Candace Osmond is a #1 International & USA TODAY Bestselling Author and Award-Winning blogger and screenwriter. She spends her free time testing and reviewing top quality products for Homedit while she resides on the rocky East Coast of Canada with her husband, two kids, and slobbery bulldog.
When it comes to buying an armchair, you are opening up to a world of possibilities. However, this is not an article meant to teach you how to pair different textures and prints with your existing room décor, but rather a piece focused on how to choose the right upholstery while focusing on the beauty of floral armchairs. Are you ready to embark on this journey of discovery with us?
Armchair Upholstery Guide
An armchair is comprised of three main components: the frame, the cushioning, and the upholstery. Naturally, there are plenty of combinations that could results from bringing together a variety of materials and fabrics, which means that when you’re looking to buy an armchair, you have to be ready to look at many models before making a purchasing decision. As far as upholstery is concerned, here are the main fabrics that are used to cover armchairs:
Linen is a natural fabric made from flax which is characterized by durability. It has a natural shine to it, and it’s made from soft and smooth fibers that feel very pleasant to the touch. It is one of the most pill-resistant fibers you can find in armchair upholstery, but it’s also prone to wrinkles which might not make it the best choice for formal spaces. Linen becomes more elastic when it’s combined with cotton.
Cotton is the go-to fabric of the clothing industry, but it’s found its way in so many other industries and is now used to make furniture upholstery as well. Unlike linen, cotton can easily get soiled, but it does share other similarities with the aforementioned fabric: it’s easy to wrinkle but soft and durable nevertheless. There are very few armchair models on the market that are made with 100 percent cotton upholstery. This fiber is usually part of a blend, so if you like the idea of having cotton upholstery, look for a blend that has somewhere in between 45 and 60 percent cotton in its composition.
Wool is one of the most durable choices when it comes to armchair upholstery fabric. Derived from animal hair, wool is known for being a little bit scratchy, which is why it’s typically part of a blend as well. Upholstery that’s made entirely out of wool will be very difficult to clean and also prone to felting.
Leather is a fabric derived from animal hide, being a very durable choice. It’s often preferred not just because of its distinct look, but also because its slippery surface makes it super easy to clean your armchair whenever needed. Keep in mind that not all leather armchairs are created alike so, if you’re looking for high-quality leather upholstery, choose full or top grain ones.
Polyester is a synthetic fabric and, when used to make furniture upholstery, is also typically a part of a blend. It’s very common for armchairs to have upholstery fabrics made from polyester combined with a natural fiber, such as cotton. While considered “cheap” by a lot of shoppers, polyester does bring a lot of benefits to the table, such as wrinkle-resistance, ease of cleaning, and fabric strength.
Velvet is a synthetic fabric that’s made from polyester, sink, or cotton. Due to the fabrication process, velvet is more durable compared to the natural version of the fiber it’s made from. That doesn’t make velvet flawless. It is one of the fabrics that’s most difficult to clean, but people love it because of its unique and distinct feel, and also because it’s available in such a wide range of colors.
Microfiber is a knit blend of polyester fibers which looks and feels a lot like suede, but it’s easier to clean and much softer. Microfiber is a combination of tightly woven synthetic fibers which bring forth benefits such as moisture resistance and durability.
Rayon is a material made from cellulose and it was originally made as a silk, cotton, and linen imitation. Even if it’s a durable fabric, it’s also very prone to wrinkles. It doesn’t work very efficiently as a sole fabric to be used for upholstery, which is why a lot of manufacturers use it as part of a blend.
Sunbrella is a fabric that was originally designed for outdoor furniture upholstery but since it’s fade and stain-resistant, some manufacturers now use it to make indoor furniture upholstery as well.
Tips for Choosing a Good Armchair
When you’re buying an armchair, you can afford to be a little selfish, since this is a piece of furniture designed for a single person. That means that you can focus on your comfort above everything else, so consider the following list of tips before you go shopping:
It’s really important for you to pay attention to the padding of an armchair before you buy it. Polyester foam is a less expensive option which makes it a common choice amongst manufacturers that make budget armchairs. Polyurethane foam is very common and offers good value, with a decent price and a good lifespan. Memory foam is very comfortable and has the best contouring properties.
There are multiple types of armchairs to choose from, more than just the traditional model you’re used to seeing. Recliner armchairs can be tilted backwards for a more comfortable position. Rocking armchairs are the upgraded and more comfortable version of the average rocking chair. Electric armchairs use the power of a remote control to be folded. Massage armchairs are extremely relaxing as they have vibrating features. Convertible armchairs can be turned into beds within seconds. Perhaps one of these is of more use to you compared to the traditional armchair.
When it comes to padding, know that the density of the foam used has an impact on the comfort level of the armchair. For instance, polyester foam usually has a density level that varies between 15 and 25 kg/m3. Classic polyurethane foam has a density of around 25 to 35 kg/m3 and is firm, but offers good support nevertheless.
Some armchairs come with a series of additional features that increase the comfort and versatility of this piece of furniture. For instance, there are models that have armrests equipped with cup holders so you can store your favorite drinks while watching TV. Others have built-in Bluetooth systems that connect to your phone or even USB chargers for your mobile devices.
When you’re looking for a vintage-style floral armchair, the Sarah is the king of model that you want to look into. Designed around an oak frame, this is a chair that can support up to 250 pounds in weight. It features upholstery made from 45 percent viscose and 55 percent linen and it’s filled with foam, offering a thick layer of cushioning on the seating and the back area, for your added comfort. Overall, this floral armchair measures 30.5” H x 25.5” W x 28.25” D, with the seating area alone measuring 17.5” H x 21” W x 18” D.
If you’re looking for something with more floral prints, then maybe it’s worth looking into what the Sparta armchair has to offer. Built upon a wooden frame made from solid and manufactured wood, this armchair can support up to 300 pounds in weight. It’s designed with upholstery that brings forth a combination of 87 percent polyester and 13 percent linen. It measures 39.75” H x 31” W x 32.5” D overall and comes with a removable cushion filled with foam padding.
If you’re looking for a set of two matching armchairs with beautiful and colorful floral prints, here is something to feast your eyes on. Available in a choice or crimson red or sky blue upholstery, these two pieces around frames made from solid and manufactured wood and they can support a weight of 300 pounds each. The upholstery is made entirely out of polyester and the cushioning is filled with 85 percent polyurethane foam pads and 15 percent polyester fibers. Each of the armchairs measures 33.5” H x 29.25” W x 30.5” D and has a seating area of 18” H x 18.5” W x 21” D.
With a more romantic vibe, we’re now looking over the combination of gray upholstery adorned with white embroidered flowers from Kelly Clarkson Home. Built around a birch wooden frame, this chair has a weight capacity of 275 pounds. It has an upholstery made from 70 percent viscose and 30 percent linen, and padding made from foam. Overall, this armchair measures 35.5” H x 27” W x 31.5” D and has a seating area of 18” H x 21” W x 22.75” D. it comes with cabriole legs and it’s perfect for cottage-style room decors.
With a nature-inspired theme, the Lovie armchairis made with a wooden frame and supports a total weight of 250 pounds. It is covered in polyester upholstery and comes with comfortable foam padding in both the back and the seat cushion, offering you superior comfort for hours to come. The Lovie armchair measures 38” H x 38” W x 32” D overall, with the seating area alone measuring 21” H x 21” W x 20” D.
We’re probably not supposed to pick favorites, but there’s something about this Alcott Hill armchair that boosted it at the top of our preference list. Perhaps it’s the warm and inviting colors that make it a perfect choice for different types of room setups, or maybe it’s the quality construction that makes it so worthy of being in our living room. With a wooden frame, this armchair is capable of supporting up to 250 pounds in weight. It comes with upholstery made out of 93 percent polyurethane and 7 percent polyester fiber batting. The armchair measures 37” H x 33.5” W x 31.5” D and has a seating area of 19.3” H x 20” W x 21.25” D.
The Fred armchair is a colorful approach to an otherwise simplistic piece of furniture, but the upholstery brightens up the design and is probably what you’d expect to see in a boho-style room. This mid-century modern style armchair has a rubberwood frame that translates into a weight capacity of 250 pounds. The upholstery is made from polyester while the floral embroidery is made from cotton. The removable cushion, as well as the backrest, are filled with foam, adding up to a chair that measures 35.8” H x 29” W x 30.3” D.
If you have a Victorian-style living room and you’re looking for a suitable armchair, you have to take a look at the Britton. It’s made from a frame that combines solid and manufactured wood, and supports a total weight of 250 pounds. The ivory upholstery is made entirely out of polyester and it’s filled with high-density foam for a decent amount of cushioning. The armchair measures 38.25” H x 26.75” W x 31” D overall and offers a seating area of 18.5” H x 26.75” W x 24” D.
Bottom Line
Regardless of whether you’re looking to acquire a floral armchair or have your heart set on another upholstery imprint, it’s important to know what are the important features to look out for when you’re ready to invest in this particular type of furniture. Keep in mind that he choice of fabrics is super important when it comes to armchair upholstery, but so is the sturdiness of the frame (which will determine the durability, as well as how much weight the armchair can comfortably hold).
