MOMU Journal
Arm Chairs Designs That Make Every Room Work Better
Arm Chairs Designs That Make Rooms Feel Bigger
The right arm chairs designs can change how a room works, not just how it looks. A single chair can soften a formal lounge, give a bedroom a useful seat, or turn an unused wall into a reading spot. In a Melbourne home, where open-plan living, compact apartments, period houses and new builds all ask for different layouts, the chair you choose needs to earn its place. It should feel good to sit in, sit well beside your sofa, and work with the scale of your room rather than fighting it.
What Makes a Good Armchair Design?
A good armchair is not chosen in a rush. It comes down to proportion, seat depth, cushion support, fabric choice and how the frame sits in the room. The best arm chairs designs give you comfort without taking over the space. They also need to work with the pieces already in your home, from your sofa and coffee table to the floor rug, lamps and artwork.
When planning a living room, start with how the chair will be used. Is it for reading? Extra seating when guests visit? A quiet place beside a window? A bedroom chair for shoes, clothes and slow mornings? Once you know the purpose, the choice becomes easier. You can then look at height, width, upholstery, timber details and cushion shape with a clearer brief.
Why Scale Matters More Than You Think
An armchair that looks right in a showroom can feel too large once it is placed at home. Measure the floor area before you buy, then leave space around the chair so it does not block walkways. A chair with slim arms can work well in a smaller room, while a deeper, wider chair may suit a larger lounge where comfort is the main goal.
The most useful arm chairs designs feel balanced from every angle. They do not sit too high beside a low sofa, nor do they disappear beside larger furniture. A chair should feel like it belongs in the room, not like it has been squeezed into the last empty spot.
For Small Rooms
Choose open legs, a compact footprint and upholstery that sits within your existing colour palette. A chair in neutral colours can help the room feel calmer and more open. Avoid heavy shapes if the room already has a large sofa, bulky storage or a dense coffee table.
For Larger Living Areas
A bigger room can take a more generous chair. Look for deeper cushioning, wider arms and a form that holds its own near a modular sofa or large rug. In open-plan spaces, two matching chairs can help define a sitting area without needing walls or screens.
Choosing Fabric, Leather and Colour
Material choice affects daily use. Fabrics can feel soft and relaxed, while leathers bring a firmer, more structured look. Velvet can add depth to a room, especially in richer tones, while linen-look textures work well in homes that lean towards quiet, natural finishes.
The strongest arm chairs designs do not rely on colour alone. They work because the shape, scale and material all support each other. A soft fabric chair in a pale tone can feel light and easy. A darker leather chair can give structure to a room with pale walls and timber floors. A curved chair can soften hard lines in a space with square tables and straight cabinetry.
How to Place an Armchair Without Crowding the Room
Placement is where many rooms come unstuck. Push every seat against the wall and the room can feel stiff. Float every piece in the centre and the room may lose flow. The answer is usually somewhere in between. Place the chair close enough to join the conversation area, but not so close that it blocks movement.
A chair beside a window works well with a small side table and floor lamp. A chair opposite the sofa can make the living room feel more social. A chair near built-in shelving can turn an unused section of wall into a practical reading spot. In bedrooms, a chair at an angle near the bed often feels softer than one placed flat against the wall.
Leave Breathing Space
Leave enough room around the chair for a person to sit, stand and move past. This is especially important in apartments and narrow living rooms. The best arm chairs designs are useful every day because they fit the way people move through the home.
Use Lighting Properly
An armchair is much more useful when the lighting is right. A floor lamp, wall light or table lamp can make the chair feel intentional. For reading, place the light behind or beside the chair rather than directly above it. This keeps the space comfortable at night and gives the seating area a clear purpose.
Made in Melbourne, Built for Daily Living
At MOMU, each piece is designed with real homes in mind. The focus is on comfort, proportion and long-term use, supported by craftsmanship, skilled craftsmen and considered material choices. MOMU’s work with local artisan makers allows each chair to be made with care rather than pulled from a one-size-fits-all range.
For those who care about how furniture is made, MOMU also places importance on sustainability and sustainable materials. This matters when choosing pieces that are made to stay in the home for years, not just fill a space for now.
Three Armchairs Worth Looking At
Soho Armchair
The Soho armchair is compact without feeling mean. It works well in smaller living rooms, bedrooms and reading areas where comfort is important but space is limited. Its rounded shape keeps the look soft, while the seat gives enough support for daily use. For anyone comparing arm chairs designs for a smaller Melbourne home, Soho is a sensible place to start.
Price: From $4,250
Size: W 85 x D 82 x H 82cm
Custom sizes available.
Warranty: Covered by MOMU’s warranty.
Dali Armchair
The Dali armchair is a neat option for homes that need extra seating without adding visual weight. It pairs easily with sofas, side tables and bedroom furniture, making it a useful choice across different rooms. Its compact form also makes it practical for apartments, townhouses and rooms where every piece needs a clear role.
When looking at arm chairs designs for a calm and well-planned interior, Dali suits people who want comfort, clean lines and a chair that can move from one room to another as needs change.
Price: From $3,950
Size: W 78 x D 80 x H 78cm
Custom sizes available.
Warranty: Covered by MOMU’s warranty.
Verona Armchair
The Verona armchair is more sculptural, with a shape that suits homes needing a stronger design note. It works well in a lounge, bedroom or entry area where the chair needs to look considered from a distance. The exposed base gives it lift, while the seat remains practical for everyday use.
Among MOMU’s arm chairs designs, Verona is a good option for anyone wanting a chair that feels refined without being overly formal. You can view it in the showroom and compare it with other seating options in person.
Price: From $3,150
Size: W 62 x D 65 x H 85cm
Custom sizes available.
Warranty: Covered by MOMU’s warranty.
How to Decide Before You Buy
Before ordering, take photos of the room from a few angles and note the measurements. Check the chair width against the nearby sofa, rug and side table. Think about how much daylight the room gets and whether the fabric colour will still feel right at night under warm lighting. These small checks help avoid a chair that looks good online but feels wrong once it arrives.
The best arm chairs designs support the room rather than dominate it. They make daily routines easier, give guests somewhere comfortable to sit, and help the home feel more finished without adding clutter.
Local Employment
1 in 5 furniture makers in Australia are employed in Melbourne
Craftsmanship
Handcrafted by skilled makers, with attention to detail and quality
Materials
Quality materials selected for comfort, strength and daily use
Warranty
Melbourne-made seating comes with a 10-year warranty
Visit MOMU in Bentleigh East
Ready to compare shapes, fabrics and finishes in person? Contact us today to discuss customisation options or visit the showroom to test the comfort for yourself.
Contact Us
Phone: Our customer care team is available Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm (AEST). Contact us on 1300 052 495 for assistance.
Email: Get in touch with us via email at enquiry@momu.com.au.
Visit Our Showroom
Showroom Address: 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
Opening Hours: Wed – Sun | 10am – 4pm
All other times and virtual appointments can be booked here.
Customer parking available in front of the showroom entrance.
Easily accessible from nearby Brighton, Hampton, and Sandringham. It's a straightforward drive south from Richmond and South Yarra, and the trip from Kew, Balwyn, and the northern suburbs, including Fitzroy, Thornbury, Ivanhoe, and Northcote, is simple. Visit the MOMU showroom at 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165. You can find MOMU here in Google Maps.
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