First Week with Armchairs: What I Learned After 7 Days
I moved into a new apartment and immediately bought two armchairs for the living room. Big mistake. I didn't think about scale. Within a week I realized I had a 38-inch deep chair that made the hallway feel like a closet. Here’s what I wish I'd known.
The First Night: Delivery and the Reality Check
My armchairs arrived in boxes, not assembled. The delivery guy left them in the hallway. I spent 45 minutes wrestling one chair through the doorway. It was 30 inches wide. My door was 29.5. That's half an inch of pure pain.
I learned to measure the path, not just the room. The chair had to go through the front door, down the hall, and into the living room. Every corner was a clearance test. Do not skip this.
The One Decision: Fabric vs. Leather (It's Not What You Think)
Everyone told me to pick a fabric that matches my couch. That's wrong. The one decision that matters is the seat depth.
I bought a 22-inch deep armchair. It looked perfect online. In my living room, my feet dangled. I'm 5'11". I spent the first week with a throw pillow behind my back. That's not relaxing.
You need to measure your own thigh length. Sit on the edge of your bed and see where your knees end. That's your ideal depth. For me, 24 to 26 inches is the sweet spot. Don't go by the catalog.
My Second Week: What I Changed
After the first week, I returned one chair. The other I kept but moved across the room. Now it sits at an angle, not against the wall. That one change opened up the sightline to the TV.
The chair itself is a medium gray fabric. It's already showing slight pilling after 10 days. That's a reality check. If you have pets or kids, look for a tightly woven fabric like twill or performance polyester. Don't trust "soft" — that means it'll wear fast.
Layout Lessons from Moving Furniture Around
I tried three layouts in a week. The best one: armchair at a 45-degree angle near the window, with a small side table on its left. That gives you a reading nook without blocking the doorway.
If your living room is small, skip the second armchair. One is enough. A single chair plus a loveseat feels more open than two chairs crowding the space.
I also learned that armchairs don't have to match. A leather chair against a fabric sofa can work if the colors are in the same family. Try a warm tan leather with a gray couch. That looks intentional, not mismatched.
What I'd Do Differently (and What I'd Buy Again)
I would have measured the seat depth first. That's the biggest lesson. Also, I'd check the return policy before ordering. Most places charge a restocking fee and make you pay for return shipping. That cost me $60.
If you're still in the planning stage, read through Measuring for a Round Center Table: What I Learned Moving Furniture to avoid the same measurement mistakes I made.
For the chair itself, I'd still buy the same model if it had a 25-inch depth. The build quality is solid — solid wood frame, no wobble after a week. The fabric is the only weak point.
Armchair Buying Checklist for the First Week
- Measure your doorway width and hallway, not just the room.
- Sit test the seat depth—aim for 24 inches or more if you're tall.
- Check fabric durability: look for a high rub count (over 30,000) for everyday use.
- Plan the layout before it arrives: sketch it on paper.
- Keep the box and receipt until you're sure.
Your Next Step: Measure Your Space Tonight
Grab a tape measure and check your doorway width. Write it on a sticky note and keep it with you when you're online shopping. That 30-second step will save you the hassle I went through.
If you're also considering other seating options, see my notes on When Wooden Chairs For Living Room Isn’t Worth the Money to weigh the pros and cons.
For more tips on arranging your space, browse More guides in Living Room.