A small room doesn’t mean giving up on a comfortable chair. The right armchair can make a corner feel finished without making the room feel full. This guide covers what to measure, which shapes work best in tight spaces, and how fabric and legs change how big a chair looks.
Start with the space, not the chair
Measure the spot you have in mind, then measure again with the other furniture in place. Allow at least 45cm of clearance around the chair so it is easy to walk past and to sit down. Do not forget the route in: doorways, hallways and stairs all need to be wide enough for the chair to pass. Our measuring guide shows how to check both.
Every chair page lists its height, width and depth, so you can compare real measurements against your space before you order.
Choose a lighter shape
In a small room, visual weight matters as much as the size. A chair with slim arms, a lower back and legs that lift the seat off the floor will always feel lighter than a big, boxy shape, because you can see the floor underneath. Armless or lightly shaped chairs take up the least room. The Alfredston, for example, is our narrowest chair at 51cm wide. You can compare more options in our bespoke armchairs and occasional chairs.
A high-backed wingback can still work in a small room as a single statement piece, but it will dominate more than a lower chair, so give it room to breathe. Our guide to choosing a wingback chair explains what to look for.
Fabric and colour change how big a chair looks
Lighter, softer colours tend to recede, while deep, dark tones make a chair feel more solid. A plain weave or a small-scale pattern is usually easier on the eye in a tight space than a large, bold print, though a single patterned chair can also be a lovely focal point in a neutral room. Texture adds depth without adding bulk.
If you are unsure, our guide to choosing fabric for an armchair covers durability as well as looks, and our bouclé vs velvet comparison helps with texture. Order free fabric samples and look at them in your own light before you decide.
Think about legs and placement
Visible legs let light and floor show underneath, which keeps a small space feeling open. You choose your leg colour alongside your fabric before the chair is made. Place the chair where it will not block a door or a walkway: a corner, a bay window or the end of a bed all work well in small rooms.
Small room questions
What is the best armchair for a small living room?
Look for a compact footprint, slim arms and visible legs, and measure the space first. A lighter shape in a calm fabric will always feel less crowded than a large, heavy one.
Can a bespoke armchair suit a small space?
Yes. Because our chairs are made to order, you choose the fabric and leg colour to suit your room before it is made. Our guide to how bespoke ordering works explains the process.
How long does it take?
Our chairs take 10–12 weeks from order confirmation. See how long a bespoke armchair takes for why, and how much a bespoke armchair costs for pricing.
Find a chair for your space
Every Occasional Chairs chair is designed in York and handcrafted in Nottingham. Browse the collection, or order free fabric samples to start planning.