Buying an armchair seems simple—until it’s in your living room. Sometimes it’s too large, the style clashes with your existing decor, or after half an hour, it proves less comfortable than you imagined. Especially in smaller living spaces, like an apartment or studio, striking the right balance between size, comfort, and style is crucial.
This guide will help you make an informed decision. We focus on the facts—dimensions, materials, and functionality—so you can find a wingback chair that is both practical and perfectly suited to your needs.
What to Consider When Buying an Armchair?
Before making a choice, it’s wise to consider a few key criteria. This will help you avoid buyer's remorse and ensure the chair meets your expectations.
1. Dimensions and Space
The most common mistake is misjudging the scale. A small armchair can get lost in a large room, while an overly bulky model can make a space feel cramped.
- Measure your available space: Note the maximum width, depth, and height. Consider traffic flow and the distance to other furniture.
- Check the product dimensions: Compare the chair's measurements with your available space. A compact model around 72 cm wide and 65 cm deep is often an excellent choice for smaller rooms.
- Visual space: An armchair on high, slender legs creates a lighter, more airy look than a model with a solid base that reaches the floor.
2. Material and Maintenance
The material determines not only the look but also the comfort and longevity of the chair. The three most common choices are fabric, faux leather, and velvet.
- Fabric armchair: Materials like linen are breathable and feel comfortable. A fabric armchair creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Maintenance typically involves spot cleaning with a suitable cleaner.
- Faux leather armchair: A faux leather armchair is practical and easy to clean with a damp cloth. This makes it a durable choice for households prone to spills. The material is less breathable than fabric.
- Velvet armchair: A velvet armchair has a soft touch and a luxurious appearance. The material can attract dust and requires regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment.
3. Comfort and Use
Above all, an armchair must be comfortable. Whether you use it as a reading chair or as a lounge chair in the bedroom, seating comfort is essential.
- Cushioning: High-density foam provides firm support and retains its shape longer. This prevents the seat from sagging over time.
- Ergonomics: The classic "wings" of a wingback chair offer an enveloping feel and support your head, making it ideal for reading or napping.
- Seat height and depth: Check if the seat height (often around 46 cm) and seat depth (around 48 cm) suit your height to ensure a relaxed posture.
4. Style and Design
The modern wingback chair combines the classic silhouette with cleaner lines, new materials, and fresh colours. This makes it a versatile designer chair that fits into many interiors, from industrial to Scandinavian. Consider the role you want the chair to play: a neutral, functional piece or a striking accent.
Our Top Picks for 2026
Based on the criteria above, we have selected several models that excel in their specific categories.
1. GRAVFORCE Fabric Wingback Chair – Compact and Modern
- Why we chose it: This model combines a compact footprint with a breathable linen-style fabric. Its neutral dark grey colour makes it suitable for almost any living room armchair or bedroom setting.
- Advantages:
- Compact footprint: At 72W x 65D x 84H cm, it's ideal for smaller spaces.
- Breathable fabric: The linen upholstery ensures comfort, even during extended periods of sitting.
- Stable construction: The metal and solid wood frame has a weight capacity of up to 136 kg.
- Simple assembly: Comes with all necessary tools and instructions.
- Who it's for: Anyone seeking a functional and comfortable armchair for a reading nook, apartment, or dorm room without compromising on style.
2. GRAVFORCE Faux Leather Wingback Chair – Low-Maintenance
- Why we chose it: The faux leather upholstery makes this chair exceptionally practical to maintain. Its sleek, black finish gives it a modern and professional look.
- Advantages:
- Easy to clean: The faux leather surface can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
- Robust frame: The combination of metal and wood provides a stable base with a weight capacity of up to 136 kg.
- Floor protection: The metal legs are equipped with protective caps to prevent scratches on your floor.
- Comfortable cushioning: The seat and backrest feature high-density foam for excellent seating comfort.
- Who it's for: A practical choice for those who want a stylish yet low-maintenance chair. Suitable for a living room, office, or waiting area.
3. GRAVFORCE Velvet Wingback Chair – Elegant and Stylish
- Why we chose it: This pink velvet armchair is a true statement piece. The tufted diamond pattern on the backrest and the soft velvet fabric give the chair a chic and elegant look.
- Advantages:
- Luxurious aesthetic: The pink velvet upholstery and tufted design make it an eye-catching piece of furniture.
- Sturdy frame: The solid wood frame provides stability and a weight capacity of up to 136 kg.
- Superior comfort: The high-density resilient foam cushioning offers excellent support.
- Tool-free assembly: According to the manufacturer, the chair is easy to assemble.
- Who it's for: For those who want to make a statement and are looking for a designer chair that combines comfort with a luxurious aesthetic. Perfect for a bedroom or a stylish corner of the living room.
Not a Wingback? Consider Alternatives
If a wingback chair doesn't quite fit your layout or taste, consider other options. To make use of an unused corner or find another seating solution that maximises your space, check out our selection of Corner Chairs for the Living Room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the advantage of a wingback chair? The "wings" on the sides of the backrest provide extra head and neck support and create an enveloping, cosy feel. This makes the chair especially suitable as a reading chair or for relaxing, as it helps to muffle ambient noise and reduce distractions.
2. How do you style a wingback chair in a small living room? Opt for a small armchair with slender, high legs to create an airy effect. A light or neutral colour will help the space feel larger. Place the chair in a corner with a floor lamp beside it to create a cosy reading nook without taking up too much floor space.
3. Is a velvet armchair difficult to maintain? A velvet armchair requires a bit more care than faux leather. Regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment helps remove dust and debris. Spills should be treated immediately with a specialised upholstery cleaner, and it's best to blot the stain rather than rub it.
Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer
