Old wooden forms still appear in stores. Newer pieces use plastic shells, bent metal, thicker foam or woven seats. Some chairs stay close to traditional carpentry. Others keep the structure light so they can move from one room to another.
This list focuses on the different types of chairs for the home that you will actually come across while browsing, along with the names you often see on product tags or catalogues.
Wing Chair
A wing chair stands out because of its tall back and the two side panels that rise from the seat. The form has stayed close to its older versions, even though the materials have changed over time.
Design
The seat is usually padded, and the frame is covered in fabric or leather. The wings sit on both sides of the back to create a closed shape. Most pieces rest on short wooden legs.
Where it works
People often keep it in a living room corner, beside a window or near a reading lamp. It fills space without looking bulky when placed correctly.
What to expect
The chair supports long sitting hours. The high back gives steady support, and the wings reduce side gaps, making the seat feel contained.
Club Chair
A club chair is built with a wide seat and rounded edges that make it easy to use for long stretches. The frame is compact, so it can stay close to other furniture without looking out of place.
Design
Most club chairs come with thick cushions on the seat and back. The arms curve slightly, and the height stays low. Leather, suede and textured fabrics are common because they hold shape well.
Where it works
People usually keep it beside a sofa or near a coffee table. It also fits well in a study room corner or a lounge area that needs one solid seat.
What to expect
The chair supports relaxed sitting. The depth gives room to adjust your posture, and the padded arms add comfort during longer use.
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Windsor Chair
A Windsor chair is easy to spot. It has a wooden seat, slim legs and a back made from several thin rods. The shape has stayed the same for a long time, so you see it in old homes and new ones without much change.
Design
The seat is one solid piece of wood with the legs fitted straight into it. The back rises in a soft curve, and the spindles keep the shape open. Some pieces come in bare wood. Others are painted in simple colours. There is no padding on most versions, which keeps the chair light and easy to shift around.
Where it works
Many people keep a set around a dining table. The chair looks right with plain wooden furniture and small rooms where heavy pieces feel crowded. One chair by itself also works near a window or in a corner with a small cushion added on top.
What to expect
You get a firm seat. The curved back holds you in place without pressure points. Cleaning is quick because the frame is open and smooth. If you prefer older shapes that do not draw attention, this one usually fits in without effort.
Egg Chair
An egg chair wraps around the body more than a regular seat. The shell curves in one piece, so when someone sits, the sides sit close to the shoulders and head.
Design
Most egg chairs have a rounded shell on a single swivel base. The inside is padded and covered in fabric or leather. The outside is often smoother and slightly harder. The curve of the back is continuous, without sharp corners. This shape cuts some of the noise and movement around the person using it.
Where it works
You see egg chairs in living rooms, lounge areas and larger bedrooms. One chair near a floor lamp makes a quiet reading corner. In open layouts, it often sits slightly away from walls so the full shape is visible from all sides.
What to expect
The seat feels deep and enclosed. It is not made for sitting at a desk or a dining table. It works better for reading, using a tablet or short naps. For people who search for modern types of chairs that still feel soft, this tends to be a common choice.
Wassily Chair
A Wassily chair looks open at first glance. Thin metal tubes create the frame, and flat straps form the seat, back and arms.
Design
The frame usually uses polished steel in straight lines with right angles. Straps in leather or strong fabric run across the seat, rise at the back and wrap over the arms. There is almost no bulk. The floor under the chair stays visible, which keeps the area looking clear.
Where it works
This chair suits living rooms with plenty of light and space. It sits well near low tables, beside a sofa or close to a window. Many people place it where they want a lighter visual feel instead of a heavy armchair.
What to expect
The seat is firm, not sinking. It supports shorter stretches of sitting or casual conversations. The frame and straps give a clear, almost graphic look. People who like clean lines and industrial finishes usually recognise this style quickly, even if they do not know the exact name.
Wishbone Chair
A wishbone chair has a curved wooden back that joins at the centre in a simple Y–shape. The seat is woven, so it feels steady without becoming hard.
Design
The frame is usually light wood with rounded edges. The back sweeps in one curve, and the Y piece sits just below the shoulder line when you sit down. The seat uses paper cord or a similar woven material that holds weight evenly. There is no heavy padding, which keeps the chair open from all sides.
Where it works
Most people use it at a dining table. It also fits near an entry unit or beside a console because the shape stays slim. In small rooms, it helps keep the space clear since the back has no thick blocks of wood.
What to expect
You get a stable seat with a bit of natural give from the weave. The back supports a relaxed upright posture. Cleaning is simple because the frame has no deep joints or heavy fabric. The chair works well for anyone who wants a light design that is easy to move.
Tulip Chair
A tulip chair stands on one central base rather than four legs. This gives it a neat outline around dining tables and small breakfast spots.
Design
The seat is a moulded shell. Most versions come with a thin removable cushion. The single base widens at the bottom for balance. The surface stays smooth, and the edges turn slightly inward. The whole piece looks clean because the under-frame is hidden.
Where it works
It pairs well with round tables or compact dining setups. One chair alone can sit near a work corner or a side table, especially when the room has limited floor space. The single base makes sweeping and cleaning easier.
What to expect
The seat holds you in one fixed posture. The back is slightly flexible, though not soft. People who want simple shapes and fewer lines in the room often pick this style because it stays clear from every angle.
Rocking Chair
A rocking chair moves gently on two curved runners fixed to the legs. The motion comes from the base, not from loose parts, so it stays steady when used slowly.
Design
Most rocking chairs use wood for the frame. The runners sit in one long curve, and the legs attach directly on top. Some pieces have a simple wooden seat. Others come with a padded back and cushion. The armrests stay longer than usual to guide the rocking movement.
Where it works
People keep rocking chairs in bedrooms, balconies and quiet corners. The chair also works well near a cot or a reading lamp. It needs a little free space in front and behind, so placing it too close to a wall limits the movement.
What to expect
The motion is slow and even. The seat supports relaxed sitting, not task work. It suits winding down at the end of the day or spending time with a child. Cleaning depends on the materials, but most wooden frames take simple care.
Womb Chair
A womb chair has a wide, rounded shell that holds the body in different sitting positions. The seat is deep, and the back curves from one side to the other.
Design
The outer shell is firm, and the inside has layered foam covered in fabric. The base uses thin metal legs to lift the chair slightly off the floor. The armrests are part of the shell, so there are no separate pieces attached. The cushion on the seat is loose and can be adjusted.
Where it works
This chair is common in bedrooms, lounge corners and living rooms with open layouts. One chair and a small side table make a simple reading spot. The rounded shape works best when it has enough room around it, so the form stays clear.
What to expect
You can sit upright or lean back because the seat has space on the sides. The foam keeps its shape well. It is built for comfort rather than tight posture. Fabric versions need regular brushing or vacuuming to keep the surface clean.
Ladder Back Chair
A ladder-back chair has horizontal slats running across the back. The shape is known for its straightforward construction and long use in older homes.
Design
The backrest has several wooden slats placed one above the other. The seat may use wood, rush or a woven material depending on the maker. The legs are simple with little carving or extra detail. The lines stay straight, which gives the chair a clear outline.
Where it works
You often see ladder back chairs in dining rooms, kitchen seating and small study corners. The slim back makes them suitable for compact spaces. A single piece can also sit near a console or be used as an extra seat in a hallway.
What to expect
The seat feels firm. The slatted back supports daily use without adding weight. Cleaning is easy because most versions have smooth wood and open spaces between the slats. The chair fits rooms that follow a plain or traditional look.
Closing Notes
Homes use more than one kind of chair, so keeping different options usually works better than finding one model for every room. Some seats stay fixed near a table. Others move around the house when needed. A few shapes bring comfort, while others save space. These differences make everyday use easier to manage.
Each style listed above shows up often in shops, both online and in store displays. The names help when you compare options or look for a similar piece later. Picking the right one depends on the room, the height of nearby furniture and the way you plan to use the seat.
*Images used are for representational purposes only. Unless explicitly mentioned, the Interior Company does not hold any copyright to the images.*
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose the right chair for a small room?
Start by checking the open floor area, not just the corner where the chair will go. Slim-back chairs like Windsor or ladder–back models take less visual space. Avoid bulky arms or thick bases. A light frame or open legs usually makes the room feel less tight.
2. Are wooden chairs better than metal or plastic ones?
Each material behaves differently. Wood feels warm and lasts long if the joints are good. Metal frames stay steady and don’t warp in humidity. Plastic shells are lighter and easy to clean. The choice mostly depends on how often the chair will move and how much weight it needs to support.
3. What is the most comfortable chair shape for long sitting?
For longer hours, look for a high back, steady arms and a seat that doesn’t slope too much. Wingback, club and womb–style chairs usually handle long use better than bare wooden seats. The padding and the angle of the back make the bigger difference.
4. Which chairs work best with a dining table?
Dining chairs need a straight back and stable frame. Wishbone, Windsor, ladder–back and simple upholstered side chairs are common choices. The height should match the table so that your legs fit comfortably under it without raising your shoulders.
5. How do I maintain fabric chairs at home?
Regular vacuuming helps keep dust from settling into the weave. Quick blotting works better than rubbing when spills happen. Removable cushions are easier to wash. For deeper cleaning, most people use mild upholstery cleaners or call a service once in a while.
