The chic seats: Armchairs that are as comfy as they are stylish

1. Professor Chair

House of Fraser, £539.10. Upholstered in vintage cigar, full aniline leather, this evocatively distressed chair will add some Cluedo-esque character to any living-room or study. houseoffraser.com

2. Bricks and Mortar Armchair

Established & Sons, £2,040. This witty trompe l'oeil piece from the fêted British design house is far comfier than its screen-printed upholstery might at first suggest. Also available in light grey with black mortar. 020 7655 4540, thelollipopshoppe.co.uk

3. Eileen Gray-inspired Bibendum Chair

Interior Icons, £329. This faithful take on the leather-bound, tubular-cushioned Modernist classic is one of a range of bargain pieces from the retro reproduction website. 01383 820 680, interioricons.com

4. Princess Alice chair

John Lewis, £1,200. Alter your perceptions with this exaggeratedly proportioned Alice in Wonderland-style wing chair upholstered in aubergine velvet. And, to rest those twinkle toes, a matching footstool is also available. 0845 6049 049, johnlewis.com

5. Notting Hill Slipper Chair

Black Orchid Interiors, £2,145. Refinement meets razzle-dazzle in this old-fashioned solid-oak chair vibrantly upholstered in multi-coloured striped fabric from Osborne & Little. 0844 854 2794, blackorchidinteriors.co.uk