Armchair with armrests: the rules for choosing stylish and modern models (110 photos)

The same dining table can look completely different, depending on which chairs surround it. What to choose - a compact model without armrests, a comfortable chair, more like a chair, or combine both options?

Chairs, armchairs and half chairs - what's the difference?

Armchairs and chairs differ not in the presence or absence of armrests. More precisely, not only this. The main parameter is the seat height. The chair has a seat height that is comfortable to sit at a standard dining table 72-75 cm high. That is, about 45-50 cm.

The chair has a lower seat, about 40 cm high. And its width, as a rule, is sufficient to sit not only straight, but also leaning sideways. Some seats do not have armrests, but cannot be considered chairs because of the low seat.

In the photo: on the left - dining and bar chairs, on the right - a chair without armrests Constantini Pietro Charm.

Chairs with armrests are sometimes allocated to the category of "half-chairs". Together with chairs and stools, they are designed to sit at the dining table. But from the chair it’s convenient to bend to the coffee table.

In the photo: Porada Daphne chair. The height of his seat corresponds to the height of the coffee table.

In the photo: chairs with armrests Porada Emy. Their height is convenient for sitting at the dining table.

Choosing Dining Chairs

Once you understand the classification, you can start choosing. The starting point should be the location of the dining group. If there is enough space around, you can think about half-chairs. If the space around the table is limited, it is better to choose chairs without armrests - they are more compact and mobile.

In the photo: FM Bottega D’Arte Comp. 1 dining group. Chairs without armrests can be pushed under the table when not in use.

Arguments in favor of chairs with armrests:

look more solid than traditional chairs,
allow you to take a relaxed pose, leaning on the armrest,
give meals a solemn shade,

But do not forget about the shortcomings:

half-chairs “eat” the place around the table,
may be uncomfortable for some people
are more expensive than chairs without armrests.

In the photo: the comfortable soft seats of the Selva Lounge are ideal for a leisurely conversation over a cup of coffee.

Compromise solution

If you like a series of furniture, which includes both chairs and semi-chairs, you can purchase both options. You can arrange chairs with and without armrests in two ways:

Modern: alternate through one (the number of chairs should be even)
Historical: put half-chairs at the ends, and along the sides - models without armrests.

The variety of chairs of the dining group gives it versatility - you and your guests can choose chairs depending on the occasion and mood.

In the photo: the Giorgio Collection Luna dining group, which includes a table, chairs without armrests and half chairs.

Sometimes you can come across an option when the table is equipped with chairs without armrests and one "main", more like a chair. A chair with armrests is placed at the end of a rectangular table.

In the photo: Giorgio Collection Poradiso dining group with one “main” chair.

Dining Chairs at IB Gallery

According to the IB Gallery catalog, you can easily choose chairs with suitable parameters. The models you like can be ordered from us in any quantity. You can buy a set of identical chairs or assemble your own from different models.

If there are no chairs in the catalog in the right style, the specialists of IB Gallery will select for you suitable models from the electronic catalogs of Italian partner factories. Among the offers of more than 700 companies, you will definitely find what you need. Call me!

Features and role in the interior

A compact and elegant chair-chair with armrests can decorate the interior of any apartment, despite a slight loss in comfort to more massive soft brothers. There is a choice of products with the most comfortable back height and seat size.

If luxurious upholstery in leather or original textiles creates the effect of luxury and solidity, models without upholstery will become a real find when equipping workrooms or a computer corner in the bedroom.

Unlike ordinary chairs, these design features are noted:

high height of the product, allowing you to use it at the dining or desk,
high ergonomics, providing the possibility of a person being in it for a long time while working at a computer or while reading magazines and books comfortably,
the presence of a back with a slight slope and durable armrests creates additional convenience when using such chairs.

Features of chairs with armrests

If you look at the soft chair, which has armrests, it will strongly resemble a simplified chair. In general, such furniture has the following features.

In terms of comfort, such furniture is more convenient than a standard chair, but it will not work out completely. It is often used for long work in a sitting position.
Compared to the chair, the seat is higher, which allows you to use it in conjunction with a desk or dining table.
The back has a small angle of inclination of the back, this makes it possible to relieve tension from the muscles.
The armrests allow the hands to relax, and the load on the cervical spine is significantly reduced.
The weight and size of such furniture is greater than that of an ordinary chair.

A chair-chair with armrests will successfully fit into the interior of a spacious room. The only place where it makes no sense to use such furniture is the kitchen. Large dimensions will absorb the entire space, making the kitchen narrow and uncomfortable.

Often half-chair can be found in the following places:

offices
public catering,
open areas for recreation for public use or in the country.

Depending on the features of use and placement, the material of the frame and seat is selected.

Such chairs are not recommended for use by people with increased weight. The fact is that the armrests greatly limit the sitting space, an obese person will just be uncomfortable to sit. When buying half-chairs, it makes sense to purchase ordinary chairs for such cases.

Armrest Types

Armrests are an important structural element of such a chair. First of all, they are distinguished by the degree of rigidity.

Solid. Such parts continue the frame, are made of the same material. They have no upholstery. Not the most convenient solution.
Semi-soft. Technically, the armrest is made similarly to the previous version, but it is necessarily upholstered with fabric, sometimes it has a thin layer of filler.
Soft. A 2-3 cm filler layer is required. In rare cases, a spring block can be installed.

The height of the armrests should be within 18-23 cm from the seat. When choosing, it is worth making sure that the chair-chair can be freely pushed under the table. The best size is 50 × 20 cm.

Back

The backrest, depending on the model, can have different heights. An important feature is a small angle of inclination of the back, approximately 5-8 °. In general, the following two groups of chairs can be distinguished.

Low back. The size of the part is not more than 38 cm. Often it is made combined with the armrests, practically not standing out. The shape of the back is always smooth. A similar model looks neat and compact enough for a long sitting is not suitable.
High back. Here the height is more than 45 cm. It is convenient to sit, work and relax on such a chair. Perfectly complements any interior.

Depending on the modification, the backrest may be hard or soft. Solid back chairs are often used in dining rooms and kitchens. Soft backs look good in lounges or workrooms.

Seat

Considering the seat, it is worth noting immediately that this detail directly affects the dimensions of the entire chair. Half-chairs are narrow, their seat does not exceed 45 cm. There is also a group of furniture with wide seats - more than 50 cm.

The depth of the seat is usually in the range 38–45 cm. When choosing, it is worth considering the individual characteristics of the user, especially for offices. Between the front edge and lower leg should remain clearance.

Types of grounds

The grounds may be very different. Convenience and reliability of furniture largely depend on this element. We list common options.

Four legs. The most standard and classic version. Fit into any design. Appearance, the angle of the legs, jewelry directly depend on the decisions of the designer. Such semi-chairs are quite stable and reliable. You can choose for a children's room.
Tripod. Such models look very elegant. Give the room extra lightness. A disadvantage is some stability issues. May tip over if slidy.
Poeng. This furniture is designed for relaxation. The basis here is made in the form of slightly curved runners, which makes it possible to swing on a chair with a small amplitude. Mostly vibrations occur forward / backward. But, there are models with a built-in spring that swings the seat up / down.
One support. It rests on a five-beam base, which has rollers or gliders. Sometimes instead of rays, a support in the form of a circle is used.

Materials of manufacture

The frame affects the life of the furniture. First of all, you should look at the materials.

Array woody. Such a chair can be bought in almost any home, it is beautiful and attractive, fits into almost any interior. The material is completely safe for humans. The disadvantage is the high cost. It is required once a year to process furniture with antiseptic impregnations, as well as update the lacquer coating.
MDF. Such a plate is not much inferior in characteristics to a natural tree, but it serves less. It has a more attractive price.
Chipboard. A budget option. It has a short service life, does not withstand loads and moisture. Often can emit harmful formaldehydes.
Metal. For such furniture it is rarely used, usually in models with one supporting leg. All chairs made of metal parts are characterized by high durability and reliability. To avoid unpleasant sensations during contact, they are often supplemented with wooden linings and soft pillows.
Wicker. It uses rattan or vine. The chairs are comfortable, quite reliable. They weigh a little, which simplifies their use. Looks good in small and cluttered rooms, giving them extra lightness.
Plastic. The main feature is high decorativeness. There are many color schemes, there are transparent materials. Almost no maintenance, also not afraid of moisture. A great solution for a room in any modern style.

When choosing, watch how the frame connects. Fasteners must be reliable and high quality. Plastic chairs are usually made whole.

Upholstery and filler

It is important that the upholstery is correctly selected. The following materials are commonly used:

Upholstery can also be made of genuine or artificial leather. In the latter case, the room is furnished in hi-tech style.

To make the seat soft, the following fillers are used.

Foam rubber. Differs in low cost, service life reaches five years.
Synthetic winterizer. It keeps its shape well.
Coconut Coir. It is usually used as a gasket between the spring block and the soft layer.
Felt. It is made of felted wool with the addition of synthetic substances. Serves long enough.
Batting. Made from cotton fibers. Thickness within 3-5 cm.

A chair with armrests provides a high level of comfort. Such furniture looks pretty enough, fits well into any interior. With the help of such chairs you can very effectively furnish any room.

Features and benefits of chairs with armrests

The soft chair, complemented by a palm rest, looks more like an elegant chair. Such products can be recognized by characteristic features.

In terms of comfort, the product surpasses the chair, but does not cause complete relaxation. It is suitable for continuous sitting.
Compared to a chair, the model has a higher height, can be used with a dining or desk.
A small angle of inclination of the back allows you to unload the muscles.
Armrests provide relaxation for the hands, relieve tension of the cervical spine.
The dimensions and weight of the product are greater than that of a standard chair.

Seats are suitable for installation in spacious rooms. The dining room, living room, study, children's room will only benefit from such a piece of furniture. But in the kitchen, using a chair with armrests is impractical, since its overall design will absorb the free space.

Products with armrests are also used in offices, catering establishments, for the arrangement of open areas in the country or in a country house. Depending on the installation site, the material of the furniture is selected.

Half-chairs are not suitable for obese people, since the side supports under the elbows limit the useful area of the seat. It is advisable to have a kit that includes not only models with armrests, but also ordinary chairs. Another disadvantage is the high cost.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared with ordinary chairs or armchairs, this design is less common. However, in the photo of the armchair with armrests one can see various models, which determines the applicability of this piece of furniture in decorating interiors made in a wide variety of styles.

Among the design advantages are:

attractive appearance
comfort and ergonomics during prolonged sitting with the possibility of unloading the spine due to the support on the armrests,
universality in use,
a variety of models according to the type of upholstery and frame material.

However, the presence of armrests narrows the seating area, which can cause problems for more massive people. Also, such chairs will occupy the space in the room and do not quite fit small-sized apartments.

Although now you can pick up more compact models. And finally, in comparison with ordinary chairs, these products will cost more.

Types and arrangement of armrests

Armrests are distinguished by degree of rigidity.

Solid. They are a continuation of the frame and are made of the same material.
Semi-soft. Equipped with a layer of filler of small thickness, covered with an upholstery fabric.
Soft. The gasket is thicker than in the previous version, a spring block is installed. Upholstery is also present.

The height of the armrests should be in the range from 18 to 23 cm. It is important that they allow you to freely slide the product under the table. Optimum dimensions of the upper part - 50x20 cm

Base

These chairs are made with different bases. A wide range of designs allows you to choose a model that suits the style of the design of the room and meets its purpose.

The standard product is equipped with four legs. The choice of form, tilt creates room for design solutions. Models are distinguished by high stability and reliability.

The tripod looks sleeker and lighter. However, it cannot boast of a stable position.In case of inaccurate movement, it can topple over a sitting person.

Relaxation will provide the chair with poing type support. The curved shape of the runners without hind legs makes it possible to swing small amplitude. The effect is achieved due to the high flexibility of the material. This group includes products whose bases are drop-shaped. Another type performs vertical movement with a spring hidden in the central support.

Half-chair with one leg looks stylish and modern. It can end with five rays with gliders or rollers. It is also possible to mount the structure to a massive platform in the form of a square or circle.

How is it different from a chair?

We can say with confidence that most ordinary customers could not answer the question correctly, what is the difference between a chair and a chair. The most common misconception is the presence of armrests in a chair, and their absence in a chair. Not really. The main difference between two pieces of furniture is their height. So, on average, the height of the chair ranges from 70 to 80 centimeters, while the height of the chair reaches only 50 centimeters maximum.

And also another characteristic difference is comfort and coziness. The chair implies complete relaxation and rest. With a soft fabric back and padding, a person will receive a full dose of relaxation. A person can take any convenient position, deviate a little, put his hands or hang them, pull his legs under him and so on. As for the chair, it has a narrower seat, a fixed back and the lack of a handle.

A chair with armrests can be called a combination of a chair and a chair. It has more comfortable conditions, relieves tension from the shoulders, neck and back. Moreover, it suggests the possibility of a longer pastime on it. When choosing furniture, you should first of all be guided by the place in which you plan to put the item, and the level of comfort that you need. So, we found out the main differences between a chair with handles and a chair.

Varieties

Chairs are mainly classified according to the level of comfort.

Solid. They are a continuation of the main part - the frame.
Semi-soft. A layer of a filler of small thickness coated with upholstery is added to the base.
Soft. The filler layer is thicker, and a spring structure is still added to it.

The height of the armrests depends on the desire of the buyer, however, the most common sizes are 20-25 centimeters. It is important that the chair fits perfectly under the table without scratching or shuffling around it. The chair-chair also has various variations of the backs. So, the first option has a lowered back up to 40 centimeters. A model of this type will look more elegant, but will not work for long-term work. Another option is a high back, which can create comfortable working conditions and emphasize your interior.

There are all types of bases. Everyone will be able to find their ideal option for a house or apartment. The standard model has 4 legs and is characterized by reliability and stability. The tripod looks more elegant, but due to one awkward movement, it can roll over with the person sitting on it. And for example, poing provides complete relaxation due to the ability to swing a small amplitude.

One of the options common among young people is a chair with 1 leg, which ends with wheels.

Variety of models

Wooden chairs have always been popular because of their respectability. It is an environmentally friendly material characterized by strength and durability.

To ensure higher moisture resistant properties and resistance to deformations, it is advisable to choose varnish versions. Metal chairs will also be comfortable. They are indispensable in the kitchen or in the gazebo and on the terrace.

Plastic and wicker semi-chairs will help to make the interior more original. The former are lightweight, mobile, and have a variety of color palettes. But rattan or vine products will look great both in a city apartment and in a country house.

Also, these products differ in the features of their design:

a chair with wooden armrests that does not have soft upholstery - it is strict and elegant, belongs to the budget line of models,
modification with softened armrests - the frame is covered with foam rubber with upholstery,
low back design, not oriented to prolonged sitting - ideal for a dining room, kitchen or dining area of a living room,
ergonomic model with a high back - suitable for all rooms, providing a cozy and comfortable rest,
products with a soft back for cabinets or with a solid base for the kitchen,
an armchair with a single leg - allows you to use both in the workplace and in the living room, it differs in the possibility of rotation around the axis.