The Drew Barrymore chair is a cost-friendly dupe for pricier swivel chairs. Here's why we still love it for lounging.
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Beautiful by Drew Barrymore began as one of Walmart’s best-loved kitchenware lines. The collection now features home decor and furniture, all showcasing mid-century inspiration blended with contemporary colors and textures. Drew Barrymore’s entire line captures classy elegance in a way that’s affordable, so it’s no surprise that we’re fans.
When the Drew Barrymore chair went viral, I just had to try it out. Not only did it end up being one of the best reading chairs we’ve tested, but it’s also one of the best products we’ve tried in 2024, period. One year later, and I still find myself using this cozy chair for reading. Here’s why I still love my Beautiful by Drew chair.
We Tried It
Beautiful Drew Accent Chair by Drew Barrymore
We tried out the Walmart Drew Barrymore chair for over a year. Here's how it's holding up and why we still love it for lounging.
What is the Walmart Drew Barrymore Chair?
The Walmart Drew Barrymore chair is one of the most popular releases from the Drew Barrymore furniture line. It’s a budget-friendly dupe for much pricier swivel chairs, such as the internet-famous Pottery Barn chair. It features a classic barrel shape, paired with a sturdy metal base that allows for swiveling in any direction.
Originally, the chair was available in green, cream and gray boucle fabric. More than a year after its release, the chair is now available in six different shades including charcoal, cornflower blue, cream, fawn, rose pink and sage. There are also two fabrics available: classic boucle and cord.
How We Tested
My sage Drew Barrymore chair arrived in a giant box. Due to the size of the box, it was a little beat up upon delivery. However, the pieces inside were well-protected and free from damage. I was able to get it into my home myself by turning the box end-over-end, but I recommend carrying it if you can find a willing helper.
Assembly
The Drew Barrymore chair requires assembly, but the process is very straightforward. The back comes in three panels. It affixes to the chair via tracks attached to the back of the ottoman-shaped seat. Each piece is then screwed to the bottom of the chair. This is also where the circular bottom frame attaches, giving the chair its signature swivel.
I’ve moved several times since purchasing the chair. Each time I disassembled and reassembled the chair, it took me less than 20 minutes to put it together, even after I lost the instructions. It’s very intuitive.
Comfort and Aesthetics
I chose the boucle chair in sage, and it’s incredibly cozy. While the chair is a bit firm, I personally prefer a little support to that sinking feeling you get with overstuffed cushions. The chair is large enough to fit both me and my two cats without making me feel crowded.
Overall, I love it mostly for reading. The lower back may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I find it easy to get cozy, especially wrapped up in my Bearaby weighted blanket. I fit very comfortably in the chair—no squeaking or tipping. It’s very sturdy thanks to the generous size, wood frame and steel swivel base. Because it’s oversized, I can cross my legs while sitting, too, which is something I really appreciate.
In terms of aesthetics, the chair is gorgeous. It has a fun, clean look, and I love that it comes with three matching pillows. It adds such a fun, cozy vibe to whichever room it lives in, especially in the light sage color. Plus, the oversized look is so inviting.
Long Term Testing
The chair used to reside in my office. Now, it sits right next to my coffee cabinet in my entry room. It remains one of my favorite places to lounge while reading, especially with an espresso in hand.
Unfortunately, my cats enjoy it a little too much as a scratching post (a problem with all bouclé fabrics). While the arms are pretty shredded now, the rest of my year-old Drew Barrymore chair still looks pretty much new. If I repurchased, I would personally consider the new cord fabric over the boucle. While the boucle gives the chair a nice texture, it’s not the easiest to clean, especially in the lighter fabrics. My chair sports a small tea stain that I had difficulty removing, so I suggest families with kids opt for darker colors.
Aside from the cosmetic issues caused by my cats, the chair itself is still in amazing condition. The bolts and base are still solid, and there’s no change in the chair’s comfort level, even after near-daily use.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Very budget-friendly at under $300
- Six different colors available
- Choice of stain-treated cord and boucle fabrics
- Three pillows included
- Easy assembly
Cons
- May not be best for cat owners
- Low back might not be comfortable for all loungers
- Textured bouclé fabric is difficult to clean
Product Comparison: Walmart Drew Barrymore vs. BHG
Much like the Drew Barrymore collection, Better Homes & Gardens also offers a line of trendy, inexpensive furniture. The Mira swivel accent chair is the most closely compatible item. Like the Drew chair, it boasts a barrel shape and swivel base. It also rings up at around $250, which is comparable to the other chair’s price point.
Unlike the Drew Barrymore chair, the Better Homes & Gardens chair comes in three fabric types, including velvet, shearling and linen. Available colors span cream, gray, indigo, merlot, olive and orche. It’s also shipped in a single piece, rather than requiring assembly. That said, it doesn’t come with complementary pillows.
Final Verdict
The Beautiful Drew chair lives up to its name. I tested this piece for a roundup of the best reading chairs, and it adds a fun, cozy vibe to my office—especially in the light sage color. Plus, the oversized look is so inviting—and extremely comfy, to boot! If you’re looking to add a mid-century touch to your favorite reading room, it’s an excellent investment. Plus, it’s available for under $300, which is a total steal for such a well-made chair.
Where to Buy
We Tried It
Beautiful Drew Accent Chair by Drew Barrymore
This budget-friendly barrel chair is the perfect place to curl up with a good book.
Like all Beautiful by Drew Barrymore products, the Drew Barrymore chair is available exclusively on Walmart.com and in stores. It retails for $298, making it an excellent investment for under $300. For the price, it’s a great option for folks who want to upgrade their reading chair or add additional stylish living room seating.
FAQ
What else is in the Drew Barrymore Walmart line?
The Drew Barrymore Walmart line covers everything from appliances to home decor to furniture. Those who want a similar look without the swivel base can pick up the Teddy accent chair, which retails for just over $200.
Where is the Drew Barrymore Walmart chair made?
While there’s no available information as to the origin of the Drew chair, Beautiful by Drew appliances are made in China.
Why You Should Trust Us
As Shopping Editor for Family Handyman, Emily has covered everything from home decor to tools and the best kitchen gear. She recently finished a five-year remodel of her 100-year-old home in the Midwest, sparking her love of interior design and DIY. She has written for Family Handyman, Taste of Home and Reader’s Digest.
