What is the purpose of a slipper chair?
A slipper chair is an armless, high-back chair with a low seat, popular in Victorian times. The accent chair is regarded as an occasional chair for high class women, they have large or medium upholstery, turned legs, tufting, and deluxe fabric. Women used the chair specifically to change their slippers or shoes hence the name slipper chair. However in recent times the chair is adapted for broader use.
Features of slipper chair
- Armless
- High-back chair
- Low seat
- Seat height from floor 15 to 17 inches
- Occasional chair
- Large or medium upholstery,
- Turned legs
- Tufting
- Deluxe fabric
- Made specifically to change slippers Adapted for broader use
What is the traditional slipper chair look?
Traditional slipper chairs despite different variations have a distinct look. They are low to the ground, are armless with the classic L-shape. They easily fit in living room corners, bedroom and are perfect dining room side chairs.

Where to use slipper chairs
You will easily transform unused areas with this modest chair, use by a window, or pair with a side table and use in your library. They are perfect for a farmhouse dining room, add to corner of bathroom, or add to living room. Because it has a minimalist profile the chair is a good addition to your bedroom.
The 4 Best Slipper Chair for your home
Where to use the chair
- Farmhouse dining room
- Living room
- Bedroom
- Dresser chair
Types of slipper chair
There are different types of slipper chair based on the design and material finish. Popular ones are North Accent Slipper Chair, Randy Slipper Chair – White, Green
by Safavieh, GDF Studio Kalee Contemporary Fabric Slipper Accent Chair, Tufted Upholstered Slipper Chair, Beige.
Types
- North Accent Slipper Chair
- Randy Slipper Chair – White, Green
- by Safavieh
- GDF Studio Kalee Contemporary Fabric Slipper Accent Chair
- Tufted Upholstered Slipper Chair, Beige.
History of the slipper chairs
The slipper chairs is an ubiquitous, useful, armless low chair that sit close to the ground.This 18th century chair were found in women’s dressing room especially in Royal or upper class dwellings, their primary function was to aid the women wear slippers. This was done with the help of a maid while the madam sat on the chair.
These low-slung upholstery chair were only found in the bedroom until1950s, when an American designer Billy Baldwin brought them out from their lowly state to reconning as living room furniture. He even added box pleats at the bottom to hide their stumpy short legs.
Since their celebrated entry to the living room, they retain their mid century charm and are found in both living room and bedroom with or without box pleats.
How to use slipper chairs at home
Highly versatile the chair has multipurpose applications to fit with your decor. They take up little physical space are upholstered have wide rectangular shape for casual sitting.
Use one with legs showing in a small room beside a window to draw attention to the window. Another useful placement is a slipper chair and side table in a corner of your living room.
To add dramatic effect add throw pillows and match upholstery fabric with the rooms general design. Another useful tip is to cover the chair with accent colors or add a small coffee table.
Material on slipper chair
The type of form factor or upholstery material depends on the manufacturer. Common upholstery material are textile, fabric, 92% polyester/8% spandex, wool, or linen blend, furniture finish rubberwood.
Types of upholstery
- Textile
- Fabric
- 92% polyester/8% spandex
- Wool
- Linen blend
Questions and Answers
Are slipper chairs and sleeper chairs the same?
No slipper chairs are small accent upholstered chair for wearing slipper, however sleeper chair have a feature to turn the chair into a bed.
What is a slipper chair used for?
They are used by women of upper class to sit and wear their slippers
Is a slipper chair comfortable?
Modern slipper chairs are made with plush upholstery making them very comfortable
Can you use a slipper chair as a desk chair?
Yes, you can use a slipper chair as a desk chair solong there is height conformity.
What is a Victorian slipper chair?
A Victorian slipper chair has shorter legs than modern ones. The seat from the floor is 15 inches as opposed to modern slippers 17 to 18 inches.