Luxury armchairs and occasional chairs can complete a considered seating arrangement, create a quiet reading corner or introduce a distinctive focal point to the room. The K&B London collection includes understated upholstered designs, generous lounge chairs and sculptural statement armchairs selected for their proportions, materials, texture and visual character.

Designer armchairs for considered living spaces

An armchair can perform several roles within an interior. Placed beside a sofa, it adds another comfortable seat and helps define the living area. A high-backed design with supportive arms can create a dedicated place for reading, while a sculptural occasional chair can introduce colour, texture and a stronger sense of individuality.

In a larger living room, a pair of matching armchairs can be positioned opposite a sofa or arranged around a coffee table to create a balanced conversation area. In a smaller room, a single chair with a compact footprint and visually lighter base may provide additional seating without overwhelming the surrounding furniture.

What is the difference between an armchair and an occasional chair?

An armchair is generally defined by its upholstered seat, backrest and arms. The term covers everything from substantial reading chairs to compact accent seating. An occasional chair is usually an additional chair used outside the main seating arrangement. It may be placed beside a fireplace, in a bedroom, near a window or in an entrance hall.

Many designs can be described as both. A well-proportioned upholstered chair may provide everyday comfort while also serving as an occasional or accent chair when positioned away from the main sofa. For this reason, the collection includes both generous armchairs intended for regular relaxation and more decorative chairs created to punctuate an interior.

How to choose a luxury armchair

Begin with the purpose of the chair

Consider whether the chair will be used primarily for reading, conversation, occasional seating or relaxed evenings. A chair intended for longer periods of sitting may benefit from a higher backrest, supportive arms and a seat that suits your preferred posture. A decorative accent chair can be more compact and visually expressive if it will only be used occasionally.

Comfort is personal. Before ordering, compare the seat height and depth with your height and preferred sitting position rather than relying on general descriptions such as firm, soft or supportive.

Measure the full dimensions

Check the chair at its widest and deepest points, including the arms, frame and base. A substantial armchair may appear beautifully proportioned in a large room but could restrict movement or dominate a smaller seating area.

Marking the footprint on the floor provides a clearer impression of its scale. Allow sufficient space to walk around the chair and use nearby tables. For larger designs, measure doorways, corridors, staircases, lifts and every other part of the delivery route before placing an order.

Consider seat height and depth

A higher seat can make sitting down and standing up easier, while a lower, deeper chair usually creates a more relaxed position. A shallower seat may be preferable for upright sitting and conversation. Deeper designs, loose cushions and coordinating footstools are more suited to informal relaxation.

Leather, bouclé, velvet and upholstered armchairs

The upholstery has a considerable influence on the character and care requirements of an armchair. Leather armchairs offer natural variation and can develop an individual patina over time. The leather type and manufacturer’s care guidance should always be checked before cleaning or conditioning the surface.

Bouclé armchairs introduce a tactile looped texture that softens substantial frames and rounded silhouettes. Because looped fabrics may be more vulnerable to catching, they require particular consideration in homes with pets.

Velvet armchairs respond subtly to changing light and bring depth to both neutral and saturated colours. Linen, cotton and mixed woven fabrics offer a quieter, more natural appearance that works particularly well with timber, stone and understated metal finishes.

Always check the stated composition and care instructions for the individual product. Upholstery with a similar appearance can vary significantly in fibre content, surface texture and recommended cleaning method.

Swivel armchairs or fixed-base chairs?

Swivel armchairs are particularly useful in open-plan rooms, allowing the sitter to turn between the sofa, television, dining area, fireplace or garden view without moving the entire chair. The room layout must provide sufficient clearance for the chair to rotate freely.

A fixed base creates a more structured furniture arrangement. Timber legs bring warmth and visible craftsmanship to the silhouette, while slender metal frames can make an upholstered chair appear lighter. A concealed or floor-standing base gives the chair a more grounded, architectural presence.

Neutral and colourful statement armchairs

Light-coloured armchairs in ivory, cream and warm beige work naturally with marble, travertine, timber, glass and softly layered textiles. They are particularly effective in schemes where visual interest is created through material, shape and texture rather than contrasting colour.

A colourful armchair can become the defining element of a more restrained room. Deep green, blue, rust, mustard or blush upholstery can be repeated through artwork, cushions or decorative accessories to create a deliberate connection with the wider interior. Explore our green armchairs for designs ranging from softer olive tones to rich emerald upholstery.

How to pair an armchair with a sofa

An armchair does not need to match the sofa exactly. A more individual scheme can be created by combining different fabrics and forms while repeating one considered detail, such as the timber tone, metal finish, upholstery colour or curve of the frame.

A substantial sofa can be balanced with an armchair on a visually lighter base. A restrained, linear sofa may work well with a rounded or more sculptural chair. Two matching armchairs can create symmetry, while a single statement design produces a less formal composition.

Complete the seating area with a carefully proportioned designer sofa, coffee table and side table. A floor lamp positioned beside the chair can provide focused light and help define a reading corner.

Occasional chairs for bedrooms and other rooms

Occasional seating can be used beyond the living room. A compact chair can soften a bedroom, provide a place to sit beside a dressing table or create a quiet corner near a window. Explore our dedicated collection of bedroom chairs for designs suited to more private interiors.

Armchairs can also be used in a library, study, entrance hall, dressing room or spacious landing. If you require a more elongated design that allows a reclined position, discover our collection of chaise longues.

Luxury armchairs from K&B London

The K&B London collection brings together armchairs with different proportions, finishes and visual identities. It includes understated timber-framed seating, leather chairs with a naturally characterful surface, tactile bouclé designs, velvet statement chairs and substantial upholstered pieces with an architectural presence.

When comparing designs, consider the overall dimensions, materials, seat construction, base and care requirements alongside appearance. This will help you choose an armchair that relates confidently to the room, complements the surrounding furniture and suits the way the space is used.

Frequently asked questions

What is an occasional chair?

An occasional chair is an additional chair placed outside the main seating arrangement. It may be used beside a fireplace, in a reading corner, bedroom or entrance hall. Some occasional chairs are compact and decorative, while others provide the proportions and support of a full armchair.

Which armchair is suitable for a small living room?

Look for a chair with a compact footprint, moderate depth and a base that appears visually light. Measure the full width and depth, mark its outline on the floor and make sure it will not restrict the route through the room.

What should I look for in a reading chair?

Consider the backrest height, arm position, seat depth and the level of support appropriate for your preferred posture. A coordinating footstool and nearby floor lamp may create a more comfortable and practical reading area.

Does an armchair need to match the sofa?

No. The armchair can coordinate with the sofa or provide a deliberate contrast. Repeating the colour elsewhere in the room or selecting related timber and metal finishes can create cohesion without purchasing a matching suite.

How should I care for an upholstered armchair?

Follow the care instructions provided for the individual product. Remove surface dust regularly and address spills promptly without saturating the upholstery. Test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before treating a visible section.