How to choose an armchair for small spaces

There’s nothing quite like sinking into a comfortable armchair after a long day at work. But, when it comes to small spaces, you have to be smarter with your furniture choices. Armchairs have the ability to bring both personality and functionality to a room and are a great option to utilise your space. 

When it comes to choosing the perfect armchair, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. From the style and the material to the colour and, of course, the size. Armchairs are very much an investment piece, so you want to make sure you get them right. Luckily, we’re here to help and have created this guide on how to choose an armchair for a smaller space. 

Where Can an Armchair be Placed in the House?

Armchairs are a highly versatile piece of furniture. Adding style and purpose, armchairs will work well in a variety of different rooms. Some of the most common rooms people place armchairs in include:

Living Room

As the most-used space, living room armchairs need to be the most comfortable as you’ll likely spend a lot of time sitting watching TV, reading a book and simply relaxing. Typically, armchairs with narrow armrests work well in comfy living room settings. Ottomans are also a popular choice as they provide extra storage solutions and are lightweight enough to move around if needed.

Bedroom

As bedrooms aren’t usually a place with a lot of space for elaborate seating, armchairs make a great choice as an area where you can sit and put your shoes on or relax after a long day. They’re also a good option for kids bedrooms as a place to sit and watch as your children play or read a bedtime story.

Dining Room

If you’re a social butterfly who enjoys hosting friends for dinner parties and get-togethers, you’ll probably need as much seating as possible. Including an armchair, or two if the space allows, in the dining room will give you extra seating if you have a relativity small dining table or just a breakfast bar.

Hallway

Having an armchair in the hallway will not only look extra inviting and welcoming, but it’ll also give you a place to sit down and take your shoes off the moment you step inside. 

Key Armchair Types

There are many different types of armchairs out there, and choosing the right one for a smaller space can feel like a daunting task. Here are some of the key armchair types you should consider when looking to buy for a smaller area:

Wingback Armchair

Tall yet narrow, wingback armchairs are the ultimate in both comfort and style. Perfect for a small living room, they have high backs and high side panels, making them feel extra cosy. Wingbacks are a very popular style of armchair and come in a variety of different designs and colours, so you can be as eclectic and bold or calm and neutral as you like. 

Mid-Century Armchair

Mid-Century designs, like our Model 01 armchairs, offer a classic look with smooth, clean lines. They typically have a lower back with narrow armrests and sleek but sturdy wooden legs. This kind of style creates the illusion of more space as the legs lift the chair higher off the floor - it also makes it easier to clean underneath. Plus, you can use the space under the chair for extra storage.

Accent Chairs

Though technically not an armchair, accent chairs are ideal for smaller spaces and can help tie a whole room together. Accent chairs typically stand out from the rest and offer an eye-catching focal point. They’re also known for being slightly smaller than traditional armchairs with a range of armless designs too - making them perfect for ultra-small spots.

What to Consider when Buying an Armchair

When buying an armchair, there are several things you’ll need to properly consider before hitting the ‘buy now’ button.

Size

The first thing you should always do, before even looking at armchairs, is measure the space where you’d like the chair to go. You can use our sofa measuring guide for all the best tips and tricks on where and what to measure, to ensure you get everything as accurate as possible. Then, find the armchair dimensions to see if the styles and designs you like will fit in the space.

Material

You’ll also want to consider the materials and fabric options for your armchair. You can start by basing this on what you already have. If your sofas are made from velvet, then you may want an armchair to match. Or, if you want to contrast, choosing a leather armchair when you already have linen sofas will create an interesting depth. If you have pets or children, then a scratch and stain-resistant fabric will be the best option.

Colour

Getting the colour right is a very important aspect of buying an armchair. Usually, people prefer to match the colour of their armchair with their sofas. This is why we offer a range of popular and versatile sofa colours with matching armchairs, stools and ottomans too. However, if you want to be bold, choosing an armchair in a contrasting colour or one with a loud pattern will make the piece stand out.

Style

Think about the style of the armchair and how it fits in with the rest of the room. If you have a very sleek and modern style room, it’s unlikely that a more traditional, classic style armchair will look right. Ideally, you want to try and match the chair with the rest of the furniture for a more coherent look. If you want something a little different, play around with the colour, pattern and fabric of the chair while still keeping the style a similar aesthetic.

Browse our complete range of stylish and comfortable armchairs that would work well in smaller spaces and add personality to your home.

We also have a selection of contemporary sofa beds, which are perfect for small homes that need the extra sleeping room for frequent guests.