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Mar 08, 2025

I'm a Design Editor and These Are the West Elm Chairs I'd Buy

The chair-and-a-half is calling my name. Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. In every home, there lies

The chair-and-a-half is calling my name.

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

In every home, there lies an incredible chair: A place where you can curl up with a good book, nurse a glass of wine, or FaceTime with your bestie. Trust me; I should know. As a design writer, I shop for a living and love to recommend the best home products to readers. I'm passionate about seating because I always manage to find somewhere to perch, and my husband and I have made a game of testing out every chair we see in a hotel whenever we travel. What I'm trying to say is that I care a lot (maybe too much?) about chairs, and I'm constantly on the hunt to find the very best one.

Recently, my search led me to West Elm. While most design lovers are familiar with West Elm for its midcentury furniture and decor, you definitely don't want to overlook its chair selections. With a wide array of sizes and styles available, there's bound to be something cool, cozy, and affordable. Plus, many of the seats appear so plush that I can almost feel my lumbar tension melting away. As someone who values comfort, this is a significant factor! Read on to discover the West Elm chairs I would buy in a heartbeat. All you need to do is browse the selections and see which resonate most with you, then add your favorites to your cart.

Variety might be the spice of life, but it's also the key to a really great seat. I love how Roar + Rabbit's Tete-a-Tete Chair looks good on its own, but it can be arranged next to another one to create this groovy, S-shaped couch. The perfect lounging setup, if you ask me.

Though kicking up your feet after a long day may sound appealing, recliners aren't known for being the most stylish seats on the market. If you need any convincing, allow me to remind you about Joey and Chandler's La-Z-Boys (my fellow Friends stans will get this reference) or Marty Crane's ugly lounger in Frasier. However, with a slimmer profile and a discreet leg rest, this leather option eschews the recliner's unsightly reputation and offers a more dapper alternative.

There are very few things I loathe more than a backless stool. My favorite part about West Elm's best-selling Ezra Counter Stool is its low-slung back, which allows you to recline without feeling restrictive. And when you factor in the seagrass back and plump leather seat? Well, I'm officially sold.

Listen, I love a chair and a half. More room for snuggling? Yes, please. This oversized seat—which West Elm calls one of its plushiest options—comes with two throw pillows to recreate the feeling of getting a big hug. Best of all, this pick comes in a bunch of colors and fabrics, so you can find a great option to go with your home.

Believe it or not, summer will be here before you know it. If you want to gear up for the warmer months ahead, West Elm's best-selling lounger has everything you need for some fun in the sun. A durable base made with kiln-dried mahogany? A slim, weather-resistant cushion for added comfort? An adjustable seat back that can recline up to five inches? Check, check, and check.

As West Elm's Jodie Wing Chair proves, the best seat of the house can also be a major style moment. This low-slung stunner has a curvy winged silhouette that toes the line between form and function. Pro tip: Nab this style in a sumptuous upholstery like the sweet tweed seen here.

Many of West Elm's chairs exude serious main character energy; however, consider this option if you're looking for an accent seat to complement a more enormous couch or sectional. The barrel silhouette hugs your body, yet its ample negative space ensures it won't feel bulky in your living room.

Since I spend most of my time working, I need a good office chair that won't give me back or neck pains. This popular midcentury option from West Elm has an adjustable base, so you can get the perfect height for your desk. The gentle slope of the back creates a comfortable position for those back-to-back Zoom calls, while the metal arms offer a natural spot to rest your elbows.

My husband and I love to host, and I can't think of better seat for entertaining than West Elm's Viv chair. Though this chair is also available in a bunch of colors and fabrics, the rich cinnamon velvet seen here oozes speakeasy vibes. The swivel base also makes it easy to mingle and make sure all of your guests feel included. Oh, and did I mention it's on sale?!

When it comes to hosting hacks, comfortable dining room chairs are essential. I love the ones I found at a consignment store in the Bay Area, but if I had to buy a new set of chairs, West Elm's Classic Café style would definitely be a top choice. The backrest has a perfect curve for upper body support, and the lightly padded seat ensures comfort for your lower half. Another great feature? These chairs come in pairs, so you'll only need to purchase a few to complete your dining room arrangement.

It's really not hard to see why the Penn Chair is a consistent best-seller for the brand. The slightly curved arms create a natural, ergonomic lounging position, while the spacious seat is similar to a chair and a half without taking up too much square footage. Larger chairs can sometimes feel bulky, but the slim metal legs on this one offer a weightless, dainty touch.

If your design style falls on the more modern end of the spectrum, might I recommend this pick? The ultra-long arms and the gentle slope of the back will have you sitting pretty in no time. I recommended a very similar chair to one of my girlfriends six years ago. Since she still has hers six years later, I think this option will hold up well.

From their timeless appeal to their durable design, Adirondack Chairs are among the most popular seats around. However, if the traditional look feels a little outdated, West Elm upgrades this classic silhouette to appeal to the modern design lover. Honestly, I couldn't think of a better place to sit once those summer months come creeping in.

Word to the wise: Don't overlook a rocking chair. Seriously. I know many people reserve these for nurseries, but the wooden one in our living room has fans ranging from my mother to our four-year-old niece. This Bucatini style from West Elm has "cool girl" written all over it, and its subtle rocking ability is incredibly soothing.

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