Armchairs Are the Most Neglected Furniture in Your Home—5 Styles to Enhance Your Space

      Max Hurd serves as the editor-in-residence for Who What Wear UK and is a London-based art director, tastemaker, interior stylist, and creative consultant. He collaborates with and advises prestigious luxury brands such as Manolo Blahnik, Farfetch, Asprey, Cartier, H&M, and Patrón Tequila. His vibrant aesthetic—which he describes as "Oscar Wilde meets Marie-Antoinette through a Brazilian bordello"—allows him to curate, write, and create in the realms of interiors and culture.

      As you read this, I would wager you are settled comfortably in a chair, regardless of its type. The important point is that you are indeed sitting. Often, we overlook chairs or view them merely as functional objects, yet they play a vital role in our daily lives. Although their presence in our homes may be underappreciated, it is surprising to note that chairs only became common furniture about 300 years ago. Prior to that, people typically sat on stools or benches, and even the affluent had limited access to chairs with backs.

      It wasn't until the 17th century that we began addressing the orthopedic damage done each time we sat down, and not until the 18th century did we consider adding comfort through upholstery. By the 19th century, chairs became mass-produced and widely available. Much like thrones, chairs have often been regarded as status symbols, prompting reinterpretations by some of the most brilliant creative minds over the past three centuries. Continue reading to discover five unique and striking chairs that not only provide comfort but also add beauty to your space, no matter your taste.

      **The 5 Armchair Trends Everyone With Good Taste Should Know**

      1. **Britannic Domesticity**

       *Style Notes:* The Bridgewater Chair by Howard and Sons caters to enthusiasts of what is often labeled "cottagecore." While I typically avoid acronyms (mostly due to my own confusion), I believe I've grasped this one correctly—this chair is truly the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time). I view it as the original design from which many beloved armchairs have been derived, and for good reason. It epitomizes comfort while capturing that timeless English-country-house aesthetic that never fades. However, they are quite costly; even antique versions, often worn or damaged, fetch high prices at auctions. This is because such pieces are genuine investments. A quality armchair is a lifelong purchase, capable of being reupholstered to match evolving fabric trends, and can be enjoyed by anyone, at any age, in any room. The Bridgewater looks best when well-loved, but it must be upholstered correctly—so if you buy a vintage one, ensure you're prepared for its restoration.

       *Shop the Trend:*

       - The House Upstairs: The "Look No Further" Armchair

       - Oka Prod: Coleridge Ocellus Linen Armchair

       - Rowen & Wren: Remy Armchair in Natural Linen

      2. **Adriatic Opulence**

       *Style Notes:* I've repeatedly praised Venetian Grotto Chairs as the pinnacle of interior design—the crowning piece for any maximalist home. They are playful, impractical, and resonate with the Disney Princess in all of us. Popular among European nobles in the 19th century who indulged in collecting exquisite objects, their design was inspired by the shell grottos created to escape the summer heat during the Renaissance. Like all stunning items, they serve a purely decorative purpose, making them unsuitable for sitting.

       Before you voice your annoyance at the impracticality of a non-sitting chair, I understand your concern. However, their eye-catching beauty compensates for their limited function. When such chairs appear at auctions, they generate excitement and competition among bidders, showcasing their allure despite their impracticality. Thus, positioned beside a fireplace, in front of a large window, or adorned with a few exquisite coffee-table books or perhaps a geranium to discourage sitting, they offer a visual impact that few other furnishings can.

       *Shop the Trend:*

       - Brillig & Borogove: Grotto Venetian Armchair

       - 1st Dibs: Grotto Armchairs

       - eBay: Venetian Grotto Chairs

      3. **Bauhaus Baby**

       *Style Notes:* If you appreciate streamlined design, the Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer is for you. Contrary to popular belief, the chair was not created specifically for painter Wassily Kandinsky but rather draws inspiration from bicycle construction. First produced in the late 1920s, the Wassily represents a groundbreaking amalgamation of form and function, embodying the principles of the Bauhaus movement, centered on the idea that "form follows function" (in simple terms, minimalism). Each piece was intended for mass production, making beautiful design accessible rather than a luxury for the wealthy.