A fabulous armchair can make all the difference to a living room. From club styles and swivel chairs to recliners, a statement armchair injects colour and character and, of course, extra seating.
"Armchairs are like art in a room," says interior designer Nickolas Gurtler. "They can be bolder in shape than a sofa and allow you to be more playful or more adventurous in terms of colour and pattern."
They're versatile too, adds Emma Mackie, interior decorator and principal at M Interiors. "Simply re-covering an old armchair can change the look of a room; alternatively, move it to another spot in the house to give the chair - and the space - a fresh feel."
Trends-wise, it's all about curves right now.
"Soft, rounded furniture designed to facilitate conversation continues to come through from Europe," says Jane Novembre, marketing director at Domo.
There's also a growing emphasis on sustainability, adds Mackie.
"Natural materials such as wool, bouclé, rattan and wicker are increasing in popularity." Colours drawn from nature are coming to the fore, she says - think terracotta, burnt orange, greens and inky blue.
Vintage and vintage-inspired chairs are top sellers. "Traditional French styles, rattan panels and mid-century designs are all very popular," says Gurtler.
"Swivel chairs are perfect in front of a fireplace or window, allowing you to enjoy the scenery yet remain connected with the room," says Sonia Warner, interior designer and co-director at Woods & Warner.
There are three key elements when choosing the right armchair: size, style and use. "Do you want a chair for snuggling in or a more formal piece? Scale is crucial - you don't want to block views or traffic flow in a room," says Mackie. An armchair should have a minimum clearance of 60cm around it to prevent the room feeling cramped.
"A colour or style that contrasts with your sofa can deliver on wow factor. A recliner or seat with matching footstool will be more comfortable when used for longer periods," says Amber Cooke, general manager of furniture at Domayne.
"Chairs with rolled arms, deep buttoning and loose cushions suit traditional spaces," says Warner. "Clean-lined interiors need more defined profiles with taut cushioning and statement upholstery. Slimmer styles in block colours are ideal for smaller rooms."
Regardless of style, comfort is what counts. "Spend time sitting in the chairs you like to assess their comfort: your feet should touch the floor at a 90-degree angle and arms should rest comfortably on the sides," says Novembre.
"Ask what the frame is made from - quality pieces will be made from solid hardwood, metal or a combination of the two. Also look for corner reinforcement and screwed or interlocking joints rather than ones that are stapled or glued."
Upholstery fabric needs to be up to the task.
"Linen mixes, leather, outdoor fabrics and slipcovers are great for family homes. Pure linen, velvet or silk upholstery are better suited to grown-up spaces," says Libby Robinson, an interior designer at Coco Republic.
"When it comes to durability, the weave is one of the most important factors," says Mackie. "Pull and prod fabric samples to see if they easily separate. The best ones will maintain their shape and have very little give."
Homework done, it's time to sit back and relax. Read on for our top picks of the best armchairs to add to your space this season.