15 Great Swivel Accent Chairs That’ll Make Your Head Turn
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Sometimes, changing the entire feel of a room can be as easy as swapping out or adding a few key items—and you don’t have to replace big centerpieces like the couch or coffee table to get it done. Easy decorating refreshes can be as simple as adding an arched mirror, a chic floor lamp, or an accent chair or two. Enter: swivel accent chairs. This cozy seating option rotates 360 degrees, and can often pass as traditional chairs, though some have a more unique look or even rock or recline. Adding this type of seating can make things feel stylish and welcoming, with more space for friends and family to come over for game nights and movie marathons. It’s also perfect for solo lounging, reading, or comfy nights in front of the TV.
Below, you’ll find our list of the best swivel chairs for living room hangs, bedroom ambiance, or office breaks. To compile our picks, we compared dozens of options from favorite retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Pottery Barn, AllModern, and more. We researched specs, combed reviews from real users, and considered what you, our readers, are actually looking for. Keep reading for the best of the best swivel accent chairs in categories ranging from chairs with ottomans to patio furniture; budget buys to splurges; and boucle to faux leather picks.
What to Look For
- Fabric type: If you have kids in the house, you want a chair that will hold up in the face of spills and art projects gone wrong. Polyester and microfiber are two of the easiest fabrics to clean, but they’re not your only options; lots of furniture companies use traditional materials treated with stain-resistant coating.
- Quality of fabric: Not all faux fabrics are created equal. While swivel chairs upholstered in high-quality faux leather or faux suede can look luxe, low-density versions will eventually crack and peel. Shiny fabrics can lose their sheen over time, as can the appeal of chairs that are too on-trend. Avoid leather if you live in a particularly humid climate; moisture breeds mold and can warp the shape of leather over time.
- Washability: Removable cushion covers made from textiles like polyester, linen, and cotton are machine washable. However, check the label to be sure—you don’t want anything to fade prematurely, become misshapen, or, even worse, shrink.
- Dimensions: The ideal height of your chair depends on what you’re using it for. If you plan to lounge in the living room, look for something in the 16-18 inches high. The seats on chairs at a desk or a dining table should be roughly 18” – 20” off the ground. If you’re sitting at a breakfast counter or kitchen island, 24-26 inches is a good seat height.
- Purpose: The right choice depends on the chair’s purpose in your home. Deep seats, armrests, soft fill, and a supportive back are great for curling up with your tablet in one hand and the remote in the other. If you’re going to be entertaining company or having long heart-to-hearts, choose something with a firmer seat. For an office, look for ergonomic back support.
Swivel Chair Styles
| Wingback | Barrel | Armless |
|---|---|---|
| Tall backs with small “wings” that curve forward on either side to connect the chair back to the armrests. | Round silhouettes and short backs that curve along the seat. | Clean, sleek frame without armrests. |
| BEST FOR Living rooms, offices, reading nooks, studies. | BEST FOR Small spaces, living rooms, nurseries. | BEST FOR Small spaces, multiple uses. |
| KEY FEATURES Large size, unique shape. | KEY FEATURES Comfortable shape, cozy look, versatile use. | KEY FEATURES Comes in multiple shapes and sizes, easy to move, versatile use. |
01
Best Overall
Joss & Main Bobbi Upholstered Swivel Armchair
Wayfair
$530.00
This chair looks like a classic armchair, but it has the added benefit of swiveling. The square arms and walnut base are simple and neutral, and it’s available in eight color/fabric combinations. It’s also water-resistant, stain-resistant, and sustainably made—a trifecta of features we love.
02
Best Fabric Options
Carly Swivel Chair
Joybird
$1,576.00
This 5-star hand-built swivel chair from Joybird offers everything you’d want in an investment lounge piece: cozy fabric, a strong build, an ultra-comfortable seat, and of course, zero assembly required. Choose from over 90 fabric options to fit your style just right. The high-density polyurethane foam core and sturdy metal base build ensure this piece will last you years to come.
03
Best for Patios
Avila Dravite Ivory Outdoor Swivel Chair
Article
$799.00
One look at this swivel patio chair, and you’ll want to grab some sunblock, a book, a cocktail (or all three!) and settle in outside. Made of aluminum and faux wicker, the stylish swivel chair is sure to hold up well to the elements. The cushion is even upholstered in a UV and water-resistant Olefin fabric. One happy buyer writes, “Super comfy and stylish! The swivel is smooth, and the ivory color looks amazing on our patio. I love how good the quality is and it’s got a solid build. For sure my favorite lounge spot now.”
04
Best Skirted Option
York Slope Arm Slipcovered Swivel Chair
Pottery Barn
$2,199.00
Warning: This comfy Pottery Barn chair may cause your guests to overstay their welcome. With more than 100 color/fabric combinations, it will work with a wide variety of decor motifs, from classic to modern, farmhouse to ski house.
05
Most Design-Forward
Bascom Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair
AllModern
$749.00
A great accent chair should be comfortable, but if you have a taste for design, you’ll want one that has a unique or interesting look, too. This barrel chair from AllModern answers that call. Its wide, low seat and unique sculptural back add a modern-meets-art deco spin to an accent chair.
06
Best Budget
Mainstays Taupe Boucle Swivel Accent Chair
Walmart
$182.00
Furniture can be a real expense, but if you look hard enough, you can find gorgeous pieces that feel high-end at affordable prices. Case in point: this round swivel accent chair. Its fabric is soft to the touch, and it comes in a variety of colorways. Boucle fabric and a cozy barrel-style build give this chair an ultra-comfy seat for lounging.
07
Worth the Splurge
Cozy Swivel Chair
West Elm
$849.00
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08
Best with Ottoman
Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Bonus Ottoman
Amazon
$329.00
Yes, this is technically a nursery chair, but you don’t need a baby to enjoy this lovely seat and ottoman. It swivels a full 360 degrees, has a large and comfortable headrest, and even includes a lumbar pillow. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified, too, which means it’s made of a cleaner, chemical-free fabric and continuously third-party tested for both comfort and safety.
09
Best for Kids’ Room
Ya-Home Modern Swivel Ottoman Vanity Chair
Amazon
$146.99
This Amazon find has all of the features you’d want in a barrel swivel chair for the kids’room: soft upholstery, hidden storage, a strong base, and a price tag that won’t drain your wallet. Its simple, small space-friendly silhouette means it will work in a variety of homes and rooms, too. The faux cow print offers a pop of pattern, but it’s also available in a white sherpa style.
10
Best Rocker Chair
Emerson Upholstered Glider Swivel Chair
Amazon
$399.99
Because of its gentle glide motion and 360-degree swivel, this wingback is one of our favorite swivel rocking chairs. It has thick, padded armrests, a foam seat, and a coiled spring seat cushion. The fabric is durable and easy to clean, so don’t panic if someone accidentally spills something on it.
11
Best Boucle
Ivy Bronx Hadriel Boucle Swivel Chair
Wayfair
$599.99
Boucle is a classic fabric that just so happens to be trending again now. And this swivel chair is a straightforward execution of that cozy, soft-to-the-touch fabric. The chair’s simple build allows the boucle to stand out and be the star. It also comes in blush pink, caramel, light beige, and soft gray.
12
Best Faux Leather
CHITA Swivel Accent Chair
Amazon
$569.99
If you love mid-century modern silhouettes and the rich look and feel of leather swivel chairs, then this CHITA swivel accent chair might be a perfect fit. “I opened the box and was immediately impressed when I felt the faux leather. It feels and looks like real leather,” shares one reviewer. It works everywhere from the living room to the bedroom to the office, so you can count on keeping it around for a long time.
13
Best for Bedroom
Mercury Row Brilliana Velvet Swivel Accent Chair
Wayfair
$173.99
Accent chairs can be great in cozy areas like bedrooms, or even in an office as an extra space to read or relax. This swivel chair has gold legs and comes in several colors, including off-white, burnt orange, and rich emerald green. Tufted and just 23” wide, it’s another win for smaller rooms or apartments.
14
Best Velvet
Prospect Tufted Performance Velvet Swivel Armchair
Amazon
$281.96
This stain-resistant velvet armchair is barrel-shaped and tufted, offering a nice mix of modern and classic. It comes in a number of different colors and features a sturdy base that swivels 360 degrees. The chair also has scratch-proof foot caps to protect the floor.
15
Best Pair
Latitude Run Forno Swivel Barrel Chair, Set of 2
Wayfair
$660.00
If you’re looking for a set of two chairs, this pair of barrel chairs features neutral fabric, classic clean lines, a solid wooden base, and a mix of springs and foam padding. The chairs can match plenty of décor styles, so there’s a good chance that they’ll work with your existing furniture.
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Alida Nugent
A freelance writer with over seven years in the commerce space, Alida’s specialities include bedding, home goods, and furniture. When she’s not writing, she’s in Brooklyn, walking her two chihuahuas.
⚖️ How We Choose What to Recommend
Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon is a freelance writer and editor who splits her time between New York, NY and Vieques, PR. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll probably find her on a plane with her nose in a book, in the Caribbean snorkeling through coral reefs, or on the couch watching true crime TV. Learn more and read her work at www.amygordonmedia.com.
⚖️ How We Choose What to Recommend
