5 trending living room chair styles and our edit of the ones that will help tie your space together

What are the most on-trend styles of living room chair? Experts explain the shapes of the moment, and how to pick the perfect one to make your space pop

A rust-colored living room chair
(Image credit: Wendy Labrum)

The perfect living room accent chair can really tie a living room together, creating a focal point in a stylish space. From the more sculptural statement pieces to the cozy-looking designs that beckon you to curl up with a good read, it's all about curating a moment, drawing the eye around a living room, or crafting a comfortable corner.

'Living room furniture and chairs not only need to be comfortable for extended periods of sitting and lounging, but they also serve as beautiful statement pieces,' says Emily Brown of Austin-based Emily Lauren Interiors. 

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Here are the 5 different styles of living room chair to know that will make your space really pop. Plus, I've trawled the best home decor stores to find the most covetable examples.

1. Lounge recliner chairs

A recliner chair with ottoman

(Image credit: MENU)

A lounge chair is an all-encompassing term for an armless recliner piece, typically paired with an ottoman and designed for relaxing. Marrying comfort with style, they can turn an unloved corner into a cozy space. 

2. Barrel chairs

Barrel chairs are a little more upright with a rounded back - the shape is what lends this type of chair its name. Barrel chairs are great for small living rooms in need of a chair in the corner, given they take up so much space. They have quite a simple shape so you can have fun with the upholstery. Here are the the three I currently love most.

3. Wooden armchairs

A classic design with a hint of mid-century, these chairs are typically upholstered with elegant wooden legs. Use these armchairs to indicate that the space is intended to serve as a comfortable corner or seating area, while creating visual interest through color and texture. 

4. Swivel chairs

A recliner chair in blue

(Image credit: Ercol)

With the perfect swivel chair, you don't want to see too much base and the mechanics of the frame. Ideally, this should be covered by the fabric so you can swivel seamlessly in your seat. They work in a reading corner like with this Ercol design where you might want to take advantage of the movement of the chair to inspect the shelves.

5. Floor seating

If you follow anything interiors related on Pinterest or Instagram, chances are you've come across the Ligne Roset Togo sofa. This mid-century piece has had a bit of a revival in recent years as people look to bring real comfort to the living rooms. It has also given rise to the living room trend for small spaces with more relaxed seating on the floor. Here are three picks that add that relaxing element to your living room.

Oonagh Turner
Livingetc content editor and design expert

Oonagh is a content editor at Livingetc.com and an expert at spotting the interior trends that are making waves in the design world. Writing a mix of everything and everything from home tours to news, long-form features to design idea pieces on the website, as well as frequently featured in the monthly print magazine, she's the go-to for design advice in the home. Previously, she worked on a London property title, producing long-read interiors features, style pages and conducting interviews with a range of famous faces from the UK interiors scene, from Kit Kemp to Robert Kime. In doing so, she has developed a keen interest in London's historical architecture and the city's distinct tastemakers paving the way in the world of interiors.