Also known as the tub chair, drum chair, and sometimes conflated with the club chair, the barrel chair is a classic furniture profile with timeless appeal. Long beloved for its comfortable semicircular back which appears as the cross-section of a barrel, this chair is a favorite for lounges and casual social spaces, and sometimes even refined for use at the dining table. Because of the gracefully rounded back, barrel chairs look fantastic from every angle – ideal for central placements like conversation pits. In this post, we’ve collected 51 exciting barrel chair designs for every application.
an easy chair having a high, semicircular back forming a single upholstered piece with the wings or arms;
Faux Leather Barrel Chair
Clean modern lines combine with classic faux leather to give this barrel chair an especially timeless look. Nailhead trim brings visual interest to the face while the hardwood frame ensures durability for years to come.
White Barrel Chair
Clean and sophisticated! This barrel chair from Modway is upholstered in pure bright white, subtle channel tufting contributing a touch of classic elegance. The upholstery is 100% polyester, easy to clean for lasting appeal.
Blue Barrel Chair
Here is the same Modway barrel chair, this time upholstered in deep blue velvet. Barrel chairs like this one make spectacular statement pieces in standalone placements but also pair nicely with matching designs to create a coordinated conversation area.
Blue Barrel Chair With Gold Legs
Ruched blue upholstery and tapered gold legs give this barrel chair a glamorous personality. Use to amplify the luxury of a living space or place as a sophisticated retreat in a refined bedroom.
Emerald Green Barrel Club Chair
Jewel tones remain as on-trend as ever, especially when paired with sophisticated metallics. This barrel chair features emerald velvet upholstery wrapped in a frame of dazzling gold – also available in a range of other opulent combinations.
Modern Black Barrel Chair
Looking for something to suit a minimalist modern home or sleek industrial interior theme? This black and silver barrel chair cuts a sharp profile with its wire base, softened by the cozy velvet seat above.
Modern Extra Plush Barrel Chair
If comfort is your top priority, few seating options can compete with a deliciously overstuffed barrel chair. This design boasts sumptuous channel tufting for a cozy embrace, upholstered in performance velvet for quality you can see and feel.
Plush Rounded Barrel Chair
This barrel chair may maintain a somewhat conservative footprint, but it goes big on comfort with extra-plush padding on all sides. Choose from a wide variety of bright upholstery options and leg finish pairings to find the perfect fit for your space.
Diamond Quilted Barrel Chair
Sure to stand out as an artistic statement piece in any room, this sculptural barrel chair immediately captures the eye with its unique layered construction. The back and arms flare outward toward the front, boldly highlighting the luxurious quilted diamond pattern within.
Modern Gray Barrel Chair
Barrel chairs can sometimes have an imposing visual presence – for those who desire something with a lighter look, an open-backed design often serves as a good solution. This barrel chair keeps a sleek profile without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.
Open Back Barrel Chair
Classic simplicity makes this open back barrel chair an easy piece to coordinate with almost any interior style. Choose from a variety of upholstery colors to find the perfect fit.
Open Back Round Barrel Chair
This small round barrel chair maintains a conservative footprint perfect for use as an accent chair in compact spaces. The swivel base makes it great for social areas – swivel to see the television, talk to a guest, or grab a drink from a side table.
Red Tufted Barrel Chair
Rolled arms and diamond tufting give this barrel chair a delightfully traditional look, upholstered in sumptuous red velvet for bold decorative appeal.
Cowhide Print Barrel Chair
Because of their clean lines, barrel chairs are an extremely versatile canvas for creative prints. This chair features fabric upholstery printed with a cheerful cowhide pattern, great for farmhouse decor and playful eclectic themes.
Yellow Barrel Chair with Ottoman
The simple addition of an ottoman can transform the already-cozy barrel chair into a serious relaxation spot. This pairing is upholstered in bright yellow for a cheerful touch, also available in red and a range of versatile neutrals.
Blue Barrel Chair with Ottoman
For interiors with limited floorspace, this design offers a compact approach to comfort. Simply slide the ottoman beneath the chair to save space between uses.
Decorative Grey Barrel Chair with Ottoman
This cozy chair and ottoman set features a whimsical trellis print, a natural complement to classic and transitional interior themes. Pair with a creative accent pillow as pictured for an even closer tie-in with your existing decor.
French Script Barrel Chair and Ottoman
Love travel? Have an affinity for France? This beautiful French script chair and ottoman set provides an elegant decorative touch without overwhelming surrounding decor. This piece is also available in other upholstery options, like blue butterflies and beige floral scrollwork.
Gold Barrel Back Chair with Ottoman
Upholstered in metallic gold, this tufted barrel back chair is a bold statement piece. It's luxurious and playful all at once – and absolutely sure to spark conversation among guests. In addition to the beautiful gold upholstery pictured here, this chair is also available in silver and bronze.
Scandinavian Barrel Chair and Ottoman
For fans of Scandinavian furniture, the Travis chair and ottoman set is sure to delight. Both pieces are constructed from durable wood in a natural finish, upholstered in artful green and white for a calm organic look. This set is also available in light creamy linen.
Blush Pink Mid Century Barrel Chair
Retro styles are another theme where barrel chairs shine. This mid-century inspired piece features a ruched exterior, channel tufted interior, and tapered metallic legs. This design is also available in light blue.
Grey Velvet Barrel Chair
This elegant accent chair boasts a whimsical scalloped backrest, a classic profile well-suited to the modern home. The edges wrap around toward the front to serve as understated armrests.
Light Blue Upholstered Barrel Chair
Designed without armrests, this scalloped barrel chair is especially ideal for occasional applications – writing desks, vanities, supplementary seating, and more. Its decorative appeal provides ample purpose even between uses.
Smooth Pink Barrel Chair
A cozy piece of artwork you can use and enjoy every day, the Jame Barrel Chair looks just as comfortable as it feels. The smooth curvaceous body is upholstered in sumptuous performance velvet and cushioned from every side.
Jacobsen Mid Century Barrel Chair
Serious collectors of mid-century modern furniture might want to have this barrel chair on the radar. This piece was designed by legendary architect Arne Jacobsen – part of the same project that resulted in the iconic Egg and Swan chairs. Authorized versions like this one are still manufactured by Fritz Hansen to Jacobsen's exacting specifications.
Teal Barrel Chair
Brighten up your favorite space with a vibrant dash of color! This teal barrel chair features gold framing for a luxe touch, the classic channel tufting and contemporary profile striking an effective balance for versatile appeal.
Mid Century Style Barrel Chair
Moving into more traditional territory, the Okehampt barrel chair boasts a smooth rubberwood frame with a deep walnut finish. Smooth cotton blend upholstery in dove grey ensures up-to-date appeal.
Wicker Barrel Chair
A lovely match for farmhouse, cottage chic, and calm bohemian interiors, this barrel chair is woven from thick mango wood wicker for a warm natural look. A cotton cushion softens the seat for cozy comfort.
Modern Wood Barrel Chair
A play of interesting contrasts, this barrel chair features a rustic-finished wood frame with contemporary geometric cutouts. Choose from grey, taupe, and blue cushion upholstery to best suit your interior theme.
Wood Barrel Chair
Constructed from mahogany wood, rattan, and rawhide lacing, these handsome chairs offer an elegant approach to rustic style. Use at the entryway or pair together to create a lovely conversation area.
Antique Barrel Chair
Rustic charm meets classic sophistication with this delightful French country barrel chair. The sturdy oak framing is lovingly embellished with subtle details, heavily distressed for an antique look.
Cane Barrel Chair
Cane construction is often associated with vintage and rustic styles, but this handsome chair takes on a modern personality thanks to its silky all-black finish. For those who prefer a more classic look, this piece is also available with natural finishes.
Gold Scalloped Barrel Chair
So chic! This small barrel chair draws the eye with its light scalloped frame and hints of art deco inspiration. This small accent chair is a creative choice for occasional seating around the home.
Isabel Barrel Chair
Simple and bold. If you're looking for an accent chair that flawlessly complements your interior decor, this design offers possibilities – more than one dozen upholstery options in a range of colors, patterns, and materials.
IKEA Barrel Chair
Rather than offering an abundance of upholstery choices, the famous IKEA Tullsta chair utilizes slipcover-friendly construction. You can find slipcovers made specifically for this chair all over the web, easy to swap out to suit different seasons and decor styles. Those who are handy with a sewing machine can even find patterns to make their own custom slipcovers.
Swivel Tufted Back Barrel Chair
Swivel barrel chairs are great for conversation areas, making it possible to keep up with conversation happening anywhere in the room without the need to shift furniture. This piece is especially versatile, upholstered with diamond tufting all along the outside for visual appeal from every angle.
Barrel Swivel Chair
Sleek modern angles make this barrel chair an attractive choice for contemporary spaces. The swivel functionality operates smoothly and quietly.
Rose Barrel Swivel Chair
This swivel barrel chair takes a luxurious approach. Gold detailing frames the base, with matching decorative nailheads trimming the outside edges. Diamond quilting wraps around the back and sides for a pleasant profile view.
Emerald Swivel Barrel Chair
A barrel chair with a somewhat smaller footprint, this swiveling design is great for compact spaces. Use to bring a touch of style to a quiet reading nook, a small living room, or even a bedroom.
Tufted Barrel Chair with Swivel Base
Simple but functional! This barrel chair swivels 360-degrees with a smooth and satisfying motion. The polyester blend upholstery is easy to clean, while the solid hardwood framing ensures longevity.
Leather Swivel Barrel Chair
Genuine leather upholstery ensures this swivel barrel chair will provide a sumptuously soft touch and lasting durability. The grey coloration is easy to coordinate. Add an accent pillow of your choice for full integration with your decor.
Blush Pink Swivel Glider Barrel Chair
Not only does this stylish barrel chair swivel a full 360 degrees, it also rocks with a gentle gliding motion – perfect for nurseries.
Swivel Rocker Barrel Chair
Here is another glider chair, this time available in three neutral upholstery options to suit a wider variety of interior themes. Use in the nursery, home library, or wherever you want to enjoy quiet relaxation in style.
Patterned Swivel Barrel Chair
Make a bold decorative statement without sacrificing swivel functionality. This patterned barrel chair includes a small accent pillow, or you can swap it out with one of your own for smart coordination potential.
Oversized Swivel Barrel Chair
Stretch out and relax with this oversized barrel chair from Benchcraft. With plenty of room to find that perfect lounging position, this design is ideal for media areas and other entertainment spaces.
Cuddler Barrel Chair
What about a barrel chair large enough to seat two? Perfect for curling up with a pet, a loved one, or providing a seat for movie nights with the kids, this design just begs to be shared.
Marta Barrel Chair
At an impressive 61" wide, this barrel chair is wonderful for sharing – or for stretching out with a good book. Each cushion is removable for easy cleaning and care.
Patio Barrel Chair Set
Outdoor furnituretrends seem to favor blocky designs, but barrel chairs provide a more cozy solution. These chairs are finished with stylish rope backrests for comfortable support.
Wicker Patio Barrel Chair Set
These handwoven chairs are made from weather-resistant wicker on a sturdy metal frame, a fun bohemian look for modern outdoor arrangements. Each set includes a small side table.
Outdoor Rattan Barrel Chair
Classic and comfortable! This barrel chair is made from PE rattan, a durable and weather-resistant material sure to provide years of enjoyment. Included cushions provide support for cozy outdoor enjoyment.
Modern Outdoor Barrel Chair
Designed by Konstantin Grcic, the Sam Son Chair offers a delightfully exaggerated profile with a playful personality. This outdoor chair is constructed from polyethylene for outdoor endurance – but those who have a bold taste in decor can use it as an indoor statement piece just as easily.
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