Armchairs
27k+ products · from $60 · 154 brands
Material Truth
Know what you’re buying before you buy it.
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Onton’s Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather | Highly durable, and generally pretty resistant to wear. Also doesn't pill and fray like fabric. | A dry cloth can deal with any spills and direct sunlight should be avoided. It can scratch, however. | Leather ages with patina, giving it a beautiful, authentic character. Higher price point, but for the right piece, it's an investment. |
| Fabric | Quite durable, soft and comfortable, and good for everyday use. It's comparatively more breathable and soft than other materials. | Spot clean or machine wash, however it is susceptible to staining and shrinking if not careful. | Best casual choice. If cared for properly (with a fabric protector for example), can last a long time. |
| Velvet | Moderate. The pile flattens under pressure and can show imprints over time. It is most optimal for lower-traffic use, like a reading chair or an accent piece to elevate the room. | For maintenance, steaming or brushing can restore the pile. | Depending on the type of velvet (from delicate silk to resilient polyester), durability can vary widely . Thankfully, velvet marks are often reversible, so it's not as fragile as it seems. Best for adding a touch of luxury to the room. |
Best armchair for every use case
Pitch angle, "nap-ability," and what actually matters for comfort.
| Use case | Best style | Seat depth | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading nook | Wingback or high-back with lumbar support | 20–22" | Head support and pairs well with a reading lamp |
| Living room accent | Barrel, slipper, or mid-century | 18–21" | Pairs with a sofa and should ideally visually contrast in color or shape |
| TV / lounging | Recliner or deep lounge chair | 22–26" | Designed to support recline and rest |
| Small bedroom corner | Slipper chair or compact accent | 18–20" | Small footprint and easy to reposition around the room |
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to buy with confidence.
What's the best armchair for a small living room?
Slipper chairs and compact barrel chairs work best in small rooms as they are typically under 30 inches wide and have no arms extending outward. Choose a chair with exposed legs, since the floor reads as one continuous surface beneath it, making the room feel larger. Swivel chairs also work well since they don't need to be re-positioned to face different directions.
What's the best accent chair to match a gray sofa?
Gray is neutral, so you have a few options here. Warm tones like mustard, terracotta, and olive bring contrast. While a piece like a cognac leather chair adds warmth and richness. For a more tonal look, consider a cream or ivory boucle. The key is to differ in either color, texture, or both to avoid matching the exact same gray and making the room feel flat.
How do I choose between a swivel and stationary chair?
A swivel chair is ideal for open, larger rooms. A stationary chair suits spaces where seating faces one direction, such as a dining table.
Is velvet practical for an armchair?
Velvet is a great choice for an armchair fabric, especially as a statement piece. However, it’s less practical for high-traffic use, as it is prone to marks and crushing. Opt for darker colored velvet to minimize this, and look for polyester-based velvet as a more resistant option.
What's the best armchair for reading?
Look for a high-back chair, a wingback chair or similar, with good lumbar support that offers a slight recline angle. The seat depth should be deep enough to sit back comfortably but not so deep that your feet don't touch the floor. You can pair it with a side table and a good reading lamp.
Can I use two different armchairs in the same room?
Mixing chairs is a great way to add character to a room. Keep at least one element consistent, such as complementary colors or the same leg finish, and avoid mixing more than 2–3 styles in one space.
What seat height is most comfortable for an armchair?
A standard armchair seat height is 17–19 inches, and ideally your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees at 90 degrees. Lower seats work for lounge chairs and mid-century styles but can be difficult for older adults to get out of. If the chair will be used for conversation with sofa seating, match the seat heights within 2 inches to ensure visual balance.
How much space does an armchair need?
Plan for the chair's full footprint plus at least 18 inches of clearance on the walking side. Recliners need 12–18 inches behind the back wall for the recline mechanism. A standard accent chair takes up about 30–34 inches wide by 32–36 inches deep. For a reading nook, allow space for a small side table, approximately another 18 inches, beside the chair.
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