You might think that this question is relatively easy to answer, and you would be somewhat correct. What most refer to as an armchair is a chair with, you’ve guessed it, arms. An armchair is a cushioned, comfortable chair with a support on each side, where you can rest your arms and have them supported while you sit. Some armchairs are large enough that you can curl up and read a book in them. However, over the years the word “armchair” has gone through a semantic change. By this, we mean that the modern meaning is different from the original usage. Now, an armchair could have no arms but still has a curved back for a snugger and lounge-like feel. The location of a chair in your home and what you use it for can be decisive when it comes to how you refer to it. In this EZ Living Furniture blog, we will get a better understanding of when an armchair isn’t an armchair and how homeowners and renters alike can use these chairs in other, non-traditional ways.
Swivel Chairs
First off, an armchair isn’t an armchair when…. It has another unique feature, like a swivel capacity. Swivel chairs stand out from the crowd and can be used in a living room, dining room, home office, or bedroom. The best thing about a swivel chair is that you can change your view when you wish and the (usually metal) base adds an attractive finishing touch to the styling of the room. A swivel armchair will usually feature arms too, so it can be quite confusing for those who don’t know the difference.
Bedroom Chairs
Remember when I said that an armchair can change its name based on where it’s placed in the home? Well, say hello to a bedroom chair. Most of these chairs have arms too! This essential piece of furniture can be placed next to a dressing table to apply beauty products in relaxed seating. An armchair creates a bigger and more impressive statement with its design, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t also be used as bedroom chairs. Position one next to your bedside lockers and create a cosy reading spot for snuggling up with a book.
Office Chairs
It isn’t an armchair when it’s an office chair. These ergonomically designed beauties are designed to support the user’s body posture for long periods of time. Those who had to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic will understand this more than most. Using an armchair as an office chair just doesn't give the same amount of support and neither does a sofa or a bed. Yes, we’re talking to you. An office chair could be confused as an armchair though because they do have arms. Office chairs can feature lowered arms like the Ottowa Office chair above or have heightened armrests that can be adjusted.
Snugglers
Looks can sometimes be deceiving. Although this chair may look like an armchair at a quick glance, it in fact a snuggler. Snugglers have a wider than a normal seat and this is why they differ from regular armchairs. They offer the user a more relaxed place to snuggle up in the evenings. They are not quite big enough to fit more than one person like a sofa can, but they can feel a lot more comfortable. Some individuals find it more restful to sit cross-legged and this is the perfect chair for that or maybe even some meditation.
Dining Chairs
Again, some dining chairs can have arms, but that doesn’t make them armchairs. It’s just a simple change to a historically “armless” chair. Next to a dining table, dining chairs with arms can feel more casual in a sometimes overly formal dining event. Occasionally, these chairs will have armrests that are narrow and will not necessarily support your arm during dinner and these are less functional and more aesthetically pleasing.
Fireside Chairs
Fireside chairs are just that, chairs placed next to an open fire. These chairs are armchairs but are used in a different location to where they are normally situated. Sat right next to a warm and crackling fire, this chair can lend itself to cosy nights during the winter and long evenings during the summer months. This is especially important if you live in Ireland where summers consist of maybe a maximum of one whole week of sunny weather.
Accent & Occasional Chairs
An accent chair is usually more decorative than your standard armchair. Their entire purpose is to create a stunning accent in the room they are placed in. They are used by interior designers to make a visual point of difference within a room while pulling together the entire look and feel of the decor through their shape, colour, and material. So, in theory, any fabulous armchair could be an accent chair. Similarly, an occasional chair could be an armchair. An occasional chair is as functional in its purpose as it is in its name: it’s a chair that is meant to be used on occasion. If you are someone who doesn’t like to spend hours lounging on their armchair, maybe rename and call it an “occasional chair” from now on.
Garden Chairs
Ok, this one is kind of obvious, we know. However, the arms can occasionally confuse us. These rattan-covered garden chairs have been made to combat outdoor conditions. Their material is weather-proof and rust-proof, meaning they can be left outdoors if you so wish, although we would always recommend garden chair covers just in case. The same cannot be said for armchairs. They are an indoor items of furniture only unless otherwise stated. Spend hours relaxing under the sun in the Oxford Chairs above or bring them indoors into a conservatory…there’s no rule that says you can’t.
And there you have it. Remember, armchairs don’t have to always belong in the living room, mix it up a bit and try placing one in an oversized hallway, or next to a nest of tables in a cosy corner in an office space. The motto of the story here is like describing the difference between a violin and a fiddle, there isn't a huge difference except what you use it for.
Read: Stylish Nesting Tables Your House Desperately Needs.
Browse our entire selection of armchairs here.
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