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Armchairs buying guide

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September 2024

The humble chair has inspired some of the world’s most iconic furniture designs over the years, and indeed, armchairs are one of our favourite pieces to design because they can incorporate so much personality. A bold silhouette (have you seen our Saddle Chair?), unusual detailing, or an eye-catching material can be showcased on a chair without overpowering the rest of the room. As well as looking great, the perfect armchair must also of course be comfortable enough to support everyday life. From timeless leather armchairs to cosy sheepskin chairs and conversation-starter accent chairs, all our chairs are made with comfort in mind. From living room chairs to bedroom chairs and office chairs, here’s our guide to choosing the perfect one.

Leather armchairs

Leather is one of nature’s most durable materials and can withstand years of everyday use, so it’s a great choice for a chair. If you’re worried about leather feeling cold then rest assured. Our leather armchairs are made using hand-softened, hand-finished leather, coloured with translucent aniline dyes that become one with the leather rather than sitting as a coating on top. The result is a warm hand feel and a leather surface that absorbs marks over time to create its own unique patina. Our classic leather armchairs take inspiration from comfortable library chairs from English universities and leather wingback chairs.

For the ultimate leather armchair with personality, the Saddle chair in Buck'dN Brok'n leather even comes with stirrups - a guaranteed conversation starter. For something modern and fun, our swivel chairs include the Avo swivel chair and Punk Professor swivel chair in studded leather. Armchairs for the office include the Swinderby office chair which comes in leather and Spitfire with or without castors, or choose a classic leather armchair with traditional studwork detailing such as the Professor armchair or Scholar armchair - both compact enough to elevate a small home office, and would beautifully set off a home library.

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Leather armchairs

A few of our favourites

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"My favourite designs are the Mars Chair and Aviator Tomcat Chair, the simple lines of the metal contrast with the leather to create something striking but not over the top. They'll look just as good in 20 years."

Tim Oulton

Upholstered armchairs

For those who prefer modern chairs and the look and feel of fabric, upholstered armchairs offer an endless choice of colour and pattern. Velvet armchairs add drama and glamour. A traditional wingback chair such as the Manor armchair becomes fun and modern when dressed in outrageous Acid Jungle velvet, but remains timeless due to its classic silhouette. Similarly, a tufted armchair, such as the Branco armchair, which takes inspiration from a Georgian nursing chair, is the perfect compact bedroom chair, evoking a much lighter, more contemporary feel in linen than its leather counterpart. Occasional chairs afford less of the practicality of everyday chairs, perfect if you're hankering for white linen but the family sofa isn't quite the place for it.

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SHOP LINEN CHAIRS

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ACCENT CHAIRS

Make a statement with our personality-filled accent chairs, handcrafted in distinctive shapes and authentic materials. If you're looking for a leather accent chair that makes a statement, our award-winning Aviator Tomcat chair in leather and Spitfire or the Mars MK3 chair, blending the polished steel of Art Deco chairs with an English club chair, are both at once timeless and contemporary. Retro chairs - especially in a worn down leather - are great for injecting some cool vintage spirit into a room, something low to the ground and casual like the Rally chair strikes a stylish retro vibe. Sheepskin chairs add a wonderful tactility to a room and complement most styles of interior. They have the ability to suit both minimalist and maximalist schemes, sitting comfortably with natural and rugged materials as well as sleek and glamorous setups. Adhering to the Danish concept of hygge - encouraging 'magical moments' with friends and family - shearling chairs are perfect for curling up in and getting cosy.

SHOP ACCENT CHAIRS

RECLINING ARMCHAIRS

For the ultimate in relaxing chairs, a reclining chair allows you the luxury of kick backing back, stretching out, and switching off from the world. Relax on our reclining chairs - or 'motion chairs' as we like to call them (not an old-fashioned lazy chair in sight). Most of our motion chairs are fitted with industry-leading Leggett and Platt motion mechanisms. Subtle buttons on the side of the chair control the motion, the electrics are smooth, seamless, and oh so quiet. Lose yourself in the generous Pudgie reclining sofa, relax on the sleek, armless Slouchy motion chair, or sink into thick long-haired sheepskin on the generously sized Shaggy reclining sheepskin chair. Lazy days just got lazier.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Will your armchair complement your existing furniture? We love contrasting styles and materials - such as modern chairs in traditional settings - but there needs to be a common thread linking different pieces in a room, so ensure the colour, scale, or material of your armchair complements its surroundings.

Size, shape, and scale

Break up the typical rectangles in a living room with a curved silhouette in your armchair. For living room chairs, choose a seat and back height similar to your sofa for a more cohesive look.

Chair legs

Many of our armchair models are available in a choice of leg finishes to suit your chosen material finish.

Seat comfort

Your armchair must be comfortable as well as look great. Some of our chairs are made with generous foam padding while others are made with premium 8-way hand-tied springs for the ultimate luxury. Armchairs with low backs are great for sitting and chatting in, but if you want a reading chair or somewhere to relax, consider a higher back.

Footstools

Make more of your chair with a complementing footstool to give it some extra gravitas and provide a resting place for tired legs.

How to care for your armchair

We use the best quality materials that get better with age and wear. Read our care guide before you decide on the best material for your lifestyle.

Lazy days (and nights) call for lazy chairs.

Explore our favourite chairs for whiling away the day in laidback comfort, whatever your plans.

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