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Simple, sophisticated, and plain useful, a swivel chair is an excellent seating option that often goes overlooked. Pretty much any living room could use a swivel chair or two, especially if you want to add versatile seating between a living room and an open kitchen; create a conversation nook; or provide a practical, soothing resting spot in a nursery. There are tons of stylish options, with many designs that hide their swivel base, so guests will be none the wiser until they sit down.
The best swivel chairs are sturdy, supportive, and comfortable. Ideally, they’re also easy to keep clean—an especially important factor in homes with pets and kids. As Raf Michalowski, interior designer and founder of Meble Furniture based in New York, suggests, “Pay attention to the chair’s upholstery and padding for optimal comfort and durability. You can also consider the chair’s weight capacity, especially for individuals who may require additional support.” A squeaky swivel chair is the last thing you want. With that in mind, he says, “It’s also crucial to consider the quality of the swivel mechanism to ensure smooth and quiet rotation.” All that aside, the chair’s style is also paramount. With these factors guiding our search, we’ve rounded up the best swivel chairs that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are cozy and durable.
- BEST OVERALL: AllModern Bennett Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Yaheetech Adjustable Tufted Barrel Swivel Chair
- BEST ACCENT CHAIR: Andover Mills Euben Faux Leather Swivel Barrel Chair
- BEST READING CHAIR: West Elm Cozy Swivel Chair
- BEST OVERSIZE: Beautiful Drew Chair by Drew Barrymore
- BEST SWIVEL RECLINER: Charlton Home Casey-Jane Swivel Recliner
- BEST ARMCHAIR: Pottery Barn Menlo Upholstered Swivel Armchair
- BEST LEATHER: Pottery Barn Wells Tufted Leather Swivel Recliner
- BEST ROCKING: Delta Children Emerson Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
- BEST FOR NURSERIES: Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider
How We Chose the Best Swivel Chairs
Choosing a swivel chair is similar to choosing a couch, armchair, or any other seat for a living room. A lot of it comes down to personal preference, but across the board, a good swivel chair should be comfortable and easy to maintain. In this case, that means it should hold up well to the wear and tear of daily use. And we certainly haven’t forgotten one of the most important factors: A good swivel chair has to look good, too.
Because style is subjective (as is comfort, to a degree), we chose swivel chairs in a range of designs, including cushy oversize picks, supportive high-back seats, traditional armchairs, and modern curved-barrel chairs. To find the top contenders, we researched some of the best models on the market. We considered customer opinions as well as third-party reviews to further assess each chair’s most important qualities, such as its comfort, ease of cleaning, and ability to swivel smoothly. Just like any furniture piece, swivel chairs come at a range of price points. Some of our picks are pricey (which reflects their design, materials, or brand name), but we made sure to include several budget-friendly options as well.
Our Top Picks
Looking for the ideal lounging seat for your living room? Sink into plush comfort while having the freedom to spin freely with one of the best swivel chairs from our roundup.
Best Overall
AllModern Bennett Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 28.3 inches tall by 31 inches wide by 31 inches deep
- Material: Customizable
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Chic barrel chair shape and decorative base make this chair simple but stylish
- Shoppers can choose from several upholstery fabric options, including polyester, linen, and velvet
- No assembly required—arrives ready to use
Cons
- Some reviewers have said that in person, the color didn’t perfectly match the photos
A simple chair with a sleek, modern silhouette, the AllModern Bennett will look lovely in pretty much any home. It has a rounded barrel chair design with a low back that transitions smoothly into sloped armrests. The seat is nicely padded, and shoppers can choose from a few fabric upholstery options, including performance fabrics that are water- and stain-resistant. The interior of this chair features a sturdy and solid manufactured wood frame.
The chair sits on a round, wooden swivel base that gives its appearance a midcentury touch. It arrives fully assembled, so there are no pieces to put together. The seat cushion is reversible, so it’s simple to flip over if it falls victim to any troublesome stains or marks.
Get the AllModern swivel chair at Wayfair, AllModern, or Birch Lane.
Best Bang For The Buck
Yaheetech Adjustable Tufted Barrel Swivel Chair
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 30.5 to 36 inches tall by 28.2 inches long by 22.6 inches wide
- Material: Faux leather or velvet
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Versatile: adjustable height, straight-back seat, and pedestal base make it suitable for a range of uses
- Button-tufted design adds a bit of elegance to an otherwise plain chair
- Very affordable; offered at a fraction of the price of most swivel chairs
Cons
- Doesn’t look very cozy; it looks more like an office chair rather than a cushy living room chair
This adjustable barrel chair from Yaheetech is one of our favorite affordable accent chairs because it can work in almost any room. It has a round, tufted seat on a metal pedestal stand. While this design doesn’t look as cozy as some other swivel chairs with a hidden base, it does make it more useful.
This chair works as a vanity chair, stylish office chair, or even a swiveling dining room seat. Of course, it also looks great in a living room or conversation nook. It comes in a few colors and is available in either a faux leather or velvet upholstery finish. Unlike most swivel chairs, this one is height adjustable, which is part of why it’s suitable in so many settings.
Get the Yaheetech swivel chair at Amazon or Yaheetech.
Best Accent Chair
Andover Mills Euben Faux Leather Swivel Barrel Chair
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 29 inches tall by 30 inches wide by 30 inches deep
- Material: Faux leather
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Faux leather material looks nice, is easy to clean, and is more affordable than real leather
- Offered in various attractive black and brown finishes to accent any living space
- Has welt trim detail for a subdued and classy decorative touch
Cons
- Seat is a bit hard and stiff; it doesn’t have much “sink” to it
Handsome and reasonably priced, the Euben from Andover Mills makes an excellent accent chair. It’s a compact barrel-style chair with a relatively small footprint that still provides a comfortable and sufficiently spacious seat.
To suit different rooms, this chair is available in a few black and brown shades, all finished in faux leather. The fake leather looks realistic but is low maintenance, easy to clean, and more affordable than authentic leather alternatives would be. Welt trim details give the chair a classy finish, too. Inside, this seat has a frame made of both solid and engineered wood cushioned with foam, all set on a smooth-operating metal swivel base. It comes already assembled, too, so no extra work is required once it’s delivered.
Get the Andover Mills swivel chair at Wayfair.
Best Reading Chair
West Elm Cozy Swivel Chair
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 28.7 inches tall by 38.6 inches wide by 35.4 inches deep
- Material: Customizable
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Excellent for reading and lounging with a spacious, low, and enveloping seat
- Large selection of upholstery options to choose from, including bouclé, linen, and velvet
- Contract grade; designed for commercial use, so it holds up to daily use
Cons
- Most fabric choices take at least 5 weeks to ship
Named the Cozy chair, this pick from West Elm is our choice for the best swivel reading chair, and it really lives up to its name. Its enveloping shape is inviting, beckoning readers to curl up with a favorite book. It has a wide and low-slung seat with a medium firmness, so it’s cushy while offering a bit of support. The seat is surrounded by a rounded back, which gives the chair its soft and welcoming appearance.
This handcrafted chair is very customizable, as shoppers can choose the chair fabric and color. Options include bouclé, linen, velvet, tweed, and other plush fabrics to create the ideal spot for reading. These soft finishes are durable, too; like many West Elm products, this one is contract grade, which means it’s designed for heavy commercial use. As a result, it’s hard-wearing.
Get the West Elm swivel chair at West Elm.
Best Oversize
Beautiful Drew Chair by Drew Barrymore
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 31 inches tall by 40.5 inches wide by 36.5 inches deep
- Material: Bouclé fabric
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Oversize and extra-wide seat is supportive, generously padded, and soft
- Includes 3 accent pillows for decoration; they can be removed to take full advantage of the seating space
- Bouclé fabric upholstery has an appealing texture and is stain treated for easier cleaning
Cons
- Black metal base is sometimes slightly visible, which disrupts its appearance (particularly with the light upholstery colors)
For those looking for an extra-large and cozy chair to sink into, the Beautiful Drew chair by Drew Barrymore is the ideal oversize pick. It has an extra-wide seat supported by a sinuous spring suspension system and is covered in soft bouclé fabric upholstery. The cushion is generously padded and comes with three accent pillows, which can be tossed off to clear even more seating room.
Measuring 40.5 inches across, it’s the widest chair on our list. Despite its size, this large chair has a very reasonable price tag, which is why it’s our favorite oversize option. It’s only offered in a few colors, but they’re neutral, so they can easily mesh with most living rooms and reading nooks.
Get the Beautiful swivel chair at Walmart.
Best Swivel Recliner
Charlton Home Casey-Jane Swivel Recliner
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 37.5 inches tall by 27.25 inches wide by 29 inches deep (chair only)
- Material: Faux leather
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Wide recline range; users can adjust it to the precise angle they desire between upright and flat
- No-frills design makes it lightweight; weighs just over 40 pounds, so it’s easy to move around
- Stand-alone ottoman is optional; without it, the chair can fit into more compact areas
Cons
- Requires assembly and can take a while to put together
Want to swivel and recline? The Casey-Jane swivel recliner from Charlton Home can do both. It’s on our list of the best recliners largely due to its wide recline range—it features a nifty adjustment knob that allows users to adjust it to any angle between flat and upright. The included stand-alone ottoman makes it possible to lay out and relax, too. All contact points are padded for comfort.
This recliner has a fairly bare-bones frame, so it isn’t as cozy as some couch-style recliners. However, this design makes it lighter and easier to move, so it will suit some users even better than heavier picks. It’s available in a few colors with a faux-leather finish. The smooth material is very easy to clean, so messes aren’t a big worry with this chair.
Get the Charlton Home swivel chair at Wayfair.
Best Armchair
Pottery Barn Menlo Upholstered Swivel Armchair
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 32.5 inches tall by 34.5 inches wide by 34 inches deep
- Material: Customizable
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Customizable upholstery with many fabric options to choose from, such as bouclé, linen, and a floral-patterned fabric
- Features a more traditional armchair shape with a straight back and square arms
- Seat height is on the higher side; at 18.5 inches, some users might find it more comfortable to use
Cons
- Armrests are fairly thin and not very padded, which some users may find uncomfortable
Low-back and low-slung swivel chairs are all the rage lately. But for those who want a more traditional armchair pick, Pottery Barn’s Menlo armchair is a charming choice. It has a standard armchair design with a straight back and angular armrests. It is a little low in the back, which does give it a touch of contemporary style. But compared to the more vogue chairs on this list, this one has a higher seat height at 18.5 inches, so it’s more comfortable for some people to use.
This swivel armchair is on the slim side, with skinny armrests and a reasonably compact footprint. It’s contract grade, too, so it will hold up to heavy use. Shoppers can choose from a wide range of fabrics, including crisp white linen, soft bouclé, and even a floral block print.
Get the Pottery Barn Menlo swivel chair at Pottery Barn.
Best Leather
Pottery Barn Wells Tufted Leather Swivel Recliner
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 39 inches tall by 33.5 inches wide by 37.5 inches deep
- Material: Leather
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Striking appearance: High back, wingback silhouette, and deep tufting make it a gorgeous-looking chair
- Made with top-grain aniline-dyed leather that will soften and develop a patina over time
- No-sag seat and recline feature make this chair extra comfortable
Cons
- Expensive; costs significantly more than most swivel chairs on the market
The Wells swivel recliner from Pottery Barn is so handsome that it’s almost imposing. It has a dramatic design with a modified wingback silhouette. Deep tufting and slightly curved armrests add even more dimension to its look, and as a result of all that, this seat is truly a statement chair. Despite its stern look, it is buttery soft, wrapped in high-quality leather. It also reclines for added comfort.
Shoppers can choose from a wide range of leather options in colors like iron gray, caramel brown, pebble white, and a lovely pink-hued “blush” color. There are also three base options (brushed nickel, bronze, and brass) to allow shoppers to match the chair to their existing decor. This leather swivel chair is a pricey pick, though. It costs as much as some couches, but since it’s made of top-grain aniline-dyed leather and is also contract grade, it’s genuinely built to last.
Get the Pottery Barn Wells swivel chair at Pottery Barn.
Best Rocking
Delta Children Emerson Glider Swivel Rocker Chair
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 39.5 inches tall by 34.75 inches wide by 35.75 inches deep
- Material: Microfiber
- Swivel range: 360 degrees
Pros
- Rocks, glides, and swivels thanks to the smooth and whisper-quiet steel base
- Wingback silhouette, tufted back, and cozy armrests give it an appealing look that will fit in a nursery or living room
- Shoppers can choose from a few colors of easy-to-clean microfiber upholstery
Cons
- Requires assembly, though many reviews note it is easy to put together
Made to rock, glide, and swivel, this chair was designed with new parents in mind, which is part of why it allows for all these comforting movements. Shoppers without kids will be happy to see that it doesn’t look too much like a nursery chair. With its traditional armchair appearance, wingback silhouette, and diamond tufted back, it can look just as in place in a living room or reading nook.
A sturdy wooden frame and smooth steel base mechanism allow this chair to glide, rock, and swivel quietly and smoothly (it’s designed for a nursery, after all). It’s upholstered in easy-to-clean microfiber that also feels so soft when cozying up. The material is nontoxic, and shoppers can choose from a few colors.
Get the Delta Children swivel chair at Amazon, Wayfair, Target, or Delta Children.
Best For Nurseries
Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Swivel Glider
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 40.5 inches tall by 29 inches wide by 36 inches long
- Material: Synthetic fabric
- Swivel range: 270 degrees
Pros
- Swivels and reclines thanks to a smooth and gentle power-recline system
- Gliding motion adds to comfort, especially to soothe fussy babies
- Has a built-in USB charging port for keeping phones charged
Cons
- Charging port is only suitable for small devices like cell phones; larger devices can harm the motor
- Only swivels 270 degrees; some users may not like the limited range of motion
The Babyletto Kiwi glider is another seat designed for nurseries. It’s chock full of features that make it an excellent swivel chair for new parents. The gliding motion is perfect for soothing fussy babies, while the swivel base makes it easy for parents to turn on the spot to reach items nearby. This chair also has a power-recline mechanism and a built-in USB charging port to help parents lie back and keep phones topped up through those long nights.
The chair is upholstered in performance fabric that is water- and stain-resistant, making cleanup easy. Shoppers can choose their fabric color, too. This is another seat with a handsome wingback design, which can make it a good fit in a living area as well. It works best placed in a corner, though—it only swivels 270 degrees instead of all the way around.
Get the Babyletto swivel chair at Amazon, Wayfair, Target, or Babyletto.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Swivel Chair
A swivel chair can be an ideal seat in several settings, such as a high-traffic living room, a conversation nook, or a nursery. There are lots of options to choose from, with most major furniture brands offering a few stylish models. When selecting a chair, personal style and budget are most important, but there are a few other factors for shoppers to keep in mind, including the chair’s height, material, and comfort level.
Height
Swivel chairs share many design features with armchairs; the major difference is that swivel chairs can spin around. They’re similar in terms of height, with a seat height of around 16 or 17 inches, and just like armchairs, most swivel chairs aren’t height adjustable. That isn’t to say that all chairs are designed with a 16- to 17-inch seat height; there are plenty that sit lower or higher. Low-slung seats are usually an aesthetic choice and can make a room look extra cozy. Higher seats can be easier for some users to get in and out of.
If the swivel chair will be placed near a couch, consider choosing one of a similar height to make the seating area look more cohesive. Seat height is important, but so is back height. Many swivel chairs have fairly low backs—it’s what’s trending—but a higher and contoured back can offer better support if it’s needed.
Material
Just like couches and armchairs, swivel chairs are available in an array of materials. Real leather upholstery is a traditional choice that is beautiful and long lasting. Fabric upholstery comes in a huge range of colors, patterns, and textures, from smooth velvet to cozy bouclé. Choosing a material really comes down to personal preference.
Consider looks, durability, and ease of maintenance when making a pick. There are lots of swivel chairs that are designed with daily use in mind, so they have durable upholstery that’s stain-resistant and easy to clean. Some materials are naturally low maintenance. For example, if you live in a home with kids and pets, smooth leather will be easier to clean than plush velvet. Plenty of retailers even let shoppers choose the upholstery material and color. This usually comes at a higher cost, but it can be worthwhile for a dream accent chair.
Comfort
Comfort is a somewhat subjective factor, but luckily, there’s a wide range of swivel chair designs to suit just about any preference. Low-slung and extra-padded chairs are perfect to curl up in, whereas stiffer high-back chairs can help encourage good posture. Armrests can also make it more comfortable to sit up straight. Oversize seats feel enveloping and can sometimes fit two to a chair.
Consider the chair’s intended use and the room’s decor, as well. A large, plush chair with an extra-soft cushion might suit a boho reading nook, while a stern-looking, straight-backed chair can look better in a minimalist living room. The swivel chair’s design and product description can provide some idea of comfort level: look at the seat shape, materials, and cushioning type. Shopper reviews can also offer more insight.
FAQs
Shopping for a swivel chair is a lot like shopping for a couch. A swivel chair can be a costly purchase, and because it will last for years, you’ll want to find one you love. This means the shopping process can get pretty overwhelming. If you’re feeling over your head in your search, here are some factors to consider.
A high-quality swivel should last as long as a good couch or armchair—somewhere between 7 and 15 years. However, the lifespan varies according to construction. For example, you can expect a chair made of solid wood and real leather upholstery to last longer than one made of engineered wood with cheap fabric upholstery.
Enough space to move around! Keep at least 2 feet between chairs so that users can swivel around without knocking knees. A couple more feet is even better, as they often look nicer when they’re more spaced out. Consider adding a side table between two swivel chairs to create a conversation nook.
As long as you don’t drag them around, swivel chairs are unlikely to damage floors. Because these chairs swivel on their static bases, they don’t need to be moved much once they’re set in place. You can add furniture protectors under the base to ensure it doesn’t scratch your floors.
