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Now you’ve got the sofa of your dreams sitting pretty in your living room, it’s time to think about the other furnishings that can turn a house into a home, namely, an armchair.

Though typically not as pricey as your average sofa, an armchair still operates as an investment piece for your home, so you’ll want to put some thought into what exactly you’re looking for before taking the plunge and purchase. Size, style, and fabric used are all extremely important factors to consider when shopping around, but knowing what to look for can get a little overwhelming.

Choosing an armchair that reflects your style and personality is key, but it’s also important to consider the overall decor of your home when shopping around. Vanessa Hurley-Perera, chief product officer at Sofa.com, says: “I always look at the size and shape of the room first and what colour palette I’m using and work from there. For example, I live in a post-war house so I have focused on mid-century style pieces to complement the environment, but then upholstered in a more modern fabric for a beautiful twist.”

You also have to think about what you’ll be doing on and with your armchair. Do you want something to curl up on with a blanket, a good book, and a glass of wine, or are you looking for a statement piece to complete your living room?

Laura Barnard, product manager at Arlo & Jacob adds that armchairs can be a great way of bringing in color, pattern, texture, and detail into your living space: “When choosing such an armchair the right fabric can help to create that modern look. Choose fabrics such as wool instead of leathers and opt for vivid colors or fun patterns.”

Don’t forget to consider the style of any existing furniture you might have. If you haven’t purchased your armchair as part of a set, don’t forget to consider the style of any existing furniture you might have. While the ‘mix and match’ style can look great, you’ll want to make sure it looks deliberate and not like you’ve sourced your furniture from the side of the road. Hurley-Perera says the key to a successful ‘mix and match’ design is to “find echoing details in the fabric or the design so that they fit comfortably with each other.”