The fauteuil is often the forgotten piece of furniture in the living room: you buy the sofa first, the rug next, and the armchair "when there's room left." That's the mistake. A well-chosen armchair structures the space, complements the sofa, offers a reading nook, a privileged seat for guests, or an individual refuge. At Kings Canapé, we have selected 10 contemporary fauteuils that cover every use: from the electric recliner armchair with an integrated footrest to the compact armchair for studios, including models with a storage compartment or an adjustable headrest. All are designed with the same philosophy as our sofas: lasting comfort, current design, fair price.
Why an armchair transforms the living room
A living room without an armchair is one that invites collective conversation but forgets the individual. The sofa is a social piece of furniture; the armchair is a personal one. It belongs to you, it welcomes your posture (reading, napping, morning coffee), and it visually structures the space by defining a specific corner. It's also a piece that enhances the room: placed facing the sofa or perpendicular to it, it creates a balanced conversation area where two people can talk without having to turn their heads.
Beyond function, the armchair is also a style marker. A leather club armchair and a Scandinavian linen armchair tell two radically different interiors. Kings Canapé focuses on customisable contemporary design: clean lines, welcoming silhouettes, and a wide choice of coverings so the armchair fits into any decor.
The 4 families of Kings Canapé fauteuils
Our selection is divided into four families, defined by their main function. Here's how to choose yours based on your actual use.
Recliner armchair
The recliner armchair is the specialist of relaxation. Integrated footrest (manual or electric), reclining backrest, deep seat: it accompanies you from morning coffee to afternoon nap. The electric recliner armchair is particularly suited to people who want to vary positions effortlessly. Our selection: BARI RELAX (electric footrest, clean lines) and MARCO RELAX (compact 128 cm format).
Armchair with storage
The storage armchair combines an occasional seat with built-in storage. Under the seat hides a compartment ideal for throws, magazines, remote controls. It's the space-saving solution par excellence for studios and small living rooms. Our NAPOLI is the specialist of this category: storage compartment, adjustable backrest, vertical topstitching, contemporary lines.
Armchair with adjustable headrest
The armchair with adjustable headrest offers superior cervical support. It's essential for avid readers, film lovers, and everyone who spends long hours seated. Our selection: VENEZIA (adjustable headrest, straight and enveloping lines), NAPOLI (adjustable backrest), MILANO and MARCO (height-adjustable headrest).
Classic armchair
The classic armchair focuses entirely on the seat and style. With no mechanism, it stays light, easy to move, and fits into any decor. Our selection: VINCI, RIMINI, LEVANTO (compact formats), BARI and MARCO (more generous, ideal as a complement to a sofa).
How to choose your armchair: 5 criteria
The choice of an armchair depends on five criteria, ranked by importance according to your situation.
1. Main use
Reading: choose an armchair with an adjustable headrest and a deep seat (60-65 cm). Watching TV: favour an armchair with a firm seat and a high backrest. Working from time to time: an armchair with armrests at the right height is essential. Relaxing after a long day: an electric recliner armchair will be your best ally.
2. Available space
Measure the planned location for the armchair, also thinking about circulation around it. For a studio or a small living room, a compact armchair of 80 to 100 cm wide (VINCI, RIMINI, LEVANTO) is enough. For a large living room, you can afford a generous armchair of 120-130 cm (BARI, MARCO).
3. Coherence with the sofa
The armchair is never alone: it coexists with the main sofa. Three options: (1) the twin — same model as the sofa (a BARI armchair with a BARI sofa); (2) the assumed contrast — armchair and sofa in different but complementary styles; (3) the range pairing — armchair from a compatible brand but in a different fabric. Our advice: the twin always works; contrast requires a skilled eye.
4. Covering
Microfibre fabric is the most versatile choice: peach-skin feel, stain-resistant, easy care. Bouclé fabric adds character and texture (cocooning trend). Velvet signs a chic and deep atmosphere, ideal for a softly lit reading nook. Leather and faux leather are perfect for intensive use or a design interior.
5. Budget
Our selection ranges from €390 (VINCI, RIMINI, LEVANTO) to €690 (BARI RELAX). The electric recliner armchair is logically more expensive due to its mechanism. Classic armchairs around €400-500 represent the bulk of our range: excellent value for money for a piece of furniture that lasts 10 years.
Which armchair for which space?
Studio or small living room (10-15 m²)
The compact armchair is your ally: 80-100 cm wide, straight format, without a bulky mechanism. VINCI, RIMINI and LEVANTO fit into this category. They slip in anywhere and remain easy to move if you reorganise the space.
Standard living room (15-25 m²)
You have room for an armchair of 100-110 cm, with or without a headrest. MILANO (customisable, 200+ colours), VENEZIA (adjustable headrest) or NAPOLI (storage + adjustable backrest) are perfect. Pair them with your 3-seater sofa for a coherent duo.
Large living room (25 m² and more)
You can afford the generous armchairs (120-130 cm) like BARI or MARCO. These armchairs can work alone as main seats, or face to face to structure a conversation area.
Dedicated reading nook
Choose an armchair with a headrest and a deep seat. The BARI RELAX with electric footrest is the ideal reading armchair: you can stay for hours without fatigue, thanks to its lumbar and cervical support.
Caring for your armchair
A well-maintained armchair lasts ten years without losing its comfort. Three simple steps: vacuum every week with a soft brush nozzle to remove dust and crumbs. Treat any fresh stain immediately with a damp cloth, without rubbing. And once a year, deep-clean according to the covering: specialist spray for microfibre fabric, leather product for leather, soft brush for velvet.
For recliner armchairs, check the mechanism once a year: lubrication, cable inspection, test of extreme positions. Preventive maintenance prevents 90% of breakdowns on these mechanisms.
Frequently asked questions about the armchair
How do you choose between a recliner armchair and a classic armchair?
The recliner armchair is essential if you like varying positions (reading, napping, watching TV) or if you have back problems. It costs more (€550-700 vs €390-500) and is bulkier. The classic armchair is enough if you use it occasionally or if you prioritise aesthetics over extended comfort. For a daily reading nook, the electric recliner is an investment that changes your life.
Can an armchair replace a sofa in a studio?
In a studio of less than 15 m², a generous armchair (BARI, MARCO, NAPOLI) can effectively replace a sofa for a single person. The seat is deep enough to lie down, and the high backrest ensures proper support. For two people, you'll need a small 2-3-seater sofa to complement it.
What width of armchair for a reading nook?
For a dedicated reading nook, aim for 80-110 cm wide: wide enough to cross your legs, not too much so it doesn't take over the space. A 90 cm armchair with headrest (MILANO, VENEZIA) is the ideal compromise. Add a side table within reach and a floor lamp for light.
Should you coordinate the armchair with the sofa?
Not necessarily, but visual coherence is important. Three approaches: (1) choose the armchair in the same model as the sofa (BARI with BARI) for a uniform look, (2) choose an armchair in the same fabric but a different model for a subtle mix, (3) dare the contrast with an armchair in a complementary colour. Our advice: start with the same fabric to guarantee unity, then deviate sparingly.
Which armchair for a senior?
For an elderly person, favour an armchair with a high seat (45-50 cm off the ground), firm, with armrests. The electric recliner armchair is ideal: it allows you to stand up effortlessly thanks to the footrest that tilts forward. Avoid armchairs that are too deep or too soft, which make getting up difficult. Our BARI RELAX and MARCO RELAX meet these criteria.
Conclusion: an armchair that reflects you
Choosing an armchair means choosing a moment of the day. The morning armchair (coffee, newspaper), the evening armchair (reading, wine), the Sunday armchair (napping, cuddles). It's an intimate piece of furniture, often more personal than the sofa itself. At Kings Canapé, we have selected ten models that cover all these uses: from the compact designer armchair to the electric recliner armchair, from the space-saving storage armchair to the headrest armchair for readers. Take the time to test in our showroom, to imagine your actual posture, to visualise the integration into your living room. The right armchair is the one you no longer notice because it becomes the natural seat for your favourite moments.