I Test Furniture for a Living, and This Cozy Pottery Barn Accent Chair Is the Best for Small Spaces (It’s on Sale!)

I test dozens of pieces of furniture on a monthly basis for AT’s Personal Shopper series, and the cool thing about looking at furniture in New York City specifically is that retailers cater to shoppers’ small-space lifestyles. As a result, I see a lot of convertible sofas and drop-leaf dining tables on showroom floors, and I’m frequently impressed by the versatility and functionality of new launches.

When it comes to accent chairs, I predominantly see oversized models designed for lounging. Even the swivel chairs that are currently popular usually take up a good chunk of floor space, so they’re not exactly practical for city apartments. That is, aside from Pottery Barn’s Gideon Chair. This cute and cozy swivel is perfect for just about any space, big or small, and is easily my top accent chair pick for every home. Keep reading to see what makes the Gideon such a must-have for any room that could use some extra seating.

The first thing I noticed about the Gideon chair when testing Pottery Barn’s accent chairs was its rounded shape. Like a lot of swivel chairs, this one has a curved silhouette, thanks to its barrel back design. It measures just 34 inches wide and 35 inches deep, so it takes up minimal space and has a relatively normal seat depth. In other words, when you sit down on it you won’t be totally upright, but you also don’t have to recline all the way to meet its back.

I did find the swivel base to be a bit tough; I had to put in some effort to gain momentum. But it’s still a prime reading spot, nonetheless. What’s more, the Gideon is available in 50 upholstery fabrics, including performance fabrics, so you can tailor its aesthetic to your interior decor style. Currently the chair is on sale in a lovely floral fabric, which is perfect for those who are after a vintage-inspired aesthetic.

It goes without saying that I love how compact the Gideon chair is. My initial review of it reads, “Even if you think you don’t have any more space to spare, I’m certain you could still find a spot to accommodate this 34-inch-wide seat,” and I still stand by that! You can stick the chair in an empty corner of your bedroom or even in a hallway. You might even grab two to position opposite your sofa. Because the Gideon has a firm back and medium-firm seat, it’s convenient for a variety of activities, including working, reading, or just hanging out. You won’t feel like you’re sinking into or being swallowed up by the chair — even if its arms make you feel enveloped. That being said, if you sit in the chair and find that you could use some extra lumbar support, you can always add an accent pillow.

I was also happy to find that the chair has a removable seat cushion, which will come in handy for cleaning. Simply lift the cushion to vacuum up any crumbs and keep your chair in tip-top shape. If you have pets or kids, a performance fabric will further ensure that your chair stays in good condition amid daily use.

No matter what kind of home you live in, I can practically guarantee that the Gideon will elevate both the look of your living space and your day-to-day comfort. It’s a no-brainer where seating is concerned, and it won’t overwhelm your space. In short, it’s perfect.

Buy: Gideon Swivel Chair, $949