Bolt hole spacing decides fit more than the pad shape

The best replacement chair armrest pads for 2026

The original armrest pad on a chair is often the first part to crack or wear through, and the detail that decides whether a replacement actually fits is bolt hole spacing, measured centre to centre in millimetres — a pad shaped correctly but drilled for the wrong spacing will not mount. We compare stated hole-spacing compatibility, memory foam against solid PU cushioning, and clip-on universal designs that skip drilling entirely for chairs with an accessible armrest frame.

What we recommend

Aloudy memory foam armrest covers with washable velvet cover

Memory foam armrest pads with a velvet-polyester finish and a hidden zip for a removable, washable cover.

Amazon reference
B01M8F9IYC (identical on 6 markets)
EAN
0710525557537
- 100% memory foam cushions hard plastic armrests
- Hidden zip allows the cover to be removed and machine washed
- Velvet finish will not suit everyone — the manufacturer explicitly recommends checking for a velvet sensitivity or allergy first
Best for: Cushioning hard plastic armrests, for anyone who doesn't mind a velvet finish.

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LargeLeaf breathable mesh armrest pads with cooling gel top

Wider armrest pads combining breathable mesh, memory foam and a cooling gel top layer, sized 9.8 by 3 by 1.2 inches.

Amazon reference
B0972WL2M6 (identical on 6 markets)
EAN
0643934713426
- Cooling gel top layer, in addition to memory foam, for a different feel than foam-only pads
- Breathable mesh construction reduces heat build-up under the arm
- Larger size may not suit narrower armrests — check dimensions against the existing armrest
Best for: Wider arms and elbows, or anyone who finds plain foam armrest pads feel too warm.

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Who each type suits

Hard armrests: Many chairs have rigid plastic armrests. A pad changes the support without touching the rest of the chair.
Flattened foam: The original padding compresses and disappears before the rest of the seat. The most visible wear part of a chair.
Prolonged resting: Over a whole day, a pressure point on the forearm becomes frankly uncomfortable. That is where the pad is justified.

The trade-offs to weigh

Thickness against armrest height: A thick pad raises the support by several centimetres, which makes the shoulders rise if the armrest is not height-adjustable.
Elastic fixing against hook-and-loop: Elastic fits with nothing stuck on and slides; hook-and-loop holds perfectly and leaves marks when removed.
Memory foam against gel: Dense foam returns to shape and lasts; gel flattens and deforms permanently under repeated pressure.

Questions buyers ask

Are the pads universal?

Models with a stretch cover fit a wide range of shapes. Very wide or curved armrests sometimes cause trouble.

Does the pad make the shoulders rise?

It raises the support by its own thickness. If the armrest is not height-adjustable, that can be enough to spoil the position.

How are they fixed?

By elastic, strap or hook-and-loop depending on the model. Straps hold best without marking the armrest.

Are they washable?

Removable covers go in the machine. Useful on something in direct contact with the skin.

Foam or gel?

Dense foam returns to shape and lasts; gel flattens permanently under daily pressure.

Can the original armrest be replaced?

On some chairs the plate unscrews and the part can be ordered. Cleaner than a pad when the part exists.

The pad slides — what do I do?

A strap fixing under the armrest holds far better than a simple elastic around the outside.

What to remember

A pad raises the support by its own thickness: on an armrest with no height adjustment, that can make the shoulders rise. Dense foam returns to shape where gel flattens, and a strap under the armrest holds better than an elastic around the outside.