Yes, there is an undeniable allure to swan diving into a pile of pillows on a massive sectional. But you don’t need an enormous couch to bring enormous comfort, style and guest-friendly seating into your home. Friends with small spaces, I got you. Whether you're in need of a space-saving lounger or a sleek seat to pull up to your dining table, these comfortable chairs are everything a tiny living space needs.
The 13 Most Comfortable Chairs for Small Spaces, According to Reviewers
Tiny home, meet your favorite tiny chair
•
Published Dec 20, 2024
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
West Elm/Target
The 13 Best Chairs for Small Spaces, at a Glance
1
Best Modern Chair for Small Spaces
Fillmore Mid-Century Chair
read more
2
Best Dining Chair for Small Spaces
Article Nosh Wood Dining Chair
read more
3
Best Armchair for Small Spaces
Esters Wood Armchair
read more
4
Best Recliner for Small Spaces
West Elm Auburn Leather Recliner
read more
5
Best Accent Chair for Small Spaces
Yaheetech Upholstered Club Chair
read more
How I Chose the Most Comfortable Chairs for Small Spaces
I scoured hundreds of reviews to find chairs with a 4-star rating or higher, paying special attention to notes about comfort. Since space is precious, I made sure chairs were no more than 35 inches wide, but still offered plenty of variety in terms of style and material.
Want to save *big* this shopping season? Sign up for our Deal of the Day email to get all the best sales delivered straight to your inbox.
This chair is elegant, but oh-so cushy. It features medium-soft cushions and thus isn’t the softest pick on this list, but I chose it for its versatility—you can get it in a wide range of colors and fabrics—sturdiness, quality materials and the option to buy a matching ottoman. I love losing a few hours reading on a chaise, and with this this combo, you can have your lounge moment then put the ottoman away for maximum space-saving.
These solid wood chairs might be for dining, but they’re stylish and comfy enough for everyday lounging (you can thank the foam-padded cushioning). According to one reviewer: “We are LOVING these chairs. They are sturdy, very comfortable (I was worried because the back was lower than I expected) and look great around our table. Excellent value for the price! We highly recommend.”
Given its classic design, I consider this the “every man” chair. It seamlessly blends with a variety of styles, making it an especially great option for folks moving in together for the first time. Reviewers also love that for a small chair, the wide backrest and deep angled design allow you to really sink in and relax. One reviewer, Lauren R., says “I LOVE this chair! It was easy for my husband to assemble and it’s honestly my go-to over our expensive couch.”
Say it with me: Leather. Recliner. This chair is class all the way. It tells people “I like the finer things, but only if it’s worth the money.” I love the recliner’s sleek design—I’d expect nothing less from West Elm—and gorgeous coloring (though it's also available in other hues). The ability to recline is an exceptional bonus. Give it some time to break it in, add a cozy blanket and watch how this becomes your new favorite chair in the house.
This barrel chair may be small, but its bouclé fabric is hailed as being lusciously soft and cozy. It’s also a fantastic find coming in at just $100—a steal compared to most options on the market. Joan, a verified buyer, says “Wanted a comfy chair for dressing area. It's great, beautiful color (I ordered blue). Very soft and comfy!! I love it so much I just ordered a second one!!”
Consider this chair the Yaheetech’s older sibling. It’s a little bit larger, but still affordable and, of course, super soft. This fellow bouclé beauty also comes with a matching ottoman for those who take lounging seriously (it’s me—I take lounging seriously). Take it from one reviewer, this is about to be the best seat in the house: “This chair is my most complimented piece of furniture in my new apartment. It looks and feels expensive and is so comfy. Guests opt to sit here over my cozy cloud couch!” Say no more.
Yes, I’m team standing desk. But when I do finally sit down during the work day, I like to have a soft, cushy landing pad to inspire productivity and creativity. Enter this compact office chair, a swiveling, reclining wonder that provides a very comfortable place to spend a long work day without taking up a ton of space. Plus, it’s on sale for less than $60—win!
*Cues up Tom Jones voice* She's got style, she's got grace, she's a wiiiinner. This sculptural accent chair is a mid-century eye-catcher that reviewers confirm is extra comfy thanks to its 2.0 high-density foam. Sarah from New York says “Stellar chair! Exceeded my expectations in both comfort and quality. I adore this chair.” But the big bonus? It swivels! While that may not be a dealbreaker for you, I say never underestimate the joy and practicality of a rotating chair.
Meet your new morning-cup-of-coffee chair. It’s plush, supportive and hugs you like a bean bag chair. As with most West Elm products, this baby is also totally customizable. Choose your favorite fabric and color for an accent chair that speaks to your vibe.
With more than 4,600 5-star reviews, it's clear that people are loving this glamorous, velvet-wrapped number. It comes in 17 colors and has a thick, padded seat with added springs for maximum comfort. According to one reviewer, “This chair is simply adorable…It is super comfortable and extremely sturdy. It is a slipper chair so the seat height is not very high but I can tell you it is wide, deep and comfortable.”
You can’t really have a list of comfy, small-space-friendly chairs without including at least one bean bag option. But don't get it twisted—this is not your high school bedroom’s bean bag. This elevated beauty graduated college and collects leather-bound books now. In all seriousness, it’s a lovely, ergonomically designed option that you should be proud to have on display. As one reviewer gushes, "This chair is amazing! It’s very comfortable and fits beautifully in the space intended. Great quality, actually better than expected."
Weighing in at just 13 pounds each, these cuties are a perfectly portable pop of fun. Pink velvet and soft spongey padding make them comfortable enough to camp out during a movie, with a good book, or even at a dining table or vanity. And because they're so lightweight, you can easily move them around your abode wherever they're needed, without so much as breaking a sweat.
I don’t know how to explain this, but this is the Ron Swanson of upholstered chairs. No, Ron Swanson would never endorse an upholstered or mass-manufactured chair but stay with me. Beneath the surface is a solid wood frame. The cushions and upholstery are durable and softer than they look. Plus, it’s a classic style that will withstand the test of time. That said, I could definitely picture both you and our guy Ron sitting back and settling in with a good book on this handsome creation.
What’s the Comfiest Chair for Small Spaces Overall?
While every pick on this list fits my criteria in regard to both feel and footprint, if I were to name just one chair that'll provide the most comfort for your buck, I'd go with the West Elm Auburn leather recliner. The simple fact of the matter is, you can't beat a recliner—especially one that's wrapped in sumptuous leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Whisper Chair?
“Whisper chairs are exactly what they sound like: petite, curved accent chairs designed for intimate chats,” explains PureWow Associate Home Editor Sydney Meister. “They typically feature high-backs with a rounded, wraparound frame—and you’ll often see them paired with plush upholstery, like velvet or sherpa.”
What Are Comfy Chairs Called?
A comfortable chair can come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, sizes and materials. Look for soft fabrics, cushioning materials in the seat, and design elements that aid in reclining, like an angled seat or foot rest.
How Do I Find a Comfortable Chair?
“When it comes to comfy accent chairs as a broader category, silhouettes matter,” Meister says. “Barrel chairs have curved backs that are great for ergonomic support while slipper chairs—defined by an armless build and a slightly reclined seat—are a minimalist’s dream. Wingback chairs are also great, thanks to their signature tall back and ‘wings’ that cradle you. Either way, you want to look for deep seats, ample cushioning and armrests—plus luxe fabric that doesn’t skimp on comfort.”
Beyond that, chairs with cushioning that ranges from soft to medium-firm tend to be the coziest for lounging. Other things to consider are:
- Upholstery Material: Velvet, linen, cotton and leather are ideal for comfort, Meister says.
- Fill: What level of softness is ideal for you? Do you prefer a sink-into-it feeling that down or down blends provide? Do you want more structure and support? Then you might prefer a foam base that’s firmer.
- Seat Height: If you’re petite, smaller chairs with deeper seats are your best bet (think around 17 inches high). If you’re taller or have difficulty with sitting and standing, aim for around 20 inches.
What Is the Size of an Overstuffed Chair?
According to many furniture stores, a chair that is roughly 35 to 40 inches wide and deep is considered an overstuffed chair, just note that it may not be ideal for small spaces.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.