26 Types of Chairs: A Look at Indoor and Outdoor Chairs

The earliest man-made chairs date back to ancient Egypt. By the Italian Renaissance, scissors chairs (which feature a seat on an X-shaped mount) had become widespread.

Around the middle of the 18th century, French physician Nicolas Andry de Bois-Regard connected unsupportive chairs and sitters’ poor posture and proposed an adjustable screw underneath a chair to keep the seat from sagging. In 1884, German orthopedic surgeon Franz Staffel suggested a low backrest to support the spine’s lumbar region.

Over the centuries, manufacturers and chair makers have continued to improve the form and function of chairs, which have had a lasting effect on other areas of furniture design and interior design. While some cultures have historically preferred squatting or sitting on the ground, others have developed dining tables, coffee tables, desks, sideboards, and other home furnishings all around the height of chairs.

Makers have developed chairs to suit a number of different tastes in style and comfort. Here are different types of chairs you can consider when embarking on an interior design project:

1. 1. Adirondack chair: These sturdy, comfortable chairs have generous armrests, a high-back silhouette, and a slanted seat. Adirondack chairs are outdoor chairs often used on sandy beaches or hilly terrain where other chairs are less effective.
2. 2. Armchair: This living room accent chair—a cousin to the couch and loveseat—sits one person and is available in styles ranging from contemporary to traditional. The variety available makes these chairs a key component to expressing personal style in home décor.
3. 3. Barrel chair: This chair has a rounded back that is one solid piece with the chair’s arms. They come in a variety of styles, although modern versions may not feature legs.
4. 4. Barstool: Barstools come in various types and heights, making it important to measure your table or counter before choosing a set. Some bar stools may rotate or have backs, while others do not.
5. 5. Bergère chair: Traditional, French-style bergère chairs feature deep, wide seats and exposed wood. King Louis XV and his family turned this living room accent chair into a French mainstay. You can also sometimes find these chairs with exchangeable seat cushions.
6. 6. Chaise lounge chair: These chairs originated as recliners for Roman, Greek, and French royalty. Modern chaise lounges are usually found in outdoor settings, like on patios or around pools.
7. 7. Chesterfield chair: The defining features of Chesterfield chairs are button-tufted upholstery, nailhead trim, and rolled arms, similar to the characteristics of a traditional sofa.
8. 8. Club chair: This living room accent chair, typically covered in leather, originated in France. A club chair (also called a “fauteuil confortable,” meaning “comfortable chair” in French) stands out due to its rounded edges, deep seat, and low back.
9. 9. Contemporary round chair: These contemporary living room chairs feature an oversized seat and typically come in neutral colors with suede or leather fabric.
10. 10. Desk chair: Aimed at providing comfort while you’re seated at a desk, desk chairs come in a range of styles, including comfortable executive office chairs, ergonomic desk chairs specially designed to fit your body, basic drafting chairs, wooden banker’s chairs, and office stools with no arms or back. Stability balls have become a modern alternative to desk chairs because they encourage good posture.
11. 11. Director’s chair: Inspired by the on-set version film directors use, this chair works as a dining chair, accent chair, or bar stool.
12. 12. Egg chair: Eggs chairs have a smooth, rounded back and winged armchair design on top of a rotating base. Arne Jacobsen originally designed this beloved cocoon-shaped swivel chair after determining the perfect shape by sculpting models in clay.
13. 13. Folding chairs: Usually made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both, these outdoor chairs easily fold for storing, making them a simple solution for backyard parties or additional seating needs.
14. 14. Ghost chair: Made of clear polycarbonate plastic, these dining room chairs come with or without arms and in varying heights. These plastic chairs are popular for their transparency, which is a unique feature.
15. 15. Hammock: Hammock chairs combine the sway of a normal hammock with the ease of use of a regular chair. These chairs work as both indoor or outdoor seating.
    
16. 16. Lounge chair with ottoman: While these chairs come in a variety of styles, the lounge chair usually features a reclined back and an ottoman that can sometimes provide extra storage as well as serve as a footrest.
17. 17. Loveseat: Loveseats facilitate closeness by providing just enough space for two people to sit together comfortably.
18. 18. Reading chair: A reading chair, which prioritizes comfort above all, may refer to any number of different styles, including armchairs, recliners, or a chair and ottoman combination.
19. 19. Recliner: These living room reclining chairs come in a variety of styles and you can either operate them manually or electronically. They can also work for those who struggle to get out of chairs, with some chairs even implementing lift-assisted seating.
20. 20. Rocking chair: Known for their ability to move back and forth, which can be a soothing motion, rocking chairs are popular among parents of babies and toddlers wishing to calm fussy children. An alternative to these are glider chairs, which have an even smoother motion than that of rocking chairs.
21. 21. Side chair: These armless chairs are common options for dining rooms, where squeezing many chairs with arms around a dining table may prove difficult. Side chairs come in metal, wood, or plastic varieties.
22. 22. Slipper chair: The term dates back to the 18th century when slipper chairs rose in popularity due to the fact that producers made them without arms, making them perfect to accompany vanity tables while a woman was still dressed in her robe and slippers.
23. 23. Upholstered chairs: These are chairs that have their cushions covered with either leather, cotton, or polyester to make the chairs more comfortable.
24. 24. Windsor chair: This chair’s defining characteristics include its round-tenoned back, solid saddle seats, and solid wood design, making it a common and attractive chair for dining rooms.
25. 25. Wingback chair: Known for the high sides that extend from the chair’s back, this living room accent chair is commonly used in spaces for reading or relaxing.
26. 26. Wishbone chair: Typically made of wood with a cushioned or handwoven wicker seat, these dining room chairs have a steam-bent backrest and back support, which splits like a wishbone.

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