What Is A Papasan Chair

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
16 min read

Many people, for example, have no idea what a papasan chair is. Papasan chairs, also known as nest chairs or moon chairs, became commonplace in the late 1970s and could be found in the far reaches of our homes. They are a wonderful addition to any interior design scheme.

When picking out home furnishings, we always want something of high quality that can be used for years to come. As a result, we won’t be purchasing anything that won’t last longer than a few months. However, we also take into account how it looks and if it complements the style of our home.

It’s great when we can relax in something that’s also aesthetically pleasing. When you just want to kick back and relax, you need a chair that will do the trick. The furniture you choose can help you unwind.

Papasan chairs are comfortable, durable, and worth the price. We gave you all the info you needed to make an informed decision about buying one.

Why Is It Called A Papasan Chair?

Papasan chairs have been around for centuries and have their origins in the Philippines and Japan. The base of this large, round chair is firm and stable. The original version of this chair was crafted using traditional rattan, a renewable palm of natural fiber indigenous to the aforementioned nations.

The distinctive bowl shape of this padded seat is a trademark. The origin of Papasan chairs is traced back to the Philippines in the 1970s, the article claims. However, the name’s origin lies in the merging of two Japanese words: “papa” (Father in English) and “san” (elder male or father in Japanese).

Papasan Chair | Pottery Barn Teen

The chair, by whatever name it is known, is essentially a simplification of a design element that originated in Asian culture. Modern papasan chairs are more compact and flexible in terms of redesign. From its original, antiquated form, it has developed and improved.

These days, the chair’s finish can be either plastic or metal, depending on the manufacturer. The company recognized the need to modernize and reimagine the product so that it could appeal to a wider audience.

Those who prefer a more bohemian style are more likely to use papasan chairs in their homes. The updates provided a lighter and more relaxed sensation. It also comes in a wide variety of styles to suit your personal taste.

How Do Papasan Chairs Work? 

Papasan chairs can be purchased in sets of three or four pieces. It includes the frame, a big cushion, a basket, and a cover for that cushion. The Papasan chair doesn’t require any special tools or skills to assemble, and you can do it in a matter of minutes.

The chair’s foundation, the base has two circular cutouts. The next step is to position the larger circular opening above the floor and the smaller circular opening below it. This is where the padded basket will go.

The next step is tossing in the pillows and cushions. A lap blanket is another option for embellishment.

There may be times when you are unsure of the best possible placement. Because Papasan chairs are so lightweight, this won’t be an issue. It can be easily relocated from one location to another.

The cushion cover is easily removable so you can swap it out for one in a different color or material if you so choose. It’s simple to style because you can incorporate whatever you like. A Papasan chair is perfect for unwinding in comfort with a good book.

What to consider before buying a papasan chair?

Papasan chairs come in many styles, so picking one is a matter of personal preference. Since then, the building’s distinctive bowl shape has remained. But the construction methods and materials have improved over time.

The rattan Papasan chair is a classic option because of its sturdy base. The frame is also made of stainless steel.

This is great for both indoor and outdoor use due to its durability. This is also why it is so long-lasting and resistant to the elements.

Cushions for indoor use can be made from anything comfortable. Cushions made of polyester are a good choice if you plan to use your Papasan chair outside. Papasan chairs, which can be hung like a hammock, offer an alternative design.

Buying a chair is a good idea if it provides both stability and comfort. Think about how it fits, how long the materials will last, and how comfortable they are. Just grab a good book and settle in for a relaxing evening.

8 Best Papasan Chairs

1. OSP Home Furnishings Papasan Chair

Main Attributes:

  • Good foundation
  • Traditional in style
  • Premium-grade components

Furnishings for the Home from OSP PapasAn Chair is a contemporary take on a traditional chair design. If you’d like an alternative to a sleeper chair, this is a great option.

The tufted fabrics and wicker papasan chair frame over metal will make you want to relax the moment you lay eyes on it. It can rotate a full sphere. You can “spot clean” this chair with a gentle soap and water. Quite a few reviewers have mentioned how comfortable this chair is for taking naps.

The chair has measurements of 38 by 36.5 by 31.5 inches. It’s a hefty 29 pounds.

This is the papasan chair for you if you care about aesthetics.

Papasan Chair | Pottery Barn Teen

2. Flash Furniture Bowie Papasan Chair

Main Attributes:

  • A cushy pad
  • Ideal for use both inside and outside
  • Excellent powder coating

You can tailor the height, width, and depth of the Flash Furniture Bowie Papasan Chair to your specific requirements with ease.

You can relax in this plush chair while you spin in a full circle. Its foam cushions and bowl shape will have you melting. Its wicker-covered, silver powder-coated frame is extremely long-lasting. Reviewers agreed that this chair offered a “satisfying sit,” but not one that “blew them away” with comfort.

It’s 32 inches wide, 38 inches deep, and 35.5 inches tall. There are 34 pounds of it.

This papasan chair is a great pick if you’re in the market for one.

3. Classic Accessories Papasan Chair

Main Attributes:

  • Excellent workmanship
  • Solid construction that will last
  • Plush pad

The Papasan chair from Classic Accessories is the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. Because of its adaptability, this seat can serve as a substitute for patio chairs.

This cushion is constructed from fade- and water-resistant Montlake FadeSafe fabrics, making it ideal for use in a sunroom or outdoor setting. Cushions have bound interior seams to keep their form and structure intact. You can rest assured that this option will provide years of comfortable padding. If you’re considering this style, please remember that you’re just buying a cushion. If you already own a papasan, this is a replacement for it. A chair frame is not included and must be provided by you.

This chair has been praised by numerous reviewers. The padding is soft and the fabric is smooth, making for an exceptionally relaxing experience.

The price has been criticized by some reviewers for being too high. Some reviewers have also mentioned how uncomfortable the cushion is.

The measurements of this chair are 52525 inches. It has a mass of 13.33 ounces.

This papasan chair is a great pick if you’re in the market for one.

4. Russ160 Outdoor Papasan Chair

Main Attributes:

  • Superb workmanship
  • Built to last
  • Good looking layout

The Russ160 Outdoor Papasan Chair is a stylish and comfortable chair that will add a homey vibe to any room.

Alloy steel forms the frame of this swivel papasan upholstered in wicker. Chair owners attest that setting it up is a breeze. While positive, most commentators agree that the padding could be more forgiving.

This chair has measurements of 37.4 x 35.0 x 30.0 inches.

If you want a modern take on the classic papasan chair, look no further.

5. Christopher Knight Home Nicholas Papasan Chair

Main Attributes:

  • Effortless rotation
  • Supportive Pillow
  • High-Quality Components

The Nicholas Papasan Chair by Christopher Knight Home is a stylish and comfortable option for your home.

This chair’s faux rattan construction and water-resistant upholstery make it ideal for outdoor settings. There is a lot of handiwork put into this chair, so it looks like it belongs in a five-star hotel. It seems like a very sturdy chair that was made to be used every day. The chair appears larger in pictures than it actually is, which is the one and only complaint from reviewers.

It is 35.25 inches wide, 31.75 inches deep, and 29.75 inches tall. It’s 26.9 ounces in weight.

This is an excellent choice if you’re shopping for a papasan chair.

6. Better Homes & Gardens Papasan Chair

The Best Parts:

  • Physically robust and dependable
  • Lovely palette options.
  • A breeze to clean

The Better Homes and Gardens Papasan Chair is an attractive, low-maintenance chair that is both comfortable and stylish. This is a fantastic alternative to chaise lounges if you’re in the market for new seating.

This chair is upholstered in a Sherpa-style fabric and has welted sides for added style. The chair has a brown steel frame and attractive faux wicker details. Few chairs can match its polished country home and relaxed resort vibe. The polyester pillow cover is very low maintenance. The vast majority of reviewers agree that this is a lovely, cozy chair. Many people remarked how comfortable it would be to take a nap in the chair with a friend. Some people have mentioned that if this chair could rotate, it would be ideal.

The overall dimensions of the chair are 44.90 cm x 44.90 cm x 33.50 cm.

This is a stylish alternative to the traditional papasan chair.

7. Urban Shop Faux Fur Chair

Main Attributes:

  • Strong structure
  • Fabric used to make cushions
  • Minimalist layout

The Urban Shop Faux Fur Chair is a low-priced, long-lasting option that adds a high level of relaxation to any room. There is a rainbow of hues from which to select.

Although it has the look and feel of a traditional papasan chair, this modern saucer chair is actually not one. A simple, compact chair that works well in the living room, bedroom, or even the kid’s playroom. This chair really shines in situations where storage is at a premium because of its foldability. Once it’s in place, the locking mechanism will keep it that way until you move it.

Critics have nothing but praise for this seat. Kids and adults alike find it extremely accommodating, and its design and functionality are top-notch.

Some reviewers mentioned that the chair seems a little on the small side. Some reviewers have also mentioned the chair’s lack of durability.

This chair measures 27 by 32 by 29.5 inches. It’s 10 pounds in weight.

This is a great option if you need a small and inexpensive chair.

8. Urban Shop Rocking Papasan Chair

Main Attributes:

  • Solid skeleton
  • The ideal place to unwind
  • Minimalist layout

The Urban Shop Rocking Papasan Chair is a great addition to any family room or bedroom because of how cozy it is.

This chair is the only option we offer for those in search of papasan rocking chairs, and its plush microfiber upholstery and polyester cushion provide a wonderful sitting experience. Seating like this is ideal for gaming or reading. A few reviewers found that instead of rocking, the chair angled or tilted too much.

It’s 30 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 29 inches deep. It’s 12.17 pounds in weight.

This is the perfect papasan chair for you if you’re on a tight budget.

A Quick Guide to Buying Papasan Chairs

A stylish papasan seat requires some research and knowledge before purchase. The first thing you need to know is that different manufacturers have drastically different ideas of what a papasan actually is. Some manufacturers even call any product with a saucer shape a papasan. Some purists might say those chairs don’t qualify as papasans. Check out some things to think about when looking for a “vacation chair” for your house.

Usage

To be held indoors or out? When looking for a papasan chair, that is the most important question to ask. You should spend more time looking into products if your chair will be exposed to the elements on a covered porch or sunroom. You probably shouldn’t try to submerge a chair in a swimming pool, but many models these days have water-resistant cushions and frames. The cushions on some papasan chairs are also designed to resist fading, so they’ll look great even after years of use.

Movement

There are also plenty of permanently installed papasan chairs. Some of the others sway and turn. What you choose depends entirely on your own sense of ease. Swivel papasan chairs can be a source of frustration if you have children because they may be tempted to jump up and down on them constantly.

Papasan Chairs: 50 Fresh New Ways to Enjoy a Retro Favorite

Size

How much space should there be between your papasan chair and the floor? You can find some papasan chairs on the market that are large enough to completely envelop the user. These can be useful if you want to make a spot for sunbathing. If you have a narrow covered porch and are trying to fit chairs on it, be mindful that you don’t crowd the space. To what dimensions should a papasan chair be set up? Chairs on our recommended list range in size from 52 inches by 52 inches by 5 inches to 27 inches by 32 inches by 29.5 inches. Be sure to take accurate measurements of the area into which the chairs will be placed before placing your order.

Papasan Chairs FAQs

What should I look for when choosing a papasan chair?

Many individuals have distinct tastes when it comes to aesthetics. One of the first things to think about when shopping for a papasan chair is the style and color you want.

Do I really need a papasan chair?

A papasan chair is a great choice if you’re looking for a flexible seating solution. You should definitely get one if you like the look and feel of it.

What’s the difference between a papasan chair and a normal chair?

When compared to conventional chairs, the papasan chair is unquestionably more fashionable. This chair is unlike any other because of its adaptable angles.

Conclusion 

No longer will you need to ask “what is a Papasan chair?” on Google. If you’re having trouble deciding what pieces of furniture to buy, a Papasan chair is a solid option to consider.

You can enjoy some private time tucked under a warm blanket. It’s also useful for those midday naps and evenings spent stargazing outside.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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