Tub chairs provide a comfortable, compact form of seating that is ideal for a wide range of spaces – from dining rooms to receptions. But, like any type of furniture, there’s more to buying a tub chair than many people realise. If you want to know how to choose the perfect tub chair for your space, then read Rosehill’s comprehensive guide now…
What is a tub chair?
Let’s get straight to the point. What, exactly, is a tub chair?
Put simply, a tub chair is a type of upholstered armchair that is defined by its continuous, curved backrest that flows seamlessly into the armrests, creating a rounded, cocoon-like form.
Unlike more angular lounge chairs or traditional armchairs with separate arms and backs, a tub chair is designed as a single enclosed shell, offering a sense of comfort, privacy, and support that works particularly well in commercial interiors.
Put another way, tub chairs tend to share the following features:
- A wraparound silhouette, creating a barrel-shaped seat.
- Arms that are integrated into the seat back in a single shape. Some tub chairs have arms that slope downward (allowing them to be tucked under table edges for dinging purposes). Other tub chairs have arms that remain the same height from the rear to the front of the chair.
- A set of four short legs (although, it is possible to buy tub chairs that sit on small glides).
- Fixed upholstery, providing extensive, comfortable, cushioning.
- A width of approximately 650-800mm (although there are exceptions to this).
- A seat height of around 450-480mm (again, there are exceptions to this).
A (very) brief history of the tub chair
Tub chairs have been around for a surprisingly long time – with some historians believing that the tub chair can trace its roots back to 18-th century France.
The style later gained popularity in Victorian England, most notably in private members’ clubs where leather-upholstered chairs became a symbol of comfort, status and relaxed conversation. It’s for this reason that you’ll sometimes hear people referring to tub chairs as club chairs.
Today, tub chairs are found in a wide range of environments. Their ability to combine comfort, durability, and visual softness makes them well suited to hotels, offices, healthcare settings, restaurants, and civic buildings.
How to choose the perfect tub chair
As we mentioned at the outset, there’s a lot to consider when choosing tub chairs for your space. So, to make your life easier, we’ve set out the Rosehill team’s top tub chair buying tips below.
Define the use case and traffic
Before you do anything else, make sure that you’ve established that tub chairs are actually the right type of chair for your intended use. For example, a tub chair that is placed in a quiet executive office will experience a very different level of use and traffic compared to a tub chair placed in a busy waiting room.
Consider the following points before making your decision:
- Who will be using the chairs (e.g. customers, staff, visitors).
- How long people are likely to sit in them (e.g. minutes, hours?).
- How many users each day each chair will realistically see.
- Whether food, drink, animals, or bags are likely to be regularly in contact with the chairs.
From here, you can decide whether a tub chair is A) the right type of chair, and B) if a tub chair is the right option, what kind of features you’ll need to select (e.g. upholstery type).
Measure and plan
Tub chairs are often chosen due to their relatively compact footprint; they’re smaller than sofas, but offer an equivalent level of comfort.
Nevertheless, it’s really important that you measure and plan your space. Remember that tub chairs are typically used in ‘clusters’ with two or three grouped together. Ensure you have enough space to A) accommodate the tub chairs, and B) allow people to easily walk around and past the chairs.
Other key measurements you should confirm before you click that ‘buy now’ button, include:
- Overall width and depth of the chair.
- Seat height.
- Seat depth.
- Arm height.
- Back height.
Note: if you are buying tub chairs to be used at dining tables, it’s especially important that you check arm height. You need the arms to be low enough that the chair can be placed close enough to the table for dining purposes.
Upholstery
The upholstery used on a tub chair is often one of the most critical choices and parts of the buying process.
As a general rule, if your tub chairs are going to be used in high-traffic environments, then you’ll want them to be upholstered in a fabric that is durable, easy to clean, and fade resistant.
Below, are our top ‘fabric-factors’ to consider:
- Abrasion resistance: ensure that you choose a fabric that is a high Martindale rub count.
- Cleanability: choose wipe-clean vinyls, faux leathers, or fabrics that have been treated to ensure your tub chairs are easy to clean.
- Fire performance: select tub chairs that are upholstered in a fabric that meets at least the Crib 5 fire safety standard.
In addition to these points, give some thought to both the colour and pattern of your chosen fabrics. Mid-tones, textured weaves and subtle patterns tend to hide marks better than very light or flat colours. As we mentioned above, ultimately, how and where your tub chairs are going to be used will influence many of these choices.
Note: with the tub design, it’s often popular to have these in multiple fabrics (a two-tone finish), which can be contrasting colours from the same range, or a fabric on one part and faux leather on another section.
Comfort and ergonomics
If you think that users are likely to be sitting in your tub chairs for extended periods of time, then check that your chosen chairs have been designed with ergonomic principles in mind.
So, how do you select a tub chair that is ergonomic? Well, an ergonomic tub chair will provide:
- A supportive curved back that follows the natural shape of the spine.
- Arms that offer support without forcing an overly reclined posture.
- A seat that is cushioned enough for comfort, but firm enough to prevent sagging over time.
Note: seat height is an especially important consideration in healthcare and other public-facing environments, as chairs that are too low can be problematic for the elderly and those with mobility issues.
Frame and leg construction and finishes
Whilst the internal frame of a tub chair is largely invisible, it plays a major role in the performance and longevity of the chair.
The same point goes for the legs of tub chairs. They are often only a minor visual feature – but they play a significant part in the chair’s durability.
To select a tub chair that’s going to give you years of trouble-free performance, choose one that has either a hardwood or reinforced metal frame. Both materials are able to withstand repeated loading, movement, and repositioning. These materials also resist loosening, creaking, and instability over time.
In terms of legs, you are likely to have a number of choices:
- Wooden legs: these provide a warm, organic feel, but ensure they are finished in a way that will withstand scuffs and abrasions (e.g. properly varnished).
- Metal legs or bases: metal legs or bases are a good choice if your tub chairs are likely to be used in very high-traffic areas.
- Glides: some tub chairs are available with glides, whereby the bottom of the chair almost meets the floor. This provides an almost ‘invisible’ base.
Customisation and lead times
This is a point that often trips up unwary buyers. As most tub chairs are made-to-order, they often have much longer lead times than people expect (e.g. 6-8 weeks). That’s why it’s really important to check a chair’s lead time before you commit to buying it. Need a tub chair in a hurry? Then it’s best to buy an ‘off the shelf’ model, which are typically available in under a week.
A related point, then, is the customisation options available on many tub chairs. As they are made–to-order, you are likely to have a range of customisation options open to you, including:
- Choice of upholstery or vinyl.
- Leg material and finish.
- Contrast piping and/or two-tone colour options.
The above bullet points provide only a small idea of the customisation that is possible with certain models of tub chair. If you have questions about possible customisation options, feel free to reach out to our friendly expert sales team, who will be happy to help!
Compliance and safety standards: what you need to know
As a building manager, procurement officer, or facilities specialist, you’ll be aware that furniture (amongst other things), needs to meet certain compliance and safety standards in order to be used in public buildings.
Thus, when it comes to tub chairs, what compliance and safety standards should you be looking for?
- Fire safety: in order to meet fire safety obligations, the entire upholstery system of your tub chair must be Crib 5 compliant. This is a fire safety test defined under BS 5852 which stimulates ignition.
- Strength and stability: it’s also important that your chosen tub chairs meet strength and stability standards. The key standard for non-domestic seating here in the UK is BS EN 16139.
If you are unsure if a tub chair meets those standards, just ask! It’s important that you only buy compliant furniture for your building, as this can have consequences from a risk management and insurance perspective.
Sustainability
Here at Rosehill we understand that many building managers and/or buyers of furniture for buildings are under pressure to make their purchases as sustainable as possible.
Getting this right, and choosing truly sustainable tub chairs relies on thorough research and looking out for some key characteristics, features, and qualities:
- FSC-certified timber: this proves that any wood used in the manufacturer of the chair has been sourced sustainably.
- ISO 14001 certification: if a furniture manufacturer holds this certification, it means they operate a formal environmental management system.
- Take-back or recycling schemes: some manufacturers offer take-back or recycling schemes, so that when your tub chairs come to the end of their serviceable life, then can be reused in one form or another.
In short, sustainable tub chair specification is about making informed, long-term decisions – selecting responsibly-sourced materials, working with manufacturers that demonstrate environmental accountability, prioritising durability, and planning for reuse or recycling.
The best tub chairs you can buy right now
So, having read our top buying tips, are you now ready to start shopping? If your answer is yes, then you’ll find our selection of the best tub chairs that you can buy below.
London Tub Chairs
The London Tub Chair is a versatile, contract-focused seating option designed to work across a wide range of commercial interiors.
With a timeless shape that cascades down almost to the floor itself, and a strong emphasis on comfort and durability, the London Tub Chair is well suited to environments where seating needs to look welcoming whilst standing up to regular use. Plus, as it’s an ‘off-the-peg’ model, it is available with a short lead time.
Key features:
- Classic tub chair design.
- Comfort-led proportions.
- Robust upholstery options.
- Available with short lead times.
Stratford Tub Chair
The Stratford Tub Chair is a smart, commercial-grade choice for reception areas, loungers, and other guest-facing spaces where you need seating that looks premium but is built for regular use.
It combines a classic tub-chair silhouette with contract-focused practicality, including UK manufacture and performance credentials that matter when you’re specifying furniture for public environments.
Key features:
- UK manufactured.
- Tested to BS EN 15373: 2007.
- Fire-retardant upholstery options.
- Manufactured using sustainably sourced timber.
- 5-year guarantee.
Kenwood Tub Chair
The Kenwood Tub Chair is a refined, contract-grade seating option designed for spaces where comfort, durability, and a more traditional aesthetic are required.
Its slightly more formal tub-chair profile makes it particularly well suited to reception areas, lounges, waiting rooms, and hospitality settings that need to balance warmth with professionalism.
Key features:
- Traditional tub-chair styling.
- Designed for commercial environments.
- Comfort-focused construction.
- Multiple frame finishes available.
- Manufactured in the UK.
- Tested to BS EN 15373:2007.
Marina Tub Chair
The Marina Tub Chair (which is also available as a sofa) offers a contract-grade seating solution for interiors that require visual consistency across different seating formats.
Designed for use in reception areas, lounges, waiting rooms, and hospitality settings, the Marina range allows specifiers to combine tub chairs and sofas within the same design language, creating cohesive, professional seating layouts.
Key features:
- Coordinated seating range for visual consistency.
- Large range of frame finishes available.
- Ergonomic tub design promoting comfort and support.
- Matching coffee tables available as optional extras.
Naudu Sofas
If you’re looking for a sofa that has tub-style characteristics, the Naudu is the perfect choice. The Naudu allows specifiers to introduce soft, inviting seating whilst maintaining a modern, professional aesthetic suitable for high-visibility environments.
Key features:
- Huge range of fabric and colour choices.
- Available with metal or wooden legs.
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Buzz Tub Chair & Sofa
Looking for a matching tub chair and sofa set? Then look no further than the Buzz Tub Chair & Sofa.
With a more contemporary take on the tub-chair form, the Buzz range works particularly well in reception areas, lounges, breakout spaces, and informal meeting zones where you want seating to feel relaxed but purposeful.
Key features:
- Comfort focused design with an enveloping back and arm shape.
- Manufactured using sustainably-sourced timber.
- 10-year structural warranty.
- Manufactured in the UK.
Devon Tub Chair
The Devon Tub Chair is a compact seating option that has a clean tub-chair profile and approachable styling. It works particularly well in reception areas, waiting rooms, and smaller lounge settings where seating needs to feel welcoming without dominating the room.
Key features:
- Compact design, which is ideal for smaller reception areas and space-conscious layouts.
- Solid European hardwood frame that is both attractive and exceptionally robust.
- Pressure relief cushions and contrast piping available on request.
- Manufactured in the UK to BS EN15373:2007.
Buy the very best tub chairs at Rosehill
There’s no better place to buy tub chairs online than Rosehill. With extensive experience and long-lasting relationships with all the major UK and European contract furniture manufacturers, we are able to secure deals and discounts you just won’t find anywhere else.
Shop tub chairs at Rosehill now
For more commercial and contract furniture buying guides, information and advice, read the Rosehill blog…
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