Types of Living Room Chairs: Which to Choose & Why They'll Work for You
Sit back and relax.
The right living room chair should be comfortable, match your aesthetic, and fit well with the other furnishings in your living space. Popular living room chair types include accent chairs, recliners, armchairs, swivel chairs, and chaise lounges – each offering different comfort and style. Read below to learn about the different types of living room chairs and discover which style will work best for your lounge needs.
The Armchair
The armchair is a classic living room staple that offers support, comfort, and versatility all in one. It's perfect for bare corners or small living areas and comes in a range of styles, from the more traditional to ultra-modern designs. As implied by its name, the armchair offers support on both sides of a cushioned seat, so you can really get comfortable – perfect for a book nook or conversation set.
Tip!
Read our guide Types of Armchairs: How to Pick the Best Armchair Design for Your Home for in-depth info that’ll help you choose the right armchair for your living room.
The Side Chair
Side chairs are lightweight and space-savvy seating options. They are generally easy to move so you can change your seating configurations to accommodate more guests. Keep a side chair or two against the wall for spare seating, or put them front and center to take the place of accent chairs in a small living room.
The name says it all. The lounge chair is one of those comfortable living room chairs meant for sitting back and relaxing. Lounge chairs are purposefully angled for you to lean back once you’re seated. Pair a lounge chair with a small ottoman or pouf to put up your feet for an even more comfortable rest.
From new parents to knitters, rocking chairs have something for everyone. Their soothing motion is great for everyday relaxation, and upholstered options offer even more comfort. Whether you choose a wooden frame or upholstered chair, be sure to leave enough space between the chair and the wall to allow for movement.
Tip!
Check out our The Best Rocking Chairs for You to discover the best rocking chair design for you.
The Recliner
If there is any type of living room chair designed specifically for impromptu naps and lounge sessions, it's the recliner. The great thing about reclining chairs is that they’re stylish and functional at the same time – allowing you to find the perfect position for ultimate comfort. Make sure to test how far your chair reclines to determine how far it needs to be from the walls or other furniture.
Tip!
Discover more recliner options with our Different Types of Recliners to Help You Relax & Unwind guide.
The Wingback Chair
Wingback chairs are stylish seating options whose unique design also serves an important purpose. The wingback chair was originally used in the 17th and 18th centuries as a fireside staple, where the winged frame kept people from feeling the full brunt of the fire or any cool drafts. Settle into a wingback chair to envelop yourself in comforting, traditional texture.
Club chairs are known for their low backs, short legs, deep seats, and wide armrests. Some armrests may even be wide enough to balance a drink or book on top. Club chairs are typically covered in leather upholstery for an added look of luxury. They have a classic look that’s perfect for a traditional-style living room or retro-inspired lounge.
The barrel chair came to be in the 1930s, and it's been a modern-style staple ever since. Its curved back and armrests redefined the way furniture looked, showing that chairs can be soft and inviting to the eye. Maximize the curves in your living room with a pair of barrel chairs placed at a right angle to your sofa. Want more flexibility? Look for a barrel chair with a swivel base so you can turn with one swift movement to face the window or the TV.
Tip!
Interested in a barrel chair for your living room? Read What Is a Barrel Chair? to learn more about this seating option.
The Chesterfield Chair
A more compact relative of the chesterfield sofa, the chesterfield chair gives living rooms a sophisticated look at a fraction of the size. Chesterfield chairs typically feature button-tufted upholstery and a curved high back with rolled armrests. This makes them the perfect place to curl up with a good book or a cup of coffee. Although typically associated with traditional aesthetics, chesterfield chairs can also level up a glam or maximalist living room style.
Get ready to get comfy. Papasan chairs have bowl-shaped seats that typically feature overstuffed cushions meant to maximize comfort. Traditionally, the frame of a papasan chair is made of rattan – giving them the quintessential boho aesthetic. Want the round, casual look without the overstuffed cushion? Papasan chairs also come in smaller sizes with woven bowl seats for a cool bohemian vibe.
Choose a balloon chair for a stylish and stunning statement piece in your living room. They range in style from sleek modern to ornate traditional. More traditional designs echo the regal style of the 19th century, featuring large back rests that curve forward to create a dramatic balloon-like shape. Position a balloon chair in the corner of the room for an intriguing accent, or place a pair of them on either side of a fireplace for a sophisticated centerpiece.
Butterfly chairs get their name from their distinctive wing-like design. Originally created in the 1930s to be portable, many modern designs still have a folding feature, making this the most flexible and easy-to-store chair on this list. This living room chair was made to stand out, in addition to just being practical. Today, butterfly chairs come in leather, faux fur, and cushioned designs, so there are plenty of styles to choose from. Butterfly chairs look particularly striking in modern living spaces due to their unconventional form.
Although typically associated with a kid’s bedroom or a college dorm room, the bean bag chair has come a long way, style-wise. Now bean bag chairs come in more sizes and more sophisticated styles than ever, making it easy to add an ultra-cushioned look that screams relaxation to your living space. Want a chair that improves your posture but exudes comfort? Bean bag chairs are actually known for their ability to reduce back and shoulder pain and improve posture.
Tip!
If you want to add a bean bag chair to your living room, check out Your Guide to Bean Bag Chair Sizes to help you pick the right one for your space.
The Chaise Lounge
Chaise lounges are the ideal living room chair if you want to be able to sit up and stretch out at the same time. Unlike the recliner, the backs of chaise lounge chairs remain stationary so your upper body remains level. This is ideal for watching TV, reading, or eating without the worry of spills. Chaise lounge chairs with two armrests can make a cool statement when placed at an angle in the corner of the living room, while one-armed chaise lounge chairs work well across from or at a right angle to your sofa.
Want a chair that can turn into a chaise lounge or a twin-size bed for overnight guests? A convertible living room chair may be the answer for lovers of multifunctional furniture. Convertible chairs can help you stay flexible and adapt to your living room’s needs. Some convertible chairs have fold-out capabilities or matching ottomans so you can stretch out when you want and make space when necessary. Others can be reconfigured to create a twin-size sleeper or sofa bed for guests.
Looking for living room chair ideas that allow you to maximize seating, but don't have quite enough space for another sofa? A chair-and-a-half may be the way to go. As implied, chair-and-a-half options sit between armchairs and loveseats on the size spectrum. This means they're wide enough for you to curl up on with room to spare. Place this living room chair at a right angle to your sofa and/or loveseat to encourage conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common living room chair types?
Accent, recliner, armchair, swivel, chaise are some of the most popular living room chair options.
Which chair is best for comfort?
Recliners or chaise lounges allow you to kick your feet up and really relax.
What chair saves space?
Swivel chairs provide space-saving functionality.
