Types of Living Room Chairs: Get To Know Each One

Your living room is a popular hangout, so it needs to be furnished with different types of living room chairs to make it more inviting. Discover them here.

If you live in the Jacksonville area and you like to entertain guests, chances are you do a lot of hosting from your living room. 

Design experts say that the furniture is an essential part of any living room. And seating is the most important of all furniture. You spend lots of time in your living room, so everyone must be comfortable.

But with different types of living room chairs, how do you find the best seating for your home?

This guide will cover the various kinds of living room seating. We will look at the purpose of each style of chair and which types of living rooms are best suited for them. So you can feel confident you are choosing the best chairs for your living room.

Armchair

You are probably familiar with the armchair.

Armchairs are usually upholstered. In other words, they have a soft, comfortable covering. They are known for being among the most comfortable chairs.

The cushioned seat makes it a great place to rest or curl up with a good book. There are armrests on both sides of the chair, providing additional comfort.

These classic chairs can be ornate or modern, making them a great addition to traditional or shabby chic living room decor. 

Barrel Chair

A barrel chair is an upholstered chair with a rounded back. Barrel chairs have a similar shape to that of an actual barrel.

When they first became popular in the 1930s, barrel chairs came from whiskey barrels. They changed the face of traditional furniture.

Initially, the barrel chair debuted in rustic and country-style homes. But today, barrel chairs often appear in modern-style living rooms as well.

The chairs are soft and relatively comfortable. The curved shape of the barrel back provides soft sightlines in any room. 

Some barrel chairs also come with a swivel base, giving them more flexibility. They are perfect for a spot in a living room that may have multiple vantage points.

Chaise Lounge

A chaise lounge is an upholstered sofa-like seat that resembles a chair. It is long enough to support the body of the person sitting in it, allowing them to rest their feet.

Chaise lounges or chaise longues originated in France. They provide an ideal place for rest or an afternoon nap. 

Because of its elongated size, the chaise lounge is best-suited for larger living room spaces. It fits perfectly in an empty corner of a room or angled toward the sofa to allow for conversation.

Chaise lounges come in different shapes and sizes, colors, and textures. Some are traditional-looking, and others are very modern. You can find a chaise lounge that feels appropriate for any design style, provided you have a space to put it.

Chair-and-a-Half

If you're looking for living room seating between the size of a loveseat and an armchair, consider purchasing a chair-and-a-half. The chair-and-a-half will comfortably seat two people at a time.

It is the perfect addition to compact spaces with limited room. It's also an ideal choice for those with small children or pets, as they can easily snuggle up beside you. 

These are comfortable additions to any living room and are best placed on an angle towards a sofa or loveseat to allow for conversation. This style of chair is versatile and fits perfectly into almost any living room design, provided you pick a style that matches the rest of your decor.

Chesterfield Chair

It wasn't long after the fourth Earl of Chesterfield commissioned this style of the well-known sofa in the 1700s that the chesterfield chair was born.

The chair resembles the chesterfield sofa. These upholstered chairs have sleek rolled-back arms, tufting, and nailhead trim around the frame. 

Similar to the Chesterfield sofa, the rolled-back arms look stylish, even from behind. Chesterfield chairs look great floating in the middle of a living room layout.

They fit well in traditional styles but are also well-suited for Hollywood glam and contemporary styles. Similar to the Chesterfield sofa, the chesterfield chair is timeless and brings elegance to any living room space.

Club Chair

A club chair is a type of armchair typically covered in leather. These chairs originated in France and are traditionally associated with status and luxury. 

Club chairs are usually in the living rooms of traditionally-styled homes. But because of the leather and metal finish commonly seen on club chairs, they are great additions to industrial-style living rooms as well.

Club chairs are wide and almost always have armrests. They are known for being comfortable chairs.

However, the leather cover is vulnerable to damage. Club chairs require more care and cleaning than other chairs. They are not an ideal addition to a home with pets or children.

Chair and Ottoman

Another well-known living room seating option is the classic chair and ottoman. Ottomans typically get placed in front of a chair as a comfortable footrest. But ottomans can be easily moved throughout the living room to be placed in front of the sofa, provide additional seating, or function as a coffee table.

Ottomans frequently get sold as a set with comfortable living room chairs. But they can also be used as accent pieces and focal points in a living room. 

An ottoman doesn't need to match the sofa or chair. It also doesn't need to be in a traditionally-styled living room. Tufted ottomans look beautiful in a modern or shabby chic environment as well. 

If you choose to use your ottoman as a coffee table, ensure you leave 14" to 18" of room between the ottoman and your chair or sofa. Leaving that space will allow plenty of room to pass through but remain close enough that it is within reach.

The ottoman is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture available to you. It functions well in other rooms and adds warmth to any living room space.

Derby Lounger

A Derby lounger combines comfort, support, and a bold design to create a truly special chair. Originally derby loungers were inspired by equestrian culture.

They have morphed into a versatile style of chair. Derby loungers offer a space for reading, screen time, and relaxation. 

They provide a unique design element in any living room. However, they have the potential to take up a fair amount of space and are best suited to larger rooms.

Glider

Glider chairs are comfortable upholstered chairs that move forward and backward on a track to create a rocking motion. Some gliders will also recline to provide additional comfort.

Unlike rocking chairs, gliders do not make much noise during use. They are an ideal addition to the living room of any new parent as they can help soothe a newborn back to sleep.

The comfortable padding and large armrests also provide a cozy space for newborns to snuggle with their parents for extended periods. Gliders are also comfortable settings for those who read.

Many glider chairs also swivel, providing flexibility on which direction the chair faces throughout the room. 

Loveseat

The classic loveseat is ultimately a chair with two seats. It's a small sofa with or without arms that seats two people. The name loveseat came from the idea that the chair allowed couples to sit close, side-by-side, in one seat.

At the time of its invention during the 17th century, the loveseat was intended to accommodate bulky fashion for women. The chair allowed additional space for women to smooth out their puffy dresses and sit comfortably.

Loveseats are a great seating option for compact rooms with limited space. They are also a great way to utilize an empty space in the living room, like a nook in the corner.

Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Mid-century modern accent chairs are simple chairs with a mid-century modern retro feel. These chairs are built using clean lines and provide a sense of calm to any space.

These are also great chairs if you want to find a way to add a pop of color to your living room space. 

Mid-Century Modern chairs are a perfect addition to a mid-century modern style living room, a minimalist space, a contemporary design, or an eclectic decor. The chairs should be angled toward the sofa to create a space for conversation. 

Recliners

Recliners are upholstered chairs that lift at the front and lower in the back to create a reclining position. There are different types of recliners.

Manual recliners recline by using a handle to raise the footrest and then leaning back to push the back of the chair into a reclining position. Power-operated recliners recline with a button or remote. And lift chairs move upward to a standing position to help those struggling to get out of their chair.

The design of recliners promotes relaxation and comfort. Because of their reclining capabilities, they require a bit of space within a room. Recliners are best situated away from the wall to leave space for reclining.

These chairs come in a wide variety of styles and will fit into diverse living room spaces. They are best displayed in the corner of a room, angled towards other furniture to encourage conversation. Because of their large size, recliners are the best offset when placed next to large lamps or side tables.

Recliners are best-suited for anyone who spends extended periods of time relaxing in their living room or frequently falls asleep in the space.

Rocking Chair

Most people are familiar with the traditional rocking chair. These chairs allow the user to rock backward and forward gently using their body or feet to soothe themselves.

Rocking chairs are a classic style of chair and fit best in traditional settings, like farmhouse-style homes or spaces beside a fireplace. They can help create a relaxing environment.

These chairs are best-suited to fill large open spaces in a living room. They should sit directly across from the sofa at an angle. It's also important to leave enough space between the chair and the wall to allow for rocking.

The rocking chair is one of the most relaxing of all types of living room chairs. They are great options for someone who loves to curl up with a blanket and read or for a new parent looking to soothe their little one.

Round Chair

A round chair is an oversized round upholstered chair that allows two people to sit side-by-side comfortably at any given time. The chair is affectionately knowns as the cuddle chair because it's a comfortable place to embrace a good hug.

Because of their unique shape, round chairs make great accent pieces in any living room. They are best suited for larger spaces as they take up a bit of room. If you purchase a neutral-colored round chair, you can add a pop of color with a throw blanket or comfy cushion.

Round chairs often swivel, so they look the best placed in a space in the center of the room. They provide flexibility and the ability to see a variety of vantage points.

Slipper Chairs

Slipper chairs are petite upholstered chairs without arms. The slipper chair also has short legs, making it perfect for those attempting to put their slippers on, which is where it got its name.

Shipper chairs are a great seating option for any small empty corner or space between other living room furniture. They add an additional seating option within the living room. But they also double as dining room chairs when you require additional seating around the table. 

You can also place slipper chairs beside a window with a nice view to create a quiet sitting space or enjoy a spectacular view of the Jacksonville skyline.

These chairs are perfect whether you are designing a living room in a shabby chic home or a mid-century modern one. Those looking for a versatile chair that fits into various home decor styles should opt for a slipper chair. 

Swivel Chair

You should consider purchasing a swivel chair if you frequently suffer from lower back pain. Swivel chairs move on a 360-degree swivel to provide different vantage points within a space. And the backrest provides additional support to the lower back.

Swivel chairs are popular because they allow people to move without minimal effort. They are padded and comfortable, much like a traditional armchair, but with a more sophisticated design.

These chairs had a big comeback when the COVID-19 pandemic hit because more people were spending time at home again. Swivel chairs are highly versatile chairs—great for entertainment, working, and relaxation. 

Swivel accent chairs are popular additions to mid-century modern-style living rooms, but they are well suited to almost any design.

Wing-Back Chair

The wing-back chair was a staple during the 17th and 18th centuries. Originally these chairs were intended to help keep users warm. Their unique winged frame aimed to block drafts and cool air while sitting in front of the fireplace.

Today, wing-back chairs continue to signify warmth and comfort. They are the perfect choice of furniture to sit in front of a fireplace, particularly in a rustic or traditionally-styled home. 

Wing-back chairs are perfect for cross-stitching or curling up with a good book. It's a great place to stay warm and get cozy with a blanket.

Choosing Between the Types of Living Room Chairs

If you're wondering how to choose a chair for your living room, there are a few things to keep in mind.

There is a wide variety of options available for living room seating, but not all of them will suit your needs or the style of your living room. These considerations can help to narrow down the options and find the perfect addition to your living room furniture!

Revisit Your Budget

Make sure you have a budget and stay within it. There are a lot of options available on the market. It's not hard to find a chair that checks all the boxes and stays within your budget. 

You are likely to find a great chair in the ballpark of 150 to 500 dollars. But there's a wide selection of high-end options on the market that make it easy to go outside your budget if you aren't careful. 

You should also see if the chair you're considering purchasing has a comprehensive warranty and return policy. It will allow you to take the chair home and ensure it's the right fit for your home before fully committing to it.

Consider the Chair's Placement

Begin by measuring available space in your floor plan. Be sure to leave room for clearance between furniture so you can move freely through the space. Determining which space you are looking to fill will help you choose the right chair for your living room.

Think about how the chair will complement other furniture around it. Will it look out of place, or will it help create visual flow in the space? If the room is lacking something visually, consider purchasing a chair that will add a new element to the space.

When placing a chair, leave 14" to 18" between the chair and your coffee table. You should also aim to leave 2 feet of space in the surrounding area to allow for easy walking through the space.

Think About How the Chair Will Be Used

Consider your personal seating needs and the purpose of the chair you are purchasing.

If you need additional seating in other areas of the house, consider a slipper chair. If that's the case, you will also need to ensure you are buying an appropriate height for multi-use. But if you are looking to fill a large space with a comfortable option, look for gliders, recliners, or a chaise lounge. 

You should also consider your lifestyle. If the chair will be used less frequently, it's okay to buy something that's not as durable. But if you plan on using the seating often, or live in a home with pets and children, opt for something that will hold up to wear and tear. 

When it comes to upholstery, polyester and synthetic leather are more durable than most velvets. If you are choosing a chair made of velvet, make sure to check the rub count to test its durability.

Upholstered chairs provide more comfort and warmth to a space. If you purchase a plastic or wooden chair, add warmth using throw cushions or blankets.

Think About the Style of Your Home

Finally, make sure the chair you purchase matches the style of your living room. There are accent chairs for every style of decor. 

Whether your home is contemporary, Bohemian, or shabby chic, you will find an accent chair that matches your style. Finding the right accent chair can add depth to your living room and elevate what's already there.

While accent chairs add to the design of the living room, try not to overlook comfort. Comfortable chairs serve as accent chairs as well, you just need to find the right option.

How to Choose a Chair for Your Living Room 

With so many options available, it can be hard to know which living room chair is the right fit for your home. Finding the right accent chair can feel overwhelming.

Understanding the various types of living room chairs can help. By considering the chair's placement, purpose, and style, you can narrow down the type of chair needed to fill your living room space.

If you are shopping for living room seating in the Jacksonville area, our team at JaxCo Furniture can help. Stop in today, and let us find the chair of your dreams.