Armchairs: Buying Guide for Modern UK Living Rooms

Jan 03, 2026

Libra Theodore Forest Green Buttoned Armchair

An armchair is often the finishing touch that makes a living room feel complete. It adds extra seating, creates a cosy corner and brings personality to your space. Whether you want a reading nook, a statement accent chair or a practical extra seat for guests, the right armchair can transform how your room looks and feels.

In this guide, we explore how to choose the perfect armchair for modern UK homes – including types, sizes, comfort, fabrics, colours, layout ideas and styling tips.

1. Why armchairs matter in modern living rooms

Armchairs are more than just “one extra seat” – they play an important role in how your living room functions and feels.

Extra seating where you need it

Armchairs provide flexible seating that can be moved or angled as needed.
They are ideal when you want more options than just a sofa.
Perfect for guests, reading, working on a laptop or relaxing alone.

Armchair Fabric Taupe Kiersten

Balance and zoning in the room

An armchair can help balance a large sofa visually.
Placing it opposite or at an angle creates a sociable conversation area.
In open-plan homes, an armchair can help define the living zone without blocking space.

Personality and style

Armchairs are a great way to introduce colour, pattern or texture.
A statement armchair can act as a focal point in the room.
They let you experiment with bolder choices while keeping the sofa more neutral.

Armchair Velvet Taupe Jameila

2. Main types of armchairs

There are many armchair styles that work well in modern UK interiors.

Accent armchairs

Accent armchairs are designed to stand out:

Often feature interesting shapes, colours or fabrics.
Ideal for adding personality to a neutral room.
Can sit in the living room, bedroom or hallway.

Armchair Fabric Taupe Atalyia

Classic wingback armchairs

Wingback chairs offer a timeless look and great comfort:

High back with “wings” provides support around the head and shoulders.
Works beautifully by a fireplace, in a reading corner or in a bedroom.
Pairs well with both traditional and modern interiors, depending on the chosen fabric.

Recliner armchairs

Recliner armchairs focus on maximum comfort:

The reclining mechanism allows you to lean back and put your feet up.
Ideal for film nights and relaxing evenings.
Make sure there is enough space behind or in front for the recliner to open fully.

Electric Recliner Chair With Footrest LED Velvet Dark Grey Bernet

Snuggle chairs/cuddle armchairs

Snuggle chairs (sometimes called cuddle chairs or oversized armchairs):

Wider than a standard armchair – somewhere between a chair and a small sofa.
Perfect for curling up alone or sitting with a child or pet.
Great in family rooms and larger living rooms.

Swivel and occasional chairs

Swivel armchairs and occasional chairs can be very practical:

Swivel base makes it easy to turn between TV, conversation and window views.
Light, versatile designs work well as additional seating that can move between rooms.

3. Choosing the right size and proportion

An armchair should feel comfortable to sit in and also look in proportion with your sofa and room.

Measure your space

Before choosing an armchair:

Measure the width available where you plan to place it.
Check the depth so it does not block walkways.
Consider nearby doors, radiators and other furniture.

Libra Luna Green Boucle Fabric Occasional Chair

Scale relative to your sofa

If you have a large, deep sofa, a very tiny armchair may look unbalanced.
If your sofa is more compact, choose an armchair with a similar scale and leg style.
Matching some elements (fabric tone, leg finish, shape) helps create a cohesive look.

Seat height and depth

Seat height should feel natural when you sit down and stand up – too low or too high can be uncomfortable.
Seat depth matters:
- Shallower seats are better for upright sitting and smaller frames.
- Deeper seats suit lounging and curling up, especially with a cushion or two.

4. Comfort: back, arms and cushions

Armchairs are often used for reading, relaxing or working – comfort is crucial.

Back height and support

High backs offer more support for the upper back, shoulders and sometimes head.
Mid-height backs suit smaller rooms and give a more contemporary, streamlined look.
Think about how you will use the chair – reading and TV time usually benefit from good back support.

Wingback Chair Fabric Grey Calyn

Arm style

High, padded arms feel cosy and supportive.
Slim, low arms look more modern and keep the chair visually lighter.
If you like to sit sideways or curl up, slightly higher arms can be more comfortable.

Cushion fillings

Foam – more structured, holds its shape and needs less plumping.
Fibre – softer, more relaxed feel, but requires regular plumping.
Blended fillings – designed to balance support and softness.

Checking the filling in the product description will give you a good idea of how the armchair will feel and how much maintenance it needs.

5. Fabrics and colours for armchairs

Armchairs are a great opportunity to play with fabric and colour.

Fabric armchairs

Fabric is a popular choice for everyday comfort:

Textured weaves hide marks and add depth.
Neutrals (grey, beige, taupe) are easy to style and restyle.
Durable fabrics are ideal for family homes and high-use areas.

Armchair Fabric Taupe Milnor

Velvet armchairs

Velvet armchairs make a strong style statement:

Deep tones (emerald, navy, charcoal) add richness and drama.
Softer colours (blush, light blue, cream) feel elegant and boutique.
Perfect as accent chairs in living rooms, bedrooms or reading corners.

Armchair Velvet Light Red Jazouli

Leather and faux leather armchairs

Leather look armchairs offer:

A sleek, modern appearance.
Wipe clean practicality.
A good match for contemporary interiors with metal and wood accents.

Plain vs patterned

Plain armchairs are easier to coordinate with different cushions and throws.
Patterned armchairs can be stunning focal points, especially in simpler rooms.
If your sofa, rug and curtains already have a pattern, a plain armchair may balance the look better.

6. Layout ideas using armchairs

Where you position your armchairs can completely change how your room functions.

Armchair plus sofa for conversation

Place the armchair opposite the sofa or at a slight angle.
Add a coffee table or nest of tables in the centre.
This creates a comfortable, sociable seating area.

Armchair Fabric Green Euclid

Reading corner by the window

Position an armchair near a window or in a bay.
Add a side table and floor or table lamp for reading.
Include a soft rug and throw to make the corner feel inviting.

Armchair in a bedroom

Place an armchair in a corner of the bedroom or near a window.
Ideal for reading, relaxing or laying out clothes.
A small side table and lamp complete the look.

Armchair Velvet Beige Dinka

Armchair in a home office

Add an armchair to your home office for a change of posture away from the desk.
Useful for reading, taking calls or short breaks.
Choose a design that coordinates with your desk and storage.

7. Styling tips for armchairs

The right styling will help your armchair look intentional and complete.

Cushions and throws

One or two cushions are usually enough – avoid overcrowding the seat.
Mix textures (linen, velvet, boucle) within a simple colour palette.
A throw draped over the back or arm adds softness and warmth.

Side tables and lighting

A side table next to the armchair is perfect for drinks, books and lamps.
A floor lamp or table lamp provides a comfortable reading light.
Make sure the table and lamp heights work well with the chair.

Swivel Armchair with Footstool Chenille Light Green Draedyn

Rugs and wall décor

A rug under or near the armchair helps anchor the area.
Artwork or a mirror above or beside the armchair creates a focal point.
Repeat colours from the armchair in your art, cushions or accessories for a cohesive look.

8. Choosing your armchair with SOOXOS

A well chosen armchair adds comfort, character and flexibility to your home, whether it sits in the living room, bedroom, hallway or home office.

When you are ready to choose:

Decide where the armchair will go and measure the space carefully.
Think about how you will use it – reading, TV, occasional seating or everyday lounging.
Choose the level of comfort you want – back height, arm style, seat depth and cushion filling.
Select fabrics and colours that work with your sofa, flooring and overall décor.

At SOOXOS, our Armchairs and Sofas collections include:

Compact armchairs for smaller UK living rooms and apartments.
Statement accent chairs and classic wingback designs.
Fabric, velvet and leather look options to suit every style.
Snuggle chairs and occasional chairs for extra comfort and flexibility.

Explore our armchairs to find the design that will bring extra comfort, style and personality to your home.

Swivel Armchair Boucle Taupe Martha

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