An armchair may or may not have an armrest; a chair with an armrest is called an "armchair.". In French, chairs with and without arms are called fauteuil and chaise respectively. If present, if the handrail is placed on the handrail, the handrail will support part of the weight through the handrail. The armrest also has the function of making it easier for the chair to get in and out (but more difficult from the side). Handrails should support the forearm rather than the sensitive elbow. Therefore, in some Chair Designs, the armrest and chair back are not continuous, but not in the elbow area.

Adjacent sofas, benches or other seating arrangements may have armrests on the sides and / or between. The latter can provide comfort as well as privacy (e.g. in public transport and other public places) and benches in some parks to prevent homeless people from lying down or sleeping on benches. Handrails can reduce the expected and unexpected proximity between people sitting side by side. Especially for double seats, there is no armrest between the two seats.

See also pictures of seats in cinemas and benches with and without armrests.