Armchair materials guide: Rug, velvet, bouclé and more

Compare and contrast the various armchair materials to find the perfect accent chair for you

There's nothing quite like a comfy armchair to sink into. Whether you're looking for a new living room piece, a reading spot in your study, or an accent chair in your bedroom, a luxury armchair offers both comfort and elegance to whichever room it occupies.

But with so many armchairs on the market, it can be difficult to choose the perfect piece. From luxury frames upholstered in striking patterns to contemporary accent chairs in fuzzy boucle textures, each design has a unique look and feel.

In this buying guide, we'll break down the various materials of an armchair, along with some arrangement and styling tips to find the perfect accent chair for your home.

Why we love an accent chair

An accent chair is more than just a place to sit; it's a luxurious accessory. Whilst practicality is important, your armchair choice is a great way to showcase your personal style, without adding unnecessary clutter to the space.

Benefits of adding an armchair in your living room

"Core furniture pieces, such as armchairs, are a great place to start when adding texture and accent colours to a room. Soft furnishings made of fabrics, including boucle, shearling and wool, are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners, particularly in the living room, and this is reflected in the recent 'cloud couch' trend."

- Kris Manalo, Head of Design at Atkin and Thyme

As our Head of Design points out, your armchair can bring a wealth of depth and texture to your room, particularly if you opt for an upholstery in a decadent fabric. It's also a great foundation for layering more textures, through stylish accent cushions and cosy blankets.

Best armchair materials

Now, let's review the different types of armchair materials to help you find the perfect match for you.

Classic plain weave

First up, we have a plain weave. This classic style is your most standard armchair fabric, which has a smooth, flat and crisp finish. Ideal for those who like a reliable, understated accent chair, choosing an armchair with a plain weave is great for a timeless look in your living room.

Best for: Homeowners who like an old classic

Textured weave

Then, we have textured weave. This fabric is great for those who like a casual, but still aesthetic, look. In contrast to a plain weave, which is smooth and flat, a textured weave is interlaced to create a more 3D effect. The result is a tactile, textured surface which looks organic and rustic.

Best for: Homeowners who like an organic, boho look

Get the look: Calvin Armchair In Striped Woven Rag Rug

Velvet

For the luxury lovers, velvet is an obvious choice. It's a timeless fabric that brings sophistication and softness to any armchair. Thanks to its dense pile, velvet is also highly durable, making it a great all-rounder. We love velvet in rich shades, such as olive green, mustard, or burgundy.

Best for: Homeowners who like classic luxury

Get the look: Aviator Armchair in Apple Green Velvet

Bouclé

Deriving from the French word "boucler" meaning "to curl", bouclé is made from looped fibres, giving it that signature soft, fuzzy texture. A contemporary choice of armchair fabric, bouclé brings quiet luxury to any room, thanks to its characteristically fluffy texture. With its signature white colour (though you can get dyed bouclé), it's also great for those who like a monochromatic or neutral colour palette. If you ask us, bouclé is chic, modern, and commands attention.

Best for: Homeowners who like a contemporary statement piece

Get the look: Bonnie Curved Armchair

Washed ticking

For a long-lasting piece of furniture, opt for upholstery in a soft woven cotton featuring washed ticking, like our Pip Armchair. This clever technique means that the tight-woven fabric has been pre-washed to soften it and makes your chair look better with age. Genius!

Best for: Homeowners who want a future-proof piece

Get the look: Pip Armchair in Ticking Fabric

Armchair styling tips for creating a showhome feel

Now you've picked out the perfect accent armchair, it's time to think about styling it.

Layer with throws and cushions

"Layering up your furniture with throws, cushions and pillows is a great way to make a room feel more inviting. I'd recommend choosing heavyweight fabrics, such as wool or faux fur, as these will help to make the room feel warmer during winter by trapping in heat."

- Kris Manalo, Head of Design at Atkin and Thyme

As Kris says, layering is key for a cosy space. So you have even more snugness to sink into, dress your armchair with an accent cushion and drape a throw stylishly over the back. You don't need to go over the top, either! Sometimes, less really is more. Choose one statement cushion that complements the tones and textures of your armchair for a sophisticated showhome look.

Position under a stylish overhead floor lamp

As many interior enthusiasts know, good lighting is everything. We love an armchair that's strategically placed under an overhead arching lamp. This is a contemporary way to add some ambient down lighting, bringing a pocket of light to where your armchair sits. Now you can lounge on your chair well into the evening.

Top tip: Create a cosy reading nook by positioning your armchair in a corner, next to a bookshelf, and add your overhead floor lamp. A voila! Your ready-made reading nook to sink into and get lost in another world…

Shop our full collection of beautiful lighting here.

Add a matching footstool

As many interior enthusiasts know, a footstool is more than just a practical feature. Of course, we all love to put our feet up at the end of a long day. More than this, though, a luxurious footstool makes for a fabulous accessory that can turn your living room into an elevated lounge.

Good news for those who like to keep things coordinated: many of Atkin and Thyme's armchairs have matching footstools available for purchase, so you can keep things simple and cohesive.

Whatever your preference, all of Atkin and Thyme's occasional chairs are expertly designed and beautifully crafted to make a contemporary statement in any home. With this handy armchair materials guide, you can compare the benefits of each luxury fabric and choose a piece that suits you and your home.

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