Swivel Leather Armchair: Quality, Comfort & Style, learn how to choose the right leather chair for comfort, quality, size and value. 

A leather swivel armchair can be a lot more than a place to put a neglected corner of a room. If designed properly, it can be the chair you plop down in for your morning paper, a television throne at the end of the night, or the one you and your friends turn toward when chatting without trying to yank the whole chair across the room. That may be part of the attraction.

But there is a problem. Not all leather swivel chairs are created equal. For example, two chairs could both be described as a “luxury leather swivel armchair”, but vary much in the way their leather was manufactured, in the amount and style of cushioning offered, in dimensions and the mechanism that enabled them to swivel and in cost. 

And that is why buying on the strength of a product image can sometimes be unwise. In this guide we will lay out what really countsbe it leather terminology comfort sizing styling swivel functionality, the cost, and delivery so that you can make a more educated purchasing decision.

What Does a Swivel Leather Armchair Exactly Entail?

To be identified as a swivel leather armchair, a piece of furniture must have three simple features:

• A seat similar to an armchair
• Upholstery (leather)
• A swivel base or mechanism

Numerous existing models in the U.S. offer a 360-degree rotation, dependent on the product. A production from Costco, Wynne 360 Swivel Leather Chair has an all-top-grain-leather construction, to 360-degree swivel base, high-density foam cushions, a solid wood base and legs, a modern barrel shape.

The dimensions of the chair include (WxDxH) 29.1″ by 34.6″ by 32.7″ Other seats are much bigger. The Westwood Slim Arm Deep Seat Leather Swivel Chair for Pottery Barn is 38″ wide by 41″ deep by 36.5″ high, with a 34″ diameter swivel. Just that makes it clear why the phrase “leather swivel armchair” tells you what category you’re shopping in but not it which individual chair to buy.

Reasons For Choosing a Swivel Leather Armchair

It’s most probably flexibility. A stationary armchair is usually set in one position. A swivel chair can be swivelled so that you are turned towards the TV, a window, another person or a table to the side of the chair. That can be mainly welcomed in living areas designed as an open plan, where a single chair may have to adapt to different requirements throughout the day. Among other notices, manufacturers also frame the add-on swivel as a speech-making characteristic.

A chair that swivels, Ethan Allen’s Allyce leather swivel chair might say, is designed to keep you in the mix without having to give up your seat. Next, there is the leather. Based on how the leather is stitched and finished, it can offer a unique look that age gracefully and uniquely.

Based on Pottery Barn, tanned with aniline dye, the top-grain Westwood leather will soften and lighten with time and its dark coloration will fade into a patina. Natural finger marks, scratches, and imperfections are natural qualities of top-grain leathers. So the appeal here basically is a combination of function, comfort and visual character.

Any Specific Features You Should Consider When Purchasing a Swivel Leather Armchair?

It’s at this point that shopping gets more complicated and more fun: A good buying decision must consider more than just the product name.

1. Leather Type

It’s probably the one that we should make sure the more before doing a price comparison. Not all the terms are the same when talking about leather.

Some mention a part of the hide; some mention the finishing process and some show how different to finish the upholstery material.

Leather Terminology

• Full-grain leather: Lives the living grain of the hide and the markings of the animal. This is usually considered the best furniture leather.
• Top-grain leather: The outer part of the hide and is usually finished for uniformity.
• Aniline leather: Describes a finishing/dyeing method and is not a term to describe any separate type of hide. Anilline-dyed leathers are said to retain more of the hide’s natural look.
• Genuine leather: A general term used on many product labels. This word alone doesn’t tell you what you’re looking for and can be misleading.
• Split leather: Split from the lower layer of the hide after the hide has been split.
• Leather match: Applies authentic leather in crucial contact points, with a different material elsewhere.

For instance, NFM separates full-grain, top grain, genuine leather, and leather match furniture into different constructions, whereas Ethan Allen states that pieces made of full grain or top grain leather may exhibit natural markings characteristic to each piece.

Never compare two seats just by seeing the word “leather”. Make sure you check the documentation and see exactly how the sofa’s upholstered and where.

2. Check the Swivel Mechanism

“Swivel” is not necessarily a recliner, rocker or tilt chair. There are some models that just rotate. While you have other models that blends the swivel with other activities.

The Westwood chair from Pottery Barn, for instance, mentions a 360 degree swivel, as does the Calia chair from Ethan Allen. If you’re after recline, tilt or tilt-swivel, make sure you check for it when looking at specs, rather than assuming its down to the 360 degree swivel feature.

3. Evaluate Comfort, Not Just Appearance

This is where a lovely chair can turn into a real disappointment.

Look at:

• Seat depth
• Seat width
• Seat height
• Height of the back
• Cushion filling
• Cushion firmness
• Arm height
• Suspension system

Seat Depth

How long a person can comfortably sit is significant for those experiencing heat.

For warm feet, it is preferable to sit with part of the thigh resting on a seat, which is best achieved by sitting on a deep seat.

Seat Width

For the seat width, the criteria included the width of seat front, back and sides.

The standard 527 with an adjustable seat depth per individual size references 393 mm as the depth of the seat, and the width of seat back, front and sides is 396 mm.

Seat Height

Guide regarding seat height the standard measurements in the ‘Data’ section listed the seat height.

Cushion Construction and Support

What comes next product is:

• Cushion Filling
• Cushion firmness
• Arm height definition
• Suspension system

For instance, Westwood from Pottery Barn has dense fiber wrap cushions with no-sag steel sinuous springs. The Wynne fromC you can find down-blend wrap cushions with high density foam cushions.

The varying properties of the chair may impact on the comfort of the sit. Imagine you buy a mattress, for example. The outer looks are worth nothing compared to what an hour’s worth of lying on it will be like.

Choosing the Right Leather

No one type of leather will be naturally suitable for each member of the target market.

Rather, get your material to be less just aligned with your priorities.

Full-Grain Leather

A good solid choice for consumers looking for a more natural character and top-end positioning. Since the natural grain is maintained, individual markings and variations are visible.

Top-Grain Leather

A popular medium between leather personality, uniformity and durability. NFM defines top grain as a medium to high end statistically even leather.

Aniline-Dyed Leather

It’s an mostly good option if you want a natural look and a piece of leather that gains character over time. As Pottery Barn points out, its aniline-dyed leather lightens and softens with use and develops patina.

Leather Match

Observe where leathers actually are. The use of a leather-match may mean that you have real leather on the top and near the faces, but synthetic in other locations so read the upholstery information. Ignore the marketing name and take a look at the actual specification of upholstery.

Just How Comfortable Should a Leather Swivel Arm Chair Be?

Well, that to some extent depends upon what you are going to use it for. If you want the chair to be mostly for light chatting, you will most likely want to use a more upright seat. If it’s intended as your reading/TV chair, perhaps you’d like more depth, more padding, better back support and sufficient room to shift. Notice the interplay between seat depth and height.

This can be wonderfully reclined for some, but supportiveness may be less for others. Remember that soft doesn’t mean comfortable. Construction of the cushion, the degree of support required, postural position, and individual needs.

What Size Swivel Leather Armchair Is Right For You?

Measure before you buy. Always.

There are quite large variations in the size of the products from one to the next.

Example Dimensions

• Wynne by Costco: 29.1″ W × 34.6″ D × 32.7″ H
• Ethan Allen Calia (apartment-sized): 27″ W × 35″ D × 32″ H
• Pottery Barn Westwood: 38″ W × 41″ D × 36.5″ H

Now, that is quite significant for the footprint.

Consider:

• Area of floor space
• Entries and corridors
• Chair width and depth
• Dimensions of the useable seat
• Adequate swivel clearance

This is in particular important when it comes to apartments or small living rooms where there just aren’t many inches to work with.

If you have a smaller room, consider an apartment sized model like the Calia by Ethan Allen, which the manufacturer also refers to as an apartment-sized leather swivel chair with a 360 degree swivel base and narrow arms.

What Kind Of Swivel Leather Armchair Is Best For Your Room?

When the technical details have been clarified, you may proceed with designing.

Modern

Simple shapes, neat lines and restrained bases compliment modern interiors well.

Mid-Century Modern

Scan for rounded shapes, curved lines, sleek proportions, or retro elements.

Barrel

Round or closed shapes help with a more cocooning effect. Costco’s Wynne is a barrel shape modern form.

Club or Traditional

The look of these designs is generally more bulky and may fit into more formal or transitional environments.

Reclining Swivel

A good option if your main goal is to relax, though be sure to judge the recliner mechanism on its own merits, separate from its swiveling capability.

Style is not just about whatever looks good on the web. It’s the style which complements the proportions, colors and furnishings within your room.

Which Color Should You Choose?

It’s more personal than technical, but it still influences how the chair functions in its surroundings.

• Use brown or cognac.
• Black can make a room look more modern and punchier.
• Use camel or tan with warm woods and neutral interiors.
• Gray permit there to be a neutral.
• Cream or lighter leathers may give a more vibrant sheen, but may also demand more attention, based on the leathers and the finish.

A better question might be: “What is going to still look reasonable if you swap out your rug, curtains, or sofa in five years?”

What Is a Reasonable Investment For a Leather Swivel Armchair?

Nothing is intrinsically worth that much. Existing U.S. product within the three categories include a range of budget to luxury and custom furniture.

For example Costco also lists the Wynne as a mass-market leather swivel chair while Ethan Allen’s custom Allyce is priced A lot higher starting at listed price. Ethan Allen has the Allyce now from $2,550 from pages.

What Am I Getting For The Money?

Compare:

• Material quality
• Cushion materials
• Frame construction
• Material and designing specifications
• Swivel mechanism
• Customization
• Warranty
• Delivery service
• Return coin terms

If a chair at a lower price is built to specifications, then this may be a good buy. The same can be said for spending more if the materials used, custom features, craftsmanship or equipment etc. then suit your requirements.

Swivel Chair vs. Stationary Leather Armchair

Still not convinced that a saddle with a swivel is worth the extra cost? Consider how your rooms functions.

Swivel Armchair

Best for:

• Casual seating
• Open floor plan
• Conversation areas
• Changing scenery

Main advantage:

• You can change the orientation without having to move the entire chair.

Leather Armchair in a Fixed Position

Most suitable for:

• Fixed seating arrangements
• Simple traditional layout

Main benefit:

• Simple positioning
• Less moving parts

Both have their merits and disadvantages.

Which is better really depends on how you use the space.

Swivel Chair vs. Recliner

These are two distinct but related functions. It is all about rotation, a swivel chair. The whole design of a recliner is for changing the positioning of the back and/or the foot. A swivel recliner has both.

If social flexibility is your primary concern, then a standard swivel might do the trick. If more extended periods of lounging are what you’re after, then a recliner might be worth thinking about.

Would You Benefit From the Addition of an Ottoman?

An ottoman would be good to lounge on while you are reading a book, watching television or just relaxing. But at the same time it also calls for other space on the floor.

• A large lounge
• A compact lounge

A swivel chair (to add movement without having the practice of an ottomans is a good idea in a small room.) An ottoman may be well in a larger lounge.

Don’t Forget Delivery, Returns, and Warranty

The experience of shopping for furniture doesn’t cease when you “click” “buy”.

Check:

• Cost of shipping
• Expected delivery time
• On-site or white glove delivery
• Assembly requirements
• Return window
• Restock or return fees
• Warranty coverage
• Procedure for a damages claim
• Requirements for doorways and access

These can also be very material to the worth of your transaction. For example, Pottery Barn’s Westwood page now states that their White Glove Service includes “delivery to the room of choice unpacking full assembly and removal of packaging,” at different rates according to the delivery location and order amount.

Same thing, on the custom Allyce page on the Ethan Allen website, Premier In-Home Delivery (inspection, delivery to home, assembly, and placement in home) is mentioned, and on the same page, it also specifies “custom furniture non-returnable” as policy. And that’s why don’t just compare sticker price. Just compare total buying experience.

FAQs

Q. Can leather swivel armchairs provide a comfortable seating experience?

They can in fact offer comfort but that mainly relies on seat depth, cushion construction firmness back support, size, and most importantly, personal tastes. Rather than presuming that all swivel chairs are alike, go ahead to look at the specs to get a better idea.

Q. Do leather swivel chairs pivot all the way around?

Although several models allow for full rotation, you ought to verify this characteristic in the detail description of every leather swivel chair. Among others, Costco’s Wynne, Pottery Barn’s Westwood, Ethan Allen’s Calia, and Allyce come with 360-degree swivel capabilities listed.

Q. Is top-grain leather a better material than genuine leather?

It will vary based on your preferences and the item in question. In general, top-grain leather seems a higher-quality, more uniformly produced leather. But, “genuine leather” is quite a generic descriptor which alone cannot reflect the chair’s overall quality.

Q. Does a swivel leather armchair fit well in a small room?

Definitely, as long as the product’s size and swivel room requirements are suitable. Ethan Allen’s Calia leather armchair is an example of a small footprint design meant for space-saving situations.

Q. What key factors should I look for before making a decision on purchasing a leather swivel chair?

The areas you should focus your attention on are:

• The leather type
• Swivel capability
• Measurement comfort
• The type of frame
• Filling of the cushions
• The price
• Delivery method
• Warranty
• Possibility of a return

Q. Are a swivel chair and a recliner the same things?

Not exactly. A swivel chair allows the user to rotate their direction whereas a recliner is a chair that can adjust the user’s seating position. Sometimes you get chairs that can both spin and recline but you need to make sure whether the separate functions actually operate as advertised.

Q. Is leather-match furniture made with real leather?

Larger portions of the can be leather, in particular on the major parts, but it does not always indicate that every part is. So, you must study in detail the upholstery specification sheet to check where leather is actually used plus other materials.

Key Takings

It does not mean that the most expensive swivel leather armchair is the best. Nor the softest, nor with the nicest product images. It’s a chair that matches your space, your body, your style and how you are actually going to use it.

Begin at the basics.

• Make sure it’s actually leather.
• Is the swivel actually 360 degrees?
• Measure it and measure your space.
• Check seat depth and cushion construction, rather than what looks like it might work.

Then analyze:

• Styling
• Color
• Price
• Delivery
• Warranty
• Added components (ottoman, recliner etc)

Above all, please don’t get stuck on the word “leather”. It’s important to scrutinise what exactly is meant by ‘leather’ from the manufacturer, what surfaces this refers to and also how the chair is built and what you are paying for.

To make the right choice on a large swivel leather armchair, the main considerations are appearance, comfort and suitability within the room environment.

That’s the thing, not finding something that you like the look of on a photo, but something that you will enjoy sitting on everyday.

Additional Resources

• NFM Leather Furniture Buying Guide: Covers leather types, durability, construction, comfort, care, sizing, and value, ideal for supporting your buying advice.
• Pottery Barn Wells Leather Swivel Chair: Provides a real-world example of leather quality, 360° swivel functionality, cushion construction, and frame details.
• CPSC Flammable Fabrics Act Guidance: Provides official U.S. guidance on flammability requirements relevant to upholstered furniture.