How to Choose an Armchair in NZ: A Practical Buying Guide (Comfort, Size &Style)

1) Start With the Room: What’s the Armchair’s Job?

Before you compare fabrics or colours, decide how the chair will be used. In most NZ homes, an armchair usually falls into one of these roles:

A. Everyday Seat (High-Use)

• Prioritise: supportive seat, durable fabric/leather, easy-clean finishes.
• Look for: medium seat depth, stable arms, a back height that supports shoulders.
• Good for: families, TV rooms, shared lounges.

B. Reading Corner (Comfort + Posture)

• Prioritise: higher back or supportive cushion, arm height that supports elbows, softer lighting-friendly colour.
• Look for: slightly firmer seat (it keeps posture), plus room for a side table.

C. Accent Piece (Style-First)

• Prioritise: silhouette, colour/texture, and how it balances your sofa.
• Look for: slimmer arms, higher legs, lighter visual volume—especially in smaller NZ lounges.

2) Armchair Size Guide: The 5 Measurements That Save You From Returns

Most “it looked smaller online” problems come down to not checking measurements against your room layout. Use these five numbers as your baseline:

Measure These (and Why)

1. Overall width — controls how crowded your lounge feels (especially next to a sofa).
2. Overall depth — determines walking paths and whether your space feels blocked.
3. Seat height — too low can feel like a “drop,” too high can feel stiff.
4. Seat depth — deep seats = lounging; medium seats = easier get-up-and-down.
5. Back height — shoulder support matters more than people think (especially for reading).

NZ Home Layout Tips

• Keep clear walkways: aim for comfortable paths around key routes (sofa to door, sofa to kitchen).
• Small space cheat code: choose chairs with higher legs (more floor visible = room feels bigger).
• Open-plan living: a swivel chair can help the seat “face both worlds” (TV + dining/kitchen).

Quick browse tip: open a few options in All Armchairs and compare width + depth first. If those numbers don’t work, nothing else will.

3) Comfort Test: What “Supportive” Actually Means

Comfort isn’t just softness. A chair that feels like a cloud in the showroom can feel tiring after 30 minutes at home. Here’s how to choose comfort that lasts.

Seat Feel (Soft vs Firm)

• Softer seats: cosy at first, but can lose shape faster in high-use homes.
• Medium-firm seats: typically the safest choice for daily sitting and posture.
• Very firm seats: supportive, but make sure the back cushion softens the feel.

Back Support + Posture

• If you read, work on a laptop, or sit upright often, choose a chair with structured back support.
• If you lounge and curl up, consider a deeper seat with a softer back cushion.

Arm Height (Small Detail, Big Difference)

• Higher arms: great for relaxation and elbow support.
• Lower/slimmer arms: better for small rooms and visually lighter styling.

4) Fabric vs Leather: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle in NZ?

Material choice is where real-life wins or losses happen—especially with kids, pets, sun exposure, and everyday mess. Here’s a practical breakdown.

Fabric Armchairs

• Best for: cosy look, colour variety, softer feel.
• Watch-outs: lighter fabrics can show marks; textured weaves hide wear better.
• Pro tip: if you have pets, tighter weaves tend to be more forgiving than loose knits.

Leather / Faux Leather Armchairs

• Best for: wipe-clean convenience, sleek modern styling.
• Watch-outs: can feel cool in winter and warm in summer; placement away from harsh sun helps longevity.
• Pro tip: if you want the look but prefer softer comfort, pair with a throw.

For Families & Rentals

• Kids: darker tones or textured neutrals hide everyday life better.
• Renters: choose a versatile neutral and let cushions/art do the styling.
• Pets: consider medium tones and textures; avoid ultra-light, super-smooth finishes if shedding is a thing.

5) Style Match: How to Choose an Armchair That Works With Your Sofa

The goal isn’t “matching perfectly.” The goal is a room that feels intentional. Use one of these three easy styling strategies:

Strategy A: Same Family, Different Texture

Keep the chair colour close to your sofa, but add interest with texture (bouclé, weave, leather-look). This is the safest option if you’re styling a calm, modern NZ lounge.

Strategy B: Contrast With One Strong Feature

Choose one standout element—colour, shape, or leg finish—then keep everything else neutral. Example: a curved accent chair with black legs in a mostly light-toned living room.

Strategy C: Pairing Chairs (Two Armchairs)

• If your lounge is wide, two matching chairs can look clean and hotel-like.
• If your lounge is compact, two slimmer accent chairs often work better than one oversized lounge chair.

Want to see options that work across styles? Browse our armchairs collection and shortlist 3–5, then compare them against your room measurements and your “chair job” from section 1.

6) Small Living Room? Use These “Looks Bigger” Rules

• Choose higher legs: more visible floor makes the room feel open.
• Go slim on the arms: bulky arms eat space fast.
• Avoid overly deep seats: unless it’s a dedicated reading corner with clear walkways.
• Stick to one statement: bold colour OR bold shape—don’t overload a small space.

7) A Simple Checklist Before You Click “Buy”

1. Room role: everyday seat / reading corner / accent piece?
2. Measurements: width + depth fit your layout?
3. Comfort: medium-firm for daily use, supportive back for reading?
4. Material: fabric vs leather based on kids/pets/cleaning?
5. Styling: does it complement your sofa using one strategy (A/B/C)?

Ready to compare options? Start here: Shop Armchairs

FAQ: Choosing an Armchair in NZ

What size armchair is best for a small living room?

Choose a chair with a slimmer overall width, higher legs, and a shallower-to-medium depth so walkways stay clear. This keeps the room feeling open while still giving you a comfortable seat.

Is a soft armchair always more comfortable?

Not always. Soft seats can feel great at first but may lack long-term support. For daily use, a medium-firm seat with a supportive back is usually more comfortable over longer sitting sessions.

Fabric or leather—what’s easier to maintain?

Leather (and many leather-look finishes) is typically easier to wipe clean, while fabric offers more texture and warmth. If you have kids or pets, consider darker tones and textured fabrics that hide marks better.

How do I match an armchair with my sofa?

Use one clear strategy: keep the same colour family and add texture, or add contrast with one strong feature (colour or shape), but keep everything else neutral so the room feels intentional.

Should I get one armchair or a pair?

A pair works well in wider rooms for symmetry, while a single chair is often better for compact lounges. In smaller spaces, two slim accent chairs can feel lighter than one oversized lounge chair.

Shop This Guide

• All Armchairs
• Recliner Chairs
• Lounge Chairs