Must-Have Occasional Chairs
From bold to understated, our pick of five stand-out occasional chairs to anchor or elevate any living space. Whether sculptural or soft-edged, each piece invites pause while making a subtle statement.
The Wes Armchair from Jardan. Photo: Courtesy of Jardan
With a soft nod to retro design and a distinctly playful energy, the Wes Armchair from Jardan brings character and comfort in equal measure. Its sculptural silhouette—defined by generous curves, gathered upholstery, and piped edges—adds a spirited presence to any interior, whether in a quiet reading nook or a statement lounge setting.
Available with a swivel, return swivel, or fixed base, Wes balances form and function with ease. The armchair is constructed from sustainably sourced hardwood and plywood, and cushioned with CFC-free, multi-density foam—offering long-lasting comfort without compromising on conscious craftsmanship.
Each piece is made to order at Jardan’s Melbourne-based design and manufacturing HQ, a reflection of the brand’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful, local production.
The Wes Armchair is customisable in a palette of soft, tonal hues and tactile finishes.
The Sundae Armchair from DesignByThem. Photo: Pete Daly
The Sundae Armchair from DesignByThem. Photo: Pete Daly
SUNDAE ARMCHAIR from DESIGNBYTHEM
Curved, cushioned, and unmistakably inviting, the Sundae Armchair by DesignByThem pairs soft silhouettes with commercial-grade durability.
Designed by Jason Ju, the piece can be upholstered in your choice of fabric and built with a robust FSC-certified plywood and metal frame, filled with CAL 117 foam for lasting comfort.
While the form is gentle, the construction is intentionally solid—crafted to meet the demands of high-use environments while still offering the ease and softness of home.
‘I wanted the design to feel calming and welcoming from first glance, but with the integrity to hold up in commercial spaces as much as living rooms,’ says Jason.
Developed in-house by the DesignByThem team, the Sundae armchair reflects the brand’s distinct approach to Australian design: playful, timeless, and designed with purpose.
The Sundae Armchair from DesignByThem. Photo: Pete Daly
The Berg Armchair from RJ Living. Photo: Courtesy of RJ Living
With a bold silhouette and generous comfort, the Berg armchair by RJ Living brings together the expressive spirit of 70s design with a modern sense of ease. Its exaggerated curves and cloud-like cushioning make it an inviting place to pause—whether curling up with a book or settling in for an unhurried afternoon.
Berg makes a confident statement in retro-inspired upholstery or takes on a more refined tone in classic Copenhagen boucle. Either way, it brings a grounded yet playful energy to any living space.
Modular in form, Berg adapts with intention. Available in curated sizes or as part of a personalised configuration, it’s designed to grow and shift with the rhythm of your home.
Timeless in attitude and built to endure, the Berg Armchair is a future classic—one that balances personality with everyday comfort.
ARFLEX MARENCO ARMCHAIR from SPACE
Soft-edged yet striking, the Marenco armchair by Arflex offers a bold expression of comfort that adapts effortlessly to contemporary living. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, the piece has become a staple of Italian design—cherished for its inviting form, deep cushioning, and quiet confidence.
With its modular construction and curved silhouette, Marenco lends itself to a wide range of interiors. It anchors minimal spaces with its sculptural presence, yet feels equally at home in eclectic or richly layered environments. Upholstered in a choice of luxurious textiles, from neutral boucle to rich velvets and tonal weaves, the armchair can be styled to suit both bold statements and understated palettes.
Awarded Wallpaper’s Best Reissue* in 2007, the Marenco continues to hold its place in the design canon, not just as a classic, but as a deeply versatile and enduring form. It’s a piece that offers both visual impact and everyday ease—seamlessly adapting to shifting styles, seasons, and spaces.
Arflex Marenco Armchair from SPACE. Photo: Courtesy of SPACE
COHEN LINEN ARMCHAIR from RACHEL DONATH
Upholstered in 100% European linen and finished with velvet piping, the Cohen Linen Armchair is both indulgent and easygoing—a relaxed yet refined addition to any interior.
Designed with comfort in mind, Cohen’s feather-filled cushioning, gently curved backrest, and distinctive channel stitching offer a tactile and enveloping experience. Its generous proportions and sculptural silhouette strike a balance between classic comfort and understated elegance, making it equally suited to laid-back reading corners or curated living spaces.
Offered in a palette of earthy neutrals and soft pastels, the Cohen’s pure linen upholstery is designed to age beautifully and stand up to everyday use—with removable covers for effortless cleaning. Velvet piping adds a subtle layer of texture and contrast, elevating the piece without overpowering it.
Timeless in tone and tailored for comfort, the Cohen Linen Armchair is a quiet invitation to pause—an enduring piece that settles effortlessly into its surroundings while offering a moment of rest, whenever you need it.
