How to Choose an Armchair or Lounge Chair

• Choose your chair based on how you plan to use it.
• Armchairs provide upright support for socialising and everyday activities, while lounge chairs are made for a deeper form of relaxation.
• Prioritise quality materials and proven craftsmanship from heritage brands.
• Measure your room and access points carefully before you buy.
• Try the chair in person to ensure the comfort, scale and style are right for you.

Your friends are all tracking their Strava data, every other item on the shelf is packed with protein, and another Pilates studio has just opened up on the high street. We're undoubtedly in an era where movement is more encouraged than ever for the benefit of both our physical and mental health. Great. But as we spend more of our time moving, the time we spend relaxing becomes ever more sacred. Let's face it: at times, we have to get off our feet. You're probably sitting reading this right now. So why not do it in the most comfortable, stylish way possible?

What you need is a lounge chair ... or is it an armchair? Actually, what is the difference? What material should you go for? Will it be right for the job? All questions we're taking on in our all-encompassing guide that has everything covered (or uncovered, depending on preference) when deciding on your future lounge or armchair.

Kick back, relax and let us do the rest. Don't forget to come and try them for yourself at our showroom when you're done reading.

The logical among us would say, "One has arms, and one doesn't." but beyond that, it's in their usage. When we recommend an armchair, it is for a more practical purpose: a high back, rigid in angle and that still keeps you comfortable while doing an activity. They're often part of a wider lounge setting and pair well with a sofa, making them more sociable by nature. They often vary in size, for example small armchairs are perfect for apartments looking to add a layer of luxury.

A lounge chair, however, should be more of a living room-based cocoon. A standalone seating solution, instantly enveloping the user. Not something for completing tasks in (other than maybe a few chapters of your reading list), letting minutes turn to hours. Even a quick nap if your schedule permits. In our eyes they're as much of a bedroom chair as they are a lounge piece. Offering so much in terms of peace, that it acts as a secondary bed.

For the sake of continuity, the occasional chair is like the diet version of an armchair. Imagine a dining chair that takes offers itself to the corner of a room or a reading nook but would likely look out of place next to a sofa. They operate as practical seating solution but also a decorative item to embellish a space.

Both armchairs and lounge chairs are high-use pieces of furniture; they're often in the living room, which means they're a favourite of residents and guests alike. So, yes, they have to look good, but few pieces in your house need to be for repeated use by people of all shapes and sizes. Habits and hobbies. Prioritise two main things. What it is made of and how it was made. The rest is a matter of individual needs.

Let's break it down. 1) Materials: Look for seating solutions that make a point of using the finest ingredients. The most durable timbers like oak or ash if you're going for a Scandi look. High-grade leather for that modern warmth. While it sounds like stating the obvious, the better the quality of the materials, the better the experience. Next up, 2) Manufacturing: History is the key to your future furniture. Buy from brands that have been doing what they do for decades, if not longer. With lifetimes of experience behind their manufacturing process and time-tested, durable joinery you can trust to last.

What you'll be using your new chair for will play a huge part in your decision. Functionality dictates material, size, shape, placement and features you'll need. The way we see it, armchairs should be comfortable enough that you can do anything for hours, while lounge chairs are comfortable enough that you could fall asleep for hours without doing anything.

So if you want a piece for a reading nook, or watching a whole season of your favourite series, you'll want an armchair that keeps you upright, elevated and on task. Durable in material like leather and compact in size to fit in with the rest of the room. Contrastingly, make sure your lounge chair is reclining, softly upholstered in wool or velvet and go big; make it the main event. Not forgetting those of you looking for an occasional chair, you want light, mobile and finish that will blend with the surrounding space, nothing too bold or eye-catching.

While the possibilities are endless in terms of the upholstery and style, one of the few things you cannot change while picking out new lounge seating is the size of the actual lounge. Spatial planning is a key consideration when narrowing down your options. Spare no detail when it comes to dimensions. Figure the footprint, seat height, and even the backrest to make sure it is the perfect fit.

Ensure it doesn't overwhelm the space and fits the rest of the setting. It should create a physical pathway throughout the room that allows people to circulate freely between sofa and seating. Leave room for accompanying side tables and account for unique parts of the architectural structure.

TOP TIP: As with any furniture purchase, the chair has to get to its intended destination in one piece (or at least several un-damaged ones). Does it fit through all door frames? Will you need specialist delivery to a high floor? Depending on the retailer you're dealing with, they will remember to ask you this, but on the off chance they don't check, ask.

Now, while your choice will be entirely down to personal preference, sometimes it helps to know the legends of design; after all, they have achieved that status for a reason. A mixture of their pioneering style, brand heritage, and incredible build quality makes them, in our eyes, front-runners for your consideration.

Throughout furniture history, lounge chairs have been something of a symbolic representation for each of their specific design styles. Scandi interiors have Arne Jacobsen's acclaimed Egg Chair, and Mid-century has the instantly recognisable Eames Lounge chair, the historic Bauhaus has its Wassily chair and of course the Italian modern has gentle giants like the Soriana by Cassina or the Camaleonda by B&B Italia.

There is no better research than sampling different furniture options for yourself. Being embraced by the richness and warmth of a leather lounge chair, witnessing the majesty of an authentic Eames lounge chair in person, really gives you a feel of the investment you're about to make. Emotions aside, trying a piece for the first time is almost infinitely better for customer satisfaction. Being able to make a decision based on personal comfort and visual preference almost guarantees long-term satisfaction.

It is why our 25,000 sq ft physical space has been our crowning contribution to design in London for the last 30 years. A place where you can sample designs from across the interior spectrum. Visiting our showroom allows you access to the rarest designs and the latest in luxury. You can also look to purchase your new lounge seating with us online through our extensive collection of armchairs and lounge chairs in countless finishes and upholsteries.