Every king or queen needs their throne, and for this there's no better option than a quality armchair! From comfortable recliners to stylish statements, the right armchair can transform a living room from bland to grand. 

Finding the perfect armchair, however, is more than just picking a random seat. It's a thoughtful journey that incorporates your personal comfort, style preferences, and the overall aesthetic of your home.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide designed to help you navigate through this journey. This blog post is your road-map to choosing an armchair that not only suits your body and budget but also blends seamlessly with your home decor. Let's dive in and start the journey to find your dream armchair!

What Type of Armchair Should I Buy?

When it comes to choosing an armchair, one of the first questions you should be asking is whether or not you want a recliner. The decision will ultimately hinge on your comfort needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

The Classic Armchair

Scafell Armchair | Dante Furniture

These are the traditional option and suit a wide variety of spaces and aesthetics. They're ideal if you're seeking a stylish piece to fit into your living room, study, or bedroom without requiring any specific functionality other than comfortable seating. Classic armchairs can come in countless designs, patterns, and fabrics, allowing you to choose one that fits seamlessly into your existing decor.

Recliner Armchairs

The recliner armchair is becoming an extremely popular choice with homeowners of all kinds. Whether you require extra assistance with mobility, or you're just looking for a little extra comfort, recliner armchairs are the perfect choice. When buying a recliner, make sure you have enough room to recliner fully. If you decide a recliner is the choice for you, there are two options:

Manual Recliner

Roman Manual Recliner | Dante Furniture

These chairs offer an enhanced level of comfort compared to regular armchairs. With a simple pull of a lever or push against the backrest, you can recline the back and raise the footrest to enjoy a more relaxed position. Manual recliners can be an excellent choice for those who like to kick back and unwind with a book or a movie. However, they require a bit of physical strength to operate and some free space to expand. The simplicity of the design means anyone can use it, and they can be relatively cheap compared to powered alternatives.

Power Recliners

Eiger Power Recliner Armchair | Dante Furniture

If you prioritize comfort and convenience above all, a power recliner may be the right fit for you. These armchairs are motorized and can recline at the touch of a button. Some models even offer customisable positions, heated seats, massage features, or built-in USB ports to charge devices. Power recliners are ideal for those with mobility issues, the elderly, or anyone who loves tech-oriented comfort. However, they are typically the most expensive of the three options and require proximity to a power source.

What Material is Best for an Armchair?

When it comes to deciding the material of your new armchair, your two main options are fabric and leather. Each offer distinct characteristics that may appeal to different individuals and design preferences.

Fabric Armchairs

Brooklyn Recliner Armchair | Dante Furniture

These are celebrated for their incredible variety in color, pattern, and texture, making them an excellent choice if you want to inject a particular style or aesthetic into your space. Fabric armchairs often exude a warm and inviting feel, which can contribute to the overall coziness of a room.

From a practical standpoint, fabric armchairs can be more comfortable to sit in, as the material is generally softer and doesn't feel cold or sticky to the touch like leather can. However, fabric can be prone to staining and may require more rigorous cleaning methods. Many modern fabric armchairs come with removable and washable covers, which makes cleaning a less daunting task.

Fabric armchairs are also generally cheaper than their leather counterparts. If you like the look of leather but don't like the price tag, or are looking for a more environmentally friendly option, consider opting for a faux-leather alternative.

Leather Armchairs

Langdale Recliner Armchair | Dante Furniture

Leather offers a classic and sophisticated look. A leather armchair can be a statement piece in your home, often aging well and looking better over time. Leather is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean, typically needing just a wipe down with a damp cloth. This makes it a great choice for homes with children or pets.

Leather armchairs, especially those made with high-quality leather, can be more expensive than fabric armchairs. However, their longevity often makes them a worthwhile investment.

The timelessness of a leather armchair cannot be understated. A high-quality leather armchair can act as a statement piece in any living room for many years without showing any visible wear with the right treatment.

How Should I Style my Armchair?

The short answer is, it's up to you! Many people like to keep a consistent theme in the living room, buying an armchair and sofas of the same type, but this isn't the only way to decorate. A high-quality armchair can make for a great statement piece, or can be a different colour to the rest of your furniture, as long as it maintains that theme (e.g. a pastel pink armchair can work in a room with pastel Yellow sofas).

Where Can I Buy a New Armchair?

Here at Dante Furniture, we offer a wide selection of high-quality armchairs and recliners, with free delivery all across the UK. Why not come visit our showroom or have a browse online at our selection of armchairs.

Mark Howorth
Tagged: Buyers Guide