Finding the right chair for your space is a task not to be underestimated. Determining your style preference, how you plan to use the seating option, and how much space you have to work with are all key factors that should help make your decision. While there are certain iconic chair designs you might be drawn to, it’s beneficial to understand the origins of different chair shapes and how they can influence your aesthetic before settling on a particular design.
Here we’re uncovering some of the top types of chairs, along with details surrounding their fabric choices, comfortability, size, shape, and more—plus the spaces where they’ll feel most at home.
How to Determine the Right Chair for Your Space
While your style can definitely influence which chair you ultimately choose, there are other factors worth considering, too. How your chair will be used, where it will be used, how much space you have to work with, and more are all key ingredients in the formula. Each of the chairs outlined below comes with recommendations of where to use them and notable qualities like their footprint, how heavy they are, and what types of textiles they’re normally found in—all to help you land on just the right four-legged furnishing for you and your space.
The Most Popular Types of Chairs
Bistro Chair
Keyanna Bowen
Bistro chairs were designed to be moveable and withstand outdoor weather exposure. This resulted in a chair that is characterized by its lightweight design but also durable material selections. They’re traditionally made of rattan and often feature curved backs. Today, bistro chairs come in many forms including foldable, lightweight metal varieties. They’re ideal for casual indoor dining or outdoor use under covered porches or patios.
Chesterfield Chair
GETTY IMAGES/asbe
This boxy chair type often features rolled arms, deep tufting, and buttons in a diamond pattern. It’s typically covered in leather, giving it a heavy, substantial look. The Chesterfield is not just a small accent chair, so it will need enough space to ensure it doesn’t make a room feel too cramped. While it can work in dens or living rooms where a more masculine element might be needed, it’s a classic choice for a study or office.
Club Chair
KRITSADA PANICHGUL
If you’re looking for a wide, comfortable chair to add to your space, the club chair is a good place to start. Its lush upholstery, traditional style, and sturdy frame make it a classic choice for adding an accent chair to your living room, office, or study. The entire chair is typically upholstered aside from the wooden legs or feet. Styles can take many forms, some skewing more minimal and contemporary while others lean more transitional.
Ladder Back Chair
JULIE SOEFER
The ladder back chair’s horizontal wooden spindles aren’t necessarily made for comfort. While the seat can be made from a variety of materials, it’s often either wood or cane. These chairs can be used as dining chairs, but also make an interesting addition to smaller spaces when paired with a small accent table or even placed alone.
Slipper Chair
Nathan Schroder
A slipper chair is known for its L-shape and armless design. They feature a low seat and maintain a small stature that makes them ideal for tucking into corners of bedrooms, living rooms, and sitting rooms. Styles may be sleek and minimal, with all-over upholstery in linen or cotton, or they might take on a more formal, opulent route with velvet or silk upholstery, tassels, and more.
Wingback Chair
John Gruen
Wingback chairs feature a back that curves outward, creating a wing-like effect. They are typically upholstered in fabric or leather and have plush, comfortable seating cushions. The arms can either be upholstered or wood, and the legs are likely made of wood as well. Wingback chairs are popular choices for living rooms, sitting rooms, offices, and more. For any place where a cozy, cocoon-like effect is desired, the wingback chair might just be the answer.
Bergère
Jean Allsopp
Bergère chairs are usually composed of both wood and upholstered elements and typically have a deep, wide cushioned seat. This armchair features a lower seat height, a wooden frame and legs, a curved upholstered back, and upholstered armrests. The materials are oftentimes opulent selections of velvet, damask, or silk. It’s typically used as an accent chair in more formal living rooms though it can be used in a bedroom, well-appointed office, or anywhere an elegant spot for perching is required.
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