Buyer’s Guide Armchairs.
There’s nothing like statement seating for a pop of colour, personality and comfort in the living room. Here’s how to pick the right perch, writes Georgia Madden.
Afabulous armchair can make all the difference to a living room. From club styles and swivel chairs to recliners, a statement armchair injects colour and character and, of course, extra seating.
“Armchairs are like art in a room,” says interior designer Nickolas Gurtler. “They can be bolder in shape than a sofa and allow you to be more playful or more adventurous in terms of colour and pattern.” They’re versatile too, adds Emma Mackie, interior decorator and principal at M Interiors. “Simply re-covering an old armchair can change the look of a room; alternatively, move it to another spot in the house to give the chair – and the space – a fresh feel.”
Well-made armchairs range in price from about $500 up to about $5000 for a branded European design, says Mackie. “A quality piece should last a lifetime – your taste will likely change before it wears out.”
Trends-wise, it’s all about curves right now. “Soft, rounded furniture designed to facilitate conversation continues to come through from Europe,” says Jane Novembre, marketing director at Domo. There’s also a growing emphasis on sustainability, adds Mackie. “Natural materials such as wool, bouclé, rattan and wicker are increasing in popularity.” Colours drawn from nature are comingtothefore,shesays–thinkterracotta, burnt orange, greens and inky blue.
Vintage and vintage-inspired chairs are top sellers. “Traditional French styles, rattan panels and Mid-Century designs are all very popular,” says Gurtler.
“Swivel chairs are perfect in front of a fireplace or window, allowing you to enjoy the scenery yet remain connected with the room,” says Sonia Warner, interior designer and co-director at Woods & Warner.
In addition, you’ll find styles with smart inclusions to keep living-room essentials handy. “Our Leon recliner is customisable, so you can add accessories such as a reading light, side tables or a wireless charging table,” says Natalie Culina, global head of brand at King Living.
There are three key elements when choosing the right armchair: size, style and use. “Do you want a chair for snuggling in or a more formal piece? Scale is crucial – you don’t want to block views or traffic flow in a room,” says Mackie. An armchair should have a minimum clearance of 60cm around it to prevent the room feeling cramped.
“A colour or style that contrasts with your sofa can deliver on wow factor. A recliner or seat with matching footstool will be more comfortable when used for longer periods,” says Amber Cooke, general manager of furniture at Domayne.
“Chairs with rolled arms, deep buttoning and loose cushions suit traditional spaces,” says Warner. “Clean-lined interiors need more defined profiles with taut cushioning and statement upholstery. Slimmer styles in block colours are ideal for smaller rooms.”
Regardless of style, comfort is what counts. “Spend time sitting in the chairs
“A CO LO U R O R ST Y L E T H AT CO N T RA STS W I T H YO U R S O FA C A N D E L I V E R R E A L WOW FAC TO R .” A M B E R C O O K E , D O M AY N E
you like to assess their comfort: your feet should touch the floor at a 90-degree angle and arms should rest comfortably on the sides,” says Novembre. “Ask what the frame is made from – quality pieces will be made fromsolidhardwood,metaloracombination ofthetwo.Alsolookforcornerreinforcement and screwed or interlocking joints rather than ones that are stapled or glued.”
Upholstery fabric needs to be up to the task. “Linen mixes, leather, outdoor fabrics and slipcovers are great for family homes. Pure linen, velvet or silk upholstery are bettersuitedtogrown-upspaces,”saysLibby Robinson, an interior designer at Coco Republic. “When it comes to durability, the weave is one of the most important factors,” says Mackie. “Pull and prod fabric samples to see if they easily separate. The best ones will maintain their shape and have very little give.” Homework done, it’s time to sit back and relax.
OLIVER TUB CHAIR, $1793
Supremely stylish, this swivel chair has sumptuous velvet upholstery and an engineeredsteel frame for strength and support. Cushioning is made from high-resilience foam with a feather insert in the backrest. King Living; www.kingliving. com.au.
VINCENT SHEPPARD ‘CRUZ COCOON’ CHAIR, $825
With its curvy lines and natural textures, this rattan lounge chair epitomises coastal luxe. The high-resilience foam cushion ($265 extra) is covered in durable, solution-dyed olefin so it can be used outside too. Cotswold InOut Furniture; www.cotswoldfurniture.com.au. .
ADELINE CURVE OCCASIONAL CHAIR, $1490
A handsome addition to your living-room scheme, this chair has a mangowood frame and legs and rattan panelling. The fibre-filled seat and back cushions are covered in cotton-linen-acrylic blend fabric in Cream. Contents International Design; contentsid.com.au.
NEW ORLEANS OCCASIONAL CHAIR, $499
With its plush quilted-velvet upholstery and tapered legs, this well-priced chair would make an elegant addition to a bedroom or sitting room. It has a durable birch frame. Domayne; www.domayne.com.au.
B&B ITALIA ‘HUSK’ SWIVEL CHAIR, $6650
A design by Patricia Urquiola, this super-soft chair suits all interior styles. Handcrafted in Italy, it has an oak base, recycled-plastic shell and wool-blend upholstery. Space; www.spacefurniture. com.au.
TUBBI CHAIR, $699
Influenced by Mid-Century designs, the clean lines and low-slung seat give this armchair a chic, timeless look. It features a solid-timber frame with metal legs, comfortable high-density foam cushioning and durable but soft polyester upholstery. Freedom; www.freedom.com.au.
MARTINI CHAIR, $899
This elegant indoor-outdoor chair showcases beautifully showcases the appeal of rattan. The natural rattan frame is complemented by a wovenrattan, foam filled seat cushion. Artisan-crafted, it’s ideal for creating a coastal vibe. Oz Design Furniture; ozdesignfurniture.com.au.
ARTISS SKANE DINING ARMCHAIR, $147.95
Round out a living-room scheme with this affordable, Scandiinspired occasional chair. It has a solid rubberwood frame, high-resilience foam cushioning and tactile linen-mix upholstery. Myer; www.myer.com.au.
POHO OCCASIONAL CHAIR, FROM $2695
A simple yet striking tub chair, this design features a solid oak frame, a choice of semianiline leather or fabric upholstery, and high-density foam cushioning. Coco Republic; www.cocorepublic. com.au.
CASEY ARMCHAIR, $449
With its deep seat, plush cushioning and dark, neutral polyester upholstery, this classic armchair is both comfortable and elegant. It has timber legs, a pocket-sprung and foam-filled seat and a foam-filled back cushion. Other colours available. Harvey Norman; www.harveynorman.com.au.
CR ESSENTIALS ‘BREU’ OCCASIONAL CHAIR, $1995
Characterised by its chic architectural lines, this chair has a sturdy, solid oak frame, polyester-blend upholstery and high-density foam seat and back cushions. Also available with leather upholstery. Coco Repulic; www.cocorepublic. com.au.
SNUGGLE PETITE SWIVEL CHAIR, $1799
A sumptuous spot to curl up with a book and a cup of tea (or glass of wine), this generously sized swivel chair features a timber frame, poly-fibre filled cushions and it’s covered in Mondo polyester fabric, pictured here in Almond. Plush; www.plush.com.au.
LIGNE ROSET ‘RUCHE’ ARMCHAIR, FROM $6575
This unusual asymmetrical design features a steelreinforced beech frame and quality suspension so you can lounge comfortably for hours. Premium foam cushioning with cotton-linen upholstery. Domo; www.domo.com.au.
CATENE ARMCHAIR, $2460
For Hollywood Regency-style glamour, you can’t go past this striking swivel chair. It has a plywood frame, brushed-brass pedestal base and foam-filled cushioning. The upholstery fabric is a polyester blend. James Said; www.jamessaid. com.au.
PAOLO GRASSELLI ‘TIRELLA’ ARMCHAIR, $6350
This stunning Italian-made chair boasts a metal frame, polyester velvet upholstery (shown here in Colour 966), and plump foam-filled cushioning. The armrests have removable and interchangeable covers so you can switch up the look. Fanuli; www.fanuli.com.au.
&TRADITION ‘LITTLE PETRA VB1’ ARMCHAIR, $8350
First launched in 1938, this award-winning chair has been re-released for a new generation of design lovers. The low-slung, cocooning chair is made from solid walnut with foam cushioning. Alternative upholstery and stains available. Cult; cultdesign.com.au. #