This post is a collaboration. See more information here.
Whether it’s your very own spot on the sofa that no one else will dare to sit on or your trusty armchair complete with the imprint of your derriere resulting from hours of hardcore sitting, it’s one of the facts of turning middle aged; you will definitely have a favourite chair.
I can’t wait until I’m able to buy a house; one of the first things I’ll invest in is a comfortable armchair which I can claim as Mum’s Chair, and summarily ban anyone else from sitting on.
Picking out your future favourite armchair is quite a task. It’s a significant purchase and one that you’ll have to live with for a long time; few people have the space to store excess furniture or the funds to change them regularly. An armchair isn’t something you can just take back to the shop if you realise it’s not quite right, so you need to put the legwork in first and make sure your purchase is the right one.
What should consider when buying an armchair?
The size
Take it from someone whose living space is currently more than 50% sofa; you need to measure up before you even start looking. Don’t be tempted to assume that the chair will fir in the space.
Chairs in a store can look much smaller than they actually are because the space is usually bigger and more open than a typical front room, which might be deceiving!
If you can only see the chair online, then the measurements should be on there – don’t be tempted to buy it and live with regret when it doesn’t suit the space or worse still, you can’t get it through the door!
Make sure that you measure the depth as well as the width of the chair and confirm that you have enough space to walk around your chair; you don’t want it squished in, making the room look cluttered.
The style
There are dozens of styles of armchair to consider. When buying a new one it will usually need to complement existing furniture and decor, both now and if you decide to change things up in the future, so make sure you choose wisely!
Armchairs with feet and rolltop arms, or wingback chairs can take centre stage in a living room.
If you’re not so bothered, a more traditional chair will probably be a safer bet. It’s less likely to go out of fashion.
It’s also worth considering how long you’re going to be spending in your chair; a chair with a high back will be more supportive and more comfortable long-term, even if it may not look quite as eye-catching.
The colour
Many people go for a traditional-style armchair that match their sofa exactly, or if they’re looking to make a statement then an an armchair in the same style as their sofa but in a different colour can look great.
Personally I love a bit of mustard but it’s a tad overwhelming to have a full sofa in a bright colour, so a mustard armchair, along with accessories like mustard cushions for the sofa, sounds like an excellent compromise to me.
Alternatively play it safe with a more neutral colour, which is less likely to clash with future colour schemes.
The upholstery materials
Leather is a popular choice for upholstering furniture as it’s wipe-clean and stain resistant. It’s excellent if you happen to have allergy sufferers in the house, but it’s not great for households with pets as it can be scratched, and of course the material can get hot in the summer.
Fabric armchairs tend to be cheaper, and there is a much wider range available. Some people would consider them more comfortable too, as leather can appear cold and might not be as soft. There is also the option to re-upholster many fabric sofas should you want a different colour scheme in future.
Features
Some armchairs are able to swivel, others have a manual or an electric recline option. There are armchairs which are able to assist people of limited mobility to get in and out, and snuggle chairs are great for couples to sit on for a cosy night in.
Take a look at all the possibilities before you commit to buy so that you can confidently buy something you’ll love and use for many years.