If your sofa is the main character of your living room, an armchair is like the loyal sidekick with a great personality. The right armchair can enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of your space (talk about a hard-working piece of furniture).

But before you choose which armchair to go along with your sofa, ask yourself these questions first:

Should I contrast or complement my armchair with my sofa?

The first thing to consider is whether you want the armchair to match your sofa, or stand out on its own. 

A complementary armchair blends seamlessly with your sofa by sharing similar colours, materials, or design elements. This works well if you want a cohesive and understated aesthetic in your living room. 

On the other hand, a contrasting armchair will act as more of a statement piece by differing in colour, texture or style. The key to achieving a successful contrast is to maintain some shared elements, such as similar leg finishes or lines, so the pieces still feel connected.

What is the purpose of the armchair vs the sofa?

If your sofa is for lounging and family movie nights, you can afford to choose an armchair that prioritises style over comfort, like a sleek mid-century modern design. But if you picture curling up in your armchair with a book, a cosy blanket and a mug of tea, you may want to go for a plush, oversized design.

Also think about the role of the armchair in your overall room layout. Will it serve as a splash of colour in a neutral palette or a room divider in an open-plan living area? 

Which size should an armchair be in comparison to the sofa?

For a balanced space, aim for an armchair that’s similar in scale to your sofa. For example, if your sofa has a low back and sleek profile, opt for an armchair with similar dimensions. 

Additionally, consider the placement of the armchair in the room. You need to leave enough space for easy movement—your chair shouldn’t obstruct walkways or make the room feel cramped. This can help you decide on the style of armchair you choose, and whether you opt to pair it with a footstool or not.

How can I make a different sofa and armchair feel cohesive?

Even if your sofa and armchairs don’t match, you can still make them feel cohesive. Choose cushions or throws that incorporate colours or patterns from both pieces of furniture. For example, if your sofa is grey and your armchair is blue, a patterned pillow or a rug that includes both colours can bridge the gap. Coordinated lighting fixtures, like a matching floor lamp near the sofa and a table lamp next to the armchair, can also bring harmony to the space.

3 sofa and armchair pairings from Swyft

Whether you want to create contrast or cohesion. Whether you want sleek and modern, or plush and comfortable—there are countless living room combinations you can create with Swyft. Here are 3 sofa and armchair pairings to try in your home. 

Opposites attract

Pair the Model 03 Modular Velvet 3 Seater Sofa in Navy with the Model 01 Linen Armchair in Pumice. The rich, luxurious texture and colour of the velvet sofa stands out against the neutral, airy linen armchair, creating a dynamic contrast. This combination balances opulence with simplicity—adding depth to your living room. 

Same fabric, different tones

For another contrasting option, combine the Model 02 Velvet 2 Seater Sofa in Brick with the Model 06 Velvet Armchair in Kingfisher. The warm tones of the rust sofa juxtapose with the cool green armchair to create a bold contrast (and yet, they still feel cohesive, since they share the same fabric). 

Think sisters, not twins

You don’t always have to match your armchair and sofa for a complementary pairing. Instead, opt for similar shapes in similar tones. For example: the Model 01 Linen 2 Seater Sofa in Seaglass feels related to the sharp lines of the Model 10 Linen Armchair in Shadow. They’re not exactly the same—but they’re both influenced by mid-century design and sit within a cool-toned palette. 

Create your perfect pairing. Shop all sofas and armchairs.