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Think of an arm chair as the little throne of your everyday life — the place you curl up with a book, sip coffee, or catch a quick nap. A well-chosen arm chair changes how a room feels: it can make a small living room more inviting, add a splash of style to a bedroom, or become the go-to seat in a home office. Beyond looks, the right chair supports posture, lasts for years, and can even improve how you relax. If you’re shopping in the U.S., you’re lucky: retailers from specialist brands to big-box stores carry hundreds of options so you can find the perfect fit for your space and budget.
Before you buy, it helps to know the basic types: traditional arm chairs, reclining chairs, and sleeper chairs. Each serves a different purpose — some prioritize lounging, others maximize sleeping space, and a few are designed purely to accent a room. Knowing the differences keeps you from paying for features you won’t use and helps you select the most comfortable, functional piece for your lifestyle.
Recliners let you tilt back and lift your feet with minimal effort, often offering a footrest and multiple reclining angles. You’ll find manual pull-lever models and power recliners with buttons or remotes. Many brands like La-Z-Boy and Ashley focus on recliner technology, offering everything from compact single-seaters to oversized power models. If you plan to nap frequently, look for a recliner with a roomy seat width (often 22–28 inches) and a back height tall enough to support your head.
Sleeper chairs transform into a single-size bed, often great for apartments or guest rooms. They fold out to a mattress typically around 30–36 inches wide and 72–75 inches long, compact compared with full sofas. Brands like Wayfair and Macy’s stock sleeper chairs with foam or innerspring cores; if you host overnight guests occasionally, a sleeper chair gives you sleeping space without committing to a sofa bed.
Accent chairs, club chairs, and barrel chairs prioritize aesthetics and personality. They’re perfect for injecting color, texture, or a design statement. Stores like West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Article specialize in modern and mid-century accent chairs that coordinate with sofas or act as focal points on their own.
Where you shop matters as much as what you buy. Below are well-known U.S. retailers that consistently carry strong arm chair selections, ranging from budget-friendly picks to high-end designer pieces.
La-Z-Boy is synonymous with recliners. You’ll find everything from classic manual recliners to power-recline models with built-in lumbar support and customizable upholstery. Their chairs usually emphasize ergonomic comfort and long-term durability, and their sizing tends to be generous (seat widths often in the mid-20 inches). If a reclining chair is your primary goal, La-Z-Boy is a reliable place to start.
Ashley Furniture offers a wide range of arm chairs across styles and budgets. From compact accent chairs to leather recliners and sleeper chairs, Ashley often balances trendy designs with affordability. If you want a big selection in one place and pieces that suit family use, Ashley is practical and accessible across the U.S.
Wayfair is an online marketplace packed with brands and models. Its strength is selection: you can filter by width, fabric type, style, and price, which helps when you know specific dimensions to match. Shipping and assembly vary by seller, but Wayfair is a go-to if you want to compare dozens of similar chairs quickly and read many customer reviews.
West Elm focuses on clean lines and modern aesthetics. Their arm chairs often feature mid-century proportions, tapered legs, and fabric options that feel elevated. If a contemporary look matters, West Elm balances fashion with functional comfort and frequently offers in-store displays for trying pieces out.
Pottery Barn emphasizes classic silhouettes and sturdier construction. Expect solid frames, down or high-density foam cushions, and fabrics that can withstand daily use. Pottery Barn’s style skews traditional to transitional, making it a favorite if you want timeless pieces that still feel cozy.
Crate & Barrel blends modern design with quality construction. Their arm chairs often use hardwood frames and quality upholstery, and many models come with down-blend cushions for a plush seat. If you want a chair that looks designer-level but performs for everyday living, Crate & Barrel is worth a look.
Article is a DTC brand known for mid-century modern chairs at competitive prices because it cuts out traditional retail markups. Expect polished looks, straightforward material options, and fast shipping in many U.S. regions. Article is a good middle ground between style and cost.
Restoration Hardware (RH) focuses on premium materials and large-scale pieces that make a statement. Their arm chairs can be pricey but are built for longevity and visual impact, often featuring wide seats, thick cushioning, and leather or high-end fabric choices. Shop RH when you want an heirloom-quality piece.
IKEA offers compact, affordable arm chairs that play well in apartments and casual spaces. Materials, assembly requirements, and warranty vary, but IKEA is ideal when you want a budget-friendly, stylish seat with modular or replaceable covers. For tight spaces, look for seats with a depth of 30–34 inches and a narrow footprint under 32 inches wide.
Department stores like Macy’s often carry branded arm chairs from multiple manufacturers and run seasonal sales. This is a good place to find mainstream sleeper chairs, basic recliners, and trend-driven accent pieces with easy comparison shopping across price tiers.
Size is the most common mistake people make when buying chairs online. A chair can look great in a showroom but overwhelm your living room. Measure your available floor space in inches, and account for a pathway: leave at least 24–30 inches for walking space in front of the chair, and 6–12 inches between a chair and a wall to allow recline or cushion expansion.
Seat height commonly ranges from 17–20 inches; taller people may prefer closer to 19–20 inches for easier standing. Seat depth affects leg support — 20–24 inches is typical for a balance between lounging and upright seating. Seat width often falls between 22–30 inches depending on whether it’s a compact accent chair or an oversize recliner.
Quality matters more than fabric choices when it comes to longevity. A solid hardwood frame and durable suspension system pay dividends after years of use. Pay attention to frame warranty and described materials—kiln-dried hardwood frames and sinuous or eight-way hand-tied springs are signs of better construction.
Fabric choice affects comfort and maintenance. Polyester blends resist stains better, while natural fabrics like cotton or linen feel breathable but may require more care. Leather adds a luxe look and is easy to clean with the right products. Cushion fill ranges from high-density foam to down-blend fillings; foam tends to retain shape longer, while down feels softer but needs regular fluffing.
If you’re buying a recliner, think past just the reclining action. Consider the chair’s footprint when fully reclined — some recliners need 18–24 inches of clearance behind them, while wall-hugger designs take less space. Also check weight capacity if multiple users will use the chair; many models support 250–350 pounds, and heavy-duty lift chairs go beyond that.
Manual recliners use levers or push-back action and are simple to maintain. Power recliners use motors and remotes for precise positioning, often with built-in USB chargers and memory settings. Power models are heavier and may need an outlet nearby, so plan your room layout accordingly.
Lift chairs assist users who need help standing up. They typically add a lifting mechanism to the base and accommodate a slightly higher seat height, around 18–21 inches, making standing easier. If mobility support is a concern, look for chairs with gentle lift speed and multiple reclining points for comfort.
Online shopping gives you unmatched selection and easy price comparisons, while in-store options let you test the chair’s feel and ergonomics firsthand. If you shop online, study dimensions and customer photos, and check return or exchange policies before you order. For specialty recliners, visiting a showroom can help you judge padding, arm height, and back support.
On a product page, check full dimensions (width, depth, height), materials, cushion fill, and weight capacity in pounds. Look for close-up photos of seams and legs, and read multiple customer reviews for reports about comfort and long-term wear. If available, review a store’s assembly requirements — some chairs arrive fully assembled while others require simple leg attachment or frame assembly.
Prices for arm chairs in the U.S. vary widely. You can find decent accent chairs for under $300, mid-range recliners and sleeper chairs in the $600–$1,500 range, and luxury models from $1,500 and up. If you use a chair daily or live with pets and kids, spending a bit more on durable upholstery and a sturdy frame is wise. For occasional use, a well-reviewed budget option may be perfectly fine.
Entry-level chairs: under $300–$600 — good for guest rooms or occasional use. Mid-range: $600–$1,500 — better construction, more comfort features, and wider style selection. Luxury: $1,500+ — premium materials, custom upholstery choices, and often extended warranties.
To keep a chair looking and feeling great, rotate cushions where possible, vacuum fabric to remove dust, and use manufacturer-recommended cleaners for spills. Leather benefits from periodic conditioning, while removable cushion covers can be washed according to care tags. Tighten exposed hardware annually and inspect springs or reclining mechanisms for wear.
Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth; avoid rubbing. For fabric, test a cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. For leather, use a pH-balanced leather cleaner and conditioner to maintain suppleness and help prevent cracking over time.
Comparison sites and marketplaces help you compare prices and features at a glance. Many U.S. retailers run holiday promotions and clearance sales, so timing your purchase can save hundreds of dollars. Read user reviews, compare measurements, and if possible, try the chair in person before committing to a higher price tier.
Choosing the right arm chair is about matching comfort, size, and style to how you live. Whether you want the perfect recliner from La-Z-Boy, a stylish accent piece from West Elm or Article, or a budget-friendly chair from IKEA or Ashley, measure your space, check materials, and think long term. With the right research — and a little patience hunting for sales — you can find a chair that becomes your favorite spot in the house for years to come.
