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51 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.
Looking for more furniture inspiration to complete your living room? Check out our edit of the best designer sofas.
‘Pesca’ armchair, Stellar Works
We are all aware of the sensuous nature of the peach (just recall that scene in Call Me By Your Name), so designer Alessandro Munge’s inspiration for this chair could not be more delectable. A perfectly rounded form with a bite taken out of it, the chair elevates the organic. From £2,855, stellarworks.com
‘The Willadsen Chair’, House of Finn Juhl
This relaunched 1950s design by Danish cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen is considered a classic for a reason, with a rounded silhouette that hugs the sitter and angled legs that project an air of lightness. From £5,715, finnjuhl.com
‘Gotham’ armchair, Dolce & Gabbana
Animal print is in the midst of a comeback and what better firm to look to for how to work it in the home than fashion house Docle & Gabbana – which has been showing its potential on the catwalk for years. Add a hammered steel base and this chair is pure purrfection. Price on application, dolcegabbana.com
‘Ruby Lounge’ armchair, Cattelan Italia
There’s a sculptural take on 1970s style that is central to this armchair. Chunky rounded cushions with contrast stitching are held by a wooden base – choose from burned oak (pictured) and canaletto walnut. £2,427, cattelanitalia.com
‘Eugène’ armchair, Molteni & C
Designer Christophe Delcourt believes that furniture is ‘first and foremost an element of seduction’ and there is something incredibly seductive about this design, which sits proudly on a base made of Polimex – a material fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle. £3,688, molteni.it
‘Victor’ armchair, Bontempi Casa
The wing-like arms of this design by Elena Trevisan are optional, but we believe they dial up the elegance of this design. Created as an accompaniment to the already popular ‘Victor’ sofa, it has become a beauty in its own right. £2,414, bontempi.it
‘Sinua’ lounge chair, Rimadesio
This deeper version of the classic ‘Sinua’ dining chair is a wonderfully minimal addition to any home. Its form is defined by the shape of the wood, wrapped in buttery leather. From £3,035, rimadesio.it
‘Soft Spot’ lounge chair, Loaf
the perfect occasional seat, this low-slung design has the appearance of two cosy pillows held aloft on thing legs. French seams lend it a tailored quality while the feather-filled upholstery is perfect to sink into. £795, loaf.com
‘Quadrotta’ armchair, Calligaris
Born as collaboration between fellow Italian brand Borbonese and Calligaris, this seat pairs the former’s OP Suede with chocolate brown leather to create a seat that is fashionably on trend. £3,250, calligaris.com
‘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
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