How to Choose the Perfect Armchair for Your Living Room

Lexi armchair, Mint green house velvet

Before shopping, measure your available floor space and consider the armchair's overall width, depth and height. Remember that the dimensions listed for a chair should be considered alongside the space required to sit down, relax comfortably and move around it.

What to Measure Before Buying

• Width: Check that the armchair fits comfortably beside your sofa, coffee table or other furniture without obstructing walkways.
• Depth: Consider how far the chair extends into the room, particularly if you have a narrow living area.
• Height: Compare the chair's backrest with your sofa and surrounding furniture to create a balanced visual arrangement.
• Seat height and depth: These measurements affect how easily you can sit down, stand up and rest your feet on the floor.
• Doorways and access routes: Measure entrance doors, corridors, lifts and staircases to ensure the chair can be delivered into your home.
  

As a practical starting point, try to preserve approximately 75–90 cm of clear space along main walkways where your room allows. This is a planning guideline rather than a strict rule; the ideal clearance depends on your layout and how people move through the space.

Which Armchair Size Works Best?

For smaller living rooms, consider a compact design with a relatively slim profile and raised legs. These features can help the room feel less visually crowded.

In a spacious living room, a wider armchair with a deeper seat or more substantial silhouette can create a comfortable focal point. If you plan to place two armchairs together, remember to account for the space between them and any side table.

A useful tip: Mark the proposed armchair footprint on the floor with masking tape before purchasing. This simple step helps you visualise the chair's size and assess whether it will interfere with nearby furniture or walking routes.

3. Prioritise Comfort and Ergonomic Support

An attractive armchair should feel just as good as it looks. Since comfort depends on your body proportions and sitting habits, it is worth considering the chair's construction and dimensions rather than relying solely on product photographs.

Seat Height and Depth

Seat height affects how easily you can get into and out of the chair. If the seat is too high, your feet may not rest comfortably on the floor. If it is too low, standing up may require more effort.

Seat depth matters too. A deeper seat can be ideal for lounging, while a shallower seat may offer better support for people who prefer to sit upright. Ideally, when seated, you should be able to rest your feet comfortably and avoid excessive pressure behind your knees.

Backrest and Armrest Support

A supportive backrest helps you maintain a comfortable sitting position. If you enjoy reading or spending long periods in your armchair, consider a design that supports your upper back and provides enough room to change positions.

Armrests should allow your arms to rest naturally without forcing your shoulders upwards. Their width and shape also influence how spacious the chair feels.

Cushioning and Frame Construction

Soft cushions may feel inviting initially, but the right level of firmness depends on your preferences. Firmer cushioning often provides a more structured sitting experience, while softer cushioning can create a relaxed, sink-in feel.

The internal frame and suspension also influence long-term comfort and durability. Check the manufacturer's information about frame materials, cushion fillings, weight capacity and care requirements.

If possible, test an armchair in person by sitting in your usual position, leaning back and standing up again. A chair should feel comfortable for your everyday activities, not simply look appealing in a showroom. Come try our armchairs at our Oval Damansara TTDI showroom.

4. Select Upholstery That Matches Your Lifestyle

Kansas armchair, Tan premium faux leather

Upholstery affects the appearance, texture, maintenance and everyday practicality of your armchair. The best material depends on how frequently the chair will be used, whether you have children or pets, and the atmosphere you want to create in your living room.

Velvet: For a Luxurious Finish

Velvet upholstery offers a soft texture and rich appearance that can make an armchair stand out. Depending on the colour and design, it works beautifully in contemporary, glamorous and classic interiors.

Velvet is particularly appealing if you want to introduce depth or a statement colour. However, maintenance requirements vary by fabric construction, so check the Furniture & Choice’s cleaning instructions before purchasing.

Woven Fabric: For Everyday Versatility

Woven upholstery is available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures like house plush fabric and linen-weaves. It can suit minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired and contemporary homes, making it a versatile choice for everyday seating.

For a frequently used armchair, look for fabric with suitable abrasion resistance and clearly stated cleaning instructions. If spills are a concern, consider upholstery designed for easier cleaning or stain resistance.

Faux Leather: For a Sleek, Modern Look

Faux leather creates a smooth, streamlined appearance that complements modern and contemporary interiors. Its surface can generally be wiped clean with a suitable damp cloth, making it a practical option for some households.

However, faux leather varies in quality and finish. Avoid harsh cleaning products, follow the care label and keep the material away from excessive heat or prolonged direct sunlight to help maintain its appearance.

How to Choose the Best Upholstery

Your priority	What to consider
A luxurious appearance	Velvet with a rich colour or subtle sheen
Versatile everyday styling	Woven fabric in a colour that complements your existing furniture
Easy surface cleaning	Faux leather with important care instructions
A textured, cosy interior	Upholstery with a tactile weave or pronounced texture
A busy household	Durable, easy-care upholstery suitable for your expected level of use

 

No material is automatically the best choice for every home. Consider durability, cleaning requirements, comfort and appearance together before making your decision.

5. Choose an Armchair Colour That Complements Your Interior

Colour can influence the entire mood of your living room. A neutral armchair creates a calm, understated look, while a more vibrant shade can introduce personality and become a focal point.

The trick is to coordinate the armchair with your existing colour palette without making everything look identical.

Neutral Colours for a Timeless Look

Beige, cream, taupe and grey are versatile choices that work well with many interior styles. They complement wooden furniture, neutral sofas and natural textures, making them suitable for homes where flexibility is important.

Neutral upholstery can also make it easier to refresh your décor later by changing cushions, rugs or accessories.

Bold Colours for a Statement Piece

If your living room features neutral walls and a simple sofa, an armchair in navy blue, burgundy, mustard yellow or green can introduce a striking contrast.

For example, a green velvet armchair can complement warm wood finishes and cream upholstery, while a burgundy chair can add depth to a room with beige or light grey furniture.

Match Tones Rather Than Exact Colours

Your armchair does not need to match your sofa precisely. Instead, look for complementary tones, similar undertones or colours that already appear in your rug, artwork or cushions.

A useful approach is to repeat the armchair's colour in one or two smaller accessories. This creates a cohesive appearance without making the room feel overly coordinated.

Before committing to an upholstery colour, consider your room's lighting. Natural daylight and warm indoor lighting can make the same fabric appear noticeably different, so check colour samples in your actual living space whenever possible.

6. Find the Best Placement for Your Armchair

Where you position an armchair can determine whether it feels like a natural part of your living room or an isolated piece of furniture. Good placement considers the room's focal point, available light, conversation areas and everyday movement.

Beside Your Sofa

Placing an armchair beside your sofa creates additional seating and helps form a more complete living room arrangement. Choose a design that complements your sofa's proportions, but do not be afraid to introduce a contrasting shape or upholstery colour.

Angle the chair slightly towards the sofa if you want to encourage conversation.

Kansas sofa collection

Near a Window

A window-side armchair can create an inviting spot for reading, enjoying a morning coffee or taking a quiet break. Pair it with a small side table and a floor lamp if space permits.

If the window receives strong direct sunlight, consider how it may affect the upholstery over time.

In an Empty Corner

An unused corner can become a functional part of the room with the addition of an armchair. A compact chair, a floor lamp and a small table can turn an overlooked area into a cosy reading nook.

Avoid filling every available gap with accessories. Leaving some breathing room around the chair helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

Opposite Another Seat

If you regularly entertain guests, positioning an armchair opposite or at an angle to the sofa can create a more sociable seating arrangement. Make sure people can converse comfortably without twisting awkwardly or sitting too far apart.

7. Plan Your Living Room Layout Around the Armchair

Even the perfect armchair may look out of place if the surrounding furniture is poorly arranged. Think about how the chair relates to your sofa, coffee table, rug, television and main walkways.

For a balanced living room, aim to create a clear seating zone rather than scattering furniture around the room.

Keep Movement Flowing

Leave enough space for people to move between the sofa, armchair and other parts of the home. Avoid positioning the chair directly in front of doorways or where it blocks access to cabinets and frequently used storage.

In an open-plan home, the armchair can also help define the living area without the need for physical partitions.

Consider the Coffee Table

The armchair should be positioned so that drinks, books and other everyday items remain within comfortable reach. Check that the table is not so close that it restricts legroom or makes it difficult to enter and leave the seat.

If you have limited floor space, a small side table may be a more suitable companion than a large coffee table.

Use Rugs to Define the Seating Area

A rug can visually connect your armchair with the sofa and other furniture. Where the room allows, position the front legs of the seating pieces on the rug to create a cohesive arrangement.

In smaller rooms, a carefully sized rug can still help define the seating zone without covering the entire floor.

Create Balance Without Matching Everything

Matching armchairs can create symmetry, particularly in larger living rooms. However, a single accent chair can look equally effective when balanced with a floor lamp, side table or another visually interesting element.

For a more relaxed interior, mix complementary shapes and textures while keeping the overall colour palette consistent.

8. Explore Armchair Styles to Suit Your Home

Once you have considered size, comfort, upholstery and placement, you can focus on finding a design that reflects your interior style.

Furniture & Choice Malaysia offers armchairs in a range of silhouettes, colours and upholstery options, allowing you to find a design that complements your home.

Amelie Armchair: For a Statement-Making Interior

The Amelie Armchair by ELLE Home is worth considering if you want a distinctive accent piece. Its available upholstery options include lemon ultra-soft weave, grey velvet, moss green velvet and navy velvet.

A brighter shade can add energy to a neutral living room, while grey or navy can create a more understated focal point.

Explore the Amelie Armchair and available colours.

Lexi Armchair: For Versatile Contemporary Styling

 

The Lexi Armchair is a versatile option for living rooms that need an additional seat without an overly elaborate design. Available upholstery options include velvet fabric in beige, cream, blue, mint green and burgundy, as well as premium faux leather in selected colours such as light grey and tan.

Choose a neutral finish for a subtle look or a richer colour to add contrast to your existing furniture.

Explore the Lexi Armchair collection.

Lucia Armchair: For Colour and Texture

 

The Lucia Armchair offers a variety of upholstery colours, including selected shades of green, taupe, grey, ivory, blue and burnt orange. This makes it worth exploring if you want to coordinate your armchair with an existing colour scheme or introduce a contrasting accent.

A green or burnt-orange finish can bring warmth and character to a neutral interior, while taupe or ivory can support a softer, more understated look.

Explore the Lucia Armchair collection.

Kansas Armchair: For a Sleek, Modern Look

 

The Kansas Armchair is available in premium faux leather options such as tan, black, light grey and ivory. These finishes can complement contemporary interiors, particularly those featuring clean lines, understated colours and simple accessories.

Consider tan for a warmer look or black for a more defined contrast against lighter walls and flooring.

Explore the Kansas Armchair collection.

Elise Armchair: For an Elegant Accent

 

The Elise Armchair is another option to consider if you prefer a more polished interior. Available finishes include champagne and navy blue house velvet, offering different ways to introduce colour and texture into your living room.

Champagne can complement a soft neutral palette, while navy blue can create a stronger visual anchor.

Explore the Elise Armchair collection.

9. Check Practical Details Before You Buy

Before making your final decision, review the details that can affect your long-term satisfaction with the armchair.

• Frame construction: Check the materials used and the manufacturer's information about durability and weight capacity.
• Cushion maintenance: Find out whether the cushions are suitable for professional cleaning.
• Upholstery care: Understand the recommended cleaning method and whether specialist products are required.
• Delivery access: Confirm the assembled dimensions and whether the chair can pass through your entrance, corridor or staircase.
• Warranty and after-sales support: Review the applicable warranty coverage and the process for obtaining assistance if an issue arises.
• Budget: Compare the price with the chair's construction, upholstery, features and expected use rather than choosing on appearance alone.

Taking the time to review these details can help you select an armchair that fits your home and remains practical for everyday living.

Find Your Perfect Armchair with Furniture & Choice Malaysia

Choosing the right armchair is about finding a balance between comfort, proportion, practicality and personal style. By considering how you will use it, measuring your living room carefully, choosing suitable upholstery and planning its placement, you can create a seating area that feels both inviting and visually cohesive.

Whether you are furnishing a compact apartment, creating a dedicated reading corner or adding a statement piece to a spacious living room, the right armchair can make your home feel more complete.

Explore the Furniture & Choice’s armchair collection to discover designs in different colours, upholstery materials and styles for your living space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Armchair

1. Should an armchair match my sofa?

Not necessarily. An armchair can complement your sofa without matching it exactly. Coordinate the pieces through colour undertones, upholstery textures, leg finishes or overall design style. A contrasting armchair can add personality, while a similar neutral shade creates a more understated look.

2. Can I place an armchair in front of a window?

Yes, provided it does not obstruct access or make the room feel crowded. A window-side armchair can be ideal for reading or relaxing. However, consider direct sunlight, which may gradually fade some upholstery materials, and leave enough space for curtains or blinds to operate properly.

3. What type of armchair works best in a small living room? 

Look for an armchair with proportions that suit your available space. Slim legs and a less bulky silhouette can help the room feel more open, but always check the chair’s overall width and depth. Leave enough room to sit comfortably and move around nearby furniture.

4. How do I stop my armchair from sliding on a hard floor?

Use non-slip furniture pads beneath the armchair’s feet to help prevent sliding. Choose pads suitable for your flooring, and check them regularly for wear or trapped dirt that could scratch the floor.

5. Can an armchair be used outside the living room?

Yes. Depending on its design and upholstery, an armchair can work in a bedroom, home office, dressing area or reading nook. Before placing it in a different room, consider the available floor space, the intended use and whether the chair's material is suitable for the environment.