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Though a traditional couch will always be a living room must-have, accent chairs are prone to changing. Our favorite ones lately are comfy swivel chairs, which, as their name implies, can rotate—some at a full 360 degrees. They’ve been around for a long time, but they peaked in popularity throughout the 1950s, when at-home soirées were more fun than evenings out. Swivel chairs allowed both guests and hosts to bop from one conversation to another without having to leave their seats; all they had to do was swivel around. double hanging egg chair
More than seven decades later, swivel chairs are back and more comfortable than ever. Whether you’re using them as intended (to chirp within multiple conversations) or as a cozy spot to read, watch TV, or enjoy a glass of wine, you’re going to love the ones we recommend ahead. From a mossy green velvet seat that sits low to the ground to a bouclé option that comes with a matching throw pillow, there are plenty of solid picks that will change the way you lounge for the better.
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We're coming in hot with a swanky pick that is House Beautiful editor-approved. "I have two of these swivel chairs in my New York City apartment and, I have to admit: I spend more time on these than I do on my sofa," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "I got them for my first post-grad apartment back in 2016 and, nearly a decade later, they're still with me. The seat is so deep that you can really curl up comfortably. I really love these so much." Plus, if you're not particularly good at putting furniture together, know that this swivel chair comes with free white glove delivery. Did we mention it's on sale for over $100 off?
An accent chair is the perfect place to have some fun, so if you like the look of this cherry-red piece, go ahead and get it because there aren't a lot of options like this out there. Plus, there's something about it—maybe the shape of the cushions—that makes it feel like an accurate and authentic reference to the midcentury modern era. "I'm in love with my chair, so I ordered another one to put on the other side," one reviewer said.
If you're in the market for an affordable pick, you can't go wrong with this under-$300 Amazon find, which comes in six colors. Unlike some of the other options on our list, this one's swiveling metal base is exposed, but unless you're level with it, you can't really see it. If you're thinking that the arms look a bit restricting, peep one of the five-star reviews from happy customers. "The chairs are beautiful and very comfortable. I wear a women's size 18 pant and am 'hippy,' but I still have plenty room in the chair. I would buy them again," she said.
Anyone who regularly shops on House Beautiful knows that we, like the rest of the Internet, are obsessed with Drew Barrymore's oversized swivel chair. In addition to sage, it also comes in cream and charcoal, so take your pick. No matter which one you get, you'll get the throw pillows thrown in with the chair. "I was searching for a great accent chair for my living room that didn't completely break the bank and could complement our cream and green color scheme," Senior SEO Manager, Rachel Crocetti says. "As a reader, I needed something specifically where I could curl my legs under me comfortably, too. The Drew Chair is affordable, but doesn't look or feel 'cheap' and has already become a fan favorite of mine, my dog's, and just about everyone who visits! I love the sage color as an accent, and the swivel is an added bonus. I'm already thinking about purchasing the matching stowaway coffee table to go with it!"
Available in Serena & Lily's enormous fabric library of nearly 200 options, this chair is totally customizable. It's also 20 percent off with the code SALE. It's not just attractive, though; it's really comfortable, courtesy of the eight-way hand-tied coil springs for resilient support, extra fiber-wrapped foam padding, and plush microdown cushion sewn into down-proof ticking. Each piece is made to order, which minimizes unnecessary environmental harm, but this also means it takes while to arrive in your home. So far, we're looking at an eight-week lead time.
Full disclosure: If you're quite tall, this is not the chair for you because the seat part is basically on the ground, and you're going to struggle both plopping down into it and getting back up. Otherwise, this chair is like a nice, warm hug. And what it lacks in height, it makes up for in width. The seat is a whopping 30 inches wide, so you'll have plenty of space to sit cross-legged (or whatever position is most comfortable).
Hear us out: This chair is undeniably a conversation-starter. Yes, it may be a little much if the rest of your space is also drenched in color and pattern, but if you live in a quiet and relatively neutral home, incorporating a piece that feels a bit louder is kind of a fun approach to testing your aesthetic limits. If, on the other hand, you know that this cottagecore vibe doesn't work for you, the chair does come in a myriad of other colors and fabrics. No matter which one you get, you don't have to be too precious with it because each one is contract-grade.
This is one of our favorites because it's big enough to fully spread out on your own or curl up with your partner, kids, or pets. If your eyebrows just shot up at the mention of kids and pets, know that this enormous swivel chair is upholstered in high-quality performance fabric, meaning it's hard to ruin and easy to clean. One reviewer said, "This armchair is great! I love the large size. The swivel is so smooth. It really adds to my reading corner. The perfect reading/lounging chair."
AllModern's Bennett swivel chair is a perfect example of an exposed base that works. It's not a skeletal metal stand that draws attention away from the seat itself. This one is kiln-dried wood, adding a touch of visual interest. One of the 1,000-plus five-star reviews said, "Love these chairs! Exactly as described. They were so well packed and no assembly was necessary, bonus! Can’t wait to finish that corner of my living room around these adorable chairs."
Any avid fan of Soho Home, the home brand whose swanky pieces decorate the world's many Soho House outposts, knows that each piece is inspired by a specific club. The Vivienne armchair is inspired by London's White City House, for instance. It also happens to be one of our favorites with its super-smooth velvet and pleated stitch detailing along the whole back. The curved pillow against the back only makes it better. Plus, if you're a Soho House member (at any of the clubs), you can score a big discount on furniture.
This bouclé swivel chair feels like the inside of an Ugg boot. It's unbelievably soft and cozy, so if you like that hygge feeling, this is definitely the chair for you. It also comes in five additional colors, including a bright yellow and blush. "It's very easy to assemble, comfortable, and great for small spaces. Overall, it's an adorable addition to my living space," one reviewer said.
If you're planning on lounging against the spherical pillow while sitting in the chair, we're sorry to inform you that not only is the pillow not included, but it's also sold out! Luckily, Article sells a bevy of equally adorable pillows that pair well with this chair in any color you like. The swivel also comes in a rich cognac-colored leather. "Great chair. Very comfortable and looks great. I love the swivel and, when paired with the ottoman, I can sit comfortably here for many hours. Worth the money," one reviewer said.
Usually, swivel chairs are versions of barrel chairs in that they're one solid unit that typically doesn't have any hardware or wooden detail. This one features neither: There are big cutouts and nailhead detailing that scales the frame. "The fabric, the texture, the feel...I LOVE everything about it," one reviewer said. "The fabric is, in my mind's eye, PERFECTION!" Well, you can't beat perfection.
Upholstered in the nubby bouclé fabric that has captivated the Internet, the Kerrilee is a fan-favorite: It arrives fully assembled, includes two adorable throw pillows, and a sizable back cushion, making this one of the most comfy on the list. Not to mention, the seat cushion is a thick pad made of durable sponge, so it will give quite a bit when you sit down, but the moment you get up, it will regain its shape almost instantly. "I love this chair in my bedroom," one reviewer said. "It is comfortable and exactly the right size. The material is soft and the cushions are reversible too."
To those who hate shopping for furniture, try shopping at Interior Define, which makes the process fun because every detail is customizable. This chair, for instance, comes in tons of fabrics, fills types, and more. You can also buy it now and technically pay for it later (after you've made your specific selects), cleverly dubbed "Buy Now, Decide Later." If you opt for this process, you can save 20 percent on your purchase.
Few people are more obsessed with woven wood furniture than we are, so you can imagine our delight upon finding a swivel chair with a rattan frame. If you're into it, get it fast because it's already sold out in three of the five colors. One happy reviewer said, "Love these chairs. They are very comfortable and perfect for my room. The color is also great, as it goes with everything."
As a true fan of the swivel chair (I own two), I was determined to recommend only the best, most comfortable options on the market to House Beautiful readers. In addition to recommending my own, which I have enjoyed for the last eight years, I turned to the Internet's most highly rated swivels to find the rest of the picks on the list. So, how did I decide which ones would actually make the cut? I looked to a few elements, starting with the look of the chair. I am a firm believer that all furniture should be as fashionable as it is functional, so I never skimp on style when making selections. Next, I considered price because I wanted to make sure that there were as many options for those who want to save as those who would rather splurge. Lastly, I read the reviews, which were the make-or-break if I was on the fence about a swivel chair. If it was beautiful and a good price, but had terrible reviews, I cut it and started over. The result? A comprehensive list of the most comfy swivel chairs on the market.
When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market. Any pieces she recommends are pieces she either would buy or already has in her apartment.
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