Your essential guide to fabric armchairs

An armchair is a must-have for any room, and is the ideal way to complement the sofas in your living room, to add a splash of colour to a dressing or bedroom, or simply to add a focal point to an empty space. There are plenty of fabric armchairs out there – in thousands of different textures, styles and colours. Whether you are looking to purchase a contrasting armchair to complement a bold sofa suite, or want an accent chair to inject some fun and quirky style into your room, our buyer's guide to fabric armchairs should have all the information you need.

Which type of armchair?

Whether you are looking for a solitary fabric armchair to stand out, or one that complements a sofa in a sitting room, you need to consider the shape, size and style of the chair you need for your space. If your room is decorated in a very contemporary style, the relaxed and modern profile of a low back armchair is a good choice, as this type of chair suits more current furniture trends. Because low back armchairs are shorter in height, they also make great contenders for spaces with low head height areas under eaves.

We're loving the Adam Armchair for a space with a lower ceiling. If you're looking for a fabric armchair that is more modern in style, you may be interested in velvet textures, bold colours and Scandinavian looks to create a point of interest and a sublime place to relax. Our Portland armchair is a great modern armchair with plenty of colour options to choose from – whether you're looking for funky green to striking black! Perhaps you're after a winged armchair, which is the ideal place to snuggle down and watch a movie or read a book. It's also a more traditional style that works well with antique and retro pieces. Dress it up with a cushion and vibrant throw to create a cosy nook.

We suggest the Victoria Armchair in nude tones for a sophisticated feel. If you need more back support when sitting and want a more opulent look, a high back chair is the ideal pick. These types of chair are great for larger rooms, where their higher backs make the chair look larger and in line with its surroundings. For a traditional look, place a pair of high back chairs like the Jefferson next to or opposite each other near a fireplace or bay window.

Consider textures and fabrics

Searching for the right colour and fabric design for your armchair can be a little overwhelming given the variety on offer, but colour matching your room may be easier than you think. To have a bold and eye-catching armchair, you don't have to automatically invest in patterns. A chair with a plain cover can brighten up a room just as well. When you make your choice, consider the textures and fabrics you are naturally drawn to, as well as what will naturally suit the space you are trying to decorate.

Also consider whether you want your fabric to be detachable, so you can wash it (useful if you have pets and children). Some fabrics are also stain treated so that you don't have to worry so much about spillages. Also consider where you will place your chair and how the colour will work in that space in terms of natural light. If you place a very dark armchair near a window, the sun will bleach it over time. A lighter shade may be a better option in this case, and it will also conceal dust.

Where do you place your armchair?

Always measure the space where you intend to place your new armchair, especially if you'll also need room for a coffee table, side table, floor lamps etc. Mark out the dimensions of your chair with tape on the floor to check how much space you will have available. Remember to choose a space where the chair is easy to get into and out of. If it is tucked away into the eaves, remember that a person has got to get up without banging their head on the ceiling! As a rule of thumb, the chair's proportions should fit its space.

However you like to relax and unwind, whether curled up with a book or in front of a box set, a cosy and comfortable armchair is the perfect place to do it. A stylish armchair really adds character and elegance to a room's décor, while creating a welcoming and cosy ambience.