The 15 Best Swivel Chairs for Living Rooms of 2023
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For entertaining and lounging alike
The Spruce / Marcus Millan
While swivel chairs might not be the first piece of furniture you think of when configuring your living room, they can actually make a convenient addition to this space—particularly if you entertain often.
“Swivel chairs are rock star furniture items,” says Allison Prior, a New Jersey-based interior designer. “These versatile and comfortable chairs enhance a space, [striking] a gorgeous balance with the other pieces in the space.”
With a wide variety of these types of chairs on the market, it can be hard to narrow it down to a specific style or look you like. To help you in your search, we spent hours researching the best swivel chairs for living rooms from top home decor brands, evaluating comfort, assembly, durability, and attractiveness. Whether you’re looking for a more laid-back, Papasan-style chair or a luxurious leather one, we have you covered.
Best Overall: Pottery Barn Menlo Upholstered Swivel Armchair
What We Like
Durable hardwood frame; well made
Made in America
Modern and contemporary design; attractive
What We Don’t Like
Doesn’t tilt or rock
Seat cushions aren’t reversible
When it comes to the best swivel chairs for living rooms, you’ll want one that’s attractive, comfortable, well-made, and easy to assemble. This upholstered swivel chair from Pottery Barn meets all of these requirements, and then some, easily making it our top pick.
With a padded seat and armrests, this swivel armchair provides a comfortable place to sit while watching television, reading a book, or chatting with family remembers. This modern piece rests upon a swivel base which can be rotated up to 360 degrees for easy maneuvering ideal for any age. The geometric design makes it easy to add to any modern living space without making it an eyesore, plus it’s small enough to fit inside those studio apartments.
This swivel chair can be customized with numerous fabrics from tweed to chenille in a variety of fabrics to make it suitable for any space and up to par with current living room trends. And with white glove service available for an additional fee (dependent on the price of the item and your distance from the warehouse), you won't have to worry about assembly.
Price at time of publish: $599
Dimensions: 34.5 x 34 x 32.5 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Basketweave sub, velvet, heathered tweed, chenille, boucle
Best Luxury: Room&Board Otis Leather Swivel Chair
What We Like
Made with CertiPUR-US® certified foam
Complete 360 degree rotation
Various color options
What We Don’t Like
Very expensive
Loose seat
Swivel chairs are typically available at a variety of price points, but there definitely some that are on the higher side. This leather swivel chair is a luxury piece of furniture with a price tag just shy of $2,000. With a firm seat and medium depth, this swivel chair is comfortable and well-made for a variety of people to sit in and get out of without a hassle.
Room & Board offers a variety of fabrics to choose from that can be filtered based on color and whether or not it’s pet-friendly and fade-resistant. There isn’t free delivery, but for $99 you’ll get door-to-door service that includes assembly, placement, and packaging removal so you don’t have to spend hours putting it together when all you want to do is sit down.
Price at time of publish: $1,799
Dimensions: 32 x 31 x 29 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Leather
Best No Assembly: Article Turoy Boucle Swivel Chair
What We Like
No assembly required
Reversible seat cushion
Durable steel swivel base
What We Don’t Like
Fabric may stain
Limited color options
The best swivel chairs for living rooms are ones that are easy to assemble—and this boucle swivel chair takes the guesswork out of it as it already comes assembled. With a solid wooden frame, this household staple is well-made, durable, and sturdy. Its steel swivel base allows for 360 degrees of motion so it can easily be leveraged for optimal comfort.
Unlike other chairs, this one has a reversible and removable seat cushion for simple adjustment. It’s not destined to be stuck in one position from the moment it arrives, but there’s actually some give to it so if you need to clean it or adjust it you can. For stains, you’ll want to spot clean with a mild, non-abrasive detergent.
Price at time of publish: $699
Dimensions: 28.5 x 32.5 x 32 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Fabric
Best Budget: Crate & Kids Avery Velvet Nursery Swivel Chair
What We Like
Flame-retardant
Chic color options
GREENGUARD Gold Certified
What We Don’t Like
Low weight limit (225 pounds)
Can’t withstand direct sunlight
There’s no doubt that swivel chairs can be expensive, as they are typically a highly coveted furniture item. With that said, some of the best swivel chairs can only cost a few hundred dollars, like this one from Crate and Barrel. While it's marketed as a children's chair, it's large enough to seat some adults, too. It's made from pine and plywood, and boasts a sturdy base with a soft foam fill. You’ll notice a full rotation which can be ideal for rocking a baby to sleep or gaining easy access to different spots of a room without standing up.
Although it may be budget-friendly it doesn’t slack in the quality since it’s UL Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it’s been screened for over 10,000 airborne chemicals.
Price at time of publish: $299
Dimensions: 36 x 36 x33 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Polyester velvet
Best Handcrafted: West Elm Cozy Swivel Chair
What We Like
Wide seat
Made to order
Reversible seat cushion
What We Don’t Like
Seat may be too firm for some
Should be kept out of direct sunlight
If you have more room in your budget, we love this luxe swivel chair that’s hand crafted by skilled and talented artisans across the globe. Aside from an engineered wood frame and reinforced joinery, you’ll also find a loose and reversible seat cushion made from polyurethane foam. The upholstery is customizable and shoppers can pick from a variety of colors and fabrics. This chair is ideal for those who are looking for a more supportive chair—it’s not completely firm, but medium-firm.
West Elm provides a white glove delivery service so you can stay stress-free during the entire process and allow the professionals to unbox, assemble, and remove packaging from your space. If it gets dirty, you’ll want to quickly grab a towel. However, professional cleaning is advised to maintain the integrity of your new piece of furniture.
Price at time of publish: $807
Dimensions: 38.6 x 35.4 x 28.7 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Linen weave, performance velvet, shearling, twill, distressed velvet, chenille, boucle
Best Faux Shearling: Threshold Aveline Faux Shearling Swivel Chair
What We Like
No assembly required
Thick seat cushion
Can be spot cleaned
What We Don’t Like
Only available in one color
Hard to move (56 pounds)
With its neutral hue and plush faux shearling, this cream-colored swivel chair makes the perfect addition to virtually any living room. At the bottom, you’ll find a metal swivel base that allows for complete 360-degree rotation while keeping the chair sturdy and in place. Aside from the comfortable material and cozy design, this swivel chair comes pre-assembled so there’s no assembly required on your part—just take it out of the box and you’re good to go.
To dress up the chair a bit, you can toss an accent pillow or throw a blanket on top to match the rest of your decor. It’s large enough for one person to sit as they read a book, watch television, or drift off for a quick nap.
Price at time of publish: $380
Dimensions: 30 x 32.5 x 32.5 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Faux shearling
Best Accent Chair: Threshold Pinetops Swivel Base Accent Chair
What We Like
Comfortable armrests
Neutral colors blend in with any home decor
Thick seat cushion
What We Don’t Like
Hard to clean
Plain design
Accent chairs are typically used to help create a stark contrast between furniture in a room. This swivel chair is made from soft polyester fabric and boasts a well-made plywood frame. Not only is it small enough to be placed in any corner, but also available in two neutral hues (cream and gray) that should match a plethora of room interiors.
Unlike other accent furniture, this seat can actually be used with its comfortable and generously-filled cushion and seat back. Plus, its swivel base allows it to be maneuvered in any direction for optimal positioning whether that’s towards a window or television. Not a fan of following directions? There’s no assembly required, so you can start using the chair straight out of the box.
Price at time of publish: $330
Dimensions: 33.86 x 26.38 x 31.69inches | Rotation: Not listed | Material: Polyester
Best Statement Chair: Wade Logan Annielise Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair
What We Like
No assembly necessary
Vibrant colors (yellow and orange)
High weight capacity (300 pounds)
What We Don’t Like
Tight back
No armrests
For those more bright and colorful living spaces, it might be worthwhile to invest in a statement chair. These attractive yellow and orange statement chairs arrive at your doorstep fully assembled and ready to be used. Made from a solid and engineered wood frame, this swivel chair is durable, well-made, and easy to move. Aside from the boucle-like fabric, the seat is filled with soft foam and springs for a comfortable place to rest after a long day.
It’s less than 30 pounds so if you decide to move it, you can more easily pick it up and place it in the desired location. Additionally, it’s scratch-resistant, mildew-resistant, and tear-resistant so you can rest assured knowing this swivel chair will last you a long time.
Price at time of publish: $179
Dimensions: 28.5' X 20' X 20 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Polyester
Best Barrel Chair: Lark Manor Ahbree Vegan Leather Swivel Barrel Chair
What We Like
Contemporary design
Strong and sturdy construction; well made
Suitable armrests
What We Don’t Like
Difficult to move
Available in only neutral colors
Barrel chairs are known for their high backs to provide optimal support and comfort while seated. Made from kiln-dried engineered wood, this swivel chair boasts a strong frame that can support up to 250 pounds making it easily accessible for many people. When it comes to the swivel, its circular metal base is responsible for the 360-degree rotation that can be adjusted with slight pressure.
Its geometric silhouette with square arms gives it a sharp and bold look making it a routine favorite among shoppers (and there’s no forgetting the nailhead trim which gives it a more stylistic finish.) While it may look complex to put together, this chair arrives assembled so there’s nothing to do on your end aside from sitting back and relaxing.
Price at time of publish: $410
Dimensions: 27.2' X 29.5 X 25.5 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Vegan leather
Best Outdoor Chair: Pottery Barn Huntington Wicker Swivel Papasan Outdoor Lounge Chair
What We Like
Includes back pillows and cushion
Outdoor-friendly
Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
Doesn’t tilt or rock
Can’t withstand inclement weather
Although it might seem that swivel chairs are made routinely for inside use, there are actually ones designed specifically for the outdoors. This outdoor-friendly lounge chair is made from hand-woven wicker and rust-proof wielded aluminum. To protect the chair from the outdoor elements, it’s sealed with a clear lacquer for moisture resistance so it stays in pristine condition.
Not only does this piece come with the chair, but also two back pillows and a seat cushion all of which are fast-drying and water-repellent so if they are used after a dip in the pool or on a hot day, they’ll quickly return to normal. For delivery, there’s a low flat fee per trip which involves delivering, unpacking, assembling, and removing the remaining packaging making the process more convenient for you as well.
Price at time of publish: $1,499
Dimensions: 38.5 x 37.5 x 31 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Wicker
Best Recliner: Pottery Barn Ayden Square Arm Upholstered Swivel Recliner
What We Like
Can tilt
Fixed cushions
Firm feel
What We Don’t Like
Difficult to move (77 pounds)
Not easy to clean
This best-selling swivel chair not only offers full 360-degree rotation but also reclines so it’s a two-in-one deal. Its minimalistic design and slim silhouette make it ideal for any living space where a chair is necessary whether it’s a large living room or a tiny bedroom. You’ll notice poly-wrapped cushions in a fabric of your choice for a firmer feel alongside a solid hardwood frame for sturdy support.
Since this chair turns and tilts, it’s optimal for rocking babies to sleep or dozing off for a quick nap. You’ll want to make sure it stays away from direct sunlight so moving it far from a window or sunroof would be best. Plus, it’s easy to assemble since you don’t have to — sit back and as two delivery employees deliver and assemble the new chair for you all for a low fee.
Price at time of publish: $899
Dimensions: 29.5 x 35.5 x 35 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Tweed, chenille, basketweave slub, vintage velvet
Best Vintage: CB2 Fitz Channeled Russet Velvet Swivel Chair
What We Like
FSC® certified
Chanel tufted upholstery; attractive
Suitable armrests
What We Don’t Like
Professional upholstery cleaning only
One color option
Vintage decor has never been more trendy than right now. This channel-tufted velvet swivel chair will not only give your space old-school vibes but also an air of sophistication with its textured finish and geometric design. There’s a backrest and two sturdy armrests that can be used for ultimate relaxation whether that’s reading a book or lounging around. And while the chair might look stiff, it’s made with sinuous wire spring suspension to provide a comfortable bounce without compromising its integrity.
When it comes time to clean, steer clear of water and use a water-free cleaning solvent instead.
Price at time of publish: $1,099
Dimensions: 38.5 x 32.5 x 27.5 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Cotton/poly velvet
Best on Amazon: Amazon Basics Swivel Foam Lounge Chair
What We Like
Foldable design
No assembly required
Memory foam construction; comfortable
What We Don’t Like
No armrests
Only two color options
No surprise here—Amazon is home to almost anything and everything you could possibly want in your home from leather furniture to side chairs. While this isn’t your traditional swivel chair, it’s low to the ground making it ideal for gaming, reading, and lounging around. Plus, its memory foam is ultra-comfortable so it could even serve as a place to take a nap if you need to doze off for a bit.
Unlike other swivel chairs, this one isn’t too large and is actually foldable so it can be put away after use to make more space. It may not be suitable for everyone of all ages since it’s so low to the ground, but it does have adjustable features to make it comfortable for people of different sizes.
Price at time of publish: $153
Dimensions: 26.3 x 23.5 x 13.7 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Memory foam
Best Papasan Chair: Milliard Papasan Swivel Chair
What We Like
Available in brown/beige and wood/tan
Features built-in fabric straps
Easily spot cleaned
What We Don’t Like
Not suitable for all ages
Difficult to get in and out
There are many different types of chairs out there, but this papasan chair will give your space a more chill and laid-back vibe (it’s perfect for dorm rooms too.) Whether placed in a living room or outdoors on a patio, it’s comfortable enough to watch television, chat with friends, or even enjoy a fresh cooked meal from the barbecue. Its water-resistant cushion is perfect for those accidental water spills or outdoor splashes that can easily be wiped up without any unwanted damage. Plus, it holds up to 265 pounds so it's well made and durable enough to support individuals of varying sizes whether that’s a child, teenager, or adult. Just note that it doesn’t have armrests, so some people may have a hard time getting in and out or finding a truly comfortable position.
Price at time of publish: $190
Dimensions: 37.70 x 35.40 x 33.40 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Poly rattan
Best Oversized: World Market Rico Oversized Upholstered Swivel Chair
What We Like
Includes three throw pillows
Stain-resistant fabric
No assembly required
What We Don’t Like
Spot clean only
Might be too large for some spaces
There’s no better feeling than snuggling up in a soft, plush oversized chair where there’s enough room to sit cross-legged if you want. With a curved barrel back, this lounge chair is not only a perfect place to rest, but also adds some effortless decor to any room. The chair comes fully assembled and includes three throw pillows to make it more cozy and inviting.
There are three colors to choose from (teal, rust, and ivory) two of which are stain-resistant, that are good options for those with kids or pets who are prone to unwanted messes and spills. Plus, its swiveling capability makes it a solid choice for getting comfortable with a good book or rocking a baby to sleep at night.
Price at time of publish: $500
Dimensions: 37 x 26.5 inches | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Crushed velvet
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is the Pottery Barn Menlo Upholstered Swivel Armchair which is a great mid-range option that has a comfortable padded seat and customizable fabrics suitable for any living room decor. If you’re looking to splurge, check out the Room and Board Otis Leather Swivel Chair. It has a firm, medium-depth seat and can be customized to be both fade-resistant and pet-resistant for optimal durability and longevity.
What to Look for in a Swivel Chair
Swivel
Swivel chairs might be fun to move and rotate, but the secret to the magic lies within the base like the Pinetops Swivel Base Accent Chair. “Swivel chairs rotate on top of their base, allowing someone who is seated to easily turn 360 degrees,” says Heather Fujikawa, owner and principal designer of House Sprucing. “They should be easy to maneuver without much force as that will allow someone who is seated to easily move about their space without being distracted by having to shift or adjust their seat.”
Material
Most swivel chairs are made from durable and well-made wooden frames like the Article Turoy Ivory Boucle Swivel Chair. As for the material and upholstery, “top retailers with luxury swivel chairs will boast customizable fabric options like leather and vegan leather, performance fabrics, and patterns,” says interior designer Allison Prior.
Comfort
The best swivel chairs for living living rooms have a rounded back with a padded cushion armrest, seat, and back. Prior adds that the top retailers with luxury swivel chairs like the CB2 Fitz Channeled Russet Velvet Swivel Chair will typically have really cozy and comfortable cushions.
Height
According to Fujikawa, most swivel chairs like the Amazon Basics Swivel Foam Lounge Chair have adjustable seating which allows them to work with a variety of desk heights. “The average seat should be no lower than 18 inches and up to 22 inches in height,” she adds. The height can help determine whether or not they are easy to get in and out of and how it looks in relation to other pieces of furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are swivel chairs worth it?
Swivel chairs are worth it for those who need additional seating in their living room space and like to entertain. The easy rotation of these chairs make switching between conversations a breeze without having to awkwardly get up and move the chair in order to adjust the position. While there are some swivel chairs that cost a few thousands dollars, there are one’s out there in the hundreds making them more accessible.
How long should a swivel chair last?
The shelf life of a swivel chair depends on the materials it’s made from and how it’s taken care of. For example, a hardwood frame will last long since it’s durable and if one gently moves it without applying too much pressure that’ll keep the base in good condition suitable for rotation.
What are the benefits of a swivel chair?
Swivel chairs provide a place to sit and relax while having the ability to be easily adjusted with a slight amount of pressure. Additionally, they can serve as statement pieces or accent chairs to spruce up a living space whether that’s a bedroom or living room.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Casey Clark, a writer specializing in home products who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2023. As someone who has her own apartment, she understands the importance of having high-quality furniture like swivel chairs. To choose the best product picks to include in this article, she consulted with industry experts like interior designers Heather Fujikawa and Allison Prior. Additionally, she looked at third-party websites and shopper reviews to determine which products made the cut.
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