Designer armchair – comfort, craftsmanship and a modern expression
A designer armchair is often the piece that changes the mood of a room fastest. It takes up less space than a large piece of furniture, yet stands out at once – visually and in use. When an armchair is also redesigned with new upholstery, new materials and a renewed finish, the result is a clear design object that works in everyday life.
At Plan B Design, many armchair projects start from older quality chairs with a good frame and lovely lines. Through redesign they acquire a new, modern expression, while the craftsmanship and the sense of timelessness are preserved.
You can find current chairs here: Armchairs and Chairs.
What does “designer armchair” mean?
In practice it comes down to two things: form and function. A designer armchair should be beautiful from several angles, but also comfortable enough to be genuinely used. When an armchair is redesigned, the design can be strengthened through colour, details, choice of materials and new upholstery – without losing the original quality of the chair.
The basics of the term: What is a redesigned piece of furniture?
Why armchairs are particularly good to redesign
- They have a clear silhouette – arms and frame give character
- They are easy to place – in the living room, bedroom, hallway or at the desk
- Comfort can be upgraded – new upholstery changes the whole way it is used
- Small pieces can carry great impact – a chair can become the accent of the room
For larger statement pieces in the same spirit, see also: Sideboards and Cabinets.
Three design decisions that make the difference
1) Upholstery and textile
With the right upholstery and the right fabric, an armchair can go from “lovely” to “irresistible”. It is about how it feels to sit down and how the fabric interacts with the lines of the chair. A renewed seat ensures that the chair is used daily – and does not merely stand there as decoration.
2) Contrast in frame and details
Older armchairs often have lovely forms in the wood. Through contrasts between frame, seat and any strips, the expression becomes more modern and graphic – without the form losing its timelessness.
3) A finish that feels genuine
The finish is often what distinguishes a hobby project from a design piece. When surfaces, edges and details hold a high standard, the armchair gains the clear high quality that is felt in the room at once.
Where does a designer armchair fit?
An armchair is flexible and can be used in several ways:
- As a reading chair – in the living room or bedroom
- As an accent chair – in the hallway or in a corner that needs form
- At the dining table – if you want comfort and a homelier expression
- At the desk – for a personal, less office-like home office
On furnishing and placement: Statement furniture – how to furnish with a piece that takes up space.
How does the redesign of an armchair work?
An armchair can require work on the frame as well as on the seat and back. Often the aim is to preserve the chair’s lovely lines and renew the feel with new materials and a durable finish.
Read the sequence in a structured way: The process behind a redesigned piece of furniture.
And on the difference between classic restoration and redesign: The difference between furniture restoration and redesign.
View armchairs
Frequently asked questions about designer armchairs
What is the difference between an armchair and an easy chair?
An armchair is usually lighter and slimmer than an easy chair, but has arms that give comfort and character. It often suits places better where you want flexibility and a clear expression without the piece taking over the room.
Are redesigned armchairs comfortable?
Yes – especially when the seat and upholstery are rebuilt with daily use in mind. A redesign can make a big difference to comfort and support.
Does a designer armchair go with modernised furniture?
Certainly. It can act as an accent or be part of a coherent style, for example together with a sideboard or a modernised chest of drawers.
Back to the main guide: Redesigned furniture – where classic design meets modern form.