What are the different types of armchairs?

An armchair is simply a chair for one person with a support for each arm. That broad definition covers a huge range of shapes, from low leather club chairs to tall, enclosing wingbacks. The type name tells you about the chair’s back height, padding and overall shape, which in turn tells you how it will feel to sit in. Here are the armchair types you are most likely to meet.

Classic upholstered armchairs

Club chair. Low, deep and generously padded, with rounded arms and a back that wraps around you. Leather is traditional, though fabric is common. Club chairs are made for lounging and look good in pairs.

Chesterfield chair. The one-seat cousin of the Chesterfield sofa, with deep button tufting, rolled arms and often nailhead trim along the edges. It feels formal and substantial and suits traditional rooms, but it can also be a bold statement in a modern space.

Wingback chair. A tall armchair with side panels, or wings, that reach out from the back near head height. The wings are traditionally said to have shielded the sitter from drafts and fireplace heat. Today they mostly offer a cozy, enclosed feel and somewhere to rest your head, which makes wingbacks a favorite reading chair. If someone calls a chair a “high-back chair with wings,” this is the chair they mean.

Barrel chair. A chair with a curved back that sweeps continuously into the arms, like a section of a barrel. It is often compact and works well in corners or at an angle to a sofa.

French and traditional styles

Bergere. A French-style armchair with an exposed wooden frame, often carved, and upholstered seat, back and arm panels. It usually has a wide, deep seat with a loose cushion. It has an elegant, formal look.

Windsor armchair. A wooden chair with a back made of thin spindles, a shaped solid seat and splayed legs. It is lighter and less padded than upholstered armchairs and appears in dining rooms and kitchens as often as living rooms.

Rocking chair. Any chair set on curved runners so it rocks back and forth. Upholstered and wooden versions both exist. Rocking chairs are popular on porches and in nurseries.

Modern and mid-century armchairs

Mid-century armchair. Clean lines, tapered wooden legs, slim arms and a frame that lifts the seat off the floor. Because you can see beneath them, these chairs feel light and suit smaller rooms.

Modern armchair. A loose category that covers Scandinavian, minimalist and other contemporary styles. Expect plain fabrics, simple shapes and neutral colors, sometimes with a single bold accent.

Swivel and egg-style chairs. Rounded, often enclosing shells on a swivel base. They are fun, sculptural and good for turning between conversation and a TV.

Recliner. An armchair whose back tilts and whose footrest rises, either manually or with a motor. It is built for comfort first.

How to choose the right type

• For lounging and TV: a club chair or recliner.
• For reading: a wingback, which supports your head and keeps you upright enough to hold a book.
• For small rooms: a mid-century or slim modern armchair with raised legs and narrow arms.
• For a statement piece: a Chesterfield, bergere or sculptural swivel chair.
• For a nursery or porch: a rocking chair.

Whatever type you choose, sit in it if you can. Check that your feet rest flat on the floor, that the seat supports most of your thighs, and that the arms let your shoulders relax. Our guide to what makes a chair comfortable goes into more detail.

Armchairs and the rest of the room

Armchairs rarely stand alone. They are usually paired with a sofa, a side table or a second chair. If you are looking for the chair to sit beside a sofa, see what a couch chair is called. If you want something you can stretch out on, read about what counts as a lounge chair. For the full picture of seating types, there is our overview of how many types of chairs there are.