Choosing the Right Upholstered Armchair for Your Home
Always dreamed of curling up beside the fire in a beautifully upholstered armchair, with your favourite book or a crisp glass of wine in hand? Armchairs are a true cornerstone of comfort, helping to create a moment of calm and serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. But with so many elements to consider, from space and style to support and fabric, how do you go about choosing the right armchair for your home?
We’ve created this handy guide to help you find and customise the perfect upholstered armchair in four easy steps.
1) Measure out your space
Before you fall head over heels for your favourite chair design, take a moment to assess the amount of space you have available. Your chair should feel snug and inviting, without overwhelming the room. A standard upholstered armchair tends to measure around 100cm wide by 100cm deep, so mark this out with masking tape or newspaper to ensure it feels right in your room, allowing at least 50cm in front of the chair to stretch your legs out.
Measuring in at 66cm wide by 71cm deep, our delightful Tub Chair is ideal for more compact spaces, offering style and comfort without taking up too much room. These accent chairs (seen below in our Sunflower – Cloud colourway and piped in Plain Linen Union – Terracotta) are available in a wide range of timeless fabrics, with optional contrast piping and buttons to suit all interior design styles and preferences.
2) Select your style
The next step is to think about the personality of your room and the look and feel you’d like your armchair to bring. For example, do you want a soft, slouchy chair, or something a little more upright and elegant?
We offer three distinct styles of armchairs: the Traditional armchair (offers a blend of both sophistication and comfort), the Traditional with back cushion (additional back cushion for maximum comfort), and the Sapperton armchair (a more upright and structured style). If you love sinking down into a sumptuously soft chair at the end of a busy day, our Traditional armchair with back cushions could be just the ticket. However, if you prefer a more supportive perch that’s easier to rise from, the Sapperton could become your new best friend.
3) Choose your favourite fabric
This is where the magic really happens! Upholstery helps to transform a chair from functional to fabulous. Whether you’re drawn to muted plain fabrics or prefer bigger painterly patterns, there’s a whole world of fabrics to explore at Vanessa Arbuthnott.
To choose your favourite fabric, think about the room’s overall mood and colour palette. Gentle greys and earthy ochres work beautifully in more muted and traditional schemes, while some colourful pops of pattern (like our Lapland Stripe or Dotty Check fabrics) can bring life and personality to your space. Don’t be afraid to mix things up with some contrasting piping or a playful cushion, either!
Considering a reupholstered armchair?
If you have an existing piece that has stood the test of time, reupholstering is a great option. This method is not only sustainable, but also allows you to refresh outdated fabrics with newer, more exciting alternatives. Discover our tips and tricks for reupholstering furniture in our dedicated blog post.
4) Let us help you find the perfect fit
At Vanessa Arbuthnott, we believe your upholstered armchair should be every bit as individual as you are. That’s why we allow you to personalise your furniture down to the finest detail, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your home and lifestyle.
Our beautiful collection of armchairs are handmade in the Cotswolds from sustainably sourced beech wood, and upholstered with distinctive nature-inspired fabric designs to suit every style of home. From soft linens to bold stripes and classic florals, every fabric we create helps to bring a touch of freshness and elegance to your space. We also offer a range of leg colours and finishes, including contrast piping, to make your piece truly one-of-a-kind.
If the choices feel overwhelming, don’t worry! Our in-house designer, Tania, offers free 30-minute design consultations to help you select the right armchair style, fabric, and finishing touches that will harmonise with your home.
Book your slot today and get ready to find the perfect fit for your space.
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
