I’m a big fan of chairs. While I love a comfortable sofa, especially a sectional sofa, my first choice for seating in any room is a large, deep-seated chair that I can sink into, deep and comfortable.
I’m sharing several types of chairs, or at least the major ones, and the options under them. My goal is to bring the options to you so that you get familiar and this facilitates your choice significantly.
28 Types of Chairs
In order to get a solid understanding of all your chair options, I decided to put together a chair buying guide, which sets out many different types of chairs of different styles that you can purchase for your home.
Your home should be a space where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy life. That’s why it’s essential to have comfortable chairs throughout the house on which you can sit. No matter which room you’re shopping for, you have plenty of options regarding types of chairs available to you.
Quicklist: Chairs
- Armchair
- Recliner
- Contemporary Round Chair
- Loveseat
- Accent Chairs
- Club Chair
- Wingback Chair
- Bergère Chair
- Lawson Chair
- Barrel Chair
- English-Rolled Arm Chair
- Slipper Chair
- Ottoman / Lounge Chairs
- Chesterfield Chair
- Bar Stool
- Wishbone Chair
- Ghost Chair
- Side Chair
- Reading Chair
- Desk Chair
- Folding Chair
- Chaise Lounge Chairs
- Wicker Chairs
- Camping Chairs
- Hammock
- Rocking Chair
- Glider Chair
- Gaming Chair
Below you will find:
- All types of different chairs
- All styles of chairs
- Different types of chair design
- Chair types names
Living Room Chairs Types
Of all the rooms in a home, it’s most important to have comfortable, stylish chairs in the living area. The living room is where the family gathers, where you enjoy company, and you binge-watch your favorite shows. Make sure the living room chairs you choose are up to these tasks.
You are not limited only to using cozy couches in your living space. You can choose from all kinds of seating, such as armchairs, recliners, ottomans, round chairs, loveseats, and club chairs. Whatever your style, you have many different options for your living room seating.
1. Armchair
Source: Wayfair
Armchairs can be wonderful accent chairs, providing an outlet for expressing creativity while providing additional and comfortable seating.
Armchairs seat just one person at a time, unlike their couch and loveseat cousins. They come in all sorts of styles – from contemporary, to traditional, and every style in between.
2. Recliner
Source: Hayneedle
The recliner feels like a modern chair innovation, and in some respects, it is. However, historians believe that Napoleon Bonaparte owned the first version of this relaxing chair type. Luckily, designers have made great strides in the design of the recliner since Napoleon’s time.
Recliners are the epitome of comfort in a home. These chairs can come in leather or cloth upholstery, with manual or electronic mechanisms, and plenty of different styles. You can also find these chairs in all kinds of colors, even patterns, like camouflage.
3. Contemporary Round Chair
Source: Wayfair
These oversized seats often have a width around 58 inches and cushion depths around 30 inches. Those dimensions make for a perfect snuggling or relaxing chair, perfect for curling up in with a good book and a blanket!
The shape of these chairs make them great accent pieces, as well. Round chairs come in all sorts of fabric coverings, but most often use suede or a leather upholstered seat.
4. Loveseat
Source: Wayfair
Many chairs are only designed to accommodate one person at a time. However, loveseats up the cuddle factor by allowing just enough room for two people to sit together.
Like many other types of living room furniture, loveseats come in all styles. Whether you desire a modern look or something more classic, you can find a loveseat to fit your living room.
5. Accent Chairs
Accent chair is an umbrella term for a variety of chairs found in the living room, including the club chair, wingback chair, English-rolled arm chair, Bergère, barrel chair and Lawson chair.
Source: Wayfair
6. Club Chair
Source: Wayfair
A club chair sets a mood of comfort and relaxation in a space, as if the people in it are being serenaded. This type of chair was first invented in France, where it was called “fauteuil confortable,” or comfortable chair.
Club chairs are characterized by deep seats, leather chair upholstery, a lower back, and a general roominess.
7. Wingback Chair
Source: Wayfair
One type of accent chair that can add flair and fashion to your space is a wingback chair, or wing chair. This kind of living room chair is characterized by the high sides that surround the sitter, or the “wings” of the chair.
Wingback chairs make excellent options for reading, relaxing, and visiting, and they’re generally a classic and timeless design that can weather any number of home décor changes.
8. Bergère Chair
Source: Wayfair
For fans of traditional French style, there’s hardly a better accent piece than the bergère chair. This type of chair allows you to bring a touch of opulence to your home to make you feel like royalty.
Bergère chairs are characterized by elements like a deep, wide seat with a (sometimes) loose seat cushion, and exposed wood.
9. Lawson Chair
Source: Wayfair
A Lawson chair is a style that lies somewhere between traditional and mid-century modern designs. This type of chair, with its armrests at the ideal height for most adults to rest their elbows upon, makes for a perfect reading chair.
10. Barrel Chair
Source: Hayneedle
Another living room chair option is the barrel chair. A barrel chair resembles the top of part of its name, a barrel, and there is evidence that early barrel chairs were in fact made using actual barrels. These chairs can feel almost like a hug from behind, due to their shape.
A barrel chair’s design is characterized by its solid, rounded back, large size, and the fact that it is most often designed as one piece with arms.
11. English-Rolled Arm Chair
Source: Wayfair
The English-rolled arm chair is a very traditional design that just oozes coziness with its soft, deep cushioning and rounded edges. It’s an incredibly comfortable armchair option, due mostly to the cushioning and angled chair back of this type of chair.
12. Slipper Chair
Source: Wayfair
The slipper chair is an armless accent chair with a seat that is low to the ground. With its high chair back, this armless chair rose to popularity in the Victorian era.
Many slipper chairs truly embrace their identity as an “accent chair,” coming in a plethora of colors, patterns, and styles, from the neutral to the outlandish.
13. Ottoman / Lounge Chair
Source: Hayneedle
Sit back, relax, and kick your feet up with a comfortable ottoman. As you may expect, the origins of this type of furniture date back to the Ottoman Empire of the 1700s. Since then, these footstools have become multi-functional, cost-effective mainstays in living rooms around the world.
Many ottomans serve not only as a resting place for tired feet, but also as extra storage and a coffee table.
14. Chesterfield Chair
Source: Wayfair
Most people think “sofa” when Chesterfield style comes up, but Chesterfield-style chairs exist, too. Chesterfield chairs look just like the sofa with which they share a name, except that they are smaller, seating only one person at a time.
The key element in a Chesterfield design is its tufted upholstery. In fact, the tufted upholstery of a this chair is its defining element.
Dining Chair Types
The dining area in a home can be a great place for a family to connect. As you enjoy meals together, you should sit in comfort to focus on the people around you. That’s why it’s important to find the perfect dining room chairs in style and comfort.
1. Bar Stool
Source: Hayneedle
There are many types of bar stools to choose from. You most likely need bar stools to fit in this space if you have a high-top table or an island with an overhang. Bar stools can come in many different heights, so it’s crucial for you to measure your table or counter before purchasing barstools.
2. Wishbone Chair
Source: Wayfair
For a mid-century look at your dining room table, you can choose chairs in the wishbone style. A wishbone chair, with a cushioned or wicker seat, is often made from wood. Their defining characteristic is the support up the middle of the back that splits like a wishbone shape.
These styles also curve around the back to add extra support. The Wishbone chair typically comes in neutral colors, but you can find them in bright colors as well.
3. Ghost Chair
Source: Amazon
A ghost chair isn’t haunted; it’s just made from clear plastic; contemporary plastic furniture. Ghost chairs are the perfect dining room accessories for any ultra-modern home. You can purchase these chairs with or without arms, in sets of two and four, and in varying heights.
Some ghost chairs have metal or wood accents on their chair legs, such as steel legs. These accents can add dimension and interest to a dining room set.
4. Side Chair
Source: Wayfair
This furniture piece is probably the most common dining room chair option purchased and used in most home dining room sets.
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to fit armed chairs around a typical dining table. While an end chair may have room for to have armrests, the middle of the table often doesn’t have enough space for chairs with arms.
That’s where side chairs come in. These seating solutions are armless dining chairs. A side chair’s lack of arms mean that it takes up less space, so more can be fit around a table.
Office Chair Types
It’s vital to have a comfortable office chair in which to sit if you do any work from home or use your home office regularly. You don’t have to sacrifice style to achieve comfort, however.
You can find task chairs, like reading, desk, or gaming chairs, that fit your décor and are comfortable to use.
1. Reading Chair
Source: Wayfair
Reading chairs can be armchairs, recliners, or even lounge seating with an ottoman. An essential feature of a great reading chair is its comfort.
Reading chairs should invite you in and envelope you once you’re sitting in them. Like the books you read, you should never want to leave your favorite reading chair.
Learn more from our extensive types of reading chairs article.
2. Desk Chair
Source: Wayfair
A desk chair is a task chair that provides comfort while working at a home desk. There are several different types of desk chair from which you can choose. Here is a list of a few desk chair types:
- Executive Office Chairs: These chairs provide premium comfort.
- Ergonomic Desk Chairs: These chairs are designed to fit your body for maximum, personalized comfort.
- Drafting Chairs: These are basic office chairs with improved movement abilities.
- Banker’s Chairs: These chairs are usually made from wood, and have arms and armrests.
- Office Stools: These desk seating options have no arms or back.
- Alternative: One desk chair alternative is a stability ball, though there are others, as well.
The type of task chair you need depends on your desk use. You may want just an ergonomic chair, if you only use your home desk to pay bills occasionally which is typically quite affordable.
However, if you work for several hours a day at your desk, you may prefer an executive chair. A stool that can be stored under the desk when you aren’t using it can be an ideal solution if you’re short on space.
See our types of desk chairs here.
Outdoor Chair Types
Creating a perfect outdoor space for entertaining family and other loved ones means setting a relaxing atmosphere and providing the correct seating for everyone on your guest list. There are several types of outdoor chairs to choose from, or you can even mix and match outdoor chair styles.
1. Folding Chair
Source: The Home Depot
You need plenty of seating for all the guests that attend if you host backyard parties and barbeques. Folding chairs can be a cost-effective solution for your next party. As the name suggests, these chairs fold up for easy and space-saving storage.
2. Chaise Lounge Chairs
Source: Wayfair
A chaise longue can be the perfect place to soak in the sun and spend time relaxing outdoors.
These chairs extend outward, so that the legs of the person sitting in it are propped up on it. The backs of these chairs lean, to hold you in the perfect, most peaceful position.
Some chaise lounges are equipped with outdoor cushions that can withstand the elements. The base of a chaise furniture is often made from wood, metal, or plastic.
3. Wicker Chairs
Source: The Home Depot
A wicker chair set is precisely what you need if you want an outdoor chair that makes a statement.
The wicker used in these chairs can withstand all kinds of outdoor conditions. Wicker chairs also often come with specialized cushions that are treated to withstand different weather conditions.
4. Camping Chairs
Source: Lowe’s
Chairs don’t have to stay at home! You may wish to buy and bring camping chairs with you if you’re going camping or tailgating. These polyester chairs fold into smaller packages, fitting in your vehicle quite easily.
Camping chairs come in all kinds of colors and patterns. You can often find camping chairs for as little as $10 apiece, making them one of the cheapest and most portable sitting solutions around.
5. Hammock
Source: Wayfair
Are you not sure if you want a hammock or a chair in your outdoor space? Get the best of both worlds with a hammock chair, also called a hanging chair. These comfortable chairs sway like hammocks, but they are easier to get in and out of than a hammock typically is.
Most hammock chairs come with weather-proofed cushions that make outdoor time particularly relaxing. You can choose cushions in all kinds of bright colors and patterns.
Children’s and Baby Chair Types
You may need to make some adjustments to your sitting situation if you have little ones in your home or one (or even two!) on the way. A rocking chair or kid-sized seats can be a welcome addition for any family, whether children have been around or are about to arrive.
1. Rocking Chair
Source: Wayfair
“Rock-a-bye baby” isn’t a common and well-loved lullaby for no reason. Babies and toddlers love it when their parents rock them, especially when it’s time to close their little eyes and sleep. That’s why every nursery needs a rocking chair. It’s a game-changer for kids and parents alike.
The most unique feature about rocking chairs is their ability to rock back and forth, creating a soothing motion.
Rocking chairs can be plush with armrests, or they can be more minimalist. Many have cloth coverings, but some are leather. Still others are made from wood and are more traditional in style.
2. Glider Chair
Source: Hayneedle
The glider chair is similar to rocking chairs, but the motion it allows is more even than that of the lattter, in that the seated person’s head doesn’t tilt down and up and back again.
Instead, the motion generated while in a glider chair is more of a back and forth motion, rather than a rocking motion. The gliding motion makes it easier to feed and/or nurse babies, yet still provide a subtle rocking motion to soothe tired little ones.
3. Chairs for Kids
Source: Wayfair
Children love to do things that their parents do independently, and they love to feel that they have something that is wholly their own.
That’s why kid-sized chairs are essential. Create a space that’s just the right size for your child using these cool seats.
Almost every type of chair that comes in adult sizes comes in smaller, child-friendly sizes too. Kids’ chair for rocking? Sure! Child-size arm chair? Why not?
Gaming Chair Types
Source: Amazon
Do you live for video games or know someone who does? Gaming chairs are perfect for avid video gamers.
For console players, chairs like the one pictured above can perfectly position you in front of a television. Some gaming chairs even have built-in speakers to enhance the gamer’s experience.
Are you more of a PC player? No problem. Some desk chairs come equipped with special features for gamers. These gamer chairs are ergonomic, high-tech, and completely comfortable.
Styles of Chair Backs
You just might be surprised by how many chair back styles there are. Here’s a terrific infographic setting out all the different styles of chair backs:
Top Brands
- Lexington Furniture: Lexington offers sophisticated tufted chairs, modern chairs with colorful upholstery, and a wide range of dining chairs that are sure to suit virtually any interior design style.
Source: Lexington Furniture
- Stressless by Ekornes: This modern brand features products designed in a clean and classic Scandinavian style that’s sure to bring a modern element to any living space, home office, or bedroom.
Source: Stressless
- Bassett Furniture: Bassett Furniture is a popular American furniture brand that offers a wide range of products for every room, including your outdoor space.
Source: Bassett Furniture
- Coaster Furniture: Look for comfortable chairs from Coaster Fine Furniture, including upholstered swivel armchairs, stationary accent chairs, and stylish chairs completed in leather upholstery.
Source: Coaster Furniture
- Ashley Furniture: This popular brand has retail locations throughout the United States and offers something for the home office, entryway, bedroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen.
Source: Ashley Furniture
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Common Type of Chair?
The side chair is the most common type of chair. It is most commonly used as dining furniture – it is the standard dining seating featuring no arms and a straight back. They also have standard sizes, so, there’s a good chance that most people have just about identical chairs.
What Type of Chairs Are Most Comfortable?
The most comfortable chair types are those made out of materials like velvet (which could give a papa bear chair feeling), cotton, twill, leather, and linen. Leather, because it softens as it ages. They are all great options for reading chairs and work well in high-traffic areas because they are durable and easy to clean/maintain.
When Were Chairs Made?
Chairs have been around since 3100 BCE in the Early Dynastic Period in Egypt. They were made of wood that was carved and covered by leather or cloth. Since then, they have evolved into various shapes, styles, and sizes to suit a wide range of human seating needs.
Conclusion
Chairs come in so many shapes and forms, and styles that it’s unbelievable. However, it’s crucial to opt for something that works for you now and would still have practical applications in the long term.
