Upholstered Chairs: Styles, Fabrics & Practical Buying Tips — Handcrafted & Custom in Ireland
Upholstered chairs do more than sit in a room — they bring comfort, shape a room’s look and speak to how you live. This guide walks you through common chair styles, the fabrics we love, and the buying tips that help you choose a piece that’s both beautiful and built to last. Whether you want a sleek armchair for your lounge or a custom dining chair, the right knowledge makes the decision simple.
Read on for an overview of popular armchair styles, durable fabric choices, how we customise at Pouffelove, plus straightforward care advice so your chair stays at its best for years.
Popular Upholstered Armchair Styles — what to expect from each
Upholstered armchairs come in many shapes and personalities. Knowing the key features of each style helps you match a chair to your room and how you’ll use it.
Modern, Classic and Bespoke: how the styles differ
Modern chairs favour clean lines, pared-back details and often bold colours or simple patterns — perfect for contemporary homes. Classic styles highlight traditional silhouettes, rich fabrics and decorative touches that suit more formal rooms. Bespoke pieces give you freedom to pick fabrics, finishes and padding so the chair fits your space and comfort preferences exactly.
Which armchair styles work best at home or in the office in Ireland?
For living rooms, pick cosy shapes with soft cushions and tactile fabrics. For workspaces, prioritise ergonomics and support for long sits. Versatile silhouettes like the wingback or barrel chair bridge both worlds: they look at home in a lounge and provide comfortable seating in an office corner.
Which durable fabrics are best for custom chairs in Ireland?
Velvet, leather and linen — properties and care tips
Velvet gives a rich, tactile finish and is ideal for feature pieces — it rewards gentle care. Leather is very durable, easy to wipe clean and ages nicely with a natural patina. Linen is light and breathable, great for relaxed looks, though it creases more easily and needs attention to prevent stains.
Choosing the right fabric affects not just how a chair looks, but how it performs day-to-day — think traffic, sunlight and how you use the piece.
Upholstery Fabrics: Design Elements & Selection Criteria
Furniture combines a frame and its top layer — the upholstery — which people touch and see. Textile choices vary by fibre and surface finish, and those differences shape a room’s mood, comfort and functional performance. This study examines common upholstery textiles and the criteria designers use when choosing them.
Upholstery fabrics as a design element in interior space and selection criterias, T Levent, 2016
Eco-friendly fabrics — how they stack up for durability and style
Sustainable options like organic cotton or recycled polyester are increasingly common. They offer softer textures and a lighter environmental footprint, though some types aren’t as hard-wearing as heavy-duty synthetics or leather. For many homes, eco fabrics strike a nice balance between look, feel and conscience.
How can you customise handcrafted dining and upholstery chairs at Pouffelove?
Colour, pattern and padding — what you can choose
At Pouffelove you can pick from a wide range of colours, patterns and fabric weights, plus seat padding levels. Choose bold or subtle hues, textured or smooth weaves, and a firmer or plusher filling to suit how you like to sit.
How the custom process works in Ireland
Our custom process is simple: choose your style, select fabric and padding, and we’ll craft your piece in-house. Skilled makers hand-finish each chair with attention to detail. Typical lead time is 4 to 6 weeks, so you’re getting a made-to-order piece worth the wait.
Essential buying tips for upholstery chairs in Ireland
Choosing the right style and fabric for your needs
Start by measuring the space and thinking about how the chair will be used. For busy rooms pick durable fabrics such as leather or hard-wearing synthetics. If the piece is mainly decorative, luxe fabrics like velvet work well. Also consider whether a modern, classic or bespoke style will sit best with your existing decor.
Typical price range and value for custom upholstery chairs
Custom chair prices vary by materials and craftsmanship. Expect roughly €400 to €1,500 for a quality made-to-order piece. Investing in good construction and materials usually pays off over time with better comfort and longer life.
How to care for upholstered chairs so they last
Practical, step-by-step maintenance for common fabrics
- Velvet
: Vacuum gently to lift dust. For spills, blot with a soft cloth and a mild detergent — avoid aggressive scrubbing.
- Leather
: Wipe with a damp cloth for everyday dirt. Apply a leather conditioner every six months to keep it supple.
- Linen
: Vacuum regularly, treat marks quickly with an appropriate cleaner, and keep out of harsh direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Protecting chairs from wear and environmental damage
Use fabric protectors to reduce stains, position chairs away from intense sunlight, and rotate removable cushions to even out wear. Little habits like these make a big difference to a chair’s lifespan.
An upholstery chair is an investment in comfort and style. With the right fabric, construction and simple care, you’ll enjoy a piece that enhances your space and lasts for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing upholstery chairs for a small room?
For small spaces focus on scale and flexibility. Choose compact silhouettes that won’t overwhelm the room and consider multipurpose pieces or lightweight designs you can move easily. Lighter colours and slim profiles help a room feel bigger — and consider materials like clear acrylic or slim-armed frames to keep sightlines open.
How can I judge the craftsmanship of an upholstered chair?
Look at the frame — solid hardwood frames last. Check stitching for evenness and strength, and inspect cushion fill: high-density foam or proper spring systems give long-term support. Finally, examine the upholstery for neat alignment and finishes; good makers are proud to show their standards.
Why choose a bespoke chair over a ready-made one?
Bespoke chairs let you pick fabric, colour, padding and proportions so the piece fits your home and how you sit. They also tend to show better craftsmanship and longer-lasting materials than mass-produced items. If you want something unique that’s made to your needs, bespoke is the way to go.
Any upholstery trends to watch in 2024?
In 2024 we’re seeing a shift toward sustainability and bold character. Expect to find more eco-friendly fabrics, richer colours and tactile weaves like bouclé and chenille — people want pieces that feel personal and comfortable, not just minimalist.
How do I match new upholstery chairs with my existing furniture?
Start with colour harmony: pick tones that complement or provide a considered contrast. Match scale and proportion so the chair feels in balance with other pieces, and use texture to add interest — a mix of fabrics works well when there’s a unifying colour story.
What common mistakes should I avoid when buying upholstery chairs?
Don’t skip measuring the space — a chair that’s too big or small changes a room’s balance. Think about daily use: a delicate chair might not suit heavy, everyday wear. Also, don’t ignore fabric durability or try a chair without testing comfort where possible.
Final thoughts
The right upholstery chair blends comfort, style and practical choices. With a clear idea of style, fabric and care, you’ll find a piece that lifts your room and stands up to daily life. Browse our range of handcrafted and bespoke chairs to find something that’s made for your home — and enjoy the difference that considered design brings.
