Tub Chair

A tub chair is a stylish, rounded armchair with a high back and curved sides, designed to cradle the sitter in comfort. The signature “tub” shape creates an intimate, enveloping seating experience, making it ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, lounges, or reading corners.

In simple terms, a tub chair combines comfort, elegance, and versatility. Here’s why Australians love it: its compact yet plush design suits both small apartments and expansive lounge areas, making it a perfect blend of practicality and style.

Tub chairs can be upholstered in fabric, leather, velvet, or faux leather and often feature cushioned seats for long-lasting comfort. They are functional statement pieces that enhance any interior while providing supportive seating.

Types and Styles of Tub Chairs in Australia

Australian interiors offer a variety of tub chair designs to suit diverse tastes and spaces.

1. Classic Upholstered Tub Chair

• Curved, fully upholstered frame

• Comfortable cushioning for long seating sessions

• Works in living rooms or bedrooms

Classic styles suit traditional, Hamptons, and modern interiors alike.

2. Modern Minimalist Tub Chair

• Sleek lines with metal or timber legs

• Neutral upholstery or leather finishes

• Compact and visually light

Ideal for contemporary Australian apartments where space is at a premium.

3. Velvet Tub Chair

• Soft, luxurious velvet upholstery

• Rich colours like emerald, navy, or blush

• Tufted or smooth back options

Velvet tub chairs are perfect statement pieces for stylish lounge rooms.

4. Leather or Faux Leather Tub Chair

• Durable and easy to clean

• Adds a modern or industrial edge

• Suited for family rooms, offices, or studies

Leather options are both practical and elegant for high-traffic areas.

5. Tub Chair with Swivel Base

• Rotating functionality

• Adds playful, flexible seating

• Great for living rooms, lounges, or home offices

Swivel tub chairs combine comfort with mobility and convenience.

6. Compact or Kid-Friendly Versions

• Smaller scale for children’s rooms or casual corners

• Bright colours or soft fabrics

• Durable and easy to clean

These versions make tub chairs suitable for all ages and spaces.

How to Choose the Right Tub Chair

Selecting a tub chair involves balancing comfort, design, and space considerations.

1. Measure Your Space

• Ensure the chair fits without overcrowding

• Leave at least 50–60 cm around it for movement

• Consider ceiling height and room scale

Proper spacing ensures comfort and maintains visual balance.

2. Choose Upholstery Carefully

• Fabric: soft, versatile, and colour-rich

• Velvet: luxurious and tactile, ideal for statement seating

• Leather/Faux Leather: practical, durable, and easy to clean

Material choice affects both style and maintenance.

3. Consider the Function

• Relaxation, reading, or occasional seating?

• Swivel base for flexible use in lounge areas or offices

• Compact tub chairs for corners, small rooms, or bedrooms

The main reason Australians love tub chairs is that they’re as functional as they are stylish.

4. Match Interior Style

• Neutral tones for modern or Scandinavian interiors

• Bold colours for statement or eclectic interiors

• Wood or metal legs to coordinate with existing furniture

Tub chairs should complement your room without overpowering it.

5. Prioritise Comfort

• Seat height and depth should support relaxed seating

• Back and arm curvature should cradle the body

• Cushion firmness depends on personal comfort preference

Comfortable tub chairs encourage long, relaxed seating sessions.

Benefits and Use Cases of Tub Chairs

Tub chairs are versatile furniture pieces with numerous benefits in Australian homes:

1. Compact Luxury

Perfect for apartments or small lounge areas, offering both comfort and style without taking up excessive floor space.

2. Statement Seating

Velvet, bold colours, or unique shapes make tub chairs a focal point in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies.

3. Flexible Functionality

• Reading nook or corner chair

• Extra lounge seating

• Swivel options for dynamic living spaces

Tub chairs adapt to multiple household uses.

4. Ergonomic Comfort

Curved sides and cushioned seats support posture and create a feeling of being “enveloped,” making it ideal for relaxing.

5. Kid-Friendly Options

Compact and upholstered versions are safe and practical for children’s rooms or casual living spaces.

House of Isabella Tub Chair Recommendations

House of Isabella Australia offers a premium range of tub chairs that combine comfort, style, and quality.

Why Choose House of Isabella

• Large in-stock catalogue of designer tub chairs

• Fast delivery Australia-wide from East and West Coast warehouses

• Buy Now, Pay Later with Afterpay & Zip for convenient payments

• Exclusive, unique designs not available elsewhere

• Australian-based customer care for expert advice

Featured Collections

• Florabelle Collection: Plush, luxurious tub chairs with elegant design

• Zaffero: Sleek, modern styles with metal or timber bases

• Emac & Lawton: Timeless upholstery in neutral or classic tones

• Gallery Home: Functional yet stylish chairs for everyday living

• Café Lighting & Living: Compact and versatile tub chairs for smaller spaces

• OneWorld Collection: Bold and statement-making designs for high-impact interiors

House of Isabella ensures that every tub chair combines comfort, functionality, and visual appeal, perfect for modern Australian living.

Tub Chair Trends for 2025 (Australia)

1. Curved and Cocooning Shapes

Tub chairs with pronounced curves and enveloping designs are trending, promoting relaxation and comfort.

2. Statement Colours and Fabrics

Velvet in jewel tones, blush pinks, and deep blues are popular, alongside neutral and earthy palettes.

3. Metal and Timber Leg Contrasts

Mixing metal or timber legs with upholstered tubs adds texture and contemporary appeal.

4. Swivel and Modular Options

Swivel bases are rising in popularity for multi-purpose living areas and open-plan Australian homes.

5. Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly fabrics, recycled materials, and long-lasting upholstery are increasingly sought after.

Tub Chair Styling Advice

1. Create a Reading Nook

Pair a tub chair with a small side table, lamp, and a soft throw for a cosy reading corner.

2. Mix Textures

Combine velvet upholstery with leather sofas, timber coffee tables, or metal accents for a layered look.

3. Position Strategically

Place in corners, near windows, or beside beds to maximise space and visual impact.

4. Accessorise with Throws and Cushions

Add throws or cushions to enhance comfort and tie the chair into your room’s colour palette.

5. Combine with Ottomans

Pair a tub chair with a matching storage ottoman for extra comfort and storage in one stylish set.

Related Glossary Terms

• Armchair

• Accent Chair

• Velvet Armchair

• Lounge Chair

• Swivel Chair

• Compact Seating

Disclaimer

Mentions of brands such as Florabelle, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton and others are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands.