How to choose an armchair for the living room? Types, fabrics, and comfort in one guide

There's a place in your home you think about in the middle of the day – an armchair where you simply want to sit, brew some tea, and disappear from the world for a while. A good armchair is not just an accessory to a sofa. It's a separate corner that anyone in the house can make their own – a place for a book, an afternoon nap, or a phone call while the rest of the family watches TV.

In this guide, we show you where to start when choosing an armchair for the living room, how its most popular types differ, how to select a model for a small room, and what fabric and color to choose so that the armchair truly complements your interior.

How to choose an armchair for the living room – where to start and what to pay attention to?

Before you start browsing specific models, it's worth asking yourself what the armchair will actually be used for. A different model will work as an evening reading spot, another as an extra seat for guests, and yet another as a central, decorative accent for your living room. This answer determines all subsequent decisions – from backrest height to upholstery type.

The first practical criterion is seating comfort. It's worth paying attention to the seat depth (ideally, it should allow you to lean your back against the back cushion without your legs dangling) and the backrest height – armchairs with high backrests are better for longer sitting and reading, while low, minimalist models are better suited as extra seating for shorter visits.

The second criterion is the filling construction. Higher-density foam maintains its shape longer and provides a more stable, resilient seat, while softer fillings give the effect of "sinking" into the armchair – pleasant for a short time, but less comfortable for extended sitting, for example, when working remotely or reading.

It's also worth considering right away where the armchair will be placed – whether it will be by the window, next to the sofa, or as a standalone element in the corner of the room, influences what shape and size will actually be functional in your living room.

Wingback, swivel, or classic armchair – what are the differences between armchair types?

A wingback armchair is characterized by a high backrest with side "wings" that shield the head and shoulders of the seated person – a design originating from old English living rooms, where it was meant to protect against drafts from the fireplace. Today, it is valued primarily for its elegant, classic look and the sense of privacy provided by the high, enveloping backrest. It's a good choice for interiors with a more traditional or eclectic character.

A swivel armchair stands out with a base that allows it to rotate 360 degrees freely, making it particularly practical in open spaces – it allows you to turn towards a conversationalist, TV, or window without getting up. This solution is often chosen for modern living rooms, especially those where the armchair serves as a versatile, multi-purpose seating option.

A classic armchair, on a fixed, immobile base, is the most universal choice – available in countless variations of form, from soft, rounded shapes to more geometric, modern designs. This solution works well in virtually any interior style and usually represents the most stable, durable structural choice.

Relaxation armchairs with recline and footrest functions are also becoming increasingly popular – this is an option for people who primarily seek rest in an armchair after a long day, rather than just an extra seat. Such a relaxation armchair, with a wide backrest and comfortable seat, works perfectly as a personal retreat for rest, whether accompanied by a book, a movie, or simply a moment of silence.

What armchair for a small living room – how to choose the size and form for the floor area?

In small living rooms, the key is to find a model that gives a real sense of comfort without taking up too much floor space. A good starting point is an armchair with a width of up to 80–90 cm, on slender, high legs – the visible space under the seat visually lightens the piece of furniture and makes the room appear larger.

It's also worth considering a swivel armchair instead of a classic, fixed model – thanks to its ability to rotate, one armchair can serve multiple arrangements simultaneously, which can be practical in rooms where there is no space for additional furniture to reconfigure the layout.

The color and texture of the upholstery are just as important in small living rooms as the dimensions themselves. Light, subdued shades optically enlarge the space, while dark, intense colors – though striking – can make a small armchair visually "crowd" the room. If you want a distinctive color accent, a good compromise is an armchair with a compact, light form in an intense color, surrounded by other furniture in light, neutral shades.

What fabric and color for a living room armchair – velour, bouclé, or corduroy?

The choice of fabric affects not only the look of the armchair but also its daily care and durability.

Velour is a fabric valued for its deep sheen and softness to the touch – it works great as a distinctive, decorative accent in the living room, especially in saturated colors like bottle green or deep navy. It requires regular vacuuming, but good quality polyester velour today is surprisingly resistant to everyday use.

Bouclé features a characteristic looped texture that gives the armchair a soft, "fluffy" appearance – this fabric is strongly associated with modern, Scandinavian aesthetics today. Bouclé is pleasant to the touch and effectively conceals minor dirt thanks to its texture, although care is needed when removing stains to avoid tangling the loops.

Corduroy is a fabric with clearly visible ribs, associated with a warm, slightly retro vibe – it works well in living rooms reminiscent of past decades' aesthetics. It is resistant to abrasion and easier to care for than velour, although its characteristic structure occasionally requires gentle combing of the fibers in one direction.

When choosing a color, it's worth following the same principle as with any other upholstered furniture in the living room – one armchair can be a striking color accent, contrasting with the rest of the interior, or an element consistent with other furniture. Both approaches work well, as long as the rest of the room is appropriately subdued and doesn't "compete" for attention with several intense colors simultaneously.

An armchair you want to return to

A well-chosen armchair is more than just an extra seat – it's a personal nook that, over time, becomes one of the favorite spots in your home. It's worth taking a moment to consider its function, size, and fabric, rather than relying solely on first impressions in the store.

If you're looking for a model tailored to your living room, visit Pillovely and check out our armchairs and poufs category – you'll find models in various fabrics, shapes, and colors, suited to the character of your interior.

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