Recliners to rocking chairs: 15 types of chairs to elevate the room

Choosing a chair for your new office sounds simple until you’re 17 tabs deep and asking yourself if you’re more inclined toward boucle, leather, or mesh. And with so many types of chair designs, functions, and upholstery options, it’s easy to swivel out of control. Should you go cushioned and cozy? Sleek and sculptural? Modern or contemporary? 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most popular chair designs — from plush barrel chairs to traditional wooden Windsors— and help you figure out what works for your space. Whether designing a reading nook, upgrading the dining furniture, or decorating the entire house for the gram, we’ll save you a seat. 

Common chair categories

Before diving into different kinds of chairs, let’s break down the three most common design categories. These terms describe seating options based on their function rather than a design aesthetic. 

Armchair

An armchair is a comfy chair with big, cushioned arms, making it ideal for living rooms and offices. 

There are a lot of different types of armchairs — from mid-century modern Wishbone chairs to stately Chesterfield chairs — but their defining feature is arms that provide lots of support. 

Side chair

Side chairs don't have arms, making them more lightweight and adaptable. They’re typically found around dining tables — think classic Thonet No. 14 chairs — although side chairs are great for a mudroom or large foyer. 

Accent chairs

An accent chair is a statement piece that brings personality to any room. A well-chosen accent chair is meant to complement the rest of the decor with a bit of flair, like a rattan swivel rocker that adds a retro beach vibe to a maximalist Bohemian bedroom. 

15 different types of chairs

From sculptural silhouettes to everyday dining chairs, here are 15 distinct chair types to add to your Pinterest board — and maybe your home. 

1. Parsons chair

The Parsons chair is an iconic design found in dining rooms everywhere. It features a tall backrest, straight legs, and no arms. Its clean design makes it extremely adaptable to varied design aesthetics since upholstered cushions can either add a bold modern touch or blend into more traditional interior design. 

2. Wingback chair

Originally designed to block drafts near a fireplace, the wingback chair features high backrests and “wings” that wrap around the sides. Over time, the design has been reinterpreted in Queen Anne-style furniture all the way to mid-century modern. Whichever wingback chair design aesthetic you choose, its unique silhouette makes it a striking accent chair for living rooms and reading corners. 

3. Eames lounge chair

This classic mid-century modern design is an effortlessly cool recliner that combines molded wood, cushioned leather upholstery, and a low backrest. A smooth swivel base and ottoman add extra functionality, making it a comfortable and flexible seating option. 

4. Barrel chair

The barrel chair is a distinctive, cozy piece known for its curved backrest that resembles the shape of a barrel. Often cushioned and upholstered, it provides a snug feel that’s perfect for lounging in smaller spaces. Plush velvet, boucle, and chenille add texture that makes this bold design stand out even more.

5. Chesterfield chair

The Chesterfield chair is a timeless type of chair for homes, offices, and lounges that exudes classic luxury and sophistication. It’s known for deep button-tufted upholstery, rolled arms, and a low back. Often upholstered in leather, its distinctive design blends effortlessly into both contemporary and traditional design aesthetics. 

6. Pressback chair 

With its intricately carved backrest and country charm, the pressback chair is a farmhouse dining chair staple. Typically adorned with detailed floral patterns pressed into the wood, this chair blends old-school appeal with durable craftsmanship. It’s the perfect choice for functional seating in a breakfast nook or casual dining room in a rustic, country-inspired interior.

7. Wishbone chair

The Wishbone chair is a mid-century modern icon with a distinctive Y-shaped backrest and woven paper cord seat. Typically made from wood like beech or oak, this versatile seat can act as an elegant dining chair or stylish living room seating. 

8. Windsor Chair

With its curved back and spindles, the Windsor chair brings a traditional feel to the dining room. Crafted from soft wood, this chair combines durability with comfort. Compared to the more intricate pressback chair, Windsor's clean lines make it a slightly more refined farmhouse dining chair. 

Shop for a classic country Windsor chair on Onton

9. Ghost chair

The Ghost chair is giving Miami, disco, and a dash of minimalism. This clear acrylic chair floats in your space, offering a sleek, modern style without crowding the room. Its signature circular backrest adds a playful, sculptural touch. Available in a range of colors, it’s a great piece of furniture for designers who love to play around. 

10. Butterfly chair

Slouchy, stylish, and surprisingly comfortable, the butterfly chair features a sling-like upholstered seat that hangs on a minimalist metal frame. Popular in mid-century homes and modern boho interiors alike, it’s casual, lightweight, and ideal for relaxed lounging. 

11. Papasan chair

It’s difficult not to sink into a Papasan chair. This bowl-shaped seat rests in a rattan or wicker frame, often paired with an oversized tufted cushion that begs you to curl up. This chair is great for cozy corners, reading nooks, and laid-back living rooms. 

12. Cantilever chair

The Cantilever chair bends the rules — and its base. Instead of four legs, this Bauhaus favorite uses a single, curved base that supports the seat while giving it a slight bounce. With its low back and clean silhouette, it’s a mid-century modern staple. Upholstery can change the whole vibe, with leather and fabric options adding a great living room accent, while traditional wood fits right into a dining room table or desk. 

13. Thonet no. 14 chair

The Thonet no. 14 was the world’s first mass-produced wooden chair. Its curved wood backrest, lightweight build, and understated charm made it a staple bistro chair in cafes across Europe. Still popular today, it’s a chic option that blends perfectly with traditional and contemporary dining rooms. 

While the Thonet no. 14 is the most iconic, Thonet produced a wide range of wood armchairs, side chairs, and bar stools. 

14. Task chair

Task chairs bring together function and comfort. Typically featuring adjustable height, swivel bases, and rolling wheels, task chairs are meant for long hours of productivity. They were made famous by the Eames design firm and come in several shapes, molds, and finishes. 

Search for the perfect task chair on Onton 

15. Club chair

Similar to a Chesterfield or wingback chair, club chairs are focused on keeping you comfy. Their deep cushions and low, rounded back are typically upholstered in leather or lush fabric. Perfect for creating a comfortable nook or adding a touch of sophistication to a living room, these armchairs bring classic charm without sacrificing comfort. 

How to choose the right chair type for your space

The right chair transforms a room, adding comfort and character. The wrong chair, on the other hand, feels totally out of place. Here’s how to select the perfect seat: 

• Consider your space limitations and layout: Measure the available space before purchasing, especially for smaller rooms. That Eames lounge chair might look amazing but won’t be functional if you can’t move around it. 

• Prioritize comfort for daily seating: For chairs that get daily use, like office chairs and dining chairs, choose seats that make you want to kick back. Cushions and ergonomic backrests will keep you comfortable during long meals and work sessions. 

• Explore accent chairs for style impact: A bold accent chair puts your personality on full display. Whether it's a bold Papasan or a sophisticated barrel chair, an accent chair completely shifts the vibe and makes the space uniquely yours. 

• Visualize multiple chair styles together: Who says you have to choose just one style of chair for your dining table? Use AI visualizers to imagine the final look before checkout. 

Find the perfect chair style with Onton

Are you a classic country lover or leaning more mid-century modern? Let Onton’s AI-powered search engine help you carve out your style. Try a prompt like “bistro chair for modern dining room” to steal the perfect look. 

Once you narrow down your favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how everything fits together in your home. Upload a picture of your space and experiment with different styles and finishes. It’s a quick, intuitive way to design your dream home. 

Dream up your ideal chair set-up with Onton.