Guest Picks: The Almighty Armchair
This ideabook offers more modern and contemporary (I think I’m partial to anything Danish) armchair designs. With these chairs, you can have your quiet moments while also upping the style factor of your space. — Denise from The Swelle Life
This iconic chair is still unique nearly 75 years after it was designed. Its endearing “pelican” arms appear to be inviting you in for a cuddle. I’m fascinated by the way form and proportion work here: The short, rounded peg legs perfectly balance the exaggerated organic shapes of the fluid backrest and arms.
I like the welcoming open arms of this midcentury-style chair. The muted yellow gives a bit of brightness to the room without demanding too much attention, and will work well with other colors from the era, especially those olive greens and slate blues.
I tend to think of the armchair as a commanding structure, but this fluid, organic design, which almost appears to be slouching, offers an informal place to relax. The natural fabric gives it a quiet presence, though a bright yellow upholstery could really play up its quirky qualities.
This retro Scandinavian design is just so homey and welcoming. It’s almost as if it is just waiting for you to come and sit. It’s a fantastic piece for finishing a midcentury decor or warming up a minimalist space.
With its serene slate blue cushions and comfy looks, this chair would be right at home in a sunroom. And that linear timber frame will also lend the space a sense of formality. An elegant walnut side table would be the ideal place to set your cold drinks.
I like that this chair takes cues from the iconic Danish armchairs, yet it’s an original design. The acacia wood lends a particular richness to the clean lines and sharp angles.
One of the more curious designs, the arms on this chair are like walnut wings, adding a rigidity that contrasts the plush cushions. The chair also adjusts to three positions, one being horizontal, which is handy should you need a bench for extra seating at parties.
The extremely high back of this chair makes it a good piece for adding a bit of novelty to a space. However, its earthy stripes and wooden arms and legs make it warm and inviting.
I love how the walnut paneling defines the form of this gorgeous armchair and contrasts the white eco-leather upholstery. The sleekness of the design makes these chairs ideal for luxurious dining seating.
Here’s an armchair that you can easily move around. It’s a light, colorful and translucent take on the iconic Danish designs. It’s also stackable, so two or more would be great as dining chair spares.
The boldly curved armrests make this chair a bit of a statement piece that will add some punch to a traditional decor of mahogany cabinets and bookshelves, for example. The design will also work well with a retro decor from the 1950s.
Now this is a curious design. It’s done in “aviator” leather and appears to be ready to take off at breakneck speed when you have a seat! It’s a great piece for lovers of quirky decor.
There’s something about this chair that seems so pleasantly unassuming and innocent. The soft, rounded back and armrests and the gentle yellow upholstery would make for a lovely retreat. I’d pair it with a round side table painted in one of the button colors.
Open, light and rather minimalist, this design will work well for a smaller space where you want the comfort of an armchair without the heaviness. I like how it doesn’t compromise on warmth and richness with that Japanese tweed upholstery and dark wood legs.
I can’t resist the allure of a retro-styled armchair. They’re just so inviting with their earthy colors, hearty upholstery and beautiful lines. Teal is a more unusual color choice; however, this deep shade is understated and neutral and would work well with any retro decor.
This iconic chair takes a unique approach to comfort. You don’t sink into it; you slide back and enjoy your angular, geometric surroundings.
I love the deep, fluid design of this contemporary take on a 1970s classic. The elongated arms extend to create the front legs, and the seat and backrest offer a chunky comfort that contrasts the sleekness of the minimalist frame.
I love a chair that lets you sit right back and get a little bit lost. This classic, modern design is made fresh with lively orange upholstery that would brighten both traditional and retro decors.
That ‘60s-futuristic style is endlessly appealing, isn’t it? This cool pod design adds so much style to a space, and I bet it will be fought over when more than one guest arrives at the same time. It’s ideal for a minimalist decor that needs a centerpiece.Next: Modern Icons: Corbusier’s LC2 and LC3 Armchairs
What’s not to like here? This has clean lines, perfect upholstery and enough space to spread out and get comfy with a book. The oversized armchair has never looked so chic.
Q