The Iron Throne is an incredibly impressive-looking seat, although quite why so many people are desperate to sit on it is beyond me, because it cannot be comfortable. Its a huge beast of a chair, made entirely out of swords, and is extremely imposing to anyone who stands before it. However, the one we see in the show is nothing compared to how its depicted in the books, which is a far bigger monstrosity. It dominates the entire throne room, with iron stairs leading up to it that allow the King to look down upon his court. For practical reasons that wasnt really doable on the show, but they do include a sly wink to the difference. Varys says its a thousand blades, taken from the hands of Aegon's fallen enemies. Forged in the fiery breath of Balerion the Dread. To this, Littlefinger replies: There aren't a thousand blades. There aren't even two hundred. I've counted."