Very soft and I love the color--purple on the red side not the blue side. It is on the small side which I wanted because of space. It appears to have strong swivel base that does not show out the bottom--which I did not want. The back is low, which I also wanted for the space; if you are taller than say 5'9" this chair is probably not for you, or if you are on the hefty side. For the money it is a great little chair!