1. Consider the purpose of your statement chair

As with all things interiors, a statement chair needs a purpose – even if that purpose is purely to spark joy. So, let’s consider how you’ll be using this chair. For cosying up with a book? Think comfort first, a plush wingback chair to cocoon you will fit the bill perfectly. For cosying up with a partner? Think cuddle chair, quite possibly the most romantic furniture you’ll ever buy! For breathing life into a dull corner? Think palette, a sunny pink will instantly lift your room.

2. Choose an impactful shape

A statement chair, by its very nature, packs a style punch so it’s important that it talks to your other furniture and home accessories, not argues with it. But that doesn’t mean it has to be matchy-matchy. “A traditional Chesterfield can look stunning in a contemporary setting” says Mark. “Prefer a more cohesive look? A Scandi silhouette lends itself to a more modern aesthetic and a leather wingback will partner beautifully with a deep plush sofa.”

“There are two schools of thought with accent chairs – coordinate or contrast. Both are right!”

To help your research, we have just the thing: our new Create Your Room tool lets you experiment with different furniture to build your look – caveat, it’s entirely addictive! Go on, have a play…

3. Let’s talk upholstery

Whether your statement chair is decorative or fully functional, there’s no denying it’ll draw focus so choose upholstery that’s deserving of admiring glances. “We’re seeing increased demand for velvet in terms of searches, swatch requests and sales but any tactile fabric – microfibre, tweed or cotton – is well suited to a statement chair” says Mark.

Alternatively, choose a fine grain luxury leather and guests won’t be able to resist giving it a stroke. “Pure leather can be remarkably resilient so it’s actually a great choice for a higher traffic areas,” adds Mark. Or, for a truly family-friendly fabric, look to the new LivingProof collection. “If you’ve got children, pets or are fond of a spag bol on the sofa, we’ve got your back!”

4. Remember, fortune favours the bold

An unexpected pattern, a pop of colour, a high voltage accent… these are wonderful things, instantly elevating your scheme with personality and energy. “Grey remains a popular choice in sofas but lots of customers like to shake it up with a vibrant accent chair. Teal works beautifully alongside grey” adds Mark.

Introducing pattern? Tradition suggests that one of the pattern’s colours should coordinate with existing interiors to unify the look. Sound advice. Equally sound advice says rules are made to be broken, so if you see a pattern you fall in love with, listen to your heart.

5. The case for a bedroom chair

We love it when function and form combine… never more so than with a beautiful chair in the bedroom. So much more than a resting place for discarded clothes, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a digital detox, a cup of tea, a heart to heart or just be still with a good book.

“A button back chair makes a beautiful addition to the bedroom and of course it’s easy to move into the main living space when guests arrive.”

Not all bedrooms are spoilt for space so to be sure it’s going to fit, try out our handy sofa sizer tool.

We’d LOVE to see how you’re styling your statement chair. Tag us on Instagram with #MYFVHOME and share the inspo!

Looking for more interior design ideas? Visit our Home of Inspiration for trends, tips and styling advice.