Curling up in an armchair to read a book or to gaze out into the garden is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Cup of tea in hand, it’s easy to feel all is well with the world within the confines of that comfy chair.

Sitting in an armchair is a very different experience to sitting on a sofa, which is a seat made for sharing, says Sydney design consultant and author Victoria Alexander. “An armchair envelops you and creates a personal space,” she says.

Armchairs vary enormously in shape, style and size, from classic designs with wide, scroll arms to streamlined seats that can double as dining chairs. Upholstery also broadens your options: you can update an antique with modern fabric, or change slipcovers from season to season, and potentially keep the chair in service for decades.

Flexible seating

The enduring appeal of the armchair lies in its versatility. It can be placed anywhere – small nooks, the hallway or living room – and then pressed into service when extra seating is required.

“When you have an extra guest, an armchair can be pulled over into a circle alongside the sofas,” says Jo Smithers, Creative Director at La Maison. “They really come into their own in an apartment when you can’t have three people on a sofa without invading personal space.”

Armchairs often play a decorative role, so good looks are vital. “An armchair can function as an accessory,” says Annabelle Cooper, Marketing Manager at Perfect Pieces. Anna McRae, Molmic’s Creative Director, agrees: “It’s like buying jewellery,” she says. “Armchairs really lift a room.”

Easy does it

Comfort is your primary consideration when buying a chair. Armchairs with a high, straight back are great for sitting at a table or for reading; chairs with lower-set seats are perfect for putting your feet up and relaxing.

Of course, not all armchairs actually have arms. Without them, you can have a wider seat, less bulk and a smaller footprint, which makes them ideal for compact spaces.

A good armchair must provide adequate back support and, for older people, be easy to get out of. Recliners, which offer a high degree of comfort, can be an option here. “Recliners are the armchairs you can sit in for hours on end, watching a movie,” says Karl Fiskerstrand, Marketing Manager for Ekornes, distributor of Stressless Recliners. “Look for good lumbar and neck support, comfy armrests and a size that suits you,” he advises.

The club chair is another favourite – “It’s hard to go past a very big, worn-in leather club chair,” says Alexander. “They look good and are comfortable,” adds Smithers, “which is why you’ll often find them in hotel lobbies.”

When it comes to fabric, the future looks bright. “Big, colourful florals are the hot trend,” says Cooper. McRae, too, reports that we’ll see more bold, playful prints. “You can afford to be more creative when selecting fabric for armchairs. It’s one area you can be highly decorative and showy,” she says. Risk averse? Choose a classic fabric and use throws and cushions for colour and pattern.

Selecting an armchair

Look to magazines and showrooms for inspiration, but the area you have may dictate the size and style of your chair.

Seek comfort and support. “Your feet should rest on the floor at a right angle to the seat,” says Jo Smithers of La Maison. “Don’t buy a chair that’s too soft,” says Frank Novembre, Managing Director of Domo Collections. “Hard chairs wear the best.”

Ask about its construction. Look for a hardwood front edge (the high stress point), webbing and sprung edges.

Assess the finish: Does the fabric pattern match at the seams?

Are the edges nicely finished? “Look to the warranty for an indication of longevity,” says Novembre. Most high-end manufacturers will give you a 10-year guarantee.”

Restored glory

Restoring a favourite armchair so it gives you years’ more service is easy, says Kirsty Derrin, Design Consultant at Armchair in Crows Nest, Sydney. “Cut out pictures from magazines of fabrics and chair styles you like. A theme will emerge.” She suggests removing the fabric skirt. “It can save you up to a metre of fabric; it also makes the chair look lighter and might just reveal a great set of legs.”

Upholstery fabrics range from $50 to $300 per metre, but don’t be put off by price. “An expensive fabric is a good investment, as you’ll hold onto the chair for a long time,” says Derrin.