Living and Dining8 Best Papasan Chairs In Australia For 2024
From swivel armchairs to modular sofas, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to comfy furniture in Australia. But if it’s a nest-like cocoon that you’re after, with the comfort of a fluffy cloud, a papasan chair is the only answer.
Just as fun for kids and teens as it is for grown-ups, the papasan chair is one of the most versatile family occasional chairs around for several reasons. Firstly, it’s adjustable, so it caters to everyone and how they prefer to sit. It’s also big enough for a few kids to enjoy at once (and actually not fight!). And last but not least, it brings a touch of coastal flair to homes that screams vacay vibes!
We’d go so far as to say that few seats suit boho living as perfectly as the papasan chair does, and in this article, we point you towards all our favourites.
What’s in this article
What is a papasan chair?
Papasan chairs, also called moon chairs, are round adjustable seats with rattan frames and loads of bohemian vibes. They’re comprised of three parts: a large round cushion, a bowl-shaped frame and a cylindrical base. While they only became household furniture in Australia in the 1950s, they’ve actually been used for centuries in Asian countries.
What’s the difference between a papasan and mamasan chair?
Both are very similar, with the only difference being size. A papasan chair is designed for one person whereas a mamasan chair is designed for two people. Basically, if you find the papasan chair a little too snug for two – a mamasan is the answer.
8 Best Papasan Chairs In Australia
Time to order that new book you’ve had your eye on because a whole of relaxation is heading your way. Without further ado, here are our favourite papasan chairs in Australia right now.
The Family Love Tree Double Papasan Chair, $1795
If you’re after a particular shade of cushion AND room enough for two, these beauties from Love Tree Interiors are the answer. Each measures 160cm in width and comes with a 100% upholstered cushion with foam inner. Of the 16 different options are trending hues like sage green, black and dreamy pinks. Good luck choosing!
Pros:
- It measures 160cm in width – perfect for couples
- There’s a massive range of 16 colours to choose from
- The cushion covers are made from 100% linen (no synthetics)
Casa Premium Papasan Chair, $789
If it’s a completely classic, natural-hued chair you’re after, look no further. This premium option measures 100cm in diameter, making it big enough for a couple of kiddos to curl up on, or one adult comfortably. It comes with a lightweight dacron-filled cushion, deliciously plump at 55cm in thickness.
Pros:
- It’s a fabulous size at 100cm in width
- The natural colour goes with everything
- It’s lightweight and easy to move around the house
Shangri-La Papasan Chair, $289
Available in a choice of grey or cream, this version of the papasan actually features a solid steel frame, surrounded by woven rattan. This means that it not only looks earthy and lush, but it’s seriously tough and ready for everything the kids throw at it. Rustic and cosy, it boasts a UV and weather-resistant padded cushion, so it’s just as great for your patio as your living room.
Pros:
- Comes with a weather-resistant cover
- Built with a steel frame for extra durability
- Features a beautiful conical base
Natural Double Rattan Papasan Lounge, $1199
After a papasan with plenty of room for two? This is it! Crafted with love from all-natural rattan, it has a large oval-shaped seat measuring 1770cm and a sturdy open base. Like other versions, this is totally adjustable, so you could position it flat for pets to enjoy, or sit it up to watch TV.
Pros:
- Makes a beautiful double-seater for sunrooms or covered decks
- It’s big enough to lie down on (in the flat position)
- Completely timeless in its design and colour scheme
Gardeon Outdoor Papasan Chair, $187
It’s one of the bestselling outdoor papasan chairs in Australia – and it’s pretty clear to see why it’s so widely loved! Engineered for maximum cloud-like comfort, this outdoor chair uses PE wicker over a steel frame for toughness and longevity. The cover is not only reversible but water-resistant, tear-resistant and UV-resistant. But the absolute best bit? You can remove it for washing!
Pros:
- It’s more affordable than other options
- It’s built tough to handle fully exposed outdoor use
- The cover is completely removable and washable
Trader Trove Papasan Chair, $499
Beachy and beautiful, this Trader Trove chair measures 115cm in width and makes the perfect addition to reading nooks, kids’ rooms or that lovely sunny patch in the living room. It comes with a choice of black or natural frames and features a seriously irresistible quilted futon cushion.
Pros:
- It measures a huge 115cm in width
- It’s a dream to style because it works with any colour palette
- The neutral frames work beautifully in Hamptons and coastal homes
The Family Love Tree Papasan Chair, $1395
Just like the double styles mentioned above, these single lounges from Love Tree Interiors come in 16 glorious shades. From bold black to heavenly honey and natural oatmeal, there’s a colour in this lineup to suit any kind of coastal colour palette.
Pros:
- This single-sized chair comes in the widest range of colours
- The roomy seat measures 116cm (very big for a single!)
- Comes with a 100% natural cover (not removable)
Papasan Round Chair, $799
A different take on the classic chair, this version is more akin to a bucket or tub chair, but with all the charm of the original. Suitable for outdoor use, it uses woven banana leaves over a mango wood frame, making it not just ultra-tough but eco-friendly too. It comes with a base cushion and matching scatter cushions, all covered with water-resistant fabric.
Pros:
- It’s eco-friendly and built to last!
- Cushions feature water-resistant fabric
- It’s a modern take on the traditional papasan chair
How do you style a papasan chair?
The best way to do justice to any piece of furniture or decor is to style it well. This means taking into account what you pair it with, where you position it and what colour palette you go with. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how to make the papasan look every bit the boho beauty it is.
Position it next to indoor plants
Because of their colour and large use of natural materials, papasan chairs look fantastic paired with indoor plants, as shown above. If you want to inject more colour, use some coloured pots or baskets.
Drape a gorgeous throw over it
Aside from being delicious when it comes to curling up, a luxury throw blanket adds a pop of colour to your papasan ensemble. It’s also a great way to tie a room together using a common colour.
Don’t forget the cushions!
Cushions are a must for papasan chairs. Beyond being comfy additions to your chair, cushions allow you to add different textures and colours to the seat and make it super inviting.
Consider some other boho decor
From woven baskets to candles, Moroccan ottomans and wall hangings, boho decor is a match made in heaven for papasan chairs. But don’t worry – it can still be stylish! Casual, coastal living is trending madly in Australia and gorgeous boho-inspired decor is widespread. The trick is to stick with neutral colours – and don’t overdo it!
FAQs
Given that they’re built for lounging, the papasan chair is perfect for quiet nooks, lounge rooms (as an addition to the sofa) and rumpus rooms. They’re also fantastic for undercover decks and patios!
Aside from a few outdoor products, most papasan chairs come with cushion covers that aren’t removable. This means spot-cleaning or steam-cleaning is the only option for most. For this reason, if you are using your chair on a patio or deck, we recommend covering your chair with a blanket when it’s not in use.
Some chairs use water-resistant fabric and PE wicker for outdoor use but more rattan papasan chairs should not be exposed to the weather. If you want to use it outdoors, make sure you choose an undercover area.
Top image: Stock
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After more boho inspo? Check out our shortlist of stunning rattan bedheads for a rustic, beachy look.
