My Account

Sign in

Forgot your password? Create a new account
How To Choose The Perfect Swivel Chair For Your Space

How To Choose The Perfect Swivel Chair For Your Space

1st Oct 2025

Posted by Alice Ewens on 1st Oct 2025

Looking for a chair that can do it all? Say hello to the swivel chair – the multitasking marvel of the furniture world.

Table of Contents ▼

Whether you're hosting a dinner party, working late at your desk, or getting ready at your dressing table, the swivel chair is your stylish sidekick. It’s the chair that fits into your life wherever you need it, from family dinners to late-night desk work. This week, I’m exploring how this versatile gem can transform your home into a haven of comfort, style and functionality.

What Is A Swivel Chair?

A swivel chair is a seat mounted on a central base that allows it to rotate 360 degrees. This simple mechanism unlocks a world of flexibility. You can turn to chat, reach for something nearby, or simply enjoy the freedom of movement without scraping across the floor.

Swivel chairs come in all shapes and styles, from plush velvet dining chairs to sleek office seats and cosy living room loungers. They’re designed to move with you, making them perfect for modern living.

grey vevlet swivel chair with black legs in front of wooden desk

Our Calla Grey Velvet Swivel Chair

Who Invented The Swivel Chair And Why?

The swivel chair was invented by none other than Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. He adapted an existing Windsor chair by adding a central iron spindle, allowing it to rotate, so he could move quickly and easily from his desk – a man ahead of his time! He allegedly signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 while sat on the swivel chair he designed.

Jefferson’s invention was all about mobility and accessibility, and that spirit lives on in today’s swivel chairs. They’re designed to make life easier, more comfortable, and a little more fun.

replica of Thomas Jefferson's Swivel Chair

Pinterest (Image of Thomas Jefferson: public domain)

Selecting The Right Swivel Chair For Office Desk Set Ups

Working from home? A swivel chair is your best friend. Look for designs that offer ergonomic support, especially if you’re sitting for long periods. Good lumbar support and cushioned seats help you stay focused and comfortable. Our office swivel chairs combine style with substance – think plush velvet and soft faux leather, sleek legs, and adjustable features.

Styling Tip: Match your chair with a minimalist desk and add a pop of colour with a plant or artwork. A faux-leather desk chair will always look sleek, professional and gives those industrial vibes when paired with wood and black metal.

mood baord for office swivel chairs featuring tan faux leather swivel desk chair, wooden desk, cream rug and arc floor lamp

Featuring our Calla Tan Faux Leather Swivel Chair, Lucinda White & Black Arc Floor Lamp, Iona Textured Beige Abstract Rug, Kendrick Walnut and Black Large Office Desk

Space Saving With Swivel Dining Chairs

Swivel dining chairs are a game-changer for smaller spaces. They offer easy access in tight spots, making them ideal for compact flats or open-plan kitchen diners. Swivel designs are space-efficient and stylish, meaning you can create a home that feels open, free and cosy, even in the smallest flat.

Styling Tip: Pair swivel chairs with a round dining table for a chic and functional setup. They also work brilliantly at the ‘awkward’ head of a rectangular table. Want to mix things up? Combine swivel and static chairs for an on-trend mix-and-match look.s Go cohesive with matching colours and designs – for example, our popular Beaumont fabric dining chairs are available as both static and swivel options – or embrace a maximalist vibe with contrasting materials and bold hues.

mood board showing round dinign table with green fabric swivel dinign chairs, ceiling light, mirror

Featuring our Penrose Black Round Dining Table & 4 Layla Fabric Swivel Chairs, Lola Black Sputnik Chandelier Ceiling Light, Elodie Black Pebble Wall Mirror

Create A Beauty Station With A Dressing Table & Velvet Swivel Chair

Transform your morning routine into a moment of luxury with a velvet swivel chair at your dressing table. These chairs offer comfort and elegance, making your beauty station feel like a boutique hotel.

Styling Tip: Choose a chair in soft blush or cream velvet, pair it with a gold-framed mirror and add a few scented candles. You’ll have a space that’s both functional and fabulous.

mood board for styling a cream fabric swivel chair for vanity dressing table, wood console table, gold mirror, pink glass lamp

Featuring our Layla Cream Fabric Swivel Office Chair, Sutton Walnut Effect Console Table, Coral Pink Glass & Brass Table Lamp, Vita Gold Irregular Pebble Wall Mirror

Best Swivel Chairs For Living Rooms

Swivel chairs are having a moment in living rooms, especially with the return of Mid-Century Modern style trends. Think retro silhouettes, warm woods, and textured fabrics. The Furniturebox collection includes both the Hoomz Fabric and Wood Swivel Chair and the Parker Black Faux Leather and Wood Swivel Chair our modern takes on the iconic Eames Chair, with sleek lines and that iconic combination of rounded wood and sumptuous fabric / leather cushions to bring vintage charm into the 21st century.

Styling Tip: Pair a velvet swivel chair with a boucle throw and a brass floor lamp for a cosy reading nook. Or go bold with a statement colour like emerald green or burnt orange to add personality to your space.

mood board scrapbook style for using a swivel chair in a living room, with sofa, lamp, side table

Featuring our Hoomz Swivel Office Chair, Teddy White Boucle 2 Seater Sofa, Veer Round White Marble & Wood Side Table, Suri White & Brass Standing Floor Lamp

What's The Best All-Round Swivel Chair?

We recommend the Furniturebox Beaumont Cream Fabric Swivel Chair – a true all-rounder. It’s comfy enough for long work sessions at a desk, stylish enough for your living room or vanity table, and compact enough for dining spaces. The soft touch linen-look fabric is really luxurious, but easy to keep clean. The cream colour, combined with the black piping is very on trend, ticking off those warm neutrals trends that work so well for both super modern and more retro-inspired spaces. Plus, it comes in a grey fabric, and as a static chair option too.

cream fabric swivel chair with black piping, on black metal legs, in bright modern living room space

What I love about our Beaumont cream swivel chair:

  • Comfort – It’s got comfy cushioning and a supportive back.
  • Style – It’s stylish and easy to match to any home aesthetic.
  • Versatility – It’ll work in multiple rooms.
  • Size – It’ll fit your space without overwhelming it.
  • Material – The linen-look fabric is soft but easy to clean and durable.
  • Movement – Smooth swivel mechanism means it’s great for getting up easily and quickly
  • Functionality – It can be used for dining, working, relaxing or pampering, and makes for a great space-saving option.

What Next?

Ready to find your perfect swivel chair? Explore our full collection here and discover how one chair can fit into every part of your life.

 

Meet the author 

 

Related Content

6 Tips for Home Working Health & Wellbeing

home working & wellbeing blog image

Home working can be a great way to achieve a better work-life balance, but it can also present some challenges when it comes to maintaining your wellbeing. Here are our tips and inspiration to create a healthy home office environment [read more…]

 

Book Nook On A Budget

 cosy reading chair book nook on a budget blog image

We look at the top tips for nailing your very own book nook or reading corner on a budget so you can curl up with a great read [read more…]