The best armchairs have the ability to transform our living rooms into havens of comfort, preferably whilst making a style statement. Whether you’re looking to get cosy with a good book in a high back armchair or go bold with a luxurious velvet accent chair, we’ve shopped around for the crème de la crème of 2024’s solo seating, from the clean-lined and minimalist to the unapologetically opulent and plush. No longer a mere sidekick to the sofa, the contemporary armchair is demanding attention with bold designs and rich upholstery. This is all about creating a striking contrast, so forget about the matchy-matchy three-piece suites of yesteryear.
For those who crave a touch of mid-century modern, the sleek lines of retro designs are irresistible. These angular furniture pieces, often made with exposed wooden armrests and tapered wooden legs, are effortlessly cool. But when it comes to exuding luxury, nothing beats the classic leather armchair. High back leather armchairs provide excellent support, making them perfect for long evenings spent with a glass of wine or a gripping read – and you can pair it with a stylish coffee table and a footstool for the ultimate lounge experience.
2024’s upholstery trends are all about texture. Boucle, with its nubby, cosy feel; and velvet, with its plush, opulent touch, are the stars of the show. These materials transform an ordinary armchair into a stand-out piece. The variety of swatches available means you can find the perfect fit for your home decor, whether it’s perfectly minimalist or has more of a luxe vibe.
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or comfort. The market is brimming with small armchairs that pack a punch. These compact wonders are perfect for creating a chic reading nook or adding a pop of colour to a corner. Think swivel armchairs that offer flexibility and style, or petite club chairs that exude charm without overwhelming your space. A small armchair can be just as impactful as its larger counterparts, especially when paired with complementary living room furniture like a pouffe or even a loveseat that also saves on floorspace.
Our roundup of the best armchairs proves that comfort and style are no longer mutually exclusive. Whether you’re shopping for a club chair, a wingback, or a stand-out occasional chair in chic linen stripes, there’s something for everyone: permission to transform your living space into a stylish sanctuary. Cosy up, your perfect chair awaits.
The best armchairs – at a glance
- Best swivel armchair: Sacremento Accent Chair, £499, Where Saints Go
- Best traditional style armchair: Finley Armchair, Inky Windmill Stripe, Rowen & Wren
- Best mid-century inspired armchair: Nadia Caned Accent Chair, £898, Anthropologie
- Best affordable velvet armchair: Celine Velvet Accent Chair, £170, Argos
- Best high-back armchair: Louise Natural Linen Armchair, £795, Graham & Green
What is the best armchair to buy in 2024?
Obviously how an armchair looks is the first thing you’ll pay attention to when it comes to picking one. But perhaps the most important factor in choosing the best armchair is how comfortable it is. It’s all well and good having an aesthetically pleasing armchair until it’s uncomfortable when you actually use it. If posture is your main concern, look to high-back armchairs such as this John Lewis Fireside Armchair, or this Ambrose design from Graham and Green.
How we tested the best armchairs
Using insights from product reviews and data on trending searches, alongside our own real-life testing, we’ve curated a selection of the best armchairs for 2024. By diving deep into customer feedback and rigorously evaluating materials for quality and durability, we’ve sifted through the good, the bad, and the downright ugly, so you don’t have to.
When it comes to finding the best armchairs, we’re all about longevity and style. Our aim is to find pieces that will stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal, so if a product falls short, you’ll be the first to know.
After more furniture content? Head this way for bed frames to update your bedroom – or low platform bed frames for a minimalist bedroom update – and over here for the best sofas to buy now and keep for years. Not to mention boucle chairs, and we’ve also found bedside tables, rugs, floor lamps, small space dining tables and coffee tables.