The armchair and occasional chair: while no longer a staple in our living rooms, used to be a big part of our childhood memories. These chairs were where our grandparents used to lounge in for hours on end reading their favourite books, or where our parents used to sit in, rocking us to sleep in their loving embrace.

While most modern Singaporean homes have moved on from armchairs and occasional chairs, they’re still a loveable addition to your rooms. Why not give them a shot and create new memories with your own family?

Let’s learn more about the humble armchair and why you should consider adding it to your home!

But what exactly are these chairs, and why should I get one?

Armchairs are a type of chair with armrests on both sides, they are upholstered or cushioned, and are designed for comfort and lounging. They are set apart from couches and other similar types of cushioned chair because they are seats designed for only one person.

Occasional chairs, on the other hand, are a type of chair that is somewhat portable and can be a convenient addition to your space.

If you live in a home filled with many people, you may think to yourself: why should I even put an armchair in my home? After all, it can only seat one person.

Sadly, these types of chairs are slowly being phased out in many Singaporean homes. These chairs, which used to be a favourite of our grandparents, are now being replaced in favour of sofas. But there’s a reason why armchairs are still one of the most classic pieces of furniture that you can add to your home.  Armchairs might seem like just an unnecessary addition to a household when you’re trying to save space, but you’ll soon find out that they’re incredibly versatile and can be used in all sorts of rooms and spaces.

Armchairs and occasional chairs are essential living room furniture for a reason. Not only are they comfortable additions to your house, they also contribute largely to the aesthetic value of your home. 

Compared to your average sofa or couch, these chairs come in a wider variety of styles, their compact size also means that there are more places that you can put them in. They can be used in sitting rooms, in bedrooms and even on shaded porches and balconies. With so many possibilities, it’s a wonder why many Singaporean families have chosen to pass on them.

How to choose a comfortable armchair

Planning to add an armchair or occasional chair to your home? Great! There are so many options that you can choose from. However, what you should really value is comfort because no one wants to sit in an uncomfy chair. Thankfully, determining how comfortable a chair is before making your purchase decision is a simple task. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Fabric

From soft velvet to premium leather, armchairs can be upholstered in a surprisingly large variety of materials. Upholstery is also one of the most important things you have to consider, not just because they have different textures but also because they have different maintenance needs and may feel different on human skin.

Size

Have you ever set your eyes on a comfortable looking chair only to be disappointed by its size after trying it out? Don’t make the mistake of purchasing an armchair only for it to be a tad bit too small for anyone in your family. Test out the chairs and ensure that there’s ample space for you to shift in your seat. Otherwise, it’s too small and should be scraped from your list.

Style

From wingback chairs with tall backs for taller people, to smaller occasional chairs that you can slide right into, the style of your chair definitely matters. A nice looking armchair or occasional chair that fits perfectly within your home interior can surprisingly do a lot to your mood, so make sure to choose a chair with a distinct design that you fancy.

How to style your chair at home

No matter the size of your room, you’re inevitably going to need a place for you or your family and friends to sit. However, just because you’ve got a nice sofa to sit on doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider a good armchair. They can be used as an accent piece perfect as a conversation starter or even help to bring together the whole look of your house.

If you check out Star Living’s selection of armchairs, you’ll know that these chairs can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Here are some tips for new homeowners looking to get the perfect armchair that matches your living room furniture.

1. Occasional chairs are a versatile addition to any space.

Unlike armchairs, which are built for comfort and may be a bit more limited in style and places to put them, occasional chairs are used mainly to accentuate your room and complete its look. You can find occasional chairs meant for the living room, patio, bedroom, and other such spaces!

2. Want to recline or sleep in after reading a good book? Star Living’s armchairs with powered recliners are for you.

We all like to lounge around in our bed, but sometimes, sitting up while watching TV or doing other things is relaxing too. A good bet for you is getting an armchair with a built-in recliner!

3. Have to save space? There are armchairs with smaller frames, like Star Living’s Heather Armchair!

Many of us picture armchairs as big chairs that look almost like mini-sofas, but that’s not always the case. There are many armchairs that you can find with narrow frames, yet still have that comfy feel.

No one should be satisfied with a drab or boring home. Revitalise the look of your living room with Star Living’s designer furniture in Singapore.