A lounge chair is made for one simple thing: sitting back and relaxing. But you may see many names for the same type of chair when you shop.
It may be called a lounge chair, easy chair, armchair, accent chair, or club chair. Some styles have even more specific names, such as a chaise lounge or recliner.
I find this can make furniture shopping a bit confusing. The good news is that the names often give you a clue about the chair’s shape, use, and comfort.
In this guide, I’ll explain what a lounge chair is called, how the common names differ, and which terms to use when looking for one.
What Is a Lounge Chair Called?
A lounge chair is often called an armchair, easy chair, accent chair, or club chair.
The exact name depends on the chair’s design. A classic lounge chair is usually a soft, single-seat chair made for relaxing. It often has a wide seat, a low or normal back, and armrests.
Some lounge chairs are made for reading. Others are made for watching TV or resting after a long day.
So, there is not just one name for every lounge chair.
The term “lounge chair” is more about how the chair is used than one exact shape.
What Is a Lounge Chair?
A lounge chair is a single-seat chair made for comfort and relaxed sitting.
Unlike a dining chair, it is not mainly made for sitting at a table. It usually has more padding and a deeper seat.
Many lounge chairs have armrests. Some have a high back, while others have a low and wide shape.
I think the key idea is simple: a lounge chair gives you a place to sit and relax for a longer time.
It can work in a living room, bedroom, reading corner, home office, or quiet space.
9 Common Names for a Lounge Chair
The name can change based on the chair’s style. Here are some common terms you may see.
1. Armchair
An armchair is one of the most common names linked to a lounge chair.
It is a single chair with armrests on both sides. It can be soft and deep, or more upright and firm.
Many living room chairs fall into this group.
Not every armchair is a lounge chair, though. Some armchairs are made for dining, work, or formal sitting.
2. Easy Chair
An easy chair is another name for a chair made for comfort.
The name comes from its relaxed purpose. It is often padded and has a soft seat and back.
You may see the term in older furniture listings or traditional furniture stores.
An easy chair can look very much like a classic lounge chair.
3. Accent Chair
An accent chair is a single chair that adds style or extra seating to a room.
It can also be a lounge chair.
The main difference is the purpose of the name. “Accent chair” focuses more on the chair’s role in the room. “Lounge chair” focuses more on comfort and relaxed use.
An accent chair can be firm and upright. A lounge chair is more likely to invite you to sit back.
4. Club Chair
A club chair is usually a deep, wide armchair with a strong and comfortable shape.
It often has thick padding and a large back. Leather is also common in classic club chair designs.
A club chair can be used as a lounge chair because it is made for relaxed sitting.
However, the two terms are not exact matches.
“Club chair” describes a more specific style, while “lounge chair” is a wider term.
5. Reading Chair
A reading chair is designed for sitting with a book, tablet, or other reading material.
It may have a supportive back and comfortable seat. Some models also have wide arms where you can rest your hands.
A reading chair can be a lounge chair if it has the right shape.
When I think about a reading chair, I pay close attention to seat depth and back support. A chair that is too deep can make it harder to sit upright for reading.
6. Recliner
A recliner is a chair that lets you lean the back backward. Some models also raise a footrest.
Many recliners are used as lounge chairs.
The key difference is movement.
A normal lounge chair may have a fixed frame. A recliner has a moving back, footrest, or both.
If you want to stretch out while watching TV, a recliner can be a useful choice.
7. Chaise Lounge
A chaise lounge is a long chair that lets you stretch your legs out.
It is different from a normal lounge chair because it supports more of your body.
Some chaise lounges have one arm. Others have arms on both sides. Some are part of a sectional sofa.
The term can also be written as “chaise longue.”
A chaise lounge needs more floor space than a standard single-seat lounge chair, so room size matters.
8. Barrel Chair
A barrel chair has a rounded back that curves around the sides of the seat.
It gets its name from its shape.
The curved back can create a cozy feel. Many barrel chairs work well as lounge or accent chairs.
This style can also look more compact than a wide club chair, even when the seat is fairly roomy.
9. Occasional Chair
An occasional chair is a general term for a small extra chair used when needed.
It may sit in a living room, bedroom, entry area, or office.
Some occasional chairs are lounge chairs. Others are more upright.
The term is useful when you want extra seating but do not need a large sofa or heavy chair.
Lounge Chair vs. Armchair
These two terms are easy to mix up.
An armchair is any chair with armrests. A lounge chair is usually designed for relaxed sitting.
This means one chair can be both.
For example, a deep padded armchair can also be a lounge chair. But a stiff dining armchair would not normally be called a lounge chair.
The main difference is the intended use.
If comfort and relaxation are the focus, “lounge chair” is often the better term.
Lounge Chair vs. Accent Chair
An accent chair is chosen partly for its look.
It may add color, shape, or texture to a room. It can also provide an extra seat.
A lounge chair is more focused on relaxed use.
Some chairs fit both groups.
If you are shopping for a chair for daily reading or TV time, look beyond the word “accent.” Check the seat depth, cushion, back angle, and arm height.
A pretty chair is not always a comfortable chair.
Lounge Chair vs. Recliner
A lounge chair can be fixed or movable.
A recliner is made to change position.
That is the main difference.
A recliner can be useful if you want to raise your feet or lean far back. A fixed lounge chair may be better if you want a simpler look and less moving hardware.
Think about how you sit before choosing between them.
Lounge Chair vs. Chaise Lounge
The biggest difference is length.
A lounge chair normally gives you one regular seat. A chaise lounge gives you space to stretch your legs.
A chaise can be great for reading, resting, or taking a short break.
But it also takes more floor space.
For a small room, a standard lounge chair may be easier to place. For a large bedroom or open living room, a chaise can create a more relaxed seating area.
Why Do Lounge Chairs Have So Many Names?
Furniture names are not always strict.
A brand may call a chair a lounge chair. Another brand may call a similar design an accent chair or armchair.
Style also changes the name.
A low chair with a wide seat may be called a lounge chair. A rounded version may be called a barrel chair. A reclining version may be called a recliner.
This is why I do not rely on one name when shopping.
I look at the actual measurements and design.
The product photos can help too, but the dimensions tell you more about how the chair will fit in your room.
What Should You Look for in a Lounge Chair?
Start with the way you plan to use it.
If you want to read, look for good back support and a seat that lets you sit in a natural position.
If you want to watch TV, you may prefer a deeper seat or a reclined back.
If the chair is mainly for guests, style and size may matter more.
Also check the floor space.
A lounge chair can look small in a large showroom or online photo. Once it is in a small living room, the same chair may feel much bigger.
Measure the width and depth before you buy.
Where Can You Use a Lounge Chair?
A lounge chair can work in many parts of a home.
Living Room
A lounge chair can add one more comfortable seat without adding another sofa.
Place it near a coffee table, side table, or floor lamp.
Bedroom
A chair can create a quiet spot for reading or relaxing.
A smaller model may work best if the room already has a large bed and storage furniture.
Home Office
A lounge chair can give you a place to take a break from your desk.
This can be useful when you want to read or rest without sitting at your work station.
Reading Corner
A lounge chair and a small lamp can make a simple reading spot.
Add a small table if you need a place for a book or drink.
Living Space Near a Window
A comfortable chair near a window can create a nice place to sit during quiet parts of the day.
Just make sure the chair does not block the main walking path.
How Do I Know Which Lounge Chair Name to Search?
Use the name that matches the style you want.
Search for “lounge chair” if you want a broad range of relaxed chairs.
Search for “armchair” if you want a chair with arms.
Search for “club chair” if you want a deep, padded style.
Search for “recliner” if you want a chair that moves.
Search for “chaise lounge” if you want to stretch your legs.
Search for “reading chair” if reading is the main use.
Using several terms can help you find more choices.
My Take on Lounge Chair Names
I think the simplest way to understand these names is to focus on the chair’s purpose.
A lounge chair is mainly about relaxed sitting. An armchair is defined by its arms. An accent chair is often chosen to add style. A recliner moves, while a chaise lounge gives you room to stretch out.
There can be overlap between these types.
So, when I shop, I look past the name and check the shape, size, seat, back, and use. That gives me a much clearer idea of whether the chair will actually work in my space.
FAQs
What is another name for a lounge chair?
Common names include armchair, easy chair, accent chair, and club chair. The exact name depends on the chair’s design and purpose.
Is a lounge chair the same as an armchair?
Not always. An armchair has armrests, while a lounge chair is mainly made for relaxed sitting. One chair can be both.
What is the difference between a lounge chair and a recliner?
A recliner has a moving back or footrest. A lounge chair may be fixed and is usually designed for relaxed sitting without that movement.
Is a chaise lounge a lounge chair?
A chaise lounge is a type of lounge seating, but it has a longer shape. It lets you stretch your legs out instead of sitting in a normal chair position.
What should I call a lounge chair when shopping?
“Lounge chair” is a good broad search term. You can also try armchair, club chair, reading chair, recliner, or chaise lounge based on the style you want.
Conclusion
So, what is a lounge chair called?
It can have many names, including armchair, easy chair, accent chair, club chair, reading chair, recliner, and chaise lounge. These names often describe different shapes or uses.
The most important thing is not the label. Look at the chair’s size, seat depth, back support, arms, and overall design.
Once you know what type of sitting you want, finding the right lounge chair becomes much easier.