The latest modern heritage armchairs

1 Easy living

‘I took inspiration for this chair from comb-backed Windsor armchairs,' says Charlie Fowler, Designer, John Lewis Design Studio. ‘The proportions and simplicity are something that really appeals to modern sensibilities. I wanted the chair to be comfortable and inviting so I paired the wooden frame with generous upholstery and a footstool, envisioning someone sitting with their feet up by an open fire reading a good book for hours on end over the winter months.'

2 Victorian revival

‘If you love colour and pattern but are not feeling brave enough to use a printfor the whole sofa, introduce it on an armchair to create a fabulous focal point in the room,' says Alison Gee, Head Designer, Morris & Co studio. ‘Originally designed in 1879, Bramble has been updated in this striking indigo colourway, and feels fresh and contemporary when used to cover an elegant piece, such as this chair.'

3 Button it

Turn to classic detailing for a chair that will sit comfortably in any country living room. The enveloping wingback shape and supportive tall back make this distinctive armchair the ideal choice for positioning in a cosy nook by the fireside or by a window, and its rich blue wool mix cover emphasises the on-trend deep buttoning beautifully. Featuring neat piping to emphasise the outline and completed with shapely legs, it's sure to become a family favourite.

4 Tactile velvet

‘In any living room, a glamorous armchair can always be relied on to draw the eye, and the choice of upholstery provides the ideal opportunity to demonstrate your personal style,' says Emma Williams, Head of Buying and Merchandising, Sofa.com. ‘This season is all about using rich fabrics in bold shades. Soft to touch, with a depth of colour and surprisingly hardwearing, velvet will give your home a luxurious update with a timeless appeal.'

5 Classic support

‘A good, solidly built wooden frame is the essential basis for quality upholstery,' says Suzanne O'Flynn, Creative Director, John Sankey. ‘Carefully selected timber from certified FSC sources is used and joints are interlocked, glued and screwed, ensuring that the structure is stable and shouldn't flex or twist. We make each frame to order and regularly alter dimensions to fit specific places or improve access, creating unique piecesthat will suit your country home perfectly.'

6 Sitting comfortably

‘Our comfy Skittle armchair has serious squish factor,' says Charlie Marshall, Founder, Loaf. ‘To get the feel just right we use feather-wrapped foam for theseat cushion, which is the comfiest combination we've ever tested. The solid beech frame gives this beauty a nice curved shape: it looks great and it's built to last. After the chair has been hand-stuffed we then upholster it in our lovely relaxed vintage linen available in stand-out shades for an eye-catching yet laid-back feel.'

7 Combining fabrics

‘An armchair is a great way to add personality to your country scheme,' says Ian Dykes, Founder and Director, Voyage Decoration. ‘Mixing and matching fabric designs will create a statement look. Don't be afraid to break the rules by teaming a plain upholstery fabric with one or more patterns - the more creative clashes, the better. Just make sure that the fabric designs link, in a component of their patterns, a colourway or the scale of a print.'