This Bouclé Gem Transformed My Tiny Studio into a Cozy Dream

I can’t get enough of my studio apartment, but I have to admit that it does have its shortcomings. Its size means that, beyond my small couch, there isn’t much seating for guests. I wish I had room for an armchair, but that’s not happening unless I get rid of my desk — which isn’t an option because I work from home.

So, I decided that I needed to find an office chair that’s as comfortable — and good-looking — as an armchair, but also supportive enough to sit in for eight hours at a time. As soon as I began my search and was met with tons of industrial-looking options, I realized it wouldn’t be easy to find exactly what I was looking for. Still, I was determined not to give up style for support.

As soon as I laid eyes on the Rya Ivory Wool Bouclé Office Chair at Article, I knew it was exactly what I wanted. Since I got it months ago, its luxe design has elevated my home, and even better, it’s as cozy as any armchair and as ideal for long-term sitting as any standard office chair.

At first glance, this Scandinavian-inspired chair’s textured upholstery, wide seat, and plush cushions give it the appearance of an accent chair instead of something to do work in. The base is steel but white almost all over, so it doesn’t have any metallic details that might not blend in with the rest of your decor. Beyond just its appearance, the seat and backrest are adjustable, and it has an ergonomic build and back cushions.

Plus, the bouclé fabric is as practical as it is on-trend. When we asked designers if bouclé was still in last fall, designer Jen Levy said that it definitely still works as a “luxe accent” that complements many aesthetics. Especially when used in an unexpected way (like on an office chair), the material feels fresh. “Bouclé adds a lot of warmth and texture and is also very durable,” she added. 

Article tested the chair rigorously for abrasion resistance, too. The industry standard is 20,000 rubs, but the brand has put the material through 50,000 rubs to make sure it holds up through everyday use. It’s also soft to the touch and has a bouncy feel with the plush fill in the cushions. It takes about 15 minutes to assemble, and it’s worth keeping in mind that though it swivels in a full circle, it doesn’t come with wheels.

When you live in a single-room apartment like mine where everything is constantly on display, you come to really appreciate things that blend function and aesthetics. That’s why this office chair is one of my favorite pieces in my home (right up there next to my bed!). In addition to being a chair I use daily, at least a dozen guests have sat on it at this point and given it just as many compliments. 

However, I’d be remiss not to mention that I did have some difficulty with assembly. When attaching the seat to the base, three screws went in easily, but the fourth one gave me some trouble. I think it was a manufacturing error — maybe it was even a human error — because none of the reviews mention a similar problem. Eventually, I decided to try it out with just three screws in place, and months of sitting later, it’s still sturdy. So, make of that what you will!

I also haven’t minded the lack of wheels as much as I thought. It’s not difficult to lift and move around, but I also put felt pads on the bottom of each leg to keep my floors from getting scratched. Whether I’m writing on my laptop or doing my makeup at my desk, this chair has made it so I don’t feel the need to constantly readjust, like I do with most regular office chairs. (Oh, and it also doesn’t need the pillow that you may have noticed in the photo above. It’s purely decorative!) What’s more, it’s essentially a two-in-one — an office chair and an accent chair — so the steeper price is totally worth it in my eyes.

Buy: Rya Ivory Wool Bouclé Office Chair, $399