Buyer's guide to armchairs

Selkirk armchair
Go for bold colour and pattern
© Squint Limited

‘The first rule of armchair buying is that it does not have to match your sofa,’ says interior designer Kia Richardson, at Revelloyd Interior Design. Baffled by the choice of armchairs out there? Our expert guide explains what to look out for.

1. Unique chic

‘Don’t be afraid of colour and pattern,' says Richardson. 'If you are apprehensive about using vibrant colours or patterns on your sofa, a safer bet is to use them on armchairs.’ The Selkirk armchair (£3600) from celebrity choice Squint Limited mixes new and vintage fabrics for an individual look.

  • Ambra Stripe Armchair

    2. Universal appeal

    ‘Always measure out the space that the chair is going to take up in the room,’ advises Richardson. ‘It doesn’t matter how much you may love a piece of furniture, if its proportions don’t suit your room it won’t do the piece or the room justice.’ This ambra stipe armchair (£299) from The Pier combines subtle antique styling with modern stripy fabric.

  • ELEONORA ARMCHAIR MOHAIR VELVET

    3. Spontaneous buys

    ‘Don’t be afraid of making a spur of the moment decision; if you see an armchair you want, whip the credit card out!’ says Richardson. The Eleonora Armchair (£2370) from The Conran Shop inspires impulse buying that you won’t regret. Covered in mohair velvet, with horsehair padding, its design is taken from the archives of luxury Italian brand, Poltrona Frau.

  • Chubby - Low armchair

    4. Contemporary cool

    ‘You don’t want your furniture to look like a three piece suite. It is perfectly acceptable for each piece to be unique and individual,’ says Richardson. The Max Armchair Red (£195) from Wallace Sacks is a brilliant bright addition to any decor. The fabric has a visible textured weave adding extra interest to this simple design.

  • oslo 4kids chair vibe candy

    5. Low down

    ‘Always go with your gut instinct. I often find that the best purchases are made without extensive deliberation,’ she says. The Chubby low armchair (£562.99) from Made in Design is made from smooth polyethylene for indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Marcel Wanders, the practical shape means there's no sweeping required underneath the sofa.

  • Armchair In Red Leather - Winston

    6. Chaise longues

    ‘When it comes to chaise longues, you can’t beat the old classics with clean lines – they are perfect as comfortable dividers especially with the current trend of open plan living and dining areas.’ The Classic chaise armchair (£855) from Bo & Jangles Ltd is upholstered in Zoffany Meander fabric for a luxurious look and feel.

  • Barlow Tyrie Arizona Armchair, Paris Red

    7. Goldilocks

    Find a chair that is just right for your little girl. The Oslo 4Kids chair vibe candy (£39) from Dekko is just the thing for a modern day design conscious princess who likes her look colourful. These armchairs are specifically made for 4–11 year olds so they’re sturdy enough for rough and tumble play.

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laurenbrewster

laurenbrewster

Posted | 16th January 2009

I found this article very helpful with so many options out there it's good to have advice from an expert!

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Revelloyd

Revelloyd

Posted | 27th May 2008

What a fantastic article - I wonder who wrote it. Oh wait - It was me!

For any more advice or to book an appointment with Kia Richardson our interior designer either give us an email at kia@revelloyd.co.uk or give us a call on 020 7226 8501

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