A WORD IN YOUR SHELL: THE BEST SCALLOPED ARMCHAIRS

The scalloped armchair is having a major resurgence and it's easy to see why. Its elegantArt Deco style, sculptural forms and plush finishes ooze Gatsby glamour and whisk your imagination away to a time of elegance and extravagance. It will invite those qualities into your interior too, adding instant opulence to a room.

Some of the current examples on offer, such as Bethan Gray's Feathered dining chair for Anthropologie or Eichholtz's Trapezium chair at Houseology, echo the decadence of the Jazz Age, with feminine clam-like curves, sumptuous velvet upholstery and rich brass or gold coloured legs. These styles not only look great in a sitting or dining room, but work well in a large bathroom - softening what can sometimes be a clinical space - or in front of a beautiful dressing table or in the corner of an elegant bedroom (as long as they don't become a tempting depository for discarding the week's worn clothes..).

Other models demonstrate a modern take on this classic style, subtly combining past and present for a look that's both fresh and familiar. Sofa.com's Maggie armchair has a compact silhouette that would sit neatly in a smaller space, while Calvers + Suvdal's Glamorös chair is a more imposing piece that exudes the air of a cool members' club.

The Langham from Form and Feature is more traditional in style, with a tub like shape and muted blue hue that would look at home amongst the grandeur of The Savoy Hotel in its early hey day or its more recent incarnation.

Alternatively, the Bice lounge chair by Lema and the Ariel shell chair from Graham and Green, while wildly different in design, both have neutral upholstery, if you want your new furniture to blend easily within an existing colour scheme.

Whichever you decide, these are seats that exude sophistication.

See more scalloped furniture ideashere.

Part of the Artist Collaboration series, the shell-like form of this exclusive piece by award-winning designer, Bethan Gray is upholstered in lustrous cotton-velvet for elegant appeal.

Part of the Artist Collaboration series, the shell-like form of this exclusive piece by award-winning designer, Bethan Gray is upholstered in lustrous cotton-velvet for elegant appeal.

With its rich shade, soft velvet fabric and gold-coloured legs, this chair will inject opulence into any room.

This scalloped back velvet armchair sits on a sturdy matt gold base for comfort and style.

Make a splash with this clam shaped chair. Upholstered in contrasting charcoal and natural striped linen, it's an eye-caching addition to any room.

Oozing vintage nostalgia, the elegant shape, turquoise velvet finish and brass legs of this elegant piece will allow your imagination to transport you to another time.

The simple structure and refined upholstery on this modern lounge chair offers comfort and smart sophistication.

Beautiful in a bedroom or living area, this elegant chair can be upholstered in a huge array of colours and fabrics, from plain velvets, tweeds and linens to patterned cottons and wool.