Reviewer: Rachel Fletcher, senior commerce editor
Model tested: Desmond Armchair from Castlery 
The details: Castlery is a direct-to-consumer furniture brand with a lean toward classic, midcentury inspired silhouettes and accessible price points. They started in Singapore in 2013 and came Stateside in 2019.

Ordering process

Price: How much does it cost? Are there payment plans available?

The Desmond starts at $749 for fabric upholstery and the leather offering is $949. The chairs can be purchased solo or as a set of two. There are payment plans available through Affirm, as well as purchase protection via Mulberry.

What are the upholstery or customization options? Did you choose any?

There are two fabric options available—beige or marled black—and one leather option in a caramel color. I went with the Iron Black, which looks like a wool fabric but is actually a polyester and linen blend. There are free swatches available.

What is the lead time for customization, manufacturing, and delivery?

Castlery provides pretty transparent delivery estimates on the site—the Desmond in Iron Black and leather delivered in just a couple of weeks. The cream fabric has a slightly longer lead time.

After delivery

What are the dimensions? How does it fit in your space? Would it be better suited for a different type of home?

29.5"W x 30.3"D x 32.7"H

I nestled the chair into a cozy corner of my bedroom where I thought a reading chair would make sense. It’s fairly compact and, compared to the other armchairs in my space, has a much more narrow profile. This chair is very grown-up—a classic—which isn’t entirely my home decor style, but it would look great in a more traditional or midcentury-modern home.

Sit Test: Is it comfortable? Does it feel well-made? Does the chair have a tendency to sag?

As the reviews on Castlery’s site will indicate, I can confirm that this chair is definitely on the firmer side. It definitely feels well constructed but the foam seats have very little give—this is a positive if you want to have a more formal and upright feel, less so if you want a sink-into-it kind of experience. Because of the angle of the cushion, which is tilted down towards the seat back, you definitely want to lean back and enjoy the chair.

The only slight discomfort I feel with the chair is the fabric. It is not the softest and can be a little scratchy if you’re wearing shorts or a tank top. I have very sensitive skin and wouldn’t recommend the chair to someone looking for a supersoft piece. I’ve tested the Jonathan sofa from Castlery and that is a soft fabric! I’d point anyone else with fabric sensitivities in that direction.

Is the chair suitable for particular decor styles and if so, which?

The silhouette, the solid wood frame, and the brass tipped legs definitely compliment mid-century or traditional home decor. That said, it will look equally at home in a formal living room as it does in a bedroom nook, as I’ve placed it, or a small apartment, thanks to its slimmer profile.

Is it durable and practical in a modern home?

Because of the tapered wood arms and the slightly sharp legs, I would probably not recommend it for a home with kids. I should also note that it is probably best placed on a rug or carpet, since the legs of the chair have a plastic cap and can slide around. I added felt tips to avoid scratching my wood floors.

What are the care and cleaning instructions? Do you think stains could be easily removed?

This black fabric is definitely a wonder for anyone looking to avoid stains. I have a feeling it would be very forgiving—the cream option, less so! The brand recommends spot cleaning or professional cleaning should anything go amiss.

Do the photos do this product justice? Was there anything you were surprised to see IRL?

The photos are very accurate, no surprises here!

Chair Grades

Comfort: B
Value: B+
Style: A-
Overall chair rating: A