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

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!

Not long ago, I visited a West Elm at this chic outdoor shopping center in Massachusetts and stumbled upon something I knew my friend absolutely had to have (or else I would’ve bought it for her). She had already been eyeing it, but seeing it in person made it obvious: The Penn Chair, one of West Elm’s bestsellers, was exactly what her apartment needed.

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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.

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)