Are you looking to buy or change your living room armchair?
But when the time comes to choose your new companion, you’re faced with a headache with so many references!
You don’t know what type of armchair to choose, you’re hesitating about the color, you’re wondering whether this model will eventually tire you out…
Don’t panic, discover the 5 criteria for choosing the right armchair!
Table Of Content
What criteria should you take into account when choosing your living room armchair?
When it comes to choosing the right armchair, there are several criteria to take into account, leading to one model being more suitable than another.
- Usage: are you going to use it for relaxing in the living room? Or for work? Will children sit in it?
- Comfort: a comfortable chair is essential, otherwise you might as well buy a concrete stool!
- Maintenance: dirt and wear are proportional to use, so ease of maintenance is an important criterion.
- Dimensions: calculate the space you have available to find a suitable chair, neither too small nor too large.
- Style: you won’t place a retro armchair in a very modern interior. The armchair must be in keeping with your decor.
01 – Choose your living room armchair according to its use
When choosing your chair, don’t underestimate its future use, which has a direct impact on the other criteria.
If it’s going to be used daily by the whole family, and you have pets, consider easy-care, robust materials like cotton or microfiber.
Are you reserving this piece of furniture for your own little corner?
Go for a little more preciousness, with light colors and noble materials: linen, velvet, leather…
If you’re using an occasional chair and your living room is small, choose folding models that are easy to store.
Need an extra bed?
Consider convertible armchairs, handy for last-minute emergency situations!
Finally, for outdoor/indoor use, certain materials like rattan, wicker or wood are ideal for withstanding climatic conditions!
The size and weight of the armchair should not be overlooked if it is to be moved frequently, pushed against the wall or moved closer to the coffee table!
02 – Determine the level of comfort you expect from your living room armchair
We’re not all equal when it comes to comfort.
Some of us swear by softness, and enjoy sinking into the cushions.
Others want more support, for their lumbar region for example, and will opt for a firmer backrest.
If you can’t physically test the chairs you like, find out the density of the seat.
Density is expressed in Kg/m3. The lower the density, the softer the seat, the firmer the seat.
What type of foam should you choose for your living room armchair?
High Resilience (HR) foam is the most suitable for a lounge chair.
Its high density offers excellent resistance over the years.
This foam has the ability to deform and then return to its original shape: when you sit down, it conforms to your body, providing supple support.
Once released from its weight, it regains its structure and aesthetic appeal.
What density of foam to choose?
Check the density of the seat first, but beware: the density of the backrest may differ.
For a comfortable seat, a density between 30 and 35kg/m3 will be perfect. For the backrest, 20 to 25 Kg/m3 will be sufficient.
03 – Care and cleaning for your future living room armchair
Once you’ve decided on THE armchair, there are a few tips you need to keep in mind to preserve it for as long as possible.
Its placement in your living room shouldn’t be left to chance!
Keep it away from sources of heat! Radiators, fireplaces or south-facing bay windows will cause your leather armchair to crack and tarnish faster from UV rays!
Don’t hesitate to pull out a protective blanket if you sense danger approaching.
For example: a nice friend who gives you his cat to look after, a family dinner party, your sister arriving with her newborn baby and her GERD…
In short, that’s life. Stains and wear and tear are inevitable, but you can try to avoid them.
Beware of the upholstery of your chair: cleaning will not be the same, and what makes one chair beautiful could literally ruin the other!
How to clean your living room armchair according to its upholstery?
| Material | Maintenance |
| VELOURS | Fuller’s earth |
| LINEN | Cold water + liquid shampoo Soft brush |
| COTTON | Dry shampoo for fresh stains Marseille soap and warm water for heavy cleaning |
| LEATHER SIMILI | Soapy water and sponge Wipe |
| LEATHER | Dust with microfiber and air spray for gaps Use a special leather balm to clean and nourish |
| MICROFIBERS | Soapy water and cloth |
04 – Pay attention to living room armchair dimensions
Take a look at your room and think about how you’ll be using your chair.
Are you going to use it for telecommuting? Will it be used to watch your favorite TV series? Will it be used to spend time with your children reading the bedtime story?
Depending on its use, you’ll opt for the right dimensions with:
- a straight, firm backrest for telecommuting use
- a very high back for a reading corner
- a soft, sloping backrest for a relaxation area
- armrests for use around the dining table
The size of your chair should be in harmony with the shape and volume of your living room.
If you want to be comfortable, choose a model that won’t constrain you.
The wing chair, for example, with its high back and comfortable head support, is ideal for hours of guaranteed reading without neck pain.
However, its armrests could prove awkward if you plan to work in it, laptop on your lap.
Large dimensions for daily, prolonged use, while a smaller size is more suitable for temporary seating or nomadic use.
05 – Define the style and color of your living room chair
Among the many styles of armchair, here are a few categories to help you narrow your search:
- Straight: simple and effective, this is where you’ll find the widest choice.
- Rocking: ideal for relaxation, the rocking chair is also designed to be fun.
- Suspended: combines the advantages of a rocking chair while freeing up floor space
- Reclining: go from sitting to reclining for a lightning nap
- Convertible: a compact auxiliary bed hidden under the guise of a user-friendly armchair.
And let’s not forget those little extras that can make your chair even better:
- Headrest: for perfect cervical support
- Armrests: handy for supporting your arms in front of a desk, for example
- The footrest: sometimes supplied with the chair, it considerably enhances comfort.
A colorful living room armchair!
Color may be the easiest element to grasp. However, there are a few possibilities:
- Match the color of the armchair to that of the sofa, blending it into the overall ambience of the room.
- Use your armchair as a colorful accent to highlight other furniture.
- Go for an original armchair, displayed like a work of art, in the middle of a neutral living room!
Whatever you choose, never forget the golden rule of decorating: no more than 3 colors, or you risk going from chic to cluttered…
A stylish living room armchair!
Velvet armchair
The velvet armchair is a trendy piece with a deliciously baroque look.
It lends a certain chic to your interior, playing on the reflections of its material.
Its velvety feel is a real treat, and you’ll probably never want to get out of it!
Capable of taking on both contemporary and retro forms, velvet can now be used everywhere.
Scandinavian armchair
Indispensable for recreating an authentic Nordic atmosphere, the Scandinavian armchair is the must-have piece for fans of the genre.
Scandinavian armchairs come in a wide range of models, with styles that can be diametrically opposed.
They can be retro, masculine or contemporary.
If you want to recognize it at first glance, the sloping legs, also known as compass legs, are one of its most distinctive features.
Vintage armchair
A vintage armchair is ideal for adding a retro touch to your living room.
This trend is more in vogue than ever, and pieces of vintage furniture are particularly popular.
They complement or complete many interior styles.
There’s a huge choice, and the vintage armchair is no exception.
Convertible armchair
A convertible armchair is both comfortable and practical.
Its wide seat can be used in many rooms and as an extra bed.
With a flick of the wrist, it can be unfolded for a nap or to welcome a friend who’s just passing through.
Generously shaped, it brings a certain conviviality to your home.
Wingback armchair
The wingback armchair has a certain standing.
With its straight, high back and armrests, it protects the lumbar and cervical spine.
It’s a real eye-catcher, imposing and full of charm.
Which model are you sure to love?
Rocking chair
If you’re looking for a warm, comfortable lounge chair, the rocking chair is the one to choose.
With its retro charm, it’s perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s work.
Combined with rugs, plaids and cushions, it will create a cocooning atmosphere, much appreciated both indoors and out.
Shell armchair
A shell armchair is a must-have when you’re relaxing.
Thanks to its soft, warm material, the cosy effect is guaranteed!
Its elegant shape gives your room a refined, almost luxurious style.
Large or compact, vintage or modern, the shell armchair fits in with any ambience!
Papasan armchair
The papasan armchair is like a soft bubble.
Its organic round shape and thick cushion envelop you warmly.
Curled up in the fetal position, with a cushion and a plaid, you’ll spend delicious, cocooning moments!
Butterfly armchair
The butterfly armchair’s sober design is perfected by its cross base.
It offers a fine point of comfort without taking up too much space in a small room.
You can’t take away its vacation spirit, which is unmistakably reminiscent of camping.
Once you’re in, you can forget about everything and just play, sip and dream…
Acapulco armchair
The Acapulco armchair has a distinctive, slender shape.
It literally hugs every curve of your body, whatever your position.
Perfect for terraces and balconies, it’s also an original addition to any refined interior.
You’ll find it in every color, from vibrant to neutral.
It’s sturdy and timeless, and all it needs is a wipe down!
Rattan armchair
Looking for something different in your home? Then you need a rattan armchair!
It’ll bring a touch of the exotic to your home and complement any decor.
This iconic piece of colonial furniture can be used for two purposes: indoors, to curl up in comfort in winter, and outdoors, to sip a cocktail in the garden!
Hanging armchair
This armchair is equally at home indoors and outdoors, moving from the garden to the living room!
Its unique design appeals to the whole family.
Its rocking motion lulls you to sleep while you read a good book or feed your little one.
It’s also extremely sturdy, weatherproof and low-maintenance.
Much more than a simple lounge chair, a hanging armchair is the undisputed charm of your home.
Should you match your living room armchair to your sofa?
You can maintain harmony by choosing the same color, or a lighter or darker shade.
On the other hand, you can mismatch the two pieces of furniture in style, material and color, while maintaining a balance:
Combine details such as the brown wood of an armchair with that of a leather sofa.
If there’s a star between your sofa and armchair, choose your preference and impose discretion on the latter! A solid sofa in a darker color will appeal to a Scandinavian armchair on legs, lighter and more airy.
FAQ
How should I choose the right living room armchair?
Consider key factors like usage, comfort, maintenance, dimensions, and style when making your selection.
What’s the significance of choosing an armchair based on its use?
Tailor your choice to fit the armchair’s intended purpose, whether it’s for everyday family use, personal comfort, occasional seating, or outdoor/indoor utility.
How can I ensure the armchair I choose is comfortable for me?
Determine your comfort level by checking the seat density, with High Resilience (HR) foam being a suitable choice for lounge chairs.
What are the best practices for cleaning and maintaining my armchair?
Follow specific cleaning methods based on the armchair’s upholstery material, such as velour, linen, cotton, leather simili, leather, or microfibers.
Why are chair dimensions important in the selection process?
Select dimensions that align with the armchair’s intended use, whether it’s for work, relaxation, reading, or dining, while ensuring it fits your living space.
How can I pick the right style and color for my armchair?
Choose a style that suits your taste and harmonize or contrast colors with your sofa, keeping in mind a three-color limit for a balanced decor.
Should I coordinate my armchair with my sofa?
You have the option to either match your armchair with your sofa in terms of color or style or mix and match for a well-balanced and cohesive living room decor.
