How to choose the perfect armchair

Never underestimate the power of an armchair to transform your living space. That’s why interior stylists, like me, nickname it a ‘statement armchair’ – as it can make (or break) your living room decorating scheme.
Before flexing your credit card on a show-shopping armchair for your home, you need to ask yourself a several very important questions.  That’s why I’ve created my ultimate list of things you need to consider before you buy.


First and foremost, your new armchair has to make your heart sing. OUT LOUD. It has to make you smile as soon as you step in the room. It needs to be the one chair that everyone in your family fights to sit in. It’s the comfiest, coolest bad-ass chair you can own.
For me – as soon as I saw this inspired-vintage-style ‘Edmond‘ armchair from Pib-Home, I knew we were going to be more than just friends. My personal home style is a mix of smart vintage and clever high street buys. That’s why I’m into that antique look but have the quality and durance of brand new armchair. Immediately I knew that Edmond would elevate the look of my living room from okay to yay. How did I know all of this? Research, people – research!


Before your purchase, ask yourself ‘What style am I into?’
There are literary millions of armchair styles out there – and all at wildly varying prices too. How on earth do you decide which one to go for?
My advice – to avoid costly chair purchasing mistakes, you need to do your homework. Have a look at Pinterest and Instgram (check out #proudofpib) and start snapping and saving pictures of armchairs you like the look of.
You will soon build up a picture of the style of armchair you are drawn too. And yes – your phone will be full of photos of chairs! That’s what we want.


Look out for leg styles, fabrics and colours that you like the look of. Little details like this make an armchair stand out from the crowd.
Who hasn’t walked into a room and spotted an amazing armchair – and wanted to sit in it? And have your photo taken in It (or is that just me?)
Once you have decided what statement armchair you like….
…next you need to set a budget.

You won’t believe how much the cost of armchairs can vary. For example, the iconic Egg chair a design that dates back to the late 1950, has a £11,000 price tag in the Conran Shop for the new version. GULP!
If you don’t have a spare few thousand ££ knocking around – then you can to source a ‘similar’ style of chair for way less. You can track down lots of affordable reproductions versions – just have a hunt on-line.

Let’s chat about Colour + Fabric
Okay – so you’ve found your dream armchair. And it’s perfect. But it comes in a 100 different fabrics, colours and patterns. Overwhelmed again? Let me let you into a style secret – an armchair doesn’t have to be upholstered in a bold colour or vibrant pattern to make a statement.
There, I said it!
A neutral armchair with chic finish is like a classic Chanel handbag, totally timeless and will never go out of fashion. Effectively, the chair I have picked is just a simple linen armchair BUT – look at the rough finish (so it looks like the covers have been ripped off), the dark wooden fame, the buttoned back, the tuffs detailed on the back, the wheels on the front legs….need I go on?
All these elements make this armchair above the bar of normal chairs. Now imagine it in a colour – like hot pink, or a pattern – awful right? These significant details would get completely lost.
Shape and style is way more important than colour choice. Hold that in mind. As you can always reupholster it, but you can never change the shape.



Okay, now ask yourself ‘Will it fit in my home’?
The biggest mistake I’ve noticed people making, is they have picked an armchair that is way too big (or too small) for the space. Take into account when buying your armchair that the scroll of the legs, the curve of the arms and the slope of the back will all eat into your room.
Make sure you get the full measurements of your chair and check it will fit before you buy.


Tricks to styling your armchair into your existing room scheme
A statement armchair needs room to breathe in your space. There is no point buying the best-looking chair in the world, then crushing it into a tiny corner or covering it with a ton of cushions.
Don’t push the chair up against the wall, allow some room behind for the chair to sit proudly in its’ chosen spot.
IMHO a statement chair looks better alone rather than in pairs. Just saying.

Have I tempted you to rethink your armchair choice? I’d love to know. 
It was lovely to hang with you today. Keep popping by the blog for more stylist’s tips and advice from me – I’ve got a garden makeover to reveal, as well as some ideas for sexy tap and a new take on Hygee – all coming up in the next month or two.
If you want to see my styling work in action, on sale this month is my big shoot with Good Homes magazine which has an amazing statement armchair on the cover!
*** Disclaimer.This was a collaborative post, and I was given product to review. All words, photos and opinions my own. I only work with companies I really rate and think you will too. Thanks for supporting WeLoveHome by just stopping by!