What Are The Most Comfortable Chairs For A Living Room?

Finding a comfortably luxurious chair may seem Subjective, but it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. This comprehensive guide provides insider tips from design experts on what to look for when evaluating chairs for optimal coziness.

Learn key criteria like seat depth, arm style, and fabric to hone in on your perfect fit. Discover which specific chairs, like the editor-approved Serena & Lily Bleeker and the custom-made Maiden Home Perry, deliver on both style and plushness.

Get creative suggestions for arranging and accessorizing your chairs for maximum relaxation. Find out why actually sitting in chairs yourself is a must for choosing pieces tailored to your body.

With this wealth of insider advice, you’ll be on your way to creating a living room oasis with the coziest seats for lounging in style. So read on to start applying these expert tips to your own chair hunt.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Living Room Chair

Contents

Prioritize cushion thickness and density – Look for seats and backs with cushions that are several inches thick and made from high-density foam or down-alternative fibers. Thin, low-density cushions won’t be plush enough.
Test fabric softness – Be sure to touch fabric samples or assess online fabric descriptions to ensure the upholstery will feel soft and pliable rather than scratchy and stiff.
Evaluate arm height – To properly support arms and shoulders while seated, make sure chair arms are around 24 inches high. Avoid styles with very low arms.
Consider a chair and a half – For extra wiggle room, a “chair and a half” sized between a chair and loveseat allows you to stretch out more while taking up minimal space.
Add a removable slipcover – For washability and customization, look for chairs that offer removable slipcovers. This also allows you to change up colors and patterns seasonally.
Don’t overlook ottomans – Pair chairs with matching ottomans that can act as footstools or extra flexible seating for guests to maximize comfort.

Upholstery Material

The upholstery covering your chair makes a huge difference in both its look and feel. Velvet, chenille, boucle, and faux fur are extra soft and luxurious. Leather provides a sophisticated style while still being pliable. Linen and cotton are breezy and lightweight. Just be sure to opt for tightly woven fabrics rather than loose weaves, which won’t stand up over time.

Cushion Fill

What’s inside the cushions affects how comfortable your chair will be. Foam and fiberfill provide structure and support. Feathers, down, and down-wrapped cushions offer that sink-in, pillowy softness you want for ultimate relaxation. Memory foam conforms perfectly to your body. Try a blend of materials to get the best of both worlds.

Seat Depth

Too shallow, and you won’t be able to sit back fully. Too deep and you’ll feel swallowed. Look for chairs around 20 inches deep or opt for customizable options where you can tailor the dimensions.

Arm Style

Do you prefer resting your arms while seated? Make sure to get a chair with padded arms around 24 inches high. Or save space with armless chairs. If you do choose arms, curved or rolled shapes are comfier than boxy squared-off styles.

Recline Ability

The best chairs for lounging let you kick back. Search for chairs with that gently angled back that cradles you when you recline. The addition of an ottoman lets you really stretch out. Or look for chairs with power recline features for easy positioning.

Swivel Ability

Chairs that swivel make it easy to pivot as you change positions or follow the action around the room. This flexibility adds to your overall comfort.

Now that you know how to assess a chair for true coziness, check out these dreamy yet durable options that will stand up in your living room for years to come.

The Most Comfortable Accent Chairs

Accent chairs provide a pop of style while giving you a comfortable spot to curl up. Keep an eye out for:

Albany Park Park Accent Chair ($779, Albany Park) – With a roomy seat and thick pillow cushions wrapped in feathers, you’ll feel like you’re sitting on a cloud. Choose from on-trend velvet colors like Rust and Sage Green.
Sixpenny Neva Chair ($1,449, Sixpenny) – Completely customizable with over 30 fabric choices and your pick of fill, so you can design your perfect chair. We love it in performance velvet for family rooms.
Everly Quinn Jura Lounge Chair ($320, Wayfair) – Wayfair’s #1 bestselling accent chair boasts a curved back that cradles you. And the low profile makes it easy to get in and out.

The Most Comfortable Armchairs

Armchairs provide extra support with side padding that makes them ideal for curling up and reading a book. Look for:

Serena & Lily Bleeker Chair ($2,548+, Serena & Lily) – A House Beautiful editor favorite, the generous feather cushions on this swivel chair mold perfectly to your shape after just a few uses. Choose from dozens of fabrics.
Crate & Barrel Ojai Chair ($799, Crate & Barrel) – The angled back and wide cushion on the oak frame contour your back for a relaxing recline. It’s also compact for small spaces.
Maiden Home Perry Chair ($1,850, Maiden Home) – Sink into the plush shearling fabric on this chair for amazing warmth and softness. Completely customizable.

The Most Comfortable Leather Chairs

For a sophisticated look that doesn’t compromise on coziness, opt for a leather chair. Things to keep in mind:

West Elm Harris Leather Recliner ($1,899, West Elm) – Get the ankle-elevating comfort of a standard recliner in a much more stylish package. The large padded back cushion provides incredible neck support too.
Pottery Barn Wells Swivel Glider ($1,899+, Pottery Barn) – Buttery soft leather gently reclines and swivels so you can put your feet up and pivot around to face any direction. Choose from five base finishes.
Arhaus Kipton Chair ($2,299, Arhaus) – The oversized seat and back contain a down-wrapped cushion insert that you’ll blissfully sink right into. Pair with the matching ottoman.

The Most Comfortable Office Chairs

Just because it’s for your home office doesn’t mean your chair shouldn’t keep you comfortable for hours of working. Priorities include:

Herman Miller Aeron Chair ($1,695+, Design Within Reach) – The Herman Miller Aeron has been the gold standard in office seating for years thanks to its innovative mesh material and customized adjustments. A worthwhile investment if you work from home often.
Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair ($160, Amazon) – For those that don’t want to splurge, this highly-rated chair provides many of the same perks (like adjustable armrests and lumbar support) at a fraction of the cost. Choose from 11 colors.
Modway Jot Office Chair ($154+, Wayfair) – Cloud-like memory foam in the seat and breathable mesh on the back keep you cool and comfy. And it looks way nicer than your average office chair.
Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Chair ($510+, Design Within Reach) – For a home office with a retro vibe, the iconic Eames chair has surprising comfort thanks to its gently curved contours and options like padded seat cushions.

The Most Comfortable Modern Chairs

Just because a chair has a streamlined silhouette doesn’t mean it can’t also be cozy. These picks blend midcentury style with cushy comfort:

Article Sven Sectional ($1,699, Article) – The feather-wrapped foam cushions have just the right amount of squish on Article’s popular plant-based leather sectional. Choose from three colors.
Interior Define Elliott Chair ($1,260+, Interior Define) – Its flared arms and walnut legs keep it contemporary. But the style works in any home because you can customize the fabric. Go bold or neutral.
Castlery Adams Chair ($799, Castlery) – Sink back into the pillow-like foam-filled cushions and admire the sculptural sloped arms. Reviewers rave about the comfort.

The Most Comfortable Budget-Friendly Chairs Under $500

You don’t need a huge budget to get a comfy chair. Inexpensive options can be found for under $500 if you look for:

Amazon Basics Swivel Chair ($133, Amazon) – With nearly 15,000 5-star reviews, this adjustable office chair with plush seat cushion proves you don’t need to overspend for support.
Ditzel Replica Chair ($275, Amazon) – This iconic midcentury shell chair is made even cozier with a seat cushion. And it’ll only set you back a couple hundred dollars.
Wayfair Hashtag Home Accent Chair ($330, Wayfair) – A #1 bestseller, the curved silhouette invites you to curl up and relax. Choose from on-trend velvet colors and patterns that disguise the budget price.
Ikea Strandmon Wingchair ($229, Ikea) – Ikea’s take on the classic wingback armchair includes a removable cushion and soft cover. Just add your own throw blanket for extra coziness.

The Most Comfortable Chair-and-a-Half and Loveseat Options

When you want room to lounge out a bit more, these “in-between” picks provide space for one without taking up an entire sofa’s space. Consider:

Albany Park Archer Chair-and-a-Half ($825, Albany Park) – With its deep seat and three wide pillows, this stylish option provides plenty of wiggle room to get extra comfy.
Interior Define Elliott Chair-and-a-Half ($1,394+, Interior Define) – Customize the length and cushion fill on this midcentury-inspired chair-and-a-half so it’s just right for your needs and space.
Joybird Blythe Loveseat ($1,139+, Joybird) – Joybird’s customizable loveseat lets you choose the ideal configuration, from deep to standard seating and different back heights.

The Most Comfortable Outdoor Chairs

Don’t forget about the comfort of your outdoor seating! For the patio and deck, look for:

Outer Outdoor Wicker Chair ($945+, Outer) – Handwoven from all-weather resin wicker on an aluminum frame, this durable armless chair includes thick seat and back cushions that stand up to the elements.
Pottery Barn Maddox Chair ($349+, Pottery Barn) – An outdoor take on a classic club chair, the water-resistant cushions provide a comfy spot to lounge by the pool or firepit. Available in fun patterns.
Serena & Lily Riviera Chair ($518, Serena & Lily) – This chair folds up to move and store with ease, but still delivers supreme comfort thanks to its Sunbrella cushion and fabric options made for outdoor use.

Homing in on the Details

The bottom line? Look for the terms “plush,” “lavish,” “oversized,” and “deep” when it comes to cushion style and seat size. And don’t hesitate to gather intel from reviews. If real customers describe a chair as “heaven,” “a dream,” or “an incredible reading nook,” you know that piece is worth considering.

Of course, comfort is subjective. So your best bet is to actually sit in chairs and try them out whenever possible. Let your body be your guide to the coziest fit. With a little research, you’ll be lounging in comfort and style in no time.