Armchairs Melbourne: 7 Things to Check Before Buying

The right armchair can add a comfortable seat without requiring another large sofa. It can also change how people gather in your living room, provide a reading spot or complete a quiet bedroom corner. If you're looking for armchairs in Melbourne, consider more than the colour and shape. Seating comfort, dimensions, upholstery and placement all influence how useful the chair will be.

MOMU manufactures Australian Made armchairs in Melbourne, with options to tailor size, upholstery and cushion comfort. Its free room-planning service can help you decide where an additional chair will fit alongside an existing sofa or modular seating arrangement.

1. Start With Where the Armchair Will Sit

An armchair should complement the room's layout, not simply occupy an empty corner. Decide how the seat will be used before choosing its size and shape.

If the chair is part of the main lounge, consider whether it should face the sofa or turn towards the television. A chair positioned opposite a sofa can create a more inviting space for conversation, while one placed beside it can extend the seating area without taking over the room.

For a reading corner, think about daylight, lamp placement and whether there is space for a small side surface. An armchair used in a bedroom may need a more compact footprint than one intended as the main relaxing seat.

Don't overlook walking routes. A chair angled towards the sofa can use more floor space than the same chair placed squarely against a wall.

This is especially important in Melbourne apartments, where one poorly positioned armchair can interrupt access to a balcony, hallway or doorway.

MOMU's complimentary room-planning service can help assess the arrangement using measurements or a floor plan.

If you're choosing seating for a larger home, explore whether an armchair works better with a straight MOMU sofa or one of the brand's modular configurations.

2. Measure the Whole Chair, Including the Arms

The chair's overall width is not the same as its usable seating width. Broad arms may create a generous external profile, while narrower arms can leave more space for sitting within the same footprint.

Before buying, measure the area available for the chair and leave space to sit down, stand up and move around it.

Seat depth also matters. A deeper chair may suit reclining, but it can feel less comfortable when sitting upright if your back does not naturally reach the cushions.

Check seat height in person where possible. A low seat may feel inviting when relaxing, but it should still suit how you prefer to get up and sit down.

Backrest height is another consideration. Some people prefer a chair with more upper-back support; others favour a lower profile that leaves the room feeling open.

Because MOMU offers custom sizing, buyers can discuss suitable changes to width, depth and height before their chair is made.

Browse the full armchair collection to compare different shapes rather than assuming all single-seat furniture uses similar proportions.

3. Decide Whether You Want a Fixed or Swivel Armchair

A swivel base can make an armchair more flexible in a multifunctional room. It allows the seat to turn towards different areas without moving the entire chair.

That can be useful in open-plan Melbourne homes, where a chair may need to face the sofa during conversation and turn towards another part of the living area at other times.

However, swivel seating is not always necessary. A fixed chair can work perfectly well when it has a permanent position and doesn't need to change direction.

Consider who will use the chair, whether they prefer movement and how close the chair will sit to surrounding furniture.

A swivel chair also needs enough space to rotate without the arms or back hitting nearby objects.

MOMU's Arkie and Soho armchairs both offer optional swivel bases, making them useful to compare if you want flexibility.

Discuss the selected base with the team before ordering so the finished specification is clear.

Three MOMU Armchairs to Compare in Melbourne

Different armchair shapes can change the way a room feels and functions. These three MOMU designs offer distinct choices for compact seating, generous lounging and flexible swivel use.

Arkie Armchair: Softly Shaped Arms With an Optional Swivel

The Arkie armchair has a low, substantial upholstered form with gently shaped arms and a generous loose back cushion. It offers a defined individual seat without the visual complexity of an elaborate frame.

Its optional swivel base makes it worth considering when the chair may need to face several areas of the room.

Design: Arkie features a substantial upholstered frame, a separate seat cushion and a large loose back cushion. Its arms curve gently towards the seat, creating a softer profile than a chair with sharply rectangular sides.

Comfort: The chair offers room to relax without requiring a full sofa. MOMU provides Premium Comfort for firmer support, Luxury Comfort for a softer sitting feel and Feather Comfort for plumper cushioning. The best choice depends on how you prefer to sit.

Construction: Arkie is made in Melbourne using sustainably sourced Australian kiln-dried hardwood frames, GECA-certified cushioning foam and Oeko-Tex-certified Dacron fibre made from over 99% recycled bottles.

Custom sizing: Buyers can discuss alterations to the width, seat depth and height. The optional swivel base can also be considered where appropriate for the selected configuration.

Upholstery: Arkie's substantial upholstered surfaces allow fabric texture to influence its appearance. A dense weave creates a more uniform finish, while a textured or soft-piled fabric gives the chair additional surface detail.

Best suited to: Reading corners, open-plan living rooms and conversation seating alongside a larger sofa.

What to check: Test how the back cushion supports you when sitting upright. If you select the swivel option, make sure there is adequate clearance around the chair and confirm the preferred base before ordering.

Arkie is worth exploring alongside MOMU's custom-made sofas if you want the armchair and main seating to work together without necessarily matching exactly.

For upholstery, compare MOMU's fabric selection and request samples to see how different textures look in your home.

Capri Armchair: Slim Frame With Generous Cushions

The Capri armchair combines a relatively slim outer frame with generous seat and back cushions.

Its raised metal legs help distinguish it from low-profile armchairs with an enclosed upholstered base. This can be particularly useful when you want the floor to remain visible beneath the chair.

Design: Capri has a defined upholstered outline, slim arms and slender raised legs. Its large seat cushion and generously layered back cushions create a relaxed contrast with the comparatively light-looking frame.

Comfort: The seat provides room for relaxed sitting, with cushion fillings tailored to individual preferences. Buyers can choose between Premium Comfort, Luxury Comfort and Feather Comfort options.

Construction: Capri is manufactured in Melbourne using sustainably sourced Australian hardwood frames and certified foam and fibre materials. MOMU's armchairs are backed by a ten-year structural warranty, subject to the applicable terms.

Customisation: MOMU offers custom dimensions and fabric choices. The visible legs also make finish details an important part of discussing the completed chair.

Upholstery: Capri's broad cushions can look different in smooth woven fabrics, chenille or velvet. A textured neutral finish may create a restrained look, while a stronger colour can make the chair more noticeable within the room.

Best suited to: Larger reading areas, contemporary living rooms and spaces where a generous chair with a raised base complements the main seating.

What to check: Consider the complete width and depth, not just the chair's slim visual profile. Test the back cushions and arm position to make sure the chair feels comfortable in your normal sitting posture.

Capri can complement both straight sofas and modular seating, depending on the colour and shape of your chosen upholstery.

Explore MOMU's velvet options or review the full upholstery library before choosing the final finish.

Soho Armchair: Compact Seating With Optional Rotation

The Soho armchair offers a relatively compact upholstered shape with squared arms and comfortable loose cushions.

Its restrained outline can work in smaller living areas, while the optional swivel base adds flexibility for rooms with several seating directions.

Design: Soho uses straight upholstered arms, a low enclosed base and separate cushions. The overall shape is clean and structured without requiring exposed legs.

Comfort: Despite its compact profile, Soho offers a generous seat cushion and back support. Its firmness can be tailored through MOMU's Premium Comfort, Luxury Comfort and Feather Comfort options.

Construction: Soho is made in Melbourne with sustainably sourced Australian kiln-dried hardwood frames, GECA-certified foam and Oeko-Tex-certified Dacron fibre made from recycled bottles.

Custom sizing: Customers can discuss adjustments to the chair's width, seat depth and height. Soho also offers an optional swivel base, which may be useful for a multifunctional living space.

Upholstery: Soho works with MOMU's fabric and leather choices. A soft blue or neutral woven finish can blend with surrounding seating, while a contrasting material can distinguish the chair without changing its straightforward shape.

Best suited to: Compact apartments, bedroom sitting corners, smaller lounge areas and rooms where an additional seat needs to remain visually restrained.

What to check: Consider how the arms relate to your preferred seated posture. If choosing a swivel base, confirm the space available around nearby furniture and whether the rotating seat fits your daily use.

Soho can be paired with an existing sofa or used as a separate individual seat. The important decision is whether the chair should match the sofa's upholstery or offer a deliberate contrast.

For planning assistance, explore MOMU's room-layout service. If you're selecting new furniture together, consider the wider armchair range and sofa collection.

4. Should Your Armchair Match Your Sofa?

No. An armchair can complement your sofa without using the identical fabric or shape. The most useful approach is to coordinate the overall room rather than make every upholstered surface the same.

If your sofa is covered in a smooth neutral fabric, a chair in a textured weave may add variation without introducing a strong colour contrast.

Alternatively, a chair in a deeper colour can create a distinct seating position while still working with the room's other materials.

Consider the arms and base too. A sofa with a low upholstered base can pair well with a chair on raised legs, creating a useful difference in shape and visual weight.

When choosing contrasting upholstery, use fabric samples rather than relying only on photographs. A colour that appears muted on a screen may look quite different under your home's lighting.

MOMU offers a wide range of fabrics and leather, allowing buyers to compare materials alongside their existing furniture.

You can also explore the natural-look fabric collection if you prefer a restrained colour palette.

5. Choose Cushion Comfort Based on How You'll Sit

The best armchair cushion is the one that feels comfortable in your usual sitting position. A chair used for reading may have different requirements from one used mainly for reclining or occasional guests.

Start by considering how much support you want beneath the seat. Some people prefer firmer cushions because they feel more structured, while others enjoy a softer surface.

MOMU offers three main comfort options:

• Premium Comfort: A firmer sitting feel.
• Luxury Comfort: Softer cushioning with a memory foam layer.
• Feather Comfort: Plumper cushions for a relaxed feel.

Try sitting upright with your back against the cushion. Then rest your arms on the sides of the chair and notice whether they feel comfortably positioned.

If you are testing a chair with deep seating, consider whether you need an additional back cushion to sit upright comfortably.

MOMU's Bentleigh East showroom provides an opportunity to compare available fillings and discuss custom seating proportions.

6. Check Fabric Durability and Cleaning Requirements

An armchair's upholstery should suit how frequently it will be used and the household's maintenance preferences. A chair used every day needs more practical consideration than an occasional guest seat.

For family homes, ask about fabric durability, stain protection and suitable cleaning methods.

Some MOMU fabrics have built-in protection. The team can also discuss professional fabric treatment when appropriate for the selected material.

Consider pets as well. Certain open or looped fabrics may be more vulnerable to snagging, while tighter weaves may suit some households better.

Leather, chenille, velvet and woven fabrics differ in surface feel and maintenance. None is automatically right for everyone.

Review MOMU's upholstery collection and request swatches to compare in your home.

For longer-term maintenance, follow the guidance on the MOMU product-care page.

@momufurniture MOMU on Instagram · Melbourne-made furniture

See MOMU Armchairs in Furnished Melbourne Homes

An armchair can look quite different once placed beside a sofa, window or other furniture. Visit MOMU's official Instagram profile to explore finished-room photographs, upholstery inspiration and current designs from the Melbourne team.

Explore @momufurniture on Instagram ↗

Discover more armchair photography, upholstery combinations and current MOMU posts.

Discover More on MOMU Instagram ↗

7. Consider Local Construction and After-Sales Support

Ask where the armchair is manufactured, which materials are used and what warranty applies. These details help you understand the furniture beyond its external appearance.

MOMU manufactures its upholstered armchairs in Melbourne using sustainably sourced Australian kiln-dried hardwood frames.

Its cushioning materials include GECA-certified foam and Oeko-Tex-certified Dacron fibre made from more than 99% recycled bottles.

The armchairs are backed by a ten-year structural warranty, subject to the published conditions.

Because the furniture is made to order, customers can discuss dimensions, cushion filling, upholstery and selected base options before production.

MOMU also offers an upholstery renewal service, which may be relevant when fabric needs refreshing later.

Read about the company's craftsmanship and construction and review its warranty information.

For buyers outside Melbourne, MOMU provides remote consultations and fabric samples, with furniture delivery available throughout Australia.

Which MOMU Armchair Is Right for Your Space?

The right choice depends on the space available and the way you intend to use the chair. Arkie and Soho are useful to compare when rotation matters. Capri is worth considering when you prefer a generous seat with a visible raised base.

For more options, explore MOMU's complete armchair collection and use the room-planning service if you're unsure how the selected chair will fit beside your sofa.

Armchair Buying Checklist

1. Purpose: Decide whether the chair is for reading, guests or regular lounging.
2. Placement: Check where the chair will sit relative to your sofa and windows.
3. Dimensions: Measure the complete width, depth and height.
4. Comfort: Test seat depth, cushion firmness and arm height.
5. Base: Consider fixed legs, enclosed bases or optional swivel mechanisms.
6. Upholstery: Review fabric samples, durability and cleaning instructions.
7. Room layout: Leave suitable access around the chair.
8. Manufacturing: Check materials, warranty and delivery arrangements.

When buying an armchair alongside a new sofa, review both pieces together. Their proportions should complement one another without creating an overcrowded seating area.

MOMU's scaled room-layout service can help compare different arrangements using your floor plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Armchairs Melbourne

Where can I buy Australian Made armchairs in Melbourne?

MOMU manufactures armchairs in Melbourne and has a showroom in Bentleigh East. Customers can view selected designs, compare upholstery and discuss made-to-order options.

Can MOMU armchairs be custom-sized?

Yes. MOMU offers custom sizes and can discuss changes to width, seat depth and height depending on the armchair design.

Does MOMU offer swivel armchairs?

Yes. Arkie and Soho have optional swivel bases, allowing the seating direction to change without moving the entire chair.

Which armchair is best for a small apartment?

A compact armchair with suitable seat proportions may be the most useful choice. Soho is worth comparing, but the final decision should be based on the room measurements and how the chair will be used.

Can I choose the fabric for my MOMU armchair?

Yes. MOMU offers a wide range of fabrics and leather. Samples can be requested to compare colour and texture at home before ordering.

Are MOMU armchairs made in Australia?

Yes. MOMU manufactures its upholstered armchairs locally in Melbourne, using Australian hardwood frames and certified cushioning materials.

Does MOMU deliver armchairs outside Melbourne?

Yes. MOMU arranges furniture delivery throughout Australia and can assist interstate customers with consultations and upholstery samples.

Where can I see MOMU armchairs in person?

MOMU's showroom is located at 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165. The published opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Choose an Armchair That Complements Your Home

When comparing armchairs in Melbourne, focus on how the chair will be used, where it will sit and whether the proportions feel comfortable.

Arkie offers softly shaped arms and an optional swivel. Capri combines generous cushions with a raised frame, while Soho provides compact upholstered seating with a swivel option.

Each is manufactured in Melbourne by MOMU, with custom sizing, upholstery and comfort choices available.

Explore MOMU's Australian Made armchairs, compare matching and contrasting sofas, review the fabric library or use the complimentary room-planning service.

For finished-room inspiration, visit MOMU on Instagram.