth and elegance to your living space. What truly sets this armchair apart is its colourful design, which makes a bold statement and uplifts any room. The Manali Woven Chair is an exquisite furniture piece, featuring a captivating traditional kilim pattern that beautifully complements its tapestry-inspired rope design and sturdy mango wooden frame. With its unique blend of modern aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship, it's a true showstopper that can enhance the visual appeal of any living space.
On the other hand, the Idris armchair embodies a relaxed look and mid-century modern style, making it an ideal choice for country-style interiors. This expertly designed chair features a stunning exposed oak wood frame that adds a touch of rustic charm to your home. The plush cushions, upholstered in soft-to-touch linen, ensure both comfort and style. Whether placed in a cosy reading nook or as a complement to a country-themed living room, the Idris Chair adds a touch of classic elegance to any space. Its blend of modern design with rustic elements makes it a versatile and timeless addition to your interior decor.
Whether you're looking to make a bold statement with the Manali armchair or add a touch of classic elegance with the Idris armchair, we have the perfect modern seating solution for your home.
How to Measure for Your Armchair
Before you bring that perfect armchair home, it's crucial to ensure it fits seamlessly into your living space. If you’re wondering how to measure for an armchair, we’ve got you covered.
Determine the Armchair's Dimensions
The first thing you should do before measuring your space is to obtain the dimensions of the armchair you're considering. This information can be found within the ‘More Information’ section of the product description. We list the width, depth, and height of the chair. You should ensure these dimensions are compatible with the available space.
Measure the Available Space
Start by measuring the area where you intend to place your armchair. Use a tape measure to determine the width and depth of the space to ensure you have enough room. Be sure to account for any other furniture or obstacles in the vicinity.
Check Doorways and Hallways
Don't forget to measure the width of doorways, hallways, and any other passages the armchair will need to pass through to reach its intended location. Ensure that the armchair can fit through these openings without any issues. You don't want to discover it can't fit through the door!
Allow Clearance Space
Consider the clearance space around the armchair. Ideally, there should be at least a few inches of space between the armchair and any walls or other furniture to allow for easy movement and prevent a cramped feeling.
How to Choose Your Armchair
With a better understanding of the types and styles of armchairs available, let's delve into the key factors to consider when making your selection.
Consider Comfort: How Do You Like to Sit?
When selecting the perfect armchair, comfort is a paramount consideration that directly affects your overall satisfaction with the piece. Armchairs come in various levels of comfort, from plush and sink-in cushions to firmer, more structured options. Consider your preferred sitting style. Do you like to sink into a soft embrace or prefer a firmer seat with good back support?
For those who relish the feeling of sinking into a cloud-like embrace, armchairs with plush and sink-in cushions are an excellent choice. These chairs envelop you in softness and provide a sense of relaxation and cosiness. Imagine yourself nestled in a warm and inviting cocoon, perfect for unwinding with a good book or a soothing cup of tea.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured and supportive seating experience, armchairs with firmer cushions and good back support might be your preferred option. These chairs offer a stable and upright seating posture, making them suitable for tasks like working, conversing, or enjoying a meal. At Voyage Maison, we understand that preferences vary widely, which is why we offer a diverse range of armchairs to cater to your desired comfort.
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Consider Size: Will It Fit the Room?
Choosing the right size for your armchair is a vital step in creating a harmonious and functional interior space. When you consider size, you can ensure that your armchair fits within the room both aesthetically and practically.
First, you should ensure that the chair's dimensions are proportional to the room it will occupy. In smaller rooms, such as cosy living spaces or bedrooms, an oversized armchair can quickly overwhelm the space. It may dominate the room, making it feel cramped and stifled. On the other hand, in larger rooms, like open living areas or spacious lounges, a tiny chair can appear inconspicuous and get lost within the vastness of the space, lacking the visual impact and functionality you desire. Finding the right balance is key to achieving a harmonious interior.
To achieve a harmonious interior, it’s important to find the right balance between the armchair's size and your room's dimensions. This entails ensuring that the armchair's proportions align with those of the room. The chair should neither overpower nor get lost in the environment but instead create a sense of balance and cohesiveness. This thoughtful approach ensures that your armchair becomes an integral part of your room's design, contributing to an inviting interior that reflects your personal taste and style.
Consider Purpose: How Will You Use Your Armchair?
Think about how you plan to use your armchair. Is it primarily for relaxation, reading, or socialising? The purpose will influence the style and features you should look for. A large chair might be perfect for lounging, while a compact, stylish armchair may be better suited for a conversation area.
If your primary goal for the armchair is relaxation, consider options designed for comfort and unwinding. A traditional or highback armchair, for instance, are both excellent choices. Look for plush cushioning and soft upholstery like linen or velvet, that invites you to sink in and enjoy moments of pure relaxation. For avid readers, an armchair that prioritizes ergonomic design and lumbar support is essential. Wingback chairs are particularly popular for those looking to create a cosy reading nook in their bedroom or lounge. Look for chairs with well-padded seats and a supportive backrest that cradles your spine comfortably during long reading sessions.
If your armchair is destined for socializing and conversation, opt for styles that encourage interaction. Armchairs with a more upright and firm seating posture are ideal for maintaining engaging conversations. Consider modern armchairs with open, welcoming designs that invite guests to sit and chat. When the armchair is part of a larger conversation area, its size and shape should complement the overall arrangement. Compact, stylish armchairs work well in such setups, as they provide comfortable seating without dominating the space. Look for chairs that harmonize with your existing furniture and decor, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Consider Style: Will it Complement Your Interior?
Your armchair should blend effortlessly with your overall interior style. There are a wide selection of armchairs, each with unique design and upholstery options. Choose a style that complements your existing décor or serves as a standout focal point.
When considering style, think about the existing aesthetics of your room. Is it classic and traditional, modern, and minimalist, or perhaps eclectic and bohemian? Your armchair should either complement or contrast with your décor, depending on your design preferences.
For a harmonious look, select an armchair that complements your existing furnishings and colour palette. This choice ensures that your armchair enhances the overall ambience without disrupting the established décor theme. On the other hand, if you desire an eye-catching statement piece, opt for an armchair with a design and upholstery that contrasts or boldly stands out, adding a touch of uniqueness and personality to your space.
In essence, your armchair should not only be a functional piece of furniture but also an integral part of your room's design narrative. By selecting a style that resonates with your interior décor, you create a visually pleasing and cohesive living environment that reflects your personal taste and elevates the overall aesthetics of your home.
Consider Upholstery: Which Fabric is Best for You?
The choice of upholstery for your armchair is a crucial decision that not only impacts its aesthetics but also its functionality and maintenance. We offer a wide array of armchairs upholstered in a variety of quality fabrics, like linen, velvet, and bouclé, each catering to different tastes, lifestyles, and interior design preferences.
Linen upholstery is a timeless choice known for its natural, breathable, and airy qualities. Linen fabrics have a relaxed and effortless elegance that can suit various décor styles. They are perfect for creating a light and breezy atmosphere in your space. One of our most popular options, linen is not only comfortable but also highly durable, making it an excellent choice for everyday use. It's perfect if you’re looking for a classic and refined finish that exudes casual sophistication.
On the other hand, velvet upholstery adds a touch of opulence and luxury to any armchair. Its plush and soft texture provides unparalleled comfort and a sense of indulgence. Velvet chairs are often chosen for their ability to create a rich and inviting ambience. They come in a variety of colours, from deep jewel tones to neutral shades, allowing you to tailor your armchair to your décor theme.
If you’re looking for something with a more rustic touch, bouclé is a great option. This textured and tactile fabric has gained popularity for its unique appearance and cosy feel. It's characterised by its looped yarns that create a nubby surface, adding depth and interest to your armchair's upholstery. Bouclé fabrics often have a contemporary and sophisticated vibe. They are both comfortable and durable, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate texture and visual intrigue in their décor.
Selecting the perfect armchair for your home is an art that combines comfort, style, and practicality. At Voyage Maison, we understand the importance of this decision and offer a range of armchairs that cater to your unique tastes. We hope this armchair buying guide has provided you with the knowledge and inspiration to make an informed choice. Explore our collection and may your journey to a more comfortable and stylish home be a delightful one.