Cozy Glider Chairs for Relaxing in Your Living Room

After a long day, sinking into a plush glider chair surrounded by the comfort of home is a little slice of heaven. Glider chairs offer the perfect blend of coziness and gentle motion that beckons you to curl up with a good book, cuddle a little one, or simply enjoy some peaceful moments of solitude. With the right glider chair, your living room can become an oasis of relaxation.

But with so many options on the market, from traditional wooden gliders to contemporary upholstered styles, how do you choose the perfect cozy glider for relaxing in your living room? We'll cover the key benefits, important factors to consider, popular types, decorating and placement tips, and where to shop when looking to add a little cocooning comfort with a glider chair.

The Comforting Benefits of Glider Chairs

Glider chairs got their name from the smooth, gliding motion they provide as you gently rock back and forth. This gentle motion has many benefits that make glider chairs ideal for relaxing in your living room.

• Soothing, rhythmic motion is calming and therapeutic
• Gliding allows for fidget-friendly relaxation
• Oscillating movement engages the mind and body
• Gentle rocking helps lull babies and children to sleep
• Provides comfort for expectant mothers and nursing
• Perfect spot for reading, daydreaming, or conversation

In addition to the calming, gliding motion, glider chairs feature thick cushions and plush padding for superior comfort. Arms, headrests, and lumbar supports on many glider chairs cradle you in relaxation. The enveloping shape wraps you in coziness and warmth.

Types of Glider Chairs for Stylish Lounging

There are a few main types of glider chairs to choose from to fit your living room's style and function.

Traditional Gliders

The most classic style, traditional gliders have a wooden base frame that encloses the bottom of the chair so you can't see the gliding mechanism. The enclosed base gives a sleek, refined look. These gliders may feature rolled or paneled arms, skirted fronts, and tailored cushions. Traditional gliders blend seamlessly into classic and formal living room styles.

Contemporary Gliders

Contemporary gliders have an exposed base, so you can see the metal or wooden gliders that allow the smooth rocking motion. The open base gives a more casual, airy look. These gliders work in modern, transitional, or eclectic home decor styles. Upholstered contemporary gliders feature clean lines and geometric shapes.

Glider Recliners

For the utmost lounging experience, choose a glider recliner that allows you to put your feet up. Glider recliners look like typical upholstered recliners but with a gliding base. The reclining back, extendable footrest, and smooth gliding provide ergonomic comfort.

Ottomans

Pair your glider chair with a matching ottoman to prop up your feet and legs as you gently sway. Round or square gliding ottomans act as footstools and also provide extra seating when needed.

Important Features for Choosing Your Glider

Keep these key factors in mind when selecting a living room glider:

• Size - Measure your space and look for a chair that fits without overwhelming. Scale the chair proportionately to the room.
• Comfort - Test out chairs in person. Look for ample padding, cushioning, and support features.
• Motion - Ensure the gliding motion is smooth and rocks easily without squeaking.
• Durability - Select durable frames that will withstand frequent use and last for years.
• Style - Choose a style that fits your existing decor - from traditional to modern.
• Customization - Pick your own fabric, cushions, and finishes to personalize.

Prime Placement Spots for Living Room Gliders

Strategically place your glider chair in an optimal spot for comfort and visual appeal:

• Near windows - Gaze out while you gently sway in the sunlight.
• By the fireplace - Cozy up next to the warmth and glow.
• In reading nooks - Curl up with a book bathed in natural light.
• In nurseries - Rock your little one in the chair's cradling embrace.
• Facing the TV - Relax into your favorite shows from the comfort of your glider.
• Near end tables - Keep refreshments and devices handy while lounging.

Interior Design Tips for Styling Glider Chairs

A few simple design tricks can take your living room glider chair from basic to beautiful:

• Layer plush throws and pillows for bonus coziness.
• Add a pouf or ottoman as a footrest.
• Incorporate a side table or shelf for convenience.
• Place it near a floor lamp or reading light.
• Choose an on-trend color or pattern to make it pop.
• Include wooden accents for warmth.
• Float it away from walls for flexible usage.
• Pick a chair style that matches your decor - from farmhouse to retro.

Glider Chair Styling Tips from the Pros

Interior designers have some clever tricks for incorporating glider chairs into living room designs:

• Use chairs to divide open concept spaces.
• Add chair pads for plushness and color pops.
• Spray paint or refinish the base for a custom look.
• Repurpose antique chairs by adding new cushions.
• Place chairs near sectionals to create separate spaces for conversation.

Where to Buy Quality Glider Chairs

Find a wide selection of living room-worthy glider chairs at:

• Premium furniture stores
• Baby and children's specialty boutiques
• Big box stores like BuyBuy Baby, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn Kids
• Online retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon
• Direct from manufacturers like Storkcraft, Delta Children, and DaVinci

Test chairs out in person whenever possible to ensure optimal comfort. But popular online stores also offer free shipping and returns to test out chairs at home.

Glider chairs infuse living rooms with soothing motion and plush comfort. Before selecting your perfect chair, focus on choosing the right size, materials, and features to complement your existing space and decor. Factor in durability and customization options as well. Place your glider strategically to take advantage of natural light and views. Then add coordinating accents like pillows, ottomans, and blankets to create a cozy oasis ideal for reading, snuggling little ones, or leisurely rocking as you soak up the calm and comfort of home.