Photography: Lauren Trompp / Styling: Nonci Nyoni / Styling assistant: Julia Baston
An armchair is not simply extra seating. In 2026, it’s the statement piece of furniture that can set the tone for the entire living room. While your sofa should provide a timeless foundation to your living room suite, your armchairs are available for you to experiment with contemporary trends and styles. (It’s for this purpose of play and personal expression that interior designers never buy matching furniture sets!)
This year, armchairs are all about sculptural silhouettes and cocooning curves that will provide the kind of sink-into comfort you’ll dream about all day. Rich, earthy colours and tactile fabrics add to this idea of ultimate cosiness, warmth and relaxation.
Whether you’re creating a quaint reading nook or undergoing a ‘space lift‘, the most popular armchair styles today can cater to both practical needs and aesthetic expression.
To help you find your perfect match, we’ve rounded up the best armchairs to shop now from Australia’s favourite furniture retailers. From timeless investment pieces to affordable designer-inspired styles, these are the standout designs we’re embracing in 2026 and beyond.
Armchair trends in 2026
Textured, upholstered fabrics continue to reign supreme, with velvet and textured weaves stepping into the spotlight. “Plush textures like velvet and boucle can add richness and comfort, while natural weaves like linen feel minimalist and organic,” Lucy Ovenden, content creator & publisher at James Dunlop upholstery, tells Home Beautiful.
As for shape, curved, sculptural armchairs are the order of the day. While some things never go out of style (Think: Mid-century Parker chairs or elegant wingback chairs), roomy and rounded are the defining qualities of today’s occasional chairs.
Wide, 1.5 seaters are increasingly popular, offering a broad base on which one can lounge in comfort. Meanwhile, swivel chairs add an element of novelty to predominantly rounded styles.
As for colours, rich, warm tones, like brick red, burgundy and forest greens are popular. Warm beige, stone and earth shades are the new neutral in 2026, as opposed to cooler whites and greys.
Listen to Lizzie Binks share her favourite armchair and more on The Edit podcast:
Stylish armchairs to shop in Australia 2026
Freedom Bao Fabric Armchair
Was 2,099, now $1,050
This 1.5 seater ticks the boxes of both ‘minimal’ and ‘statement’ chair. It’s sculptural flair is subtle to offer greater longevity than trendier silhouettes. Available in a range of colours in both leather and fabric (pictured here in Alto Lichen), it can be introduced to any living room with enough space to accommodate.
RJ Living Mellow Armchair
$1,299
When she appeared on The Edit podcast, Sundae founder Lizzie Binks proclaimed this was her favourite piece. “You honestly sit in it and you look like you’re being engulfed in this armchair,” she shared in testimony of its comfort. Available in rich green, red and chocolate colourways, this is a statement chair for luxe living rooms.
Schots Andon Merigold Fabric Armchair
$739
Textured upholstery is moss green and ‘merigold’ yellow,taps into the return of heritage-inspired colours. A contemporary armchair with a distinct retro feel, this is an occasional chair to add a hint of Mad Men back into your home.
Lounge Lovers Louis Armchair
$999
This sophisticated Lounge Lovers armchair blends soft curves with vintage flair. with its brick red hue and gold accents, it can provide an accent to decadent living rooms or bedrooms.
IKEA Saltsjöbaden Rocking and swivel armchair
$499
Dress it up or down, this IKEA armchair can be styled to complement many coastal or country design themes. Discreet rocking and swivel functions make it a perfect reading chair for fidgeters.
Freedom Garlasco Fabric Swivel Chair
Was $699, now $644
Rich reds are dominating colour palettes in 2026, making this swivel chair an easy gateway to the trend. Its rounded silhouette reflects a shift away from sharp lines towards more curved, sculptural seating shapes.
Lounge Lovers Happy II Armchair Sofa Bed
$599
Multi-functional furnishings remain paramount for those with limited space. This armchair sofa combines style and comfort for a chair that seamlessly folds-out into a single mattress.
Temple & Webster By Designs Valorin Rubberwood Accent Chair
$699
The exposed timber frame and clean profile also means this is a statement chair with staying power. While the warm red colour aligns with this season’s trends, this will be an easy one to reupholster when the wind changes.
Nick Scali Sadie Swivel Armchair
$2,390
The prominent rounded silhouette of this Nick Scali armchair will endure, especially in homes with a coastal or classic design theme. The swivel base makes this the ultimate relaxation investment.
Lounge Lovers Dwell Armchair
$999
You’ll be devoted to this eye-catching arm chair for years to come. An elegant character piece, this sleek silhouette and rich colourway evokesan immediate sense of luxury.
Temple & Webster Studio Home Primrose Rubberwood Accent Chair
$299
This affordable armchair from Temple & Webster offers comfort to our wallets as well as our bodies. Warm green upholstery paired with walnut timber showcases a trending colour combo, while mid-century influences ensure a degree of agelessness.
Adairs Otis Chocolate Boucle 1 Seater Lounge Chair
$899.99
This armless 1-seater can be a standalone occasional chair, or an addition to a modular set. While strong enough to exist on its own in your non-matching living suite, there’s also the option to combine with other pieces in Adairs’ Otis modular lounge set.
MCM House Joe Loveseat
$1,595
Ideal for folks with pets and babies, this MCM House armchair has removable, washable covers. While you make your initial purchase in the colourway of your choice, there’s the option to purchase additional covers should you need a replacement or a new hue in 2027. Comfortable and practical, this deep-seated armchair will work hard to provide supreme relaxation at the end of a long day.
James Lane Notiva Accent Chair
$799
For an occasional chair that’s also functional art, try this James Lane accent chair. With smooth lines and smoother fabric, you’ll want to sink in and run your hands over this soft statement piece.
Want tips on how to style dusty-pink armchairs in your living room? Take a look at Patrick Dangerfield’s home.
Castlery Arlo Armchair
$949
A curvy occasional chair for lounge or bedroom, this Castlery armchair can offer some balance to neutral-hued rooms. If you have beige or sand coloured bedding or furniture, add this chair for a pop of something extra.
Adairs Atticus Tobacco Leather Armchair
$1,899.99
Does a leather armchair ever go out of style? This genuine leather armchair will age beautifully, and offers a blank canvas to style with the season’s trendiest throws and cushions.
Armchair deals in Australia
Looking to save on your next armchair purchase? Check out our Promo Codes page for the latest discounts and deals on Adairs, Freedom, Temple & Webster and more.
