Looking for the perfect armchair for your living room can be more of a headache than you think. Often furniture shopping seems like such a monumental effort that it sits on our to-do list for weeks at a time.
And if you’re anything like me, you’d like to at least get a little prepared before stepping into the showroom and being completely overwhelmed by everything there. The Internet is full of awesome information that we can use to research what options a retailer has before we get there. Unfortunately, when it comes to some higher-end stores, honest reviews are hard to come by.
We’ll you’re in luck because I’m about to save you a lot of time and frustration!
Ethan Allen is one of the most popular furniture retailers in the United States. Known for its high-quality, high-end pieces, custom-designed to fit their client’s style and vision, the company has been around since 1932. They employ trained interior designers who work with your style, budget, and even current furniture you may have, to create a space that you’ve dreamed about.
I took the time to review all the armchairs that Ethan Allen has in their showroom so that I could give you the low down on what they’re really like in person.
Methodology
One thing to note about Ethan Allen before moving forward is that Ethan Allen is all about creating custom pieces for their clients. In this respect, most have a variety of options, like upholstery, to customize your favorite model of armchair to fit into your space. Therefore, this review only covers the general sample models of what is available and the options you can choose.
I visited the Austin, Texas Ethan Allen showroom and design center, and took pictures of all the armchairs they had so that you can see how they work in a space. Ethan Allen showcases completed rooms in their design centers, to provide consumers space inspiration and how a furniture piece can work in a place.
It’s a great idea that you can really get all your creativity flowing, so you can really imagine the space you’re trying to create. Because there is only a single sample available for review in a showroom if you find that you really like one of the armchairs below but aren’t sure about some of the features and upholstery, definitely take the time to ask a designer.
Every Ethan Allen employs certified Interior Designers who provide free design services and will even come out to your home for a consultation. They’ll also work with the furniture you already have to create a space that reflects the style and feel you want.
As with any qualitative review, it all comes down to another person’s opinion. In this case, it’s mine. To be as transparent as possible, it’s essential to reveal what’s important to me in purchasing an armchair and the kind of style I tend to lean towards. My priorities and style may not match yours, and to counter that, if I didn’t like a particular style, I did try to imagine a space or form that it would work in.
Now, what’s important to me when purchasing an armchair? Well, first of all, the space that I’m looking to fill. I’m in the market for an armchair for my bedroom. We have a large bedroom that takes up the entire third floor of our home.
While our bed and sleeping area is on one side, I’d like to create a lovely meditation and reading nook on the other side. It’s pretty ample space, so I’m either looking for an oversized comfortable armchair or a set of two that I can create a conversational area.
For style, our bedroom is more of a rustic, bohemian style. We have a lot of deep, saturated jewel colors going on with light pine floors and woodwork. The additional furniture in the room, that’s on the bedroom side, is light oak that sort of matches the floors.
Ideally, I’d like the reading and conversation space to reflect a more bohemian style – so I’m looking for an armchair that is both unique and comfortable. I’d like to put a shag rug down in the area as well, to bring the space together in a cohesive manner. The overall vibe I’d like to create is a free-spirited, calm, meditative feeling when sitting there.
Now, onto the Ethan Allen armchair reviews!
Ethan Allen Arm Chair Reviews
Beckett
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 11”
- Seat Height:: 20”
- Arm Height: 25”
- Interior seating area: 21”w x 22”d
- Available upholstery options: 66 fabric, 4 leather
- Available Finishes: 4
Overall Impression: The Beckett is a very short barrel-styled armchair that is actually much more comfortable than it looks. It’s definitely one of those chairs that, when I walk into a room, I will avoid sitting in, though. It’s very fancy looking, thanks to the diamond tufting details around the back.
I’m usually not a big fan of barrel chairs in general, but I sort of like this one for a bedroom. There’s definitely a lot of elegance in this chair like it belongs in a boudoir vs. a bedroom! Sitting in the chair, I feel like I’m almost on the ground, though, and I’m don’t like how squeezed in I am. The barrel shape is very snug, which I don’t like, and add to that being so low to the ground, and I’m not feeling this chair at all.
However, it’s small in scale and in how much space it takes up, so it can be a great addition to a formal living area where you just need “something.” It’s really well crafted and would be a durable option. But, again, it doesn’t seem like a chair that you’d “normally” want to sit in.
Grayson
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 20”
- Seat Height: 19”
- Arm Height: 25”
- Interior seating area: 25”w x 20”d
- Available upholstery options: 89 fabric, 4 leather
- Available Finishes: 6
- Additional matching products:
- Ottoman
Overall Impression: I love the idea of using the frame to create a gorgeous graphical pattern on the back of the Grayson! It really brings a whole other fresh element to this chair and makes it very interesting! Who knew you could make an armchair interesting?! Ethan Allen, obviously!
It’s really well built, and the wood is solid. It also doesn’t look like it chips easily or scratches, which is always a good thing! The shape of the chair is more of a lounge shape, where the back is lower than the front. I do like how the back legs curve further back; not only is it useful for ensuring stability, but it complements the frame’s curve at the arms really well!
As far as style is concerned, you can really make this armchair work in a variety of spaces. The design on the back works really well with mid-century modern styling. These would also look great in a beachy, cottage living area as well!
I think the key here is that you’d need to have space where you can really show off the back of the chair. You can create a conversation nook in the corner of your living room, or place the chair in an open-concept living area, where it can really stand out!
Caden
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 21”
- Seat Height: 19”
- Arm Height: 24”
- Interior seating area: 24”w x 23”d
- Available upholstery options: 118
- Available Finishes: 2
- Optional nailhead details in two finishes also available
Overall Impression: Full disclosure: I don’t really care too much for wingback chairs, and I especially don’t like ones that have rigid hard lines, over curves. The Caden is a high back wing-chair that’s much more rigid and geometric than a traditional one.
I do like the fact that this is a lounge silhouette, though, that you kind of just falls back into. The support in the back is comfortable, but you definitely don’t sink into it like an oversized chair.
The Caden is sort of like that wingback chair that you’d see in a very formal living room, mixed with a reclining lounger. It’s still intimidating for me to see it in the room, and I wouldn’t necessarily feel compelled to sit on it unless it was required. However, when I did eventually have to sit on it, I’d be pleasantly surprised that it isn’t as uncomfortable as I expected it to be.
As far as style goes, I definitely see this working in a contemporary space, with a lot of clean straight lines. It definitely has a formal vibe, and wouldn’t really do well in a comfortable, cozy room where you’d want to kick your shoes off (like a bedroom).
Greggy
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 14”
- Seat Height: 20”
- Arm Height: 24”
- Interior seating area: 25”w X 20”d
- Available upholstery options: 89 fabric, 4 leather
- Additional matching products:
- Ottoman
Overall Impression: Now, when I think of an armchair, this is more of the shape that I’m thinking of. I like the lounged effect and the fact that the arms are curved down. It’s a great height, too – not too high. The cushions are really comfortable, and I don’t feel boxed in at all.
The square back is complemented nicely by the rounded welted cushion. There’s definitely enough support there, but not in an uncomfortable way. More like I feel like I could be comfortable sitting here for long periods!
For style, this can really go ina variety of different ways, based on what upholstery option you choose. For example, get the Greggy in leather for a mid-century reload styled room! Or, try a herringbone pattern for a traditional feel. I think this style is so versatile that you can really put it anywhere! What’s more important then that is comfortable, and this chair has that in spades!
Fairfax
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 15”
- Seat Height: 19”
- Arm Height: 26”
- Interior seating area: 22”w x 19”d
- Available upholstery options: 90 fabrics
- Available Finishes: 6
Overall Impression: This is another one of those chairs that looks too formal to sit in, but I do love that it’s kind of antique looking. There is such detailed woodwork that if you choose the right finish, it can really make it pop! Honestly, I think depending on the upholstery options you want, you could probably make this work in a variety of styles.
It definitely does have that formal edge to it, thanks to the scrollwork and rigid lines. However, because it does have that antique feel to it, I think you could really even work this chair into a country vintage too. There are really so many patterns to choose from, that you can really make this chair your own.
I would caution that it should probably work only in a formal setting – but the style you want to evoke in that setting can be achieved with the Fairfax. Personally, it’s a bit too formal for me and my room. Though I’m absolutely in love with the details the wood has, and how the different variations of upholstery and finish can bring that out! This is definitely an armchair that can get your creative juices flowing!
But, more importantly than all of the visible features on the Fairfax, is the quality and comfort. This is a durable chair. The frame is definitely sturdy, and all the joints are really well constructed. The seat cushion is firm but cradling, and it doesn’t make you feel like you’re sitting on the edge. It’s definitely a lounger which I like. The back cushion is super comfortable, and I can sink right into it.
Harris
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 21”
- Seat Height: 22”
- Arm Height: 24”
- Interior seating area: 29”w X 22”d
- Available upholstery options: 2 fabric
- Additional matching products:
- Ottoman
Overall Impression: Based on the traditional 18th-century Bergere style, the Harris chair is definitely on the more formal side of the scale. I love that it still retains its old-world feel, but is updated with more significant proportions. The seat is much wider than in a traditional Bergere, which makes it much more comfortable to sit on.
Both the bottom and back cushions are removable, which can be a thing for some people, so it’s crucial to the point that out. For our purposes, it doesn’t really matter. If this chair was going in our living room, where the nephews hang out, it wouldn’t stand a chance not being part of a pillow fort.
I liked the turned legs and the scrolling on the armrests. It definitely retains that antique appeal and would work in a formal room of a variety of different styles. These custom chairs really bring a casual French flair to a room. So whether you’re trying to really channel a majestic, regal vibe, or enjoy the eclectic mix of antique and trendy, the Harris will surely be a great option!
Harley
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 15”
- Seat Height: 18”
- Arm Height: 25”
- Interior seating area: 25”w X 2”d
- Available upholstery options: 1
- Available Finishes: 1
Overall Impression: This is probably one of the most comfortable modern chairs I’ve seen. Usually, when you see a chair like this that are modernly inspired, you’re faced with a rigidly hardback and an equally unrelenting seat cushion. It’s not comfortable, and it’s definitely not something that I’d put in my bedroom.
Harley, on the other hand, makes up for both of these flaws that I’ve found! The loose back and seat cushions really make a huge difference here, and I sort of just fall back into it. While the seat cushion is firm, there is a bit of giving that kind of cradles you when you sit. This proves to be a much more comfortable experience, and I’m not rushing to get up and out of it!
While the most popular version of the Harley is a bone upholstery with chrome finish since each piece is custom made you can actually choose whichever upholstery you want and change the finish if you’d like. I’d love to see this in a geometric, graphic pattern with a wrought iron frame! That would look amazing in a space that focused on modern, clean lines with graphic inspired aesthetics – like all black and white with pops of neon green!
While this is definitely not my style, it does excite the inner designer in me, thinking of all the different ways I could use this surprisingly comfortable modern armchair in a space! If you’re looking for the perfect mix of comfort and style and having trouble finding something that meets both, check out Harley!
Shawe
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 20”
- Seat Height: 20”
- Arm Height: 22”
- Interior seating area: 23”w X 23”d
- Available upholstery options: 62 fabric, 4 leather
- Optional nailhead detailing in two finishes also available
Overall Impression: The Shawe reminds me of the quintessential armchair, just like the one my grandfather had when I was growing up. And while I don’t usually like leather furniture, I can see how this chair looks fantastic in it!
The rolled top is nicely complemented by the rolled arms, that really give it that cozy character. Everything is covered in upholstery, which is exactly how I picture an armchair. The exception here is the legs, which do catch your eye, but the final feet are beautiful and compliments the curves of the rolled arms well.
It’s very comfortable to sit in. The seat cushion is firm enough that you’re not going to fall through the bottom of the chair, and I think it would stand up to being someone’s “everyday chair” for reading or watching tv.
It’s also wide enough that I can sit crosslegged on it, which is something that I really enjoy doing when I’m meditating or reading. It’s even comfortable to drape yourself over the arms, without them digging into your back!
With the variety of fabrics and leathers to choose from, I can totally work this chair into a bohemian styled room. I’m thinking luxe velvet in vibrant, saturated color! But really, I think that if you used this armchair in a variety of different styled rooms.
The only styles I can think of where it would be challenging are styles that are modern and geometric, where the focus is on clean lines. The lines of the show aren’t made for that, but for more classic and soft styling.
Kyle
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 23”
- Seat Height: 19”
- Arm Height: 25”
- Interior seating area: 25”w x 21”d
- Available upholstery options: 89 fabric, 4 leather
Overall Impression: I’ve said this before, but I’m not a big fan of wingback chairs because they remind me of a formal living room that I’d be afraid to sit in. Not only that, but they’re not very comfortable in my experience. Kyle, unfortunately, is also in that same category.
One of the hallmarks of a wingback chair is that it has that high-back that’s usually great for tall people to comfortably sit. I’m not tall, so this isn’t a problem for me in most chairs. However, for some reason, Kyle actually is a tight back, so the chair actually gets more narrow as it moves towards the seatback. As a result, I feel like I’m boxed in when I sit back.
As far as style and design go, Kyle does have that sleek profile you’d expect from a wingback, and as such, it brings a certain amount of refinement and stateliness to a room. But it’s also a really great way to add some color to an otherwise monotoned design, that would give it that edge into trendy modern aesthetics.
The arms are a really lovely height, and I do like the added back pillow for lumbar support, but I can’t get past the fact that I can’t sit all the way back, and relax, because I feel squished.
Turner
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 15”
- Seat Height: 21”
- Arm Height: 25”
- Interior seating area: 20”w X 22”d
- Available upholstery options: 66 fabrics, 8 leathers
- Available as swivel or standard base
Overall Impression: For some reason, the Turner armchair reminds me of the kind of chair you see in a doctor’s office waiting room. It’s small and slim, which means anyone with hips (like myself) may not feel as comfortable as you would in a wider chair. However, because it’s such a small, slim size, you can really put this anywhere.
The armchair itself has really sleek lines and a streamlined design that can work in a variety of modern stylings, from eclectic to mid-century. But honestly, there isn’t any dazzle in the design of it, which makes it really adaptable based on the upholstery that you choose.
While the quality is clearly there – each piece is custom made to your specifications, there’s really nothing special about this, in my opinion. But I think that because it’s such a universally adaptable design, that’s what makes it so unique.
Malone
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Seat Back: 18”
- Seat Height: 19”
- Arm Height: 25”
- Interior seating area: 25”w X 21”d
- Available upholstery options: 1 fabric, 9 leather
- Optional nailhead detailing in two finishes also available
- Additional matching products:
- Ottoman
Overall Impression: The Malone is definitely an updated version of the distinctively English club chair style. The tall back gives it a refined look, while the added curves of the sloping arms soften the masculinity of the traditional club chair.
I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable this chair was, with a deep seat and a supportive but comfortable back pillow. While it’s a bit too stately for my taste, I really think it belongs in a more masculine space. I’m thinking of luxurious leather in front of a mahogany executive desk! Sort of like you’d see in the Commander’s office if you watch The Handmaid’s Tale.
While it’s more comfortable than I’d expect, I can’t really see how it would work in my home, and definitely not in my bedroom.
Ethan Allen Arm Chair Round-Up Winner
At the end of the day, there can only be one winner. Ethan Allen’s showroom definitely has a wide selection that can fit any style or need you may have. For me, the style that I chose for my bedroom is the Shawe Chair.
There’s something about the traditional diamond tufting in the back, the rolled arms, and headrest that just brought me back to a different time. It’s got beautiful curves that really work with the kind of organic feel of the bohemian styling, and choosing a richly saturated velvet to upholster it is going to be perfect!
What’s even more critical, however, is that I just can’t wait to hang out in this chair and read a book or write in my journal! It’s exceptionally comfortable, and I can change positions easily because it’s full and deep. The arms are sturdy, so I know I can lean on them (or lay on them) and not have to worry about breaking anything.
I honestly can’t wait to bring this home and bring my meditative, bohemian bedroom mediation area to life! We’ll add a printed Ikat rug underneath, some brightly colored throw pillows and floor cushions, and a brass and glass side table with a small light, and I’ve got the perfect area of peace and tranquility!
Which Ethan Allen armchair is your favorite?
