What is a small chair called?

Not every room has space for a big armchair. Small chairs fill corners, add seats when guests arrive, and give kids a place of their own. The trouble is that “small chair” is not a single type. Depending on its shape and job, it may be called a slipper chair, side chair, accent chair, stool or something else. Here is a guide to the common names and where each one fits.

Small upholstered chairs

Slipper chair. A compact, armless upholstered chair that sits fairly low to the floor, often with a tall back. It was traditionally used for putting on shoes and slippers, which gave it its name. Without arms, it takes up less space than most chairs, so it suits bedrooms, small living rooms and corners.

Accent or occasional chair. A chair chosen mainly to add style: a bold fabric, an interesting shape or a striking frame. Many are small, and “occasional” signals that they are used now and then, for example when guests visit. Some are comfortable for long sits; others are mostly decorative.

Barrel chair. A small chair with a curved back that wraps into the arms. It feels cozy and fits neatly into corners or at an angle to a sofa.

Small armchair. Many mid-century and modern armchairs have slim arms, raised legs and compact frames. They give you arms to rest on without the bulk. See more types of armchairs.

Small chairs with a visible frame

Side chair. An armless chair with a visible frame and an open or solid back, like most dining chairs. Side chairs are often sold in sets of two, four or six. In a living room they can sit beside a sofa and move to the table when you need extra seats.

Parsons chair. A simple, fully upholstered armless chair with straight lines and a high back. It is slim enough to slip between other furniture.

Windsor chair. A wooden chair with a spindle back and shaped seat. Side-chair versions without arms are light and easy to move.

Clear or acrylic chairs. Chairs made from transparent plastic take up very little visual space, which makes a small room feel more open.

Stools, folding chairs and children’s chairs

Stool. A seat with no back, and usually no arms. Vanity stools tuck under a dressing table, step stools double as seating, and counter or bar stools suit kitchens.

Ottoman or pouf. A padded footstool that also works as a low seat. A pouf is a soft, usually round version.

Folding chair. A chair that collapses flat for storage. It is ideal for extra guests, outdoor events and small apartments.

Child’s chair. A chair scaled down for young children, with a lower seat and smaller frame. These are often sold with a small table for play or crafts.

Rocking chair. Not always small, but compact rockers exist for nurseries and porches.

How to choose a small chair

• Measure the space, including room to walk past and to pull the chair out.
• Go armless or open-frame if space is very tight. Raised legs and see-through materials help a room feel bigger.
• Think about time. For a few minutes at a time, a stool or slipper chair is fine. For reading, look for a supportive back and enough padding. Our guide to what makes a chair comfortable explains what to check.
• Match the room. A small chair can blend in with the rest of your furniture or become a bright accent.
• Consider who will sit there. Adults need a seat height that lets their feet rest flat. Children need a chair sized for them.

Where small chairs work best

In a bedroom, a slipper chair or vanity stool gives you somewhere to sit and dress. See what a bedroom chair is called. In a living room, a pair of small accent or barrel chairs can face the sofa without crowding the space. For the chair that sits right beside a sofa, see what a couch chair is called. In entryways and hallways, a slim side chair or bench gives you a place to put on shoes.

Whatever its name, a good small chair earns its spot by being comfortable enough for its job and small enough for its space.