Adding an armchair to your living space is a great way to enhance comfort, create extra seating, and complete your room’s layout. But if you already have a sofa you love, choosing an armchair that works with it—without clashing—can be tricky. Do you match colours exactly? Can you mix materials? What about shapes and proportions?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to confidently match your new armchair to your existing sofa, whether you’re going for a coordinated look or a more eclectic style that still feels intentional.
Start by Identifying the Style of Your Sofa
Before shopping for an armchair, take a good look at the style of your current sofa. Is it modern or traditional? Minimalist or statement-making? Understanding its design DNA will help you choose a complementary chair that feels part of the same family—even if it’s not identical.
- Consider whether your sofa has clean lines or rounded edges, and mirror those shapes in your chair
- Note any distinctive details like tufting, piping, or scroll arms that could be echoed or contrasted
- Think about the overall vibe—e.g., relaxed, formal, rustic, or sleek
- Use your sofa’s style as the foundation for choosing a chair that either matches or balances it
Decide If You Want to Match or Mix
You don’t always have to match your armchair to your sofa exactly. In fact, mixing styles can add depth and interest—as long as you do it intentionally. Decide upfront whether you want a coordinated look or a contrast with harmony.
- For a matched look, stick to the same colour, material, and general shape
- For a mixed approach, contrast materials (e.g. fabric sofa with faux leather chair) but keep to similar tones
- Combine styles by using one shared feature—like both having wooden legs or square arms
- Use matching to create calm and cohesion, and mixing to add personality or define separate zones
Consider Colour Carefully
Colour is one of the most important factors when combining sofas and armchairs. It’s easy to get wrong—but also one of the easiest to get right when you follow a few simple principles.
- Use neutral tones like grey, beige, or stone if you want an easy, timeless match
- Pair a bold sofa with a softer-toned armchair to tone down the contrast
- Pick a complementary colour from your sofa’s cushions or surrounding décor
- Stick to the same undertone family—cool greys and blues together, or warm browns and creams together
Match Materials or Mix Textures
Matching materials isn’t always essential, but the texture of your armchair can make or break the pairing. The right combination creates interest and balance, while a poor match can look accidental or out of place.
- Match faux leather with faux leather for a sleek, unified look
- Pair textured fabrics like jumbo cord or chenille with smoother options for contrast
- Avoid pairing two very similar but not quite the same materials—it can look mismatched
- Keep one element consistent, like matte finishes or a shared accent like wood or metal legs
Consider Shape and Scale
Your armchair doesn’t have to be the same size as your sofa—but it should look proportionate in the space. Matching scale ensures your furniture feels balanced rather than awkward or oversized.
- Choose a compact chair if your sofa is low-profile or in a small room
- Look for a chunkier chair to match a larger, deep-seated sofa
- Match arm height and back height where possible, or keep the difference minimal
- Avoid pairing a dainty chair with an oversized sofa unless used in a separate visual zone
Keep Cushion Style Consistent
Cushion design is a subtle detail, but it can influence how cohesive your furniture feels together. While you don’t need identical cushions, similar filling types, back styles, or cover finishes help unify the look.
- Pair plush, overfilled cushions with other soft, relaxed seating
- Match full backs to full backs, or go for contrast with structure—just don’t mix too many styles
- Keep cushion shapes and sizes roughly in the same family for visual flow
- If one piece has removable covers, choose an armchair with the same feature for practicality
Use Accessories to Tie the Look Together
If your sofa and armchair don’t match perfectly, accessories can bridge the gap. A well-chosen throw or cushion can pull both pieces into the same palette and make the room feel more cohesive overall.
- Use matching or coordinating cushions on both the sofa and chair
- Add a throw blanket in a shared accent colour to link the two seats
- Choose a rug that includes both your sofa and armchair colours
- Repeat colours or textures in lamps, side tables, or wall art to tie it all together
Think About Placement in the Room
How you place your armchair can influence how well it works with your sofa visually and functionally. The closer they sit, the more closely they’ll need to match. In contrast, armchairs used to create separate zones allow for more design freedom.
- Place the chair at a right angle to your sofa to encourage conversation
- Use a corner arrangement to frame a coffee table or focal point like a fireplace
- For mismatched styles, position the armchair in a secondary seating zone
- Avoid blocking sightlines or cramming the chair too close if it differs greatly in style
Don’t Forget the Legs
Often overlooked, the legs of your sofa and armchair can quietly make or break your overall aesthetic. Choosing similar or complementary leg styles keeps your furniture grounded in the same design language.
- Match wooden legs across pieces for a natural, classic look
- Use metal legs for a modern, minimalist aesthetic
- Avoid combining legs that are drastically different in height or shape
- If in doubt, choose a chair with subtle, low-profile legs that don’t draw attention
Consider Function as Well as Style
Matching your armchair to your sofa isn’t just about looks—it’s also about how you use your space. If you’re choosing a recliner or a sofabed armchair, make sure it not only coordinates visually but also functions well within your layout.
- Check that recliner clearance doesn’t interfere with your sofa or other furniture
- If your sofa is firm, choose a chair with similar comfort and support levels
- Use a compact chair with added storage if you're tight on space
- Match function as well as form—don’t pair a formal accent chair with a laid-back lounging sofa
Final Thoughts
Matching an armchair to your existing sofa doesn’t mean they have to be twins—but they should look like they belong in the same space. By considering style, size, material, colour, and layout, you can confidently create a seating area that feels cohesive, balanced, and stylish.
Whether you’re aiming for perfect symmetry or an intentional mix of textures and tones, a well-matched armchair can complete your room, elevate your décor, and give you the extra comfort you need.
At Ready2Go Furniture, we stock a wide range of affordable armchairs in a variety of materials, colours, and styles—perfect for pairing with any sofa. With fast UK delivery and in-stock models available now, it’s never been easier to complete your living room with the perfect match.
Browse our full collection today and find an armchair that works beautifully with your space.