Buyer’s guide: Rise to the occasion Our pick of the best armchairs
FROM SLEEK AND SIMPLE TO CURVY AND COSY, THE PERFECT OCCASIONAL ARMCHAIR CAN ANCHOR A SCHEME AND REJUVENATE A TIRED SPACE
To transform your living spaces, embrace the gentle power of an armchair. “A good armchair can anchor a room,” says interior designer Tamsin Johnson. “They’re a sturdy gesture of both aesthetic and function that can make a room, simply by being placed in the corner, on an angle, with a small lamp and side table [right].” Leah Maidment, style editor at Coco Republic, agrees with Tamsin, and emphasises that an armchair goes far beyond being only a functional piece of furniture. “An armchair can create ambience and drama,” says Leah. “Its purpose can be to stand out or to raise the decorative value of a space. Any chair with a strong silhouette, scale or colour that makes an impact, can really elevate your room.”
POSITIONS, PLEASE
Though commonly spotted in living areas (opposite), occasional chairs add value to other zones, too. “If you have the space, a great armchair can work in a study or home office as a comfortable alternative to a desk chair,” says Tamsin. This is a simple addition that makes an impact, adds Leah. “Living rooms, sitting areas or bedrooms are perfect spots for armchairs,” she says. “Ask yourself: do you want to create a focal point in a particular room? Do you need additional seating, or perhaps the perfect reading nook? Armchairs are an occasional piece that can easily change position whenever needed.”