Guide: How to find the right recliner

What do you need most when you come home from a long day at work? Most people would say they need to sit back, put their feet up and relax with a fresh cup of coffee, a good book or the TV on. In that situation, a good and comfortable armchair is almost a must, so that both body and mind can recharge for a new day tomorrow.

But what is the right armchair for you?

Armchairs are as unique as you are, and it can be difficult to find the perfect armchair. There are countless functions and general factors to consider before buying. First and foremost, there is a very basic need for a chair that you sit comfortably, relaxed and ergonomically correct in. Next, you need to consider whether you need a “regular” armchair or whether you need a multifunctional chair. Should the chair be upholstered in fabric, or does real leather suit you better? Do you want a real float that you can fall into, or a light and elegant armchair to enjoy over a cup of coffee? Do you prefer maximum seating comfort and correct ergonomics, design or do you want an ergonomic and aesthetically beautiful armchair in one?

There are many things to take into account, consider and remember before choosing your next armchair. In this post I will try to answer a number of the doubts that may arise in the search for the perfect armchair.

Table of contents

1. What is the purpose of your armchair?
2. Stand alone or together with other furniture?
3. Armchair with high or low back?
4. Big or small armchair?
5. Armchair in fabric or leather?

What will your armchair primarily be used for?

When you are going to get a new armchair, one of the most important things to start with is to consider what it will actually be used for. It is quite important, if you are going to get the best armchair for you, that you are aware of what its primary purpose is. Should it stand in the corner of the living room together with the reading lamp, where you can immerse yourself in a good book, or should it stand centrally in the room together with your current furniture setup and create the framework around the living room together with a sofa and a coffee table?

Once you have the essentials in place, it becomes much easier to choose functions, aesthetics, shape and placement for the chair.

Should your armchair be part of your current furniture arrangement or a stand-alone feature?

When you are buying new furniture, whether it is a new armchair, sofa or something else, it is essential to consider your existing furniture. You probably already have a fully furnished living room, where a particular style exists. It is important to find a good armchair that not only fits into the design, but also a chair that is the right size in relation to your other furniture.

It will therefore rarely be a good idea (or give a particularly visually appealing result) to purchase a chair with excessively large proportions if you already have relatively small or narrow furniture.

On the other hand, a conscious choice of an armchair in completely different proportions can look really good if the intention is for that particular chair to be in focus and “shout out loud”. It is not necessarily the size alone, but also in relation to colors. If it is to stand out, it would be a good idea to choose some colors that contrast with the rest of the furniture, or choose a classic and stylish armchair if you already have very modern furniture. Conversely, it can also work really well if you have a classic interior design style to add a modern and “loud” piece of furniture.

Armchair with high or low back?

There is a big difference between a high-backed and a low-backed armchair – both visually, but also in the sitting position. A high-backed armchair is optimal for those who want (or have to) sit in an upright position, or if you want an armchair that hugs you all the way around. A high backrest ensures you good seating comfort because you do not sit with your back arched, which can cause lasting damage in the form of back and neck discomfort.

Should your armchair be large or small?

As mentioned earlier in the post, the size of the armchair depends on its primary purpose and the appearance of the room and other furniture. However, there are some fundamental differences between large and small armchairs.

Should your armchair be covered in fabric or leather?

A leather armchair is a practical choice when it comes to cleaning. A leather chair is easy to wipe down with a damp cloth if the accident should occur (if you have children or grandchildren, this may happen a little more often than you would like). Genuine leather is an incredibly strong material that will last for countless years and almost gets nicer with age as it gains a little patina.

Fabric armchairs are a popular choice because they allow you to get a chair in a wide range of beautiful and exciting colors. Fabric is more susceptible to spills and the like than leather, but this can be helped along with impregnation, which makes it a little more resistant.

If you want to delve deeper into how upholstery and wood types affect the chair's appearance and lifespan, you can read our complete guide to choosing materials in armchairs .

Should we custom-make your next armchair?

Do you dream of a beautiful and unique chair that is specially made for you and your unique goals? At Farstrup Furniture, we build individual furniture so that you can experience the joy of sitting comfortably in an ergonomically correct and aesthetically beautiful and stylish armchair.

We have a large selection of ergonomic armchairs and armchairs with functions , for which we offer a myriad of customization options. All our furniture is produced in our Danish factory and consists of genuine Danish furniture craftsmanship. In other words: Hand-built armchairs created by people for people. We give a 10-year warranty on all wooden frames.

A small armchair has a lighter look and will be more mobile and easy to move around. The advantage is that a small armchair does not require as much space as a large one. However, a larger and less mobile armchair also has its advantages, as they will often have a higher degree of comfort, functions and larger armrests. They therefore naturally require more floor space.