Medium to Firm Armchairs

An armchair has to do more with less space than a sofa does The real differences between our 400+ armchairs come down to depth, arm height and whether the frame swivels, so decide what job the chair is doing in your room first, whether that's a reading corner, an extra seat, or a focal piece, and let that decide how you create your shortlist.

Armchair sizing for your home

Armchairs in our range typically run 83cm to 108cm deep and 84cm to 106cm wide, with an overall height between 63cm and 88cm, a tighter footprint than a sofa but still worth measuring rather than guessing from a photo. A wingback or swivel design generally needs a little more clearance around it than an armless chair, as the wings add depth and a swivel base needs room to turn without catching on a side table or wall.

Brown is popular, with beige, green, white, light grey and cream also common, which gives you room to match an existing scheme. However, as an armchair is usually a single item rather than a matched pair, a bolder colour or fabric carries less risk here than it would across a whole sofa suite.

For a similar single-seat option that reclines, our recliner chairs range is worth comparing before you decide.

Armchair styles in our range

Wingback, swivel and armless designs all sit within the armchair range, alongside accent chairs built more for looks than long sitting sessions. A wingback suits a reading nook where you want head support and a slightly enclosed feel, while a swivel armchair works better in an open-plan room where you might turn to face different parts of the space. Armless lounge chairs give you a slimmer profile for tighter corners. Rattan and open-weave frames also appear in our range for a lighter, more casual look than fully upholstered options.

If you're filling out a full seating area, check our sofas range for a matching or contrasting three seater.

Armchair upholstery options

Velvet, corduroy and leather all turn up regularly across our armchairs, each suited to a different feel in the room. Velvet and corduroy chairs lean into colour and texture, with shades like cobalt, mustard and forest green giving you plenty more than just neutrals to choose from. Leather armchairs, by contrast, tend to sit at the more classic end of our range and wear differently over time than fabric does. Some armchairs also come as a two piece set with a matching ottoman, which is worth choosing if you want a footrest included rather than sourced separately.

An ottoman on its own, rather than as part of a set, is worth a look in our ottomans range too.

Frequently asked questions

How many armchairs does Temple & Webster have in stock?

Our armchair range currently runs to 400+ armchairs. That covers everything from compact accent chairs to larger wingback and swivel designs with colour and material variations expanding this range of choices.

How much space does an armchair need?

You should also allow an extra 40cm to 60cm of clearance around the armchair for comfortable walkways and breathing room. While a compact armless chair can fit neatly into tighter corners, a broader wingback or swivel design generally needs a little more clearance around it to accommodate movement and prevent the room from feeling cramped.

What's the difference between an accent chair and an armchair?

The terms are largely interchangeable, and both describe a single upholstered seat with arms. "Accent chair" tends to signal a more decorative piece rather than an everyday seat, and they sometimes won't have arms either.

Do any armchairs come with a matching ottoman?

Yes, a number of armchairs come as a set with an ottoman included, sold together as a matching pair rather than two separate purchases.

Are rattan armchairs suitable for outdoor use?

Rattan and open-weave armchairs are designed for indoor use, as natural rattan fibres break down, swell, and fade when exposed to rain, moisture, and direct sunlight.