The hot seats: statement armchairs to liven up your living space

05 Nov 2020 | Updated on: 27 Sep 2022 |By Ellen Millard

Staying in is the new going out (thanks, lockdown). From velvet clam seats to shearling showpieces, take style cues from these amped-up armchairs by Studio Ashby, Made and Graham & Green

All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.

The Space Oddity chair

Interior designer Thomas Dariel’s Major Tom collection was named after and inspired by the fictional character referenced in David Bowie’s Space Oddity song. In the music video, Bowie appears wearing futuristic clothes designed by French fashion mogul Pierre Cardin. Dariel took inspiration from both creatives, producing a range of sofas and armchairs that wouldn’t look out of place in the music video, nor in Cardin’s house The Palais Bulles, or Palace of Bubbles (if you don’t know it, give it a Google). This Space Oddity armchair is the perfect shade of millennial pink; team with Gucci’s whimsical cat cushion and HAY’s dainty pleated Matin lamp.

Clockwise from top left: Cat-embroidered velvet cushion, £875, Gucci, matchesfashion.com; Andy Warhol scented candle in tomato leaf, £45, Ligne Blanche, amara.com; Set of two splatter-print plates, £122, Cabana Magazine, matchesfashion.com; Belleville large crystal perfume flacon, £1,078, Reflections Copenhagen, matchesfashion.com; Space Oddity chair designed by Thomas Dariel, £3,605.56, 1stdibs.co.uk; Matin table lamp in oxblood red, £195, HAY, amara.com

The Kooper chair

Purveyor of pretty furniture, Made has infiltrated our homes with its Instagram-friendly velvet sofas that come in suitably autumnal shades of green, navy and burnt orange. The brand’s new Kooper design is just as covetable, giving the traditional armchair a revamp with an undulating backrest, brass legs and velvet upholstery. We’ll take one in pine green, please.

Clockwise from top left: Josephine scented candle, £75, Cire Trudon, matchesfashion.com; Tokai vase in white speckle, £95, theconranshop.co.uk; Marlie cushion cover, £75, theconranshop.co.uk; Nappula candleholder in moss green, £36, Matti Klenell for Iittala, theconranshop.co.uk; Bell table light, £364, Tom Dixon, houseology.com; Kooper armchair in pine green velvet, £399, made.com

The Polar chair

Studio Ashby unveiled its homeware brand Sister in October, and among the collection of beautiful handprinted cabinets and crockery is this incredible Polar chair. Inspired by the colour, softness and generous size of a polar bear (it’s not that big, don’t worry), the circular seat is the perfect spot in which to curl up with a book and while away the afternoon. It’s a bespoke piece, and while designer Sophie Ashby has opted for a cream, fluffy fabric, the material choice is entirely yours.

Clockwise from top left: Wall Plate No. 369, £135, Fornasetti, libertylondon.co.uk; Naoshima ceramic table lamp, from £295, oka.com; The Polar chair, £6,820, Sister, studioashby.com; Chess cushion cover, £32, Day Birger Et Mikkelsen Home, amara.com; W&S candleholder, £55, HAY, amara.com

The Sabrina Clam chair

Graham & Green’s Sabrina Clam chair is big enough for two people, but we won’t judge you if you’d rather keep it all to yourself. Featuring a pretty, scalloped backrest with piping details in a nod to the precious shell of a clam, this beautiful armchair is upholstered in a soft blue/grey velvet and finished with turned mango wood legs. Light your favourite Fornasetti candle and relax…

Clockwise from top left: Flowerpot table lamp in polished brass, £401, &Tradition, amara.com; Palazzo Celeste scented candle, £155, Fornasetti, amara.com; Twist candle, set of six in caramel, peach and lavender, £25, HAY, amara.com; Spike wall mirror, £200, Luxe, amara.com; Marbled jug, £65, HAY, farfetch.co.uk; Sabrina clam chair, £995, grahamandgreen.co.uk

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