Best Armchairs UK 2025: Comfortable Reading Chairs for Every Budget

The perfect armchair transforms an empty corner into your favorite spot in the house—the place you read, relax, scroll your phone, or hide from responsibilities with a cup of tea. Yet buying the wrong armchair means months of discomfort, buyer's remorse, and a £400 mistake gathering dust (or worse, ending up on Facebook Marketplace).

This comprehensive guide eliminates guesswork with expert reviews of the UK's best armchairs in 2025, covering every budget from £100 IKEA basics to £800 John Lewis investments. Based on thousands of customer reviews, comfort testing, and interior design principles that work in real British homes.

Why the Right Armchair Matters

The wrong armchair causes daily annoyance:

Back pain from poor lumbar support
Too deep/shallow seat (uncomfortable posture)
Arms too high/low (awkward positioning)
Doesn't fit room scale
Fabric stains or wears quickly
Style clashes with existing furniture

The perfect armchair becomes your sanctuary: comfort for hours, proper support, fits your body proportions, matches your room, and lasts years with proper care.

What Makes a Great Armchair? (Non-Negotiable Features)

1. Seat Depth (Most Critical Dimension)

Seat depth = measurement from backrest to front of seat cushion

Standard seat depths:

Shallow (45-55cm): Best for shorter people (under 5'6"), upright reading/working
Medium (55-65cm): Best for average heights (5'6"-5'10"), balanced comfort
Deep (65-75cm): Best for taller people (5'10"+), lounging/curling up

Test it: Sit with back against backrest. Knees should bend comfortably at front edge without gap behind your back or cutting into back of knees.

2. Seat Height (Underestimated but Essential)

Seat height = floor to top of seat cushion

Standard seat heights:

Low (38-43cm): Modern aesthetic, lounging, younger users
Medium (43-48cm): Universal comfort, most versatile
High (48-53cm): Easier to get in/out, ideal for older users, traditional style

Test it: Feet should rest flat on floor when seated, thighs roughly parallel to ground.

3. Lumbar Support (Prevents Back Pain)

Look for:

Curved backrest matching spine's natural curve
Firm cushioning in lower back area
High back (ideally 60cm+ from seat to top)

Avoid:

Completely flat backs
Too-soft cushions (you sink and lose support)
Low backs that don't support shoulder blades

4. Armrest Height & Width

Ideal armrest height: Allows shoulders to relax naturally, elbows at 90° angle

Too high: Shoulders scrunch up (causes tension) Too low: You lean/slouch to reach (causes strain)

Armrest width: Should be 5-10cm wide for comfortable forearm rest

5. Quality Construction

Check these indicators:

Frame: Solid hardwood or plywood (not particle board)
Springs: Sinuous springs or webbing for seat support
Cushions: High-density foam (minimum 35kg/m³) or feather-wrapped foam
Fabric: Durable upholstery (check rub test rating—15,000+ rubs for heavy use)

Top Armchairs UK 2025

1. John Lewis Armchairs (Best Quality & Comfort: £300-£800)

John Lewis armchairs justify their premium with exceptional comfort, quality construction, and the reliability of a 2-year guarantee.

Why they're worth the investment:

Superior comfort (thick cushioning, proper lumbar support)
High-quality frames (solid hardwood, built to last 15+ years)
Wide fabric choice (50+ options, order samples)
2-year guarantee vs. 1-year elsewhere
Excellent customer service
Made to order (tailored to your preferences)

Popular John Lewis Armchair Ranges:

Bailey Armchair (£400-£600):

Classic winged design
Deep button detailing
Excellent lumbar support
Perfect for: Traditional and transitional living rooms

Hendricks Armchair (£500-£700):

Modern Danish-inspired design
Tapered wooden legs
Medium-firm cushioning
Perfect for: Mid-century and Scandi interiors

Osborne Armchair (£600-£800):

Generous proportions (perfect for tall people)
Feather-wrapped foam cushions
Deep seat for lounging
Perfect for: Relaxation and reading for hours

Shop John Lewis Armchairs

Best for: Quality seekers, long-term homes, people with back issues, anyone wanting guaranteed comfort and customer service.

2. Dunelm Armchairs (Best Value: £150-£450)

Dunelm delivers surprising quality at accessible prices with huge style variety from classic to contemporary.

Why they work:

Excellent value for money
Huge variety (traditional, modern, Scandi, contemporary)
In-store viewing (test before buying in 180+ UK stores)
Regular sales (20-30% off common)
Click & Collect available
Quick delivery

Popular Dunelm Armchair Styles:

Mila Velvet Armchair (£220-£280):

Luxurious velvet upholstery
Gold or black metal legs
Available in 8+ colors
Perfect for: Adding glamour on a budget

Copenhagen Armchair (£180-£250):

Scandinavian design
Button-back detailing
Wooden legs
Perfect for: Modern and minimalist spaces

Brampton Wingback Armchair (£350-£450):

Traditional high-back design
Excellent lumbar support
Studded detailing
Perfect for: Classic and country-style interiors

Shop Dunelm Armchairs

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting quality and style, anyone who wants to test in-person before buying, those looking for sales and discounts.

3. Made.com Armchairs (Best Modern Design: £300-£700)

Made.com brings designer aesthetics and contemporary style to the armchair market at accessible prices.

Why they stand out:

On-trend contemporary designs
Quality materials (velvet, boucle, leather)
Photographer-friendly aesthetics
Unique statement pieces
Regular new collections

Made.com Standout Armchairs:

Sofia Armchair (£349-£449):

Curved, sculptural silhouette
Boucle or velvet options
Walnut legs
Perfect for: Instagram-worthy modern spaces

Remi Armchair (£399-£499):

Mid-century inspired
Button-tufted back
Tapered wooden legs
Perfect for: Retro and mid-century interiors

Marco Armchair (£549-£699):

Generous proportions
Deep seating
Premium velvet upholstery
Perfect for: Statement pieces and luxe comfort

Shop Made.com Armchairs

Best for: Design-conscious buyers, modern and contemporary homes, anyone wanting on-trend styles that photograph beautifully.

4. IKEA Armchairs (Best Budget: £100-£300)

IKEA proves comfortable, stylish armchairs don't require large budgets with their functional Scandinavian designs.

Why IKEA works:

Unbeatable value (quality above price point)
Modern, timeless designs
Widely available (19 UK stores + online)
Replacement parts/covers available
Easy returns

IKEA Best-Selling Armchairs:

STRANDMON (£249-£299):

Classic wingback design
Deep seat (63cm) for curling up
High back for excellent support
Available in 8+ colors/patterns
Perfect for: Traditional and transitional spaces, budget reading corners

POÄNG (£100-£140):

Iconic cantilever design
Bentwood frame (birch veneer)
Removable, washable covers
Perfect for: Modern spaces, rocking/relaxing, budget nursing chairs

EKERÖ (£149):

Simple, modern design
Medium-firm support
Compact footprint
Perfect for: Small spaces, minimalist aesthetics

KOARP (£225-£250):

Swivel function
Mid-century aesthetic
Comfortable padding
Perfect for: Versatile seating, conversation areas

Shop IKEA Armchairs

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, students, first homes, renters, anyone wanting functional design without long-term investment.

5. Amazon UK Armchairs (Best for Variety & Speed: £150-£500)

Amazon's vast selection means you'll find exactly what you need, with next-day delivery and thousands of real customer reviews.

Why Amazon works:

Next-day Prime delivery
Thousands of options (every style imaginable)
Real customer photos in reviews
Easy returns (30 days)
Competitive pricing

Amazon Armchair Shopping Strategy:

Filter smartly:

Use Prime for fast delivery
Set minimum star rating (4.0+)
Check "Verified Purchase" reviews
Look for customer photos

What to verify:

Exact dimensions (especially seat depth and height)
Frame material (hardwood/plywood = good, particle board = avoid)
Cushion density (high-density foam or feather-wrapped)
Assembly requirements (some arrive flat-pack)

Popular Amazon UK Armchair Brands:

Christopher Knight Home
Homcom
HOMEPOP
Yaheetech

Shop Armchairs on Amazon UK

Best for: Urgent needs, specific style requirements, maximum choice, anyone valuing customer reviews and photos.

6. Wayfair UK Armchairs (Best Online Selection: £150-£600)

Wayfair's massive online catalog offers every armchair style imaginable with helpful filters and detailed specs.

Why Wayfair excels:

Huge selection (thousands of armchairs)
Detailed product specifications
Customer photos and reviews
Regular sales (20-40% off)
30-day returns

Wayfair Strengths:

Advanced filtering (by size, color, style, price)
Room visualization tools
Detailed dimensions for every product
Customer Q&A sections

Shop Wayfair UK Armchairs

Best for: Online shoppers who want maximum choice, anyone with specific dimension requirements, sale hunters.

Armchair Styles by Room Aesthetic

Modern/Contemporary Living Rooms

Choose:

Clean lines, minimal ornamentation
Neutral colors (grey, beige, navy, charcoal)
Metal or wooden legs (not skirted bases)
Sleek silhouettes
Leather or velvet upholstery

Top picks: Made.com Sofia, IKEA EKERÖ, modern wing chairs

Traditional Living Rooms

Choose:

Wingback designs
Button-tufted backs
Rich fabrics (velvet, chenille, brocade)
Studded detailing
Warm, classic colors (burgundy, forest green, navy)

Top picks: John Lewis Bailey, Dunelm Brampton Wingback, IKEA STRANDMON

Scandi/Minimalist Living Rooms

Choose:

Light wood legs (oak, ash, birch)
Simple, organic shapes
Neutral upholstery (grey, beige, white, blush)
Tapered legs
Minimal detailing

Top picks: John Lewis Hendricks, Dunelm Copenhagen, IKEA POÄNG

Mid-Century Modern Living Rooms

Choose:

Tapered wooden legs
Button-tufted backs
Organic curves
Retro colors (mustard, teal, burnt orange)
1950s-60s inspired silhouettes

Top picks: Made.com Remi, vintage-inspired designs from Wayfair

Country/Cottage Living Rooms

Choose:

Floral or patterned fabrics
Wingback or skirted designs
Soft, inviting cushioning
Traditional shapes
Warm, cozy colors

Top picks: John Lewis classic ranges, Dunelm traditional styles

Armchair Fabrics: Pros & Cons

Velvet (Most Popular in 2025)

Pros:

Luxurious appearance and feel
Rich, deep colors
Relatively durable (20,000+ rub count for quality velvet)
On-trend aesthetic

Cons:

Shows marks and crushing (directional pile)
Can be difficult to clean
Not pet-friendly (claw marks visible)
Higher maintenance

Best for: Adult homes, statement pieces, design-focused spaces

Linen & Cotton

Pros:

Natural, breathable fabrics
Comfortable in all seasons
Casual, relaxed aesthetic
Often removable/washable

Cons:

Wrinkles and creases easily
Shows stains more readily
Lower rub count (less durable)
Can fade in sunlight

Best for: Casual living, beach/cottage aesthetics, warm climates

Leather (Real & Faux)

Pros:

Extremely durable (ages beautifully)
Easy to clean (wipe spills)
Hypoallergenic
Classic, timeless look
Perfect for pets (hair doesn't stick)

Cons:

Can feel cold/sticky depending on season
Real leather expensive (£600+)
Scratches visible (develops patina)
Faux leather can peel over time

Best for: Pet owners, families with children, minimalists, traditional spaces

Boucle (Trending in 2025)

Pros:

Textured, interesting appearance
Very on-trend (Scandi-modern aesthetic)
Soft, tactile feel
Hides minor marks well

Cons:

Can snag with pets/sharp objects
More expensive than standard fabrics
Trendy (may date quickly)

Best for: Design enthusiasts, modern spaces, statement pieces

Chenille

Pros:

Soft, velvety texture
Durable (good rub count)
Classic, timeless
Family-friendly

Cons:

Can look dated if not chosen carefully
Shows wear patterns over time
Attracts pet hair

Best for: Traditional spaces, family homes, comfort-focused buyers

Armchair Placement & Styling

The Reading Corner

Perfect setup:

Armchair near window (natural light)
Floor lamp behind/beside for evening reading
Small side table for books/tea
Throw blanket draped over arm

Creates: Personal sanctuary for books, morning coffee, quiet time

Conversation Area

Perfect setup:

Two armchairs facing each other or angled toward each other
Small coffee table or side tables between
Creates intimate seating zone

Creates: Cozy conversation space separate from main sofa area

Beside Fireplace

Perfect setup:

Armchair angled toward fireplace
Footstool or ottoman for feet
Throw blanket and cushion

Creates: Classic, cozy fireside retreat

Filling Empty Corners

Perfect setup:

Single armchair in underutilized corner
Floor lamp and small side table
Plant or artwork behind

Creates: Functional seating while eliminating dead space

Master Bedroom Seating

Perfect setup:

Armchair in bedroom corner
Provides non-bed seating for reading, dressing
Adds luxury and functionality

Creates: Hotel-like bedroom atmosphere

Common Armchair Buying Mistakes

Not testing seat depth: The #1 reason for armchair returns. Always check seat depth against your height.

Ignoring room scale: Oversized armchair overwhelms small rooms; too-small chair looks lost in large spaces.

Choosing style over comfort: Beautiful armchair that hurts your back after 20 minutes is wasted money.

Forgetting doorway dimensions: Measure doorways, stairs, and hallways before purchasing. Many armchairs arrive assembled.

Not considering maintenance: Light-colored velvet with toddlers and pets = regret.

Buying online without checking dimensions: Photos mislead size. Always check exact measurements.

Skipping the sit test: If possible, test armchairs in-store before buying online for better price.

Forgetting about armrest height: Too high/low causes shoulder and neck pain.

Budget Breakdown

Under £200: Entry Level

Expect: Basic designs, standard comfort, engineered wood frames Best from: IKEA, Amazon basics, Dunelm sales Lifespan: 3-5 years with normal use Perfect for: Students, first homes, temporary solutions, spare bedrooms

£200-£400: Sweet Spot

Expect: Good quality, comfortable cushioning, variety of styles Best from: Dunelm, IKEA premium range, Amazon mid-range, Made.com entry level Lifespan: 7-10 years Perfect for: Most homeowners, daily-use living rooms, reading corners

£400-£600: Quality Investment

Expect: Superior comfort, hardwood frames, premium fabrics, excellent support Best from: John Lewis, Made.com, Wayfair premium brands Lifespan: 15+ years Perfect for: Forever homes, main living rooms, anyone with back issues

£600+: Luxury Territory

Expect: Exceptional comfort, designer brands, heirloom quality, feather cushions Best from: John Lewis designer range, specialist furniture stores Lifespan: 20+ years (becomes vintage) Perfect for: Design enthusiasts, luxury homes, investment pieces

Armchair Care & Maintenance

Weekly Maintenance

All armchairs:

Vacuum with upholstery attachment (removes dust, crumbs, pet hair)
Plump and rotate cushions (maintains shape, even wear)

Monthly Maintenance

Fabric armchairs:

Check for loose threads or buttons
Treat small stains immediately with appropriate cleaner
Rotate cushions if reversible

Leather armchairs:

Wipe with damp cloth
Apply leather conditioner (every 6-12 months)

Immediate Actions

Spills:

Blot immediately (don't rub)
Use appropriate cleaner for fabric type
Test cleaner on hidden area first

Stains:

Treat immediately (set stains are harder to remove)
Use professional upholstery cleaner if DIY fails

Long-Term Care

Protect from sunlight: UV rays fade fabrics (use curtains/blinds) Keep away from radiators: Heat dries out leather, fades fabric Professional cleaning: Every 1-2 years for daily-use armchairs

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Value: Dunelm Armchairs (£150-£450) Excellent quality, comfort, and style at accessible prices with in-store testing.

Best Budget: IKEA STRANDMON (£249-£299) Classic design, deep comfortable seat, unbeatable quality for price.

Best Quality: John Lewis Armchairs (£400-£800) Superior comfort, exceptional construction, 2-year guarantee, and made-to-order service.

Best Modern Design: Made.com (£300-£700) On-trend styles and designer aesthetics at accessible prices.

Best for Quick Delivery: Amazon UK Armchairs (£150-£500) Next-day Prime delivery with vast selection and real customer reviews.

Best for Tall People: John Lewis Osborne (£600-£800) Generous proportions with deep seat and high back.

Best for Small Spaces: IKEA EKERÖ (£149) Compact footprint without sacrificing comfort.

The Bottom Line

The perfect armchair transforms underutilized corners into favorite spots in your home. The right choice considers:

✓ Seat depth: Match to your height (shallow for shorter, deep for taller) ✓ Support: Proper lumbar support prevents back pain ✓ Proportions: Scale appropriate to room size ✓ Fabric: Choose for lifestyle (velvet for style, leather for pets, linen for casual) ✓ Budget: Quality options exist from £150 to £800+

Start by measuring your space and identifying your height/comfort needs. Test armchairs in-store when possible (Dunelm, IKEA, John Lewis all have showrooms). Read detailed reviews if buying online (check seat depth and height dimensions carefully).

A £300 well-chosen armchair that fits your body and space perfectly will bring more joy than an £800 designer piece that looks beautiful but hurts your back.

The perfect armchair isn't the most expensive or trendiest—it's the one you actually want to sit in every single day.

Last updated: October 2025. Prices approximate based on current UK retailer ranges. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links at no cost to you.