There’s something special about sinking into a comfortable, well-cushioned chair after a tiring day, and that’s why swivel chairs offer a delightful twist on the usual accent chair.
Available in various designs to suit different room configurations and lifestyles, these swivel chairs are especially ideal for open-concept spaces. Whether you need a large chair, a compact option for tight areas, or a model that’s safe for children, we’ve curated a selection of the finest swivel chairs. We anticipate that one of these will quickly become your go-to seat in the living room.
Our Best Selections
Editors’ Top Picks
The swivel chairs we love provide a perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and ample room for snuggling with your little companion. Whether you’re in the market for a plush, roomy swivel chair or one that includes an ottoman, our top picks cater to a variety of lifestyles and home environments.
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Utmost Comfort
When considering the ultimate in comfort for a swivel chair, the words soft and plush often come to mind. Luckily, many swivel chairs are available in cozy fabrics like boucle and velvet. These materials invite you to snuggle in for extended periods while enjoying your favorite shows. To enhance your comfort, you might want to include a charming accent pillow, or choose a chair that comes with one, such as the Better Homes & Gardens Mira Swivel Chair, which is a product of Dotdash Meredith.
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Ideal for Families
For family-friendly seating options, it’s best to opt for items crafted from performance-grade fabrics or materials that are easy to maintain. Our selections are all stain-resistant or designed with children in mind, such as the Landry Velvet Swivel Chair from Article, which is perfect for kids. If you and your child are looking to share a cozy bedtime story, consider a larger option that can comfortably accommodate two, like the Park Swivel Armchair from Albany Park.
Ideal for Compact Areas
Compact areas can also enjoy the benefits of swivel chairs. These versatile chairs can easily be placed in any small room or nook, providing additional seating that you might not have realized you could accommodate. We’ve also featured several barrel-style options for a snug, enveloping atmosphere.
Ideal for Remote Workspaces
Enhance your home office by adding additional seating, allowing you to concentrate on your tasks or unwind with a captivating book. The West Elm Austin Leather Swivel Chair and Ottoman Set creates an ideal office atmosphere. Additionally, consider a swivel office desk chair. The highly-rated Wade Logan Beaussicot Desk Chair offers ample space for a cross-legged seating position. We’ve also featured a selection of classic swivel chairs suitable for visitors, as well as options for your workspace.
How We Selected Swivel Chairs
We selected the top swivel chairs by initially exploring our preferred retailers. We took into account various materials, price ranges, lifestyles, and additional factors. Our search began with retailers we trust and admire, concentrating on those known for providing well-crafted, aesthetically pleasing furniture that impressed us with its design, comfort, and affordability.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Swivel Chair
Comfort and Support for Ergonomics
The finest swivel chairs offer a deep, comfortable, and supportive design. Many feature cushions filled with feathers or a contoured back for added support, such as the CB2 Fitz Channeled Velvet Swivel Chair. These chairs, often referred to as barrel swivel chairs, are characterized by their rounded shape and elevated armrests.
Choosing the most comfortable and ergonomically supportive swivel chairs is largely a matter of individual taste. Some individuals might favor a firmer seat and backrest, while others might lean towards a plush, sink-in feel, such as the Albany Park Park Swivel Armchair, one of our top family recommendations. To assess the level of support a swivel chair provides, it’s advisable to consider the type of filling used. Feather and down fillings are generally the softest, whereas foam fillings tend to deliver greater firmness and durability over time.
In terms of ergonomics, the design of the swivel chair is of utmost importance. While numerous models feature straight backs, there are also those that offer reclining capabilities at different angles. Although a reclining swivel chair might not provide the same level of ergonomic support as a straight, upright chair, the choice often depends on individual comfort preferences, similar to those who favor a cushioned feel.
Quality of the Swivel Mechanism
Everyone desires a high-quality swivel chair that rotates effortlessly. Naturally, the finest swivel chairs are capable of a complete 360-degree rotation.
Certain swivel chairs are equipped with a return mechanism. “We favor swivel chairs that feature a memory mechanism, allowing them to return to their original position, as opposed to having chairs that face different directions, which can create a cluttered appearance in a room,” explains Pamela O’Brien, the principal and lead designer at Pamela Hope Designs.
Durability of Materials and Simplified Cleaning Process
Top-quality swivel chairs are constructed from sturdy materials and feature thoughtfully designed frames. When it comes to maintenance, many of our selections are crafted from high-performance fabrics. For instance, the West Elm Cozy Swivel Chair and Article’s Landry Velvet Swivel Chair are ideal choices for families, as noted by O’Brien, due to their resilience and ease of cleaning up unexpected spills.
Performance-grade fabrics that are suitable for families are designed to resist stains and maintain their appearance over time. According to O’Brien, these materials are perfect for environments with high traffic, including those with children and pets.
Harmony of Style and Design with Current Décor
When selecting the ideal swivel chair for your area, O’Brien suggests opting for a design that harmonizes with your existing furniture.
Swivel chairs come in a variety of styles, including traditional, contemporary, and mid-century modern, so consider the design of your current sofas and chairs,” advises O’Brien. “If you’re uncertain about the most suitable swivel style, capture clear images of your space and existing seating, and consult with a knowledgeable salesperson at the furniture store or showroom for guidance.
What Makes Us Reliable?
This piece was authored by Kate McKenna, a seasoned editor who has been covering furniture and various home decor items for the website for more than five years. Recently, McKenna purchased her first home and is now actively searching for innovative and stylish furniture that offers enduring appeal.
Our Specialists:
- Kenedee Fowler, a contributor to
- Pamela O’Brien, the founder and chief designer at Pamela Hope Designs.
