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43 of the best modern armchairs
From timeless classics to contemporary designs, browse our pick of the most stylish lounge chairs out there
Whether you’re in the market for a modernist masterpiece, a low-slung seventies-style lounger or a sculptural statement chair, these armchairs are big on both design and comfort. Created by some of the most renowned designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, these pieces will stand the test of time and follow you from home to home.
Looking for more furniture inspiration to complete your living room? Check out our edit of the best designer sofas.
‘Perceptions’ armchair, Known Work Studio
The angular lines of ‘Perceptions’ – part of a nine-piece collection by this up-and-coming NewYork-based studio – are softened by its plump seat. Approx £6,340, knownworkstudio.com
‘Sideways’ armchair, Carl Hansen & Søn
Like its companion sofa, Carl Hansen & Søn’s ‘Sideways’ chair by Rikke Frost is intriguing from all angles, with its steam-bent timber back strung with natural papercord. From £3,284, aram.co.uk
‘Brasilia’ armchair, Audo CPH
Brazilian modernism is set to have a big year and the ‘Brasilia’ by Anderssen & Voll combines it with a mid-century Scandinavian sensibility. Approx £3,760, audocph.com
‘Move’ armchair, Giorgetti
For Giorgetti’s 10th birthday, the iconic ‘Move’ rocking chair, first created by Rossella Pugliatti back in 2014, takes on a fresh personality in three new colourways. Approx £25,625, giorgettimeda.com
‘D.154.2’ armchair, Molteni & C
The ‘D.154.2’ armchair by Gio Ponti recently received the Compasso d’Oro Career Award. This marks it as a gold standard in design, so Molteni & C’s gold edition is appropriate. £9,360, molteni.it.
‘Archibald’ armchair, Poltrona Frau
This limited-edition version of the ‘Archibald’ armchair by Jean-Marie Massaud sees it dressed in a suit made from an organic-cotton jacquard called ‘Everdenim’. Approx £4,390, poltronafrau.com.
‘Calin XL’ armchair, Porada
As if G&O Buratti’s original ‘Calin’ armchair wasn’t plush enough, the design has been updated, making it bigger and more comfortable. The ultimate cocoon for lounging. From £6,842 porada.it
‘La Chair’, Rankin Editions
Handmade to order in the UK, ‘La Chair’ sits at the intersection between furniture and sculpture. Plus, there’s an eco-leather version available on request. From £3,200, rankineditions.com.
‘Figura’ armchair, Rubelli
The backrest, seat, armrest and sides of Martino Gamper’s ‘Figura’ can be mixed and matched in a tantalising selection of different shapes and Rubelli fabrics. From approx £2,800, rubelli.com
‘The Armchair’, Tatjana von Stein
Internationally acclaimed interior designer Tatjana von Stein has a way with texture. Having made her first foray into the furniture-design scene last year with a collection made from robust materials including walnut-burr wood, stainless steel and glass, she has now introduced a softer, more relaxed piece to her offering: ‘The Armchair’. From £11,667, tatjanavonstein.com
‘Piping’ armchair, Etro Home
Maximalism comes face to face with 1970s charm in Etro Home’s latest range, ‘Piping’ – so named after its emphasis on tubular lines. While the release includes a wooden dining table, side table and coffee table, the hero is no doubt this retro armchair. It’s upholstered in dusky-hued velvet brocade with an intentional worn effect – the pinnacle of old-school chic. From approx £3,235, etro.com
‘Fortune’ armchair, Heller
John Edelman, CEO and president of Heller, first spotted this chair online a few years ago when Brooklyn studio Jumbo released digital models of it on Instagram. Fast forward four years and the American lifestyle brand has put ‘Fortune’ into production. Inspired by Jumbo co-founder Monling Lee’s memories of breaking open the cookies as a child, the chair mimics the shape of the Chinese-restaurant staple – fortune not included. Approx £920, dwr.com
‘Morphologica’ armchair, Misha Kahn
Furniture design meets caricature in New York-based artist-cum-designer Misha Kahn’s ‘Morphologica’ – an armchair and sofa inspired by human forms. Both pieces are made from chunks of polyurethane foam (eight for the armchair), which can be upholstered in a variety of colours. If you detect the influence of the Memphis Group, you’re not wrong; the collection is manufactured by Meritalia – the furniture brand owned by Gufram’s Italian Radical Design group. Approx £13,362, meritalia.it
‘Rupert’ armchair, Bryan O'Sullivan
Chairs that marry texture with unique silhouettes are top of our wishlist when it comes to living-room seating which is why Bryan O'Sullivan’s curvy seat with bobbly oak feet is such a find. Pair with the designer’s matching footstool for ergonomic heaven. £10,200, bryanosullivan.com
‘77 Chair’, Finn Juhl
While designer Finn Juhl is best known for his ‘Chieftain Chair’ and the ‘Pelican Chair’, his ‘77 Chair’ has been somewhat overlooked. That is until now. The Danish furniture house has re-released the Bauhaus-esque armchair with a solid beech frame and a range of hand-stitched upholstery fabrics in an effort to re-insert it into the design canon. £8,047, hollowaysofludlow.com
‘Forum Armchair’, Case Furniture
Designed by Robin Day in 1964 along with a matching sofa, this armchair has a solid hardwood frame, chrome-plated legs and chunky foam cushioning. From £1,445, casefurniture.com
‘Doris’ armchair, Flexform
In this armchair version of Antonio Citterio’s ‘Doris’ design, the traditional reed seat has been replaced with luxurious leather, transforming it from a dining chair into an ideal piece for the living room. Approx £2,566, flexform.it
‘Sari Chair’, Paolo Castelli
If you want a chair that makes a statement, ‘Sari Chair’ by Vittorio Paradiso is your answer. Aptly named after the garment worn by women, ‘Sari Chair’ is distinguishable by its polyurethane foam upholstery, which has been draped over its seat, back and legs. From £3,681, paolocastelli.com
‘Torii Bold’ swivel armchair, Minotti
This swivel armchair is the hip, younger sister in Minotti's ‘Torii’ family of furniture. It’s designed by Nendo to rotate on its base so whatever corner of the living room you place it in, it’ll work magic. £9,163, minottilondon.com
‘Chisel’ lounge chair, Hay
This is one for cosy winter evenings spent reclining with a good book. Crafted by Danish powerhouse Hay, we love the ‘Chisel’ most when wrapped in this rich textured boucle fabric, £509, hay.dk
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