Swivel Chair vs. Gliding Chair: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Est. Reading Time: 7 Mins

Choosing the right motion chair can make a big difference in how comfortable and functional your living space feels. Swivel chairs and gliding chairs are both popular options at La-Z-Boy, as they offer movement, comfort, and flexibility, but serve slightly different purposes.

As Magaly del Castillo, Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Cyrville, explains, “Some clients love the freedom of a swivel chair, while others are drawn to the calming motion of a glider. The best choice really depends on how you plan to use the chair and where it will live in your home.”

In this article, we break down the key differences between swivel chairs and gliding chairs, including how they move, where they are most effective, and which option might best suit your lifestyle.

Key Takeaways:

• Swivel chairs rotate a full 360 degrees, making them ideal for multitasking and open-concept spaces
• Gliding chairs move in a smooth, linear motion, offering a calming experience that many people prefer for relaxation or nurseries
• Both options are available with recline, swivel, and power upgrades at La-Z-Boy
• Room size and layout play a major role in choosing the right motion chair
• Motion sensitivity and mobility needs can influence whether a swivel or a glider feels more comfortable
  
  

In This Article...

• What Is a Swivel Chair?
• What Is a Gliding Chair?
• Key Differences Between Swivel and Gliding Chairs
• Pros and Cons Summary
• Examples of Swivel and Gliding Chairs at La-Z-Boy

What Is a Swivel Chair?

A swivel chair is built on a rotating base that allows the seat to turn a full 360 degrees. This makes it easy to shift your focus from one area of the room to another without standing up or dragging furniture across the floor.

At La-Z-Boy, swivel chairs are available in both low, round bases and high-leg swivel designs, giving you flexibility in both style and function. These chairs are often used as accent seating in living rooms, open-concept spaces, or reading corners.

Magaly notes, “Swivel chairs are great for homes where one chair needs to serve multiple purposes, like facing the TV, turning toward guests, or looking into another room.”

For more on La-Z-Boy’s swivel chairs, explore our Top 5 Best-Selling Swivel Accent Chairs.

What Is a Gliding Chair?

A gliding chair offers motion through a smooth back-and-forth glide along a fixed track. Unlike rocking chairs, which move in an arc, gliders stay level with the floor, creating a gentle and consistent motion.

This type of movement is often associated with relaxation and is especially popular in nurseries, bedrooms, and quiet sitting areas. Many La-Z-Boy gliding chairs can also be upgraded with a swivel base, giving you the option to both glide and rotate.

“As soon as people sit in a glider, they notice how calm and controlled the motion feels,” Magaly says. “It is very different from a rocker or swivel, and that matters for some households.”

Gliding recliners are not to be confused with rocker recliners. For a deeper dive, see our comparison of Rocking vs. Gliding Recliners.

Key Differences Between Swivel Chairs and Gliding Chairs

1. Range of Motion

Swivel chairs are designed to rotate fully, allowing users to turn 360 degrees with minimal effort. This level of freedom makes them especially useful in open-concept layouts, where you may want to pivot between a television, conversation area, or kitchen without standing up or moving the chair itself. They are often chosen as accent chairs because they adapt easily to changing room dynamics.

Gliding chairs, by contrast, move in a controlled, linear back-and-forth motion. This limited range of movement creates a predictable and steady experience, which many people associate with relaxation.

Rather than encouraging interaction in multiple directions, gliders are designed to promote calm and consistency, making them feel more grounded and intentional in how they move.

2. Comfort and Motion Sensitivity

While swivel chairs offer flexibility, that same freedom of movement can feel unexpected for some users.

“If someone is sensitive to motion or has balance concerns, a swivel chair might move more than they expect,” Magaly explains. Even small shifts in body weight can cause the chair to rotate slightly, which may be distracting or uncomfortable for certain individuals.

Gliding chairs tend to feel more controlled and secure, which is why they are often preferred in nurseries or quiet spaces. The smooth forward-and-back motion is easier to anticipate and less likely to cause dizziness or disorientation.

For added stability, some gliders can also be equipped with stabilizers, making them a comfortable option for users who value gentle motion without surprises.

3. Functionality and Upgrades

At La-Z-Boy, both swivel and gliding chairs can offer recline functionality, and many models are available with power upgrades depending on the frame. These upgrades may include power reclining, power headrest, or lumbar support, enhancing comfort and usability.

However, not all recliners are compatible with swivel bases. Wall recliners, for example, rely on staying close to the wall and cannot swivel without sacrificing their space-saving function. It is also important to note that the leg rest must be fully closed for any chair to swivel or glide properly.

Understanding these limitations helps ensure you choose a chair that fits both your comfort needs and room layout.

4. Room Layout and Space Planning

Both swivel and gliding chairs require adequate clearance to function properly, but they serve different spatial purposes. “They do not need massive rooms,” Magaly says, “but they need enough space to function without feeling cramped.” A chair that cannot move freely loses much of its intended benefit.

Swivel chairs are often used as transitional or accent seating, especially between living spaces or in corners where flexibility is useful. Gliding chairs, on the other hand, tend to work best in dedicated relaxation zones, such as nurseries, reading nooks, or quiet living room corners.

Choosing the right option depends on how you plan to use the space and how much movement you want within it.

Pros and Cons Comparison Table

In summary, swivel chairs prioritize flexibility, interaction, and adaptability, making them ideal for social and multifunctional spaces. Gliding chairs, by contrast, focus on comfort, rhythm, and calm, which is why they are often chosen for relaxation-focused environments.

Examples of Swivel and Gliding Chairs at La-Z-Boy

Seeing real product examples can make it much easier to understand how swivel chairs and gliding chairs perform in everyday living spaces. Each motion type serves a different purpose, and La-Z-Boy offers several well-known models that highlight these differences clearly.

Pinnacle Gliding Recliner

The Pinnacle Gliding Recliner is a favourite for shoppers who value comfort-first seating with a calming motion. Its tall back, rolled arms, and smooth gliding action make it especially appealing for nurseries, reading corners, or living rooms where relaxation is the priority.

Because it also reclines, the Pinnacle works well for extended sitting, offering support for the back and legs without feeling bulky in the room.

To learn more about the Pinnacle Gliding Recliner, take a look at this article.

Reegan Swivel Chair

The Reegan Swivel Chair highlights what makes swivel seating so practical. With full 360-degree rotation and a high-leg design, it allows users to easily shift their focus between conversations, the television, or nearby spaces without moving the chair itself.

Its clean lines and elevated base give it a more modern look, making it a popular choice for open-concept layouts and multifunctional rooms.

To learn more about the Reegan High-Leg Swivel Chair take a look at this article.

Midtown Swivel Gliding Chair

The Midtown Swivel Gliding Chair combines the best of both worlds by offering both swivel and gliding motion in a compact footprint.

This makes it an excellent option for smaller living rooms, condos, or nurseries where space is limited but gentle movement is still desired. Its smoother glide provides a calming feel, while the swivel feature adds everyday flexibility.

To learn more about the Midtown Swivel Glider Chair, take a look at this article.

Roxie Swivel Gliding Chair

The Roxie Swivel Gliding Chair leans toward a more casual and relaxed style, with a deeper seat and softer silhouette. It’s well-suited for family rooms or informal living spaces where comfort is key.

The ability to both swivel and glide allows Roxie to adapt easily to different activities, whether you’re relaxing solo or engaging with others in the room.

To learn more about the Roxie Swivel Glider Recliner, take a look at this article.

What's Next?

You now have a clearer idea of the differences between swivel and gliding furniture. We hope that this article will guide you in making the right choice for you!

As you begin shopping, take a look at some of our Best Selling Accent Chairs to see what sparks your interest.

You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston. You can also schedule a visit online before coming in.

Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how our furniture could fit in your home design. To learn more about La-Z-Boy accent chairs in general, take a look at our Comprehensive Accent Chair Buyer’s Guide.

Related Articles:

Sofa vs. Sectional: Which One is Right For You?

Stationary vs. Reclining Furniture: Which One is Right for You?