How to choose an armchair or lounge chair

Decide what it's for

• Reading or watching TV: a higher back with head support and a moderately deep seat
• Conversation or occasional seating: a more upright accent chair that's easy to get in and out of
• Small spaces: a compact chair with slim arms and raised legs, which looks lighter in the room

Seat height and depth

Lounge seats are usually lower than dining chairs. A seat height of around 40–45 cm suits most people, and a slightly higher seat is easier for anyone who finds it hard to stand up from low chairs. Seat depth changes the feel: deeper seats encourage curling up or lounging back, while shallower seats keep you more upright. Taller people generally prefer deeper seats.

Back, arms and cushions

A high back supports your head; a low back looks lighter but supports less. Check that the arms are at a comfortable height for your elbows. Cushions filled with foam keep their shape well; feather or fibre blends feel softer but need regular plumping.

Measure the room and the way in

Check the chair's width, depth and height against the space, and leave room to walk around it. Before ordering, measure doorways, stairs and lifts; a chair that won't fit through the door is a common and avoidable problem. Ask the vendor whether the legs are removable for delivery.

Materials

Leather suits a classic look and ages well; fabric offers more colour and texture; velvet and bouclé give a softer, decorative feel but need more care. See our upholstery guide for a fuller comparison.

Comfort test checklist

• Can you sit back fully with your feet flat on the floor?
• Does the back support your lower back and, for a high back, your head?
• Are the arms at a natural height for your elbows?
• Is it easy to stand up without pushing hard on the arms?
• Does the seat feel supportive after ten minutes, not just at first?

Pairing with your room

A chair's proportions affect how a room feels. Low-backed, open-armed chairs keep a small room feeling airy, while high-backed wing chairs create a cosy corner but take up more visual space. Leave enough space for a side table for a drink or a lamp, and position reading chairs where natural light or a floor lamp falls over your shoulder.

Buying a pair

Two matching armchairs facing each other or angled towards a sofa make a natural conversation area. If you're buying a pair, check that the vendor has stock of both in the same fabric batch or dye lot, as colours can vary slightly between batches.

Recliners and chairs that are easier to get out of

Recliners let you lean back and raise your legs, which many people find relaxing for reading or watching TV. Check that there's enough space behind and in front of the chair to recline fully. For anyone who finds standing up difficult, look for a slightly higher, firmer seat, sturdy arms to push against, and avoid very deep, soft cushions that make it hard to get up.