Armchairs

Armchairs buying guide

The Armchairs category covers compact accent seating and deeper lounge-style designs, with fixed and reclining options. It can suit a quieter corner, sit beside larger Sofas, or provide a more supportive chair for regular everyday use.

Most pieces are single-seat designs, but the feel can vary with width, depth and the shape of the back and arms. Some sit around 79 to 128cm wide and 80 to 103cm deep, so it helps to measure the floor area and the space you want to leave around the chair for side tables, foot traffic and a relaxed seating position.

If you are comparing options for a living room, reading corner or snug, think about both the footprint and the look you want to achieve. Some designs are neat and compact, while others feel more generous, so the same category can cover very different uses without changing the basic single-seat format.

How much space should you allow?

Allow enough room for the chair itself and for easy movement around it. Smaller examples start from 67cm wide and 67cm deep, while larger pieces reach 164cm wide and 115cm deep, so a compact reading corner and a generous recliner do not need the same footprint. If the chair is going into a bay window, snug or the end of a sofa arrangement, check the available walkway as well as the opening size of doors, hallways and stair turns before ordering.

Recliner models are also strongly represented, so if comfort while reading or watching television matters more than a compact outline, they are worth considering. Recliners usually need extra operating space, so remember to account for clearance in front of the chair and behind it rather than measuring only the closed dimensions.

What back height means

Back height affects how visually substantial a chair feels in the room and how much upper-body support it offers. Across this category, heights typically fall between 83 and 109cm, with some lower-profile pieces from 54cm and taller designs up to 113cm. Lower shapes can help a room feel more open, while taller backs can create a more cocooning seat beside a fireplace or TV area.

Armchairs materials and styles

Choice often comes down to the balance between appearance and how you want the seat to work day to day. Modern and contemporary looks are the most common here, with some mid-century, traditional and Scandinavian influences too, so there is a clear lean towards cleaner shapes rather than heavily decorative forms.

Fixed designs suit layouts where you want a neat footprint and a chair that stays in line with the rest of your seating. If you prefer a textured, softer finish, browse Fabric Armchairs. For a sleeker look with more defined lines, Leather Armchairs are a useful place to compare finishes.

Materials and colours shape both the look of the chair and the routine care it will need. Fabric is by far the main upholstery choice in this category, with leather and smaller numbers of faux leather options also available, so the overall selection leans towards softer-touch finishes and upholstered comfort.

Fabric designs can bring a warmer, more relaxed feel and often work well when you want the chair to blend with curtains, rugs and cushions. Leather and faux leather options tend to give a sharper outline and are usually straightforward to wipe down, while still benefiting from regular care suited to the upholstery type.

On colour, grey is the most common route, followed by brown and beige, with smaller pockets of black, blue, green, taupe and cream. If you want a softer neutral, see Beige Armchairs. For a versatile urban neutral, Grey Armchairs are especially well represented. Some shoppers also compare Brown Armchairs and Grey Recliner Chairs, depending on whether the priority is colour or a more comfort-led outline.

Armchairs delivery assembly and finance

Delivery and assembly for this category are fairly straightforward because most items are supplied assembled, while smaller proportions are part assembled or flat packed. CFS advertises free standard delivery, and optional assembly is available on selected products only, so it is worth checking the individual product page and checkout for the exact service available on the chair you choose.

Finance options and a 50% deposit option are also available subject to CFS terms and eligibility. Because availability can vary by item, the product page is the best place to confirm delivery, assembly and finance details before you buy. When comparing options, starting with colour, then upholstery and finally size can keep the decision simple while still leaving room for a style that suits your existing furniture. Armchairs often work best when the practical checks come first and the finish comes second.