When choosing armchairs, it is about finding the right balance of comfort, function, and durable materials. Consider who will use it, where it will be placed, and whether it should be a soft complement to a sofa or a more upright seating option. Look for hard-wearing textiles like wool or leather, and frames made from solid wood or metal.
Jacob 4 min. læsning
I speak with many customers at Houmøllers, both in the shop and over the phone, and I often see the same questions arise when it comes to choosing armchairs. It is an investment meant to last for many years, so it is important to think carefully. An armchair is not just a chair. It needs to suit the person who will sit in it, and it needs to suit the life lived around it. I have gathered some of the considerations I believe are important when finding the right armchair. A good English copywriter would use 'armchairs' or 'lounge chairs' depending on context, but 'armchairs' is a good general term here. I will use 'armchairs' consistently.
It may sound trivial, but who will primarily use the armchair is crucial for the choice. Will it be used for long reading sessions, for watching television, or is it mostly intended as an extra seat used only occasionally? I have seen customers choose a beautiful armchair that turned out to be too low in the back for the tall person who was to sit in it, or too deep for a smaller person.
If the armchair is to be used for relaxing and reading, good back and neck support is important. Here, I would often point to a model like the Hyg Lounge Chair High Oak from Normann Copenhagen, which offers good support with its high back. A Drape Lounge Chair High Oak from the same brand also offers an inviting and supportive shape. If the armchair, on the other hand, should be more open and part of a conversation arrangement, a model with a lower back like the Hyg Lounge Chair Low Oak might be a better choice, as it appears less dominant in the room. Also, consider if there should be room to sit with your legs up. This is part of the comfort for many.
Its placement in the home significantly influences which type of armchair fits best. Is it intended for the living room as a supplement to the sofa, or will it stand in a corner in the bedroom or office? The size of the armchair must, of course, suit the room. I sometimes see an armchair appear overwhelming in a smaller room, or conversely, disappear in a large room.
A large, distinctive armchair like the Lobster Chair from Bruunmunch – either the front-upholstered or the fully upholstered version – can be a statement piece in a large living room where it has space to unfold. A smaller armchair like the Emo Armchair from Bruunmunch or one of the many fine armchairs from Muuto might fit better into a smaller corner or as an extra seat next to a bookshelf. Consider the room's proportions and the other furnishings. Should the armchair be easy to move around, or should it stay in one fixed spot?
An armchair must be able to withstand daily use. I always recommend looking at the materials, as this is where durability lies. A solid frame is the foundation. Frames made of solid wood like oak or walnut, or of metal, are often a good choice. They provide a stable base that will not creak or give way over time. I have seen many armchairs at Houmøllers that, despite many years of use, still stand solidly because the frame is of good quality.
The upholstery is also essential. A hard-wearing textile is important, especially if the armchair is used daily or by many people. Wool is a popular choice, as it is naturally durable and dirt-repellent. Leather often develops a beautiful patina over time and is easy to maintain. Internally, you should look for high-density cold foam, as it holds its shape better and significantly extends the armchair's lifespan compared to cheaper foam types. Good materials mean you will enjoy your armchairs for many years.
Comfort is personal, and what is comfortable for one person is not necessarily so for another. Therefore, it is always a good idea to try the armchair if possible. Sit down, feel the angle of the backrest, the height of the armrests, and the seat depth. Can you sit comfortably for an extended period? Is it easy to get out of the chair again?
Some armchairs are designed for a more upright sitting position, ideal for conversation or shorter breaks, while others invite you to sink into a more reclined posture. Consider what function your armchair should have. Should it be a place for contemplation, or part of a more dynamic room? Many armchairs from Fogia are known for their well-thought-out ergonomics, often combining aesthetics with high seating comfort.
My best advice is to think long-term when choosing armchairs. Select a chair that not only looks good today but will also serve you well in the years to come. It is about finding the right balance between form, function, and materials that can withstand a lived life.
For armchairs, frames made of solid wood or metal are often the most durable. For upholstery, hard-wearing textiles like wool or leather are recommended, as they maintain their shape and appearance well over time. Internally, high-density cold foam ensures a long lifespan for your armchairs.
When choosing armchairs, the size should suit both the room's proportions and the person who will use it. A large armchair like the Bruunmunch Lobster Chair requires more space, while a smaller model is better for a corner. The back height and seat depth should match the user's comfort needs for armchairs.
The choice between a high or low back on armchairs depends on their use. An armchair with a high back, such as the Normann Copenhagen Hyg Lounge Chair High Oak, provides good neck and back support and is ideal for relaxation and reading. An armchair with a low back, like the Hyg Lounge Chair Low Oak, is more open and fits well as part of a conversation arrangement.
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