How to choose the perfect chair: comfort, design and what no one tells you before you buy

An armchair is much more than just an additional seat. It is that personal corner that invites you to pause, to enjoy, to consciously rest. A good armchair can completely change the dynamic of a living room, not only in functional but also in aesthetic terms. It provides balance, reinforces the style of the space and, when well chosen, becomes the silent protagonist.

The impact of a well-placed armchair should not be underestimated: it can open up a reading corner where there was none, harmonise an empty corner or simply provide the perfect place to settle down at the end of the day. But to make it work, you have to know how to choose it.

And this is where the real challenge begins.

Why do you need a seat? Define its function

Before talking about styles, colours or materials, there is one key question: what do you want your armchair for? It seems simple, but it answers much more than an aesthetic need.

Will it be a main seat in your living area or an auxiliary piece of furniture for guests? Will you use it for reading, watching TV or as a decorative resource?

In my case, for example, although I was looking for an armchair (the same criteria apply), I started by asking myself what I was really going to use it for. Was I going to need comfortable armrests, was I looking for an upright or reclining posture, should it be a rather neutral piece or should it allow me to play with the design?

These types of questions save you time and mistakes.

If it’s for reading, make sure it has a high, comfortable backrest. If it’s for television, perhaps a reclining backrest is a plus. If it’s decorative, choose one that adds personality. But the important thing is that its function defines its characteristics, not the other way round.

Size and proportion: a perfect fit for your space

One of the most frequent doubts when choosing an armchair is the size. And this is where aesthetics, ergonomics and, above all, spatial logic come into play. Because a wonderful armchair in a catalogue can be a disaster if it doesn’t fit well in your living room.

I learned this by facing the typical situation of measuring wrong. That’s why I always recommend: draw the floor plan of your living room and try out different configurations before deciding. Don’t just place an imaginary armchair: try several options, consider the natural flow of the space and think about how it would look with other furniture around it.

A clear example: individual armchairs are usually between 70 and 90 cm wide. The wider, lounge-type seats can be up to 110 cm. But beyond their individual size, it is essential to measure the free area left for circulation. Do not place the seat in an area where it obstructs the passage.

If you have little space, a swivel chair can work without the need to move it constantly. If you have plenty of space, you can even opt for a pair of symmetrical armchairs.

And remember: it’s not all about width. Depth counts too. We often choose seats that “look good” but are uncomfortable because the backrest steals too much space from the actual seat. This brings us to the next point.

Design and style: coherence with your decoration

This is where the visual magic happens or gets ruined. The armchair should dialogue with the rest of the furniture, not compete with it (unless you want it to be the focus of the space). Choose a style that accompanies the visual language of the room, but also has a life of its own.

For example, if your living room is minimalist, an armchair with slim lines and neutral tones will work perfectly. If your space is more eclectic, you can play with different colours or textures, while maintaining an overall coherence. A foolproof trick: choose a material or colour in common with another piece of furniture in the living room to maintain harmony.

I, for example, had a very clear stylistic line: I wanted something modern but with a warm touch. I opted for a slightly curved shape, which would soften the right angles of my sofa, and with a fabric that would give warmth without being rustic.

The essential thing is to have a clear intention. Style should not be a visual whim, but an extension of your space and your personality.

Upholstery and materials: from luxury to everyday use

The choice of material is not a minor detail. On the contrary, it is one of the most strategic decisions. Why? Because upholstery defines aesthetics, comfort, maintenance and budget.

In my case, I was faced with decisions such as: leather or linen? microfibre or velvet? Each has advantages and disadvantages. Eco-leather, for example, can be easy to clean but uncomfortable in summer. Linen is elegant and breathable, but more expensive and delicate. Corduroy is cosy but can be warm in hot climates.

Think also about who will be using the seat – do you have pets, children, is it going to be near a window with lots of sun? Is it for daily or occasional use?

Remember also that an armchair can require between 12 and 16 metres of fabric, so a bad choice can make the furniture very expensive or ruin its durability.

My advice: choose the upholstery with the same rigour as you would choose the main sofa, because the actual use will be similar.

Comfort and ergonomics: sit down and decide

This is undoubtedly the most important point. You can have the most beautiful chair in the world, but if it’s not comfortable, it won’t work. And there’s no other way of knowing that than to try it out.

I learned this the hard way. There are seats that look perfect, but when you sit down you realise that the backrest is too straight, the seat too soft or the armrests non-existent. So, if you can, go and sit down.

In my research, I also noticed how the type of upholstery influences. In the seat, using soft pads of different densities makes the difference between a soft or firm seat. And in the backrest, the use of silicone fleece offers that “cuddly” feeling that many of us love.

Another crucial point is the usable depth. Many seats have a very thick backrest that leaves little room for sitting. To avoid this, check the free seat measurement, i.e. from the edge to the start of the backrest. This is the true measure of comfort.

And finally, the armrests: do you need them high, low, padded, structural? It all depends on what you are going to use them for.

Colour and textures: from safe neutrals to bold tones

The choice of colour is linked to the style, but also to the prominence you want to give to the armchair.

One strategy I used was this: if the chair was going to be central, I looked for a powerful colour. If it was just another element, I preferred something neutral. I also made sure that the colour was in dialogue with other elements in the space: a rug, a cushion, a painting.

Neutrals like grey, beige or taupe work in almost any space. But if your living room is already very neutral, an armchair in mustard, olive green or petrol blue can give it that touch that changes everything.

And watch out for textures: the same fabric in different textures can generate different sensations. A soft corduroy, a linen with a weft, a shiny velvet… It is not only visual, but also tactile.

The key is: choose with intention. Not because it’s fashionable, but because it fits you and your home.

Added extras: footrests, recliners and versatility

There are armchairs that are more than just seats. Do you like to rest your feet? A matching footrest is a must. Do you love to nap or read while reclining? Consider a recliner.

In my experience, these “extras” make the difference between just another piece of furniture and your favourite place in the house. Even if you don’t use them every day, knowing they are there enhances the experience.

Another important point is mobility: some chairs have discreet castors or swivel frames that allow you to move them easily or change their orientation effortlessly. This is useful if you use it in different activities or environments.

And if we talk about versatility, also think about whether that model can change location over time. A good armchair should be adaptable. I, for example, chose one that matched the living room, but it could also be perfect in my bedroom if I decided to move it one day.

Common mistakes when choosing a seat and how to avoid them

After all this process, there are mistakes that I see repeated over and over again. Here I summarise them for you, so that you can avoid them:

• Buying without measuring: The classic. Bringing a seat that doesn’t fit properly.

• Choose only for aesthetics: You like it in the photo, but it is uncomfortable or doesn’t go with anything.

• Not trying it: You think it will be comfortable, and then you are surprised… negatively.

• Forgetting maintenance: Fabrics that are not easy to clean or that wear out in the sun.

• Not considering the real use: Buying a decorative armchair when you need one to read every day.

• Ignoring harmony: Colours or styles that clash with the rest of the decoration.

The best way to avoid all this is to make a clear list of what you need, measure your space, try before you buy (if you can), and think long term.

Your perfect seat is closer than you think.

Choosing the perfect armchair is not just a question of design, it’s a mix of functionality, comfort and coherence with your real life.

I discovered it after making mistakes, trying out models, thinking about every detail. Because when you find that armchair that embraces you, that looks perfect in your favourite corner and that invites you to sit down every day… you know you’ve made the right decision.

So don’t be in a hurry. Observe, measure, test, decide with intention. Because that armchair that is now just a project may soon be your new favourite place in the world.