The Chic West Elm Chair That Made My Tiny Apartment 100x More Inviting

<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/esteban?utm_source=yahoosyndication&utm_medium=referral-distro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Esteban Cortez;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Esteban Cortez</a></span> <span class="copyright">Credit: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/esteban?utm_source=yahoosyndication&utm_medium=referral-distro" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Esteban Cortez;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Esteban Cortez</a></span>

It’s not every day that I walk into West Elm and actually buy something. In fact, I can probably count on one hand how many times that’s happened. But, oh, how I love to browse. The store’s displays are always so beautifully curated, and there’s just something about touching every piece of furniture — feeling the textures, the cushioning, the sturdiness — that I can’t resist. That’s actually the inspiration behind our Personal Shopper series here at AT. We visit different home stores to explore and see what’s new, and honestly, it’s both our job and a lot of fun!

West Elm Penn Chair
West Elm Penn Chair

West Elm Penn Chair

West Elm

$399

Buy Now

What Is the Penn Chair?

West Elm’s Penn Chair is the kind of piece every home needs. Its modern style combines clean lines, a sleek design, and most importantly, comfortable seating. But it’s not too modern — you know, the kind that feels anything but cozy? This chair is different. It’s inviting, like the perfect spot to throw on a blanket and enjoy a cup of coffee. The dark metal legs give it a refined edge, but it’s the slightly curved arms and the gorgeous upholstery that truly make it stand out. No surprise it’s a bestseller!

Perfectly sized for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, or cozy reading nooks, this chair is just the right spot to curl up with a book. In fact, it’s become a favorite on “Reading Tok” for that very reason! Available in four colors with options in velvet, chenille, and woven fabrics, there’s bound to be one that suits your style.

West Elm Penn Chair
Credit: Haley Lyndes Credit: Haley Lyndes

Why I Love the Penn Chair

Truth be told, if my living room had space for a chair like this, I would have bought it myself. But with my oversized couch, there’s just no room to add a chair to the mix. So, I happily cheered on my friend as she purchased the Penn Chair in the Melange Weave, Stone White color. It was the only one available in the store, but I knew it would be perfect for her space. Sure enough, she loves it — it was exactly what her empty corner was missing. It’s the ideal blend of an accent chair and something she’ll actually use, not just for show.

But the big question: Is it actually comfortable? After asking my friend — who’s had it for a month — the answer is a resounding yes. It’s incredibly comfortable. In fact, she loved it so much that she bought the matching Penn Ottoman! If that’s not further proof that this chair is a must-have for your home, I don’t know what is. You can even buy them as a set of two.

Buy: West Elm Penn Chair, $399 
Buy: West Elm Penn Ottoman, $127.20 (originally $159) 

Further Reading

I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered

We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room