11 Living Room Chairs and How to Choose One

Chairs in the living room are an important piece of furniture because they are stylish, comfortable, and a great place to sit and relax. Chairs are usually large enough for one person to sit in, and their feel and style can be highly customized. The chairs have been carefully selected to be comfortable and complement the room.

When it comes to living room chairs, there are a variety of styles to choose from. From reclining chairs to chairs that wrap you in cushions, there’s a chair to suit anyone’s needs. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at 11 types of living room chairs, and how to decide which is best for your space.

01. Chesterfield Chair

Best for: Areas that require unique statement pieces and comfortable seating.

The Chesterfield chair, like their Chesterfield Sand cousin, is known for its traditional design, tufted upholstery, rolled arms, and nail head trim. These chairs bring a sophisticated, masculine vibe to any space while still providing plenty of comfort and relaxation. They are usually upholstered in leather, but they can also be made of fabric.

02. Wingback Chair

Best for: An area for reading or relaxing alone, as the wings block out noise and part of the view.

The backrest chair is easily recognizable by its signature high back, which has wings on either side of the backrest that surrounds the person sitting inside. The side wings create a private area for the occupants, perfect for reading or situations where you want to shade your surroundings. On the other hand, this does not make them ideal for conversation or party areas. The styles of wingback chairs are extremely diverse and can be found in traditional, modern, and contemporary styles.

03. Recliners

Best for: Areas where you want to lift your feet or take a nap. Larger living rooms are better suited to the size of the loungers.

A recliner is an elongated chair designed to allow the user to lift their feet up to rest. The backrest of the recliner is usually tilted so that the body is in a relaxed, semi-reclining position. These chairs are best used in larger spaces, as their large size can look cramped or awkward in a small living room.

04. Club Chair

Best for: An open area that requires a classic style and enough comfort.

Originating from social clubs, a club chair is a spacious, round chair, often upholstered in leather, designed to maximize comfort. The club chair has rounded edges and armrests to create a welcoming sitting position. Sometimes club chairs are equipped with casters to facilitate movement around the space.

Club chairs can be a little larger than others, so it’s best to use them in areas with plenty of space to avoid looking cramped. You’ll often see club chairs as part of a set, perhaps for a family entertainment area or a games room.

05. Slipper Chair

Best for: Small corners or areas where large chairs are not suitable.

A slipper chair is a small chair that has no armrests and is close to the ground. This makes them perfect for wearing shoes or slippers, hence the name. Its compact size also makes it ideal for adding seats when space is limited.

06. Recliner Chair

Best for: When comfort is paramount.

The recliner allows the user to sit upright as well as recline back. When reclined, the footrest usually rises from the front of the chair and then retracts when the chair is upright. Recliners are available in either electric or manual options. They are perfect for watching TV or for people who like to elevate their feet.

07. Rocking Chair

Best for: Open spaces or spacious corners, as well as areas designed for leisure and family.

The rocking chair has a slightly curved base that allows the user to rock back and forth while sitting. The style of the rocking chair varies greatly, from a fully upholstered design that hides the rocking element to a simple design with exposed wooden legs.

Due to its mobility, it is important to make sure that the chair has enough space to shake without hitting anything. The rocking chair gives a cozy feel and is perfect for a family room or a family with children.

08. Chair-and-a-Half

Best for: A small living room that may not fit a larger sofa, or a larger space where smaller chairs aren’t big enough.

As the name suggests, a halfchair is a chair that is slightly larger than a seat for one person, but smaller than a two-person sofa. A one-and-a-half-chair is the perfect solution for adding extra seating space in a small space where larger seats can’t be accommodated.

On the other hand, this furniture is also ideal for large areas, as small chairs are not enough in terms of seating capacity or filling floor space. This unique seating option is perfect for curling up or sharing your seat with kids or furry friends. Half chairs are available in a variety of styles and upholstery.

09. Barrel Chair

Best for: People who like to curl up or sit on their side.

A bucket chair usually consists of a continuous piece with the backrest bent to form two armrests. This unique circular shape gives the chair its name because it resembles a barrel. This curved shape supports the user, making it easy to curl or sit sideways, as the entire chair provides the same support.

10. Lawson Chair

Best for: Spaces that require a structured chair design and a stylish style.

The Lawson chair is characterized by its sleek lines and straight armrests that sit lower than the back. These chairs have a sturdy construction and cushioning and a somewhat traditional and medieval-modern look. These are perfect for areas that require a quality reading chair, which also adds to the simplicity of the space.

11. English Roll-Arm Chair

Best for: Add a touch of traditional design and incorporate into a thickly cushioned, comfortable place to rest.

The English rolled-edge armchair is an iconic traditional chair known for its rolled-edge armrests, deep, soft cushions, and slightly sloping backrest. Their deep seats and extra plush cushioning make them perfect for relaxing while immersed in a good book. They are the perfect addition to any space looking for extra comfort and familiar traditional design styles.

Choose a Living Room Chair

The type of chair you choose to place in your living room will greatly affect the feel and comfort of the space. With so many options out there, it’s important to remember what you want the chair to accomplish. Think about what the chair is for and who you want it to accommodate.

For example, if you’re looking for a small chair as an extra seating option or to fill a small corner, then a slipper chair may be the best. However, if you’re looking for a spacious chair to use as a place to relax on a daily basis, then a half-chair or bucket chair would be a better choice. If you’re looking for the best comfort or the ability to accommodate someone who likes to lift their feet up, then a recliner is best suited to your needs. By considering what it’s for and what you want it to accomplish in your space, you can choose a chair that best suits your situation.