Size:
Swivel chairs tend to be wider than regular chairs due to the swivel base. Most measure around 40-50 inches wide, meaning you should leave at least 70 inches of space between furniture for a spacious look. However, you can find narrow swivel chairs if that's what you prefer. Narrow swivel chairs usually measure between 30-40 inches wide instead. Remember that the larger your swivel chair is, the comfier it will be. More space to stretch out naturally equals a better lounging experience. Height is important, too. As Leyden Lewis says, a taller back may make a small room appear closed-in, especially if you have low ceilings. On the other hand, a lower back will create a more modern appearance and is best for small spaces.
Material and Maintenance:
Depending on your preference, you can choose a swivel chair with a metal, wooden, or fabric-covered look. Metal swivel chairs automatically have a contemporary appearance, especially when compared to wood and fabric. Mark D. Sikes recommends picking a swivel chair with a base made from a sturdy metal like steel or solid wood. Both of these materials wear better than manufactured wood, making them a good choice if you plan to use your chair often. In terms of seat upholstery, linen and linen-look fabrics may look nice, but they tend to mark easily due to the thinner nature of linen. 100% polyester is the most common material when it comes to upholstery, and you can buy protective fabric spray to help the longevity of your chair.
Style:
A round swivel chair is generally considered to be a modern style, per Kelly Behun. Nevertheless, you can look for different styles to suit any existing décor or preferences - for example, mid-century modern. Though your chair won't have tapered legs due to the swivel base, a swivel chair with a teak wood finish will still give off mid-century modern vibes. Dark wood will also give a swivel chair more of an antique vibe, whereas a bright white swivel chair is unmistakably contemporary. In general, sticking to neutrals is the best solution if you think you may change things up with your décor in the future. This could be with warm neutrals like taupe and beige, or with cool-toned neutrals like gray and white.
Comfort:
You want your round swivel chair to be as comfortable as possible, and Victoria Hagan says the number one thing you should be looking out for is cushioning. Is the back of the chair padded, and how thick is the padding? Medium thickness strikes a balance between aesthetics and comfort, but you might want to choose extra thick padding instead if you prefer an extra plush chair. The same thing applies to the main seat of the chair. Additionally, are the arms thin or thick? If you don't plan to read in your chair, this may not make a difference, but good arm support is crucial to prevent aches and pains.
Support:
Finally, you should look out for the level of support your swivel chair offers. A low back may look edgy, but, if you suffer from lower back aches and pains, a higher back will better suit your needs. This depends on how you sit, too. If you like to curl up, a low to mid back won't be as important, but if you like to sit straight, you'll need better support. Another support factor to consider is making sure you have enough room to swivel around properly in your chair, and if you will have enough head support when leaning backward. It may seem obvious, but ensuring you are supported from all angles is key for a comfortable chair.