10 Modern Armchair Styles That Interior Designers Love and Recommend for Luxury Interiors

Written by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Leonor Gamboa, Senior Interior Designer at FCI London
Edited by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator

There's a particular reverence that occurs when one encounters the perfect armchair. An armchair is decidedly personal, unlike their larger counterparts, luxury chairs, sofas and sectionals that accommodate the masses.

It's where one retreats with a first-edition novel, savours a properly aged whisky, or simply contemplates the day's events in blessed silence. Perhaps that's why, among all the furnishings that grace our homes, the humble armchair commands such attention from those who understand that true luxury isn't measured by price tags but by the quiet moments of contentment it delivers.

Beyond Trends: The Enduring Appeal of Exceptional Armchairs

There's been a notable shift in how designers are approaching these intimate pieces.

The focus has moved away from fleeting trends toward more considered, enduring designs that speak to both heritage and innovation. It's a refreshing evolution that acknowledges what discerning clients have always known: a truly exceptional armchair transcends fashion to become a lifelong companion.

Let's explore the ten armchair styles currently captivating the attention of the design cognoscenti, and more importantly, why they merit consideration for your own carefully curated space.

1. The Return of Sculptural Silhouettes

In London's most refined interiors, the sculptural armchair has made a triumphant return. These pieces blur the line between functional seating and three-dimensional art, chairs that could comfortably reside in either the drawing room or the Tate Modern.

What distinguishes today's sculptural luxury armchairs from their predecessors is their remarkable restraint. Rather than relying on ostentatious curves or theatrical proportions, contemporary designers are employing subtle architectural elements, a gently cantilevered arm, an unexpectedly angled back, or a base that appears to defy gravity.

Take, for instance, Ditre Italia's remarkable Chloe armchair. Its curved seat creates the illusion of floating, while maintaining proper ergonomic support. Or consider Gamma and Dandy's Spider armchair, which employs an enveloping form reminiscent of its namesake without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.

The most successful sculptural pieces speak softly. They don't announce themselves the moment you enter a room; rather, they reveal their brilliance gradually as you engage with them.

2. Bouclé & Textural Luxe

Bouclé has maintained its stronghold in luxury interiors, and for good reason. The fabric's tactile nature provides a sensory experience that flat textiles simply cannot replicate.

What began as a momentary fascination has evolved into a modern classic, particularly for the armchair, where the material's inviting texture encourages lingering.

But beyond bouclé, designers are exploring a broader textural landscape. Shearling-upholstered armchairs provide cocoon-like comfort for modern homes, while mohair velvet offers a sophisticated alternative with its subtle lustre and incredible durability, a practical consideration often overlooked in discussions of luxury.

The black dining armchair, once a staple in formal settings, has been reimagined with textural elements that elevate it beyond mere functionality.

An armchair for the dining room, upholstered in a subtle black bouclé can transform an ordinary meal into an occasion, particularly when paired with contemporary wooden dining armchairs for a sophisticated juxtaposition of textures.

For the truly discerning, custom-woven textiles with dimensional patterns offer exclusivity without ostentation. The result is a chair that rewards closer inspection rather than demanding immediate attention.

3. Mid-Century Icons

There's something to be said for classics that have withstood the scrutiny of decades. Mid-century armchairs continue to feature prominently in sophisticated interiors, not as nostalgic references but as enduring designs whose proportions and engineering remain unmatched.

The appeal lies in their perfectly balanced silhouettes and honest materials.

"What distinguishes a true mid-century masterpiece from its imitators is its ability to enhance any interior without dominating it," observes a designer friend of mine whose projects frequently feature these iconic pieces. "These aren't statement pieces; they're supporting characters that elevate the entire composition."

For those seeking a contemporary interpretation, the swivel armchair offers mid-century sensibility with modern functionality. These pieces pivot elegantly to face conversation or views, acknowledging that today's living is decidedly more fluid than the formal arrangements of previous eras.

4. Deep-Seated Comfort

Perhaps in response to our increasingly digital lives, there's been a notable resurgence of oversized, deep-seated armchairs that prioritise physical comfort above all else. These aren't merely seats; they're sanctuaries.

The modern iteration of the comfort-focused armchair bears little resemblance to the overstuffed recliners of previous decades. Today's designs maintain clean lines and considered proportions while providing exceptional comfort through thoughtfully engineered internal structures and high-performance foams.

The riser recliner armchair has undergone a particularly impressive transformation. Once relegated to the realm of purely functional medical furniture, today's versions from manufacturers like Sovet Italia offer sophisticated designs that seamlessly integrate into luxury interiors while assisting those with mobility considerations, a thoughtful addition for multi-generational homes.

The most successful comfort-oriented pieces maintain visual lightness despite their generous proportions. It's about creating a visual tension between substantiality and grace.

5. Art Deco Revival

The enduring allure of Art Deco, with its celebration of craftsmanship, luxurious materials and geometric precision, has inspired a new generation of armchairs that reference the period without resorting to pastiche.

Today's Deco-inspired armchairs feature the signature curved forms and sumptuous materials of their 1920s predecessors but with proportions and details that feel decidedly contemporary. Channel-tufted backs, brass accents and rich jewel-toned velvets create pieces that feel both familiar and fresh.

For those seeking to incorporate this style into dining spaces, the dressing table armchair offers a perfect opportunity. These scaled-down pieces provide the glamour of Deco styling in a more compact form, ideal for creating a sophisticated vanity area or as occasional seating structured as an armchair with a single bed for your teenager.

6. Minimalist Elegance

In direct counterpoint to more elaborate styles, minimal armchairs continue to appeal to those who appreciate refined simplicity. These pieces rely on impeccable proportions, exceptional materials and precise craftsmanship rather than decorative elements.

The key to a truly successful minimalist armchair lies in its details, the perfect radius of an arm, the precise angle of a back, the careful calibration of cushion density. When executed with care, these seemingly simple chairs reveal their complexity through use rather than visual impact.

A wooden dining armchair in this idiom might feature steam-bent oak with joints so precise they require no hardware, while a minimal upholstered piece might showcase hand-stitched seams that follow the chair's form with mathematical precision.

7. Statement Leather

Leather armchairs have transcended their traditional library associations to become versatile pieces that bridge classical and contemporary interiors. Today's most compelling leather chairs showcase the material's natural beauty while employing silhouettes that feel thoroughly modern.

What distinguishes contemporary leather armchairs is their emphasis on the material's intrinsic qualities, natural grain patterns, subtle colour variations and the capacity to develop a rich patina through use. Rather than disguising leather through heavy treatments, today's finest examples celebrate its organic character.

For smaller spaces, the small armchair in butter-soft leather offers versatility without compromising on luxury. These scaled-down pieces provide the sensory pleasure of fine leather while maintaining appropriate proportions for urban homes.

A luxury leather armchair should improve with age. The initial investment may seem substantial, but when amortised over decades of use, it's actually rather reasonable.

8. Handcrafted & Bespoke

Perhaps the most significant trend in luxury armchairs isn't a particular style but rather a renewed appreciation for bespoke, artisan-crafted pieces. In an era of mass production, the value of furniture made by skilled hands using traditional techniques has only increased.

These armchairs, often created through collaboration between designer, client and craftsperson, offer something no mass-produced piece can: absolute uniqueness.

From frame construction to final upholstery, each decision is tailored to the specific requirements of the client and space.

For those seeking transformation, the armchair to bed concept offers intriguing possibilities. These bespoke pieces can be engineered to convert from elegant seating to comfortable sleeping arrangements without the compromise in aesthetics typically associated with convertible furniture.

The beauty of bespoke lies not just in customisation but in the relationship between maker and client. There's a dialogue that occurs throughout the process that results in something far more meaningful than a simple transaction.

9. Nature-Inspired Luxury

The boundaries between indoor and outdoor living continue to blur, influencing armchair design in unexpected ways. Materials once reserved for garden furniture, rattan, teak, woven fibres, have been refined and reimagined for interior use.

Rattan dining armchairs, once considered casual pieces, now appear in the most sophisticated dining rooms, offering textural contrast to sleek tables. Their handwoven construction provides visual interest while their durability makes them practical choices for daily use.

What elevates these nature-inspired pieces beyond their utilitarian origins is exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design. A contemporary rattan armchair might feature a frame of steam-bent ash supporting handwoven patterns of remarkable complexity, while maintaining clean lines that complement modern interiors.

These pieces bring a sense of organic warmth to contemporary spaces. They're particularly effective in minimalist environments that might otherwise feel austere.

10. Bold Colour & Pattern Play

While neutral palettes continue to dominate, there's been a notable shift toward armchairs that introduce controlled moments of colour and pattern into otherwise restrained interiors. These pieces serve as focal points, often informing the room's broader colour story.

The most successful examples avoid obvious trends in favour of more enduring expressions. Rather than ephemeral "colours of the year," designers are selecting shades with historical precedent and proven longevity, deep burgundies, forest greens and complex blues that will remain relevant for decades.

For those seeking to incorporate this approach, an armchair and table set in complementary tones offers a cohesive way to introduce colour without overwhelming a space. These carefully considered pairings provide visual interest while maintaining compositional harmony.

A well-chosen statement chair can anchor an entire room. The key is selecting shades with sufficient depth and complexity to reward prolonged viewing.

Key Takeaways: Choosing Your Perfect Armchair

While these 10 directions represent current thinking among leading designers, the selection of an armchair should ultimately transcend trends. The most successful pieces are those that respond to your specific requirements rather than external dictates.

Consider how you'll use the chair, for conversation, reading, television viewing, or perhaps as a single sofa bed armchair for occasional guests. Assess the space it will occupy and how it will relate to surrounding elements. Most importantly, test it personally; no amount of design pedigree can compensate for physical discomfort.

For those seeking versatility, the sofa bed and armchair combination offers practical solutions for homes that must accommodate visitors. Today's convertible pieces have evolved significantly, providing comfort in both configurations without aesthetic compromise.

The finest armchairs, whether contemporary innovations or enduring classics, share certain qualities: thoughtful proportions, superior craftsmanship, honest materials and an indefinable presence that elevates their surroundings. When you encounter such a piece, you'll recognise it not just visually but physically, in that moment of settled contentment that occurs when you take your seat.

After all, true luxury isn't about ostentation but about the quiet pleasure of living with objects of genuine quality and meaning. In that sense, the perfect armchair might be the ultimate luxury, a daily source of comfort, beauty and restoration that only improves with time.

For personal guidance on selecting the perfect armchair for your space, our design experts are available for consultations at our showroom, where you can experience these exceptional pieces firsthand.