10 Chairs Fit For A Man
A Man's Chair Is His Other Best Friend

One of man’s essentials is his chair. He does much in this chair. He watches sports on his HDTV, he reads his Kindle, he browses Gear Patrol on his laptop, he reads books, he avoids annoying phone calls, he sips on his favorite beverage, he ponders, he thinks.
Stop relegating yourself to the tattered La-Z-Boy you inherited in college, as comfortable as it may be. Sure, you can reupholster it, but that won’t make it a leather bound throne of glorious manhood. I have a worn leather chair that I wouldn’t trade for anything except for one of the chairs below (possibly). It’s taken several years to fully break in, but now fits me like a two-season-worn baseball glove.
Below are ten chairs (thrones, armchairs, recliners, what have you), varying in price and subjective derriere satisfaction, but singular in function: to be a man’s home within a man’s home.
1. Malung Swivel Armchair (IKEA, $169)
Which Man: The man who wants to upgrade from the now ubiquitous POANG chair from IKEA. The Malung is a fantastic, if not a cost-effective upgrade. The seat adjusts as does the reclining angle and can be locked into any position. You’ll need to purchase the matching footstool for a perfect combo, but the Malung is also made of what IKEA calls “easy-care” leather (read: semi-fake). The best part of the Malung is it’s high back for head and neck comfort - something many forget about at the store when sit-testing. The low cost will keep your wallet just as comfortable.
2. Stressless Jazz (Plummers, $3495-$4495)

Which Man: A man who will accept nothing less than utter escape in his chair. Oh, and happens to live on the West Coast, as that’s the only place you’ll find Plummers. The man who buys the Stressless Jazz from Plummers wants contemporary design and he’ll get it with the Jazz (if not a paycheck burning receipt). The two piece construction is incredibly comfortable and though our in-store-only experience allowed for only one (or was it two?) hours of wheel time, it turned out have a high HQWITAN factor (how quickly will I take a nap), perhaps too much so.
3. Plaza Tufted Chair (Costco, $379)
Which Man: The man who wants warmth, without leather. The Plaza Tufted chair looks lifted directly from a Chicago 5 star hotel, but that’s not where you’ll find it. It’s available at Costco (online) and is debit card friendly. You’ll have to purchase the ottoman separately for $189 but it also serves as a spacious storage compartment for you organization fanatics. Best feature: the wide arms which make for good laptop support while you’re watching the latest episode of 30 Rock on Hulu while the game is on.
4. Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman (Design Within Reach, $3699-$4599)

Which Man: The post-modern man (read: the man who lives and breathes Mad Men). This man demands the paradigm to which all chairs are compared. Money is of no object - design, function, and utter satisfaction are. The Walnut & Black leather are the quintessential Eames Lounge Chair style, but it’s also available in a variety of combinations. Before you say “four f%*&ing thousand dollars!”, know that there are quality reproductions available for less than half the price, even if the quality isn’t up to par. Then again, this chair will outlast any style you decide to take on for your entire adult life.
5. Axis Chair (Crate & Barrel, $999)

Which Man: Axis is a near-1.5 width armchair for men who prefer a wider berth to their lounging. The simple design means the Axis will age well, and the microfiber is a great option for those men who never tick off the leather option when purchasing a car. The frame is bench made of kiln-dried hardwood and has a spring suspension beneath its cushion for lasting support. Crate & Barrel has also taken an extra measure by adding “downproof ticking” to give it more “ahhh” factor when you sit down. Two throw pillows are included (your significant other will be proud).
By the way, it’s also available in leather. Snap.
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Amazingly, I own both a college-hand-me-down La-Z-Boy recliner, as well as an Ikea Poang. This feature has shaken me from my relaxation doldrums by 100% slagging my current chair companions. Looks like I need to pony up for an upgrade.
Wow. I would sell all my furniture and be happy with just that Eames chair in my entire house.
I have 2 Eames at home a white on and a black one, and it so nice to just relax and read or watch tv on them.. You should save up and get one
My brother got a fake one for his house and i think they sell them in Portland, Oregon!
Have fun
They have those stressless brand chairs here in the mall and airport, they’re incredibly comfortable. My parents had a nice Eames copy growing up that they gave away to one of my Mom’s 13 siblings, now that I want it I can’t find who has it…sucks.
Sorry guys - you missed it. THE classic chair is the Buster Chair, sold at Restoration Hardware. It’s worth visiting the store just to sit in one of these. Not even the reclining one - but the
’standard” $2500 one. Wow. Just try it out, then I assure you - you’ll be amending your list!
John - I’ve heard of the
Buster Chair. Its definitely one we’ll have to check out for a future review or list. Thanks for the tip.
I got the Axis Chair #5 delivered today. My brother in law has had the chair for 5 years and it still looks brand new. Most comfortable seat in the house… I love it!
Glad to hear you liked the Axis chair. I’ve got an Oxford sleeper/couch from C&B, it’s built like a champ. Next up for me is the Eames Lounger (fingers crossed). Now, where’s that jar of coins…