The 17 Best Accent Chairs of 2023
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Plus, expert tips from an interior designer on how to choose the right material and size for your space.
Real Simple / David Hattan
Accent chairs are a functional way to add a pop of style to your space. Whether you're curling up with a book or hosting friends, a quality accent chair will serve as a focal point—and extra seating for guests—in any room.
To determine the best accent chairs, we scoured hundreds of styles while considering materials, dimensions, and prices. We also spoke with Samantha Pappas, an interior designer and founder of Samantha S. Pappas Design.
“When buying any piece of furniture, especially an armchair, I look at how it will be used in the room and space,” Pappas says. “The function will determine what size, fabric, and design you want—so plan first, buy later.”
Keep reading to discover our favorite accent chairs, all of which are unique pieces of furniture that can tie your room together.
Zinus Aidan Sling Accent Chair
Who it’s for: People looking for a small-space-friendly seat that’s budget conscious.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a more traditional silhouette or wood frame.
Part minimalist, part industrial, the Zinus Aidan Sling Accent Chair is great for those looking for aesthetic and minimal extra seating. The seat is cozy and boasts a soft fabric upholstery, though it’s worth noting that assembly may take some extra time. The plush cushions are comfortable for lounging, and the chair is light enough to move from room to room when entertaining.
Price at time of publish: $139
Product Details:
Material: Metal frame, polyester upholstery
Dimensions: 31 x 31 x 35 inches
Willa Arlo Interiors Dawson Upholstered Barrel Chair
Who it’s for: People looking for a glamorous accent chair that’s budget-friendly.
Who it isn’t for: People who’d prefer a non-fuzzy upholstery fabric or a deeper seat.
Barrel chairs are beloved for their cocoon-like feel, and this faux shearling option by Willa Arlo Interiors is no exception. Golden, iron legs offer a bit of sophisticated glamor to its otherwise cozy frame, which has kiln-dried wood for extra durability. We especially love its oversized seat. The chair is available in colors like sage, gray, mustard yellow, navy, and black.
Price at time of publish: $499
Product Details:
Material: Polyester upholstery, painted iron legs
Dimensions: 24.5 x 27.5 x 30 inches
Castlery Cammy Armchair
Who it’s for: People looking for a structured armchair that’s equally comfortable.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for non-velvet upholstery or aren’t into mid-century design.
Simple and structured, this Castlery armchair has a comfortable but not too slouchy seat upholstered in a beautiful powder pink velvet. While the frame is fairly thin, the seat is surprisingly comfortable for lounging. Ideal for adding a pop of color to any room, the mid-century design is timeless.
Price at time of publish: $599
Product Details:
Material: Wood frame, velvet upholstery, iron legs
Dimensions: 28.5 x 30 x 34 inches
Levity The Farmhouse Lounge Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a versatile and sleek armchair.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a more traditional design or don’t need performance fabric.
Great for minimalists and modern decor lovers alike, Levity’s Farmhouse Lounge Chair blends comfort with a sleek design. The wooden frame keeps things simple, with long arms at a perfect height for resting your elbows. The chair also features machine-washable upholstery—ideal for those with pets or children. Choose from nearly 50 fabric options to coordinate with your decor.
Price at time of publish: $499
Product Details:
Material: Hardwood frame, polyester upholstery
Dimensions: 32.5 x 29 x 30.5 inches
Burrow Vesper Fabric Lounge Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a comfortable place to sit for long amounts of time.
Who it isn’t for: Anyone who wants more upholstery options or a less reclined seat.
Burrow’s first venture into accent chairs features an ergonomic design you can lounge in for hours. Plus, with an added lumbar cushion and a slight recline, you no longer have to worry about your back when sitting for long periods. The upholstery is Burrow's signature performance fabric, which stands up to cat claws and red wine spills, according to the brand.
Price at time of publish: $795
Product Details:
Material: Plywood veneer, 100 percent polypropylene fabric
Dimensions: 29.5 x 29.5 x 30 inches
Edloe Finch Park Armchair
Who it’s for: People who want a chair with a deep seat and plush filling without looking too heavy.
Who it isn’t for: People who are looking to spend less money or those who want more color options.
The Edloe Finch Park Armchair has a deep, rust-colored velvet seat offset by long, metal legs, giving it a cozy yet sleek appearance. You can choose from either gold or black legs to match your existing decor, and if you don't like the rust shade, this chair is also available in a myriad of colors like white boucle, olive velvet, mustard velvet, and vegan leather.
Price at time of publish: $819
Product Details:
Material: Hardwood frame, velvet upholstery
Dimensions: 35 x 45 x 35 inches
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Threshold Designed With Studio McGee Howell Upholstered Accent Chair
Who it’s for: People who are looking for a more formal accent chair at a good price.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a more cozy cushion or a deeper seat.
For those who love vintage farmhouse aesthetics, the Howell armchair from Target is for you. The traditional silhouette has solid, rubberwood legs for a high-quality look and added durability. While the cushions may take a while to soften and get really comfortable, the end result is a stylish, classic chair that is well worth the wait.
Price at time of publish: $340
Product Details:
Material: Rubberwood frame, polyester upholstery
Dimensions: 30 x 32 x 32 inches
Pottery Barn Shay Woven Leather Accent Chair
Who it’s for: People looking for an alternative to traditional upholstered accent chairs.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a plush or soft seat.
Leather seating isn’t just for bachelor pads and game rooms—in fact, the Pottery Barn Shay Accent Chair is quite chic and sophisticated. The powder-coated steel frame is durable against spills and pet scratches, while the tightly woven leather strands offer support. This chair is real buffalo hide leather, so keep in mind that it is not vegan.
Price at time of publish: $599
Product Details:
Material: Powder-coated steel frame, woven leather seat
Dimensions: 29 x 25.5 x 31 inches
Urban Outfitters Floria Velvet Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a trendy and comfortable accent chair.
Who it isn’t for: People who’d prefer non-velvet upholstery or a cozier look.
The Floria Velvet Chair from Urban Outfitters has angular tripod legs, swooping curves, and luxe velvet upholstery, making this piece a design statement that elevates your space. The available colors are vibrant and eclectic, with offerings of pastel shades and earth tones alike. Despite its unique shape and design, this accent chair has a streamlined look that is versatile enough to suit many spaces.
Price at time of publish: $649
Product Details:
Material: Velvet upholstery, iron and plywood frame
Dimensions: 31.5 x 29 x 31.5 inches
AllModern Miller Upholstered Armchair
Who it’s for: People who want a deep and comfortable chair with sleek lines.
Who it isn’t for: People who’d prefer a more unique shape or performance upholstery.
With sleek, straight lines and a deep seat, the Miller Upholstered Armchair from AllModern beckons you to unwind for long conversations or a good read. The seat cushions are springy but not too hard and enveloped in buttery soft velvet upholstery. Though undeniably comfortable, the arms are quite high, making it somewhat challenging to reach over and grab a drink or remote from your side table.
Price at time of publish: $690
Product Details:
Material: Solid oak wood frame, ash legs, polyester upholstery
Dimensions: 34.64 x 31.88 x 31.88 inches
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Stone & Beam Rustin Contemporary Deep-Seated Living Room Accent Chair
Who it’s for: People looking for a cozy chair-and-a-half for lounging.
Who it isn’t for: People who’d prefer a smaller chair or performance upholstery.
At 48 inches wide, the Stone & Beam Rustin Accent Chair is wide enough for you to sprawl out comfortably—ideal for family dens or living rooms. The linen-like upholstery spot cleans easily, and the cushions come off for easy vacuuming. The minimalist, traditional look of the chair can suit most decor styles but is best for those who prefer a muted, modern look. Keep in mind that the cushions may take some time to soften up.
Price at time of publish: $769
Product Details:
Material: Solid wood frame, polyester upholstery
Dimensions: 41.7 x 48 x 34 inches
Anthropologie Astrea Jacquard-Woven Delany Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a comfortable accent chair that makes a statement.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a more cost-effective option.
Colorful, floral upholstery contrasts with clean, straight lines throughout the Anthropologie Astrea Chair. The fully upholstered frame and jacquard fabric can make a bold statement in your living room or bedroom. This seat may not be for those with little ones or pets because the fabric can only be cleaned by a professional, but for those looking to upgrade their seating options, this one might be for you. The feather-fill cushions are soft yet responsive, while the arms are at the perfect height for resting elbows.
Price at time of publish: $1,098
Product Details:
Material: Kiln-dried hardwood frame, woven upholstery
Dimensions: 31 x 29 x 35 inches
Mercury Row Clarissa Upholstered Accent Chair
Who it’s for: People looking for a small-space-friendly chair that doubles as a sleeper.
Who it isn’t for: People who’d prefer a larger chair or a higher seat.
Simple and practical, we love the Clarissa accent chair for its versatility. Not only does the compact frame tuck into any reading nook or living room, but it also folds out into a twin-sized bed for guests. The flared birch wood legs create a midcentury modern feel, but the wide color selection can fit any design style.
Price at time of publish: $280
Product Details:
Material: Solid pine frame, polyester upholstery
Dimensions: 35.43 x 30.31 x 31.89 inches
Crate & Barrel Coronado Rattan Accent Chair
Who it’s for: People looking for a comfortable chair without upholstery.
Who it isn’t for: People who’d prefer an upholstered seat or a less-structured form.
If you want the structure of a wooden chair with a bit of added visual flair, opt for the Coronado Rattan Accent Chair. It has tightly wound rattan strands for a structural feel, a firm seat, and a solid ash wood frame for durability. While this chair is on the heavier side for maneuvering, the comfortably angled back makes up for it.
Price at time of publish: $699
Product Details:
Material: Solid ash, handwoven seagrass
Dimensions: 30.5 x 30.5 x 33.5 inches
Castlery Paloma Boucle Armchair
Who it’s for: People who want a designer look without breaking the bank.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a plush seat or easy-to-clean upholstery.
With a curved back and upholstered tripod legs, the Castlery Paloma Boucle Armchair will add an architectural statement to any living room. While this is more of an occasional seat than a lounge chair, it’s still comfortable yet chic.
Price at time of publish: $599
Product Details:
Material: Plywood frame, boucle upholstery
Dimensions: 24 x 29 x 29 inches
Sabai The Essential Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a simple accent chair made with sustainable materials.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a budget option or more color choices.
For the eco-conscious shopper, opt for the Sabai Essential chair. It features recycled velvet upholstery and an FSC-certified wood frame that is easy to assemble and relax in. The pillows are filled with 100 percent recycled fibers, while the foam is made with CertiPUR-US-certified foam. Available in 10 stylish colors (five velvet and five polyester options), the streamlined silhouette can fit right into any modern space.
Price at time of publish: $745
Product Details:
Material: Wood frame, maple legs, recycled velvet upholstery
Dimensions: 32 x 33.5 x 27.5 inches
Urban Outfitters Yoji Chair
Who it’s for: People looking for a cozy, cocooning place to sit.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a smaller chair, or more upholstery options.
The Yoji chair from Urban Outfitter has a cocooning seat, a wide rounded frame for ultimate comfort, and soft fabric upholstery. The round legs offer a luxurious look and are removable if you want your chair low to the ground for a cozy, lived-in look. Available in ivory or chartreuse performance fabric, the chair is also resistant to staining and pet scratches.
Price at time of publish: $799
Product Details:
Material: Woven fabric upholstery, pine wood legs, plywood frame
Dimensions: 40 x 36 x 29 inches
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How to Shop for Accent Chairs Like a Pro
Function and Placement
First, consider the function of your accent chair, as that will inform every other decision as you shop. “An armchair can be a piece which will be used daily, in which case it needs to be a more durable fabric and comfortable,” she explains. “However, it can also be a piece of furniture to accent the space and one that is not used often, in which case a custom design and fabric works perfectly.”
If you plan to lounge daily in your chair, opt for soft materials and a plush seat for maximum comfort. For high-traffic areas or living rooms, consider accent chairs that can be easily cleaned and maintained. However, for those who mainly want an accent chair for decorative purposes, you can be more experimental with fabric choice and design.
Material
For high-use accent chairs, focus on performance fabrics, which are stain- and scratch-resistant, or easy-to-clean materials like leather. Additionally, if you have little ones or are prone to spills, consider a slipcover chair with machine-washable cushion covers. If you don’t plan on using the chair very much, a luxurious fabric like a boucle or an embroidered weave can add a touch of elegance to your space.
Size
The size of your accent chair depends on its intended function and placement in your space. "If it is a large living room with lots of space and the function will be for relaxing, a larger armchair will fit perfectly in design,” says Pappas. “If it is used in a smaller bedroom, however, and the chair is meant to be a statement, the size will need to be smaller so it doesn’t overpower the space.”
Save the chair-and-a-half pieces (on average 48–50 inches wide) for where you spend the most time, like a family room. Narrower, less comfortable seats are ideal for bedroom corners and office nooks.
Take Our Word for It
Kate McGregor is a design and market editor who has written about the best in furniture for publications such as ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, The Expert, and Domino. To write this article, she researched a wide range of accent chairs while considering dimensions, materials, comfort, durability, design, and price. She also spoke with Samantha Pappas, an interior designer and the founder of Samantha S. Pappas, a design firm based in Maine specializing in residential projects.
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