Your home is an extension of your own personal style and offers an opportunity to show off your taste and aesthetic. Accent chairs are just one way you can incorporate your aesthetic while providing additional seating options for your next gathering.
Not all homes or apartments have space for large pieces of furniture like a sectional sofa, which is why an accent chair offers a more compact solution without sacrificing style or comfort.
If you’re new to interior design or just need some style inspiration, we spoke with the pros to learn how to style accent chairs and what online furniture stores to check out.
“Accent chairs are as stylish as they are functional, and they work in almost any room—family living rooms, offices, bedrooms, and even kitchens or dining rooms,” Heather Goerzen a design editor at design studio Havenly told the New York Post. “I like to think of them as the unsung heroes of decorating because they tend to transform the look of a room just by adding interest in the form of color, shape or texture.”
When it comes to styling an accent chair, Moshe Hecht, COO and creative director of commercial and international design studio HHDesigners advises to “consider the color and texture of the fabric and how it complements the existing decor.”
Things like rugs and coffee tables, and even art will play a part in choosing color schemes. If you’re worried about how comfortable you’ll be, “you can also add a throw pillow or blanket for added comfort.”
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, here are 22 expert recommended accent chairs along with some of our personal favorite, too.
1. Red Barrel Studio Leominster Nailhead Swivel Barrel Chair, $396, original price: $469
If you’re looking to stay on trend “swivel chairs continue to reign supreme in interiors,” according to Goerzen. It’s thanks to its ease of movement that allow your or your friends to shift from one direction to another without having to get up.
“There are so many swivels out there with interesting silhouettes and bold fabrics, and I love them for their conversation-friendly movement,” she added. “Especially in spaces that double as living rooms and eating areas, swivel chairs allow for easy flow of conversation.”
This particular one from Wayfair boasts a rounded backing and silver accent studs that’ll add a pop of color to your home, while keeping you and your guests comfortable as you catch up over a glass of wine.
Space is a luxury some of us can’t afford which is why Jayne Michaels, cofounder of the sister-owned design studio, 2Michaels, says “we’re seeing a lot of small and dainty slipper chairs for smaller spaces.” The small size means it “can be pulled up for a gathering and also used as an extra dining chair.”
This multipurpose one from Target comes with a soft velvety material and gold legs that’ll add a touch of elegance to any room you place it in.
The best part of incorporating an accent chair into your space isn’t just how they “can create a focal point in a room,” Dolores Suarez, co-founder of the Soho-based design studio, Dekar Design, said, but “they can fill corners perfectly!”
This checkered pattern one achieves the “trends that are textured, vintage style, retro, oversizes and very cozy” while providing a plush foam-fiber filled cushion to rest on.
Right now, you can preorder this design with expected delivery in July.
If you’re looking to add some luxury to your space, Devin Shaffer, design expert for online interior design site Decorilla suggests checking out Anthropologie for “some truly stunning accent chairs that are sure to make a statement in any room.”
This bold living room accent comes in a variety of animal-inspired prints including this magical unicorn pattern. The vintage-like legs will also add some Victorian-esqe charm to your room.
5. MoMa Accent Chair, $607, original price: $674
If mid-century modern accents are not your thing, then Hecht finds a bright more modern chair can tie in a room. This style by the MoMa is a curvy piece of living art you can literally kick back and relax in.
“An accent chair is a great way to add personality to a room and can be used to tie in different colors and textures,” Hecht said. “One trend we’re seeing is the use of bold, statement chairs in bright colors or unique fabrics.”
For a modern and contemporary feel, skip the originals and consider a dupe. Shaffer notes that “mid-century modern dupes are all the rage right now” since originals feature price points that aren’t realistic for everyone. This particular one from West Elm has nice cushy padding at an under $500 price tag that won’t leave your wallet giving you the side eye.
“Additionally, dupes are often made with more modern materials and production techniques, which can provide added durability and ease of maintenance,” Shaffer said.
7. Melody Rattan Chair, $250, original price: $499
Hecht has also seen the use of natural materials like rattan and wicker increasingly used in interior design. We couldn’t help but gush when we saw this Melody Rattan Chair from Urban Outfitters. If you love a coastal California look, then this accent chair will provide a delicate yet beachy vibe you won’t be able to resist sitting on.
One of the more major trends within interior design continues to be maximalism, according to Shaffer.
“It’s made a huge impact on accent chair designs and we’re seeing more and more patterns happening — especially naturalistic, tropical and even exotic animal prints,” Shaffer said.
We particularly like this chair for its multipurpose capabilities as it can go from a statement accent chair to an extra dining chair.
Minimalists will be praising this simple seat that comes with a soft faux sherpa material even your throw blanket will be throwing some side-eye at. It also mixes in some natural elements with some wooden legs for added sturdiness.
10. YOLENY Modern Accent Chair, $136, original price: $170
Consider this a total conversation starter — especially in this bright purple shade. The rounded backing and tufted material will dress up your room while providing a spot for you (or your pet) to rest and relax in.
11. Simple Living Wood Fabric Playmate Corner Chair, $197, original price: $260
Not sure what to do with that empty corner? Incorporate a corner chair that will seamlessly fill up space without making your room look crowded. It comes with a tufted backing and various colors to customize it to your space.
12. Carson Carrington Yppersbyn Bohemian-Style Accent Chair, $200, original price: $306
Add some boho-chic vibes to your reading room with this natural-inspired chair that combines a wicker texture with soft pink cushions for a pop of color.
Instead of investing in a whole new furniture set, adding an accent chair to your home is an affordable option for refreshing an area, according to Shaffer.
This Anthropologie one incorporates bold colors and patterns that will keep you on-trend and comfortable all year round.
Fill your empty corners with this simple armless chair that will dress up your sitting room. It comes in a gorgeous cognac shade made from a quality bi-cast leather upholstery. It’s finished with pinewood legs for added stability.
15. Lisbeth Swivel Accent Chair, $720, original price $8
Goerzen is “loving deep, cushy armchairs with rolled arms that have more of an English feel.” Consider these types of chairs for your reading corners or at-home libraries to bring a nice cozy-by-the-fire feel.
Another trend Goerzen has noticed recently is “accent chairs dressed in cool fabrics like boucle or unexpected patterns as a way to add a dose of style and visual interest to spaces.”
16. West Elm Naomi Rattan Chair, $200, original price: $399
Your farmhouse style absolutely needs this rattan chair for its chic black base and changeable seat cushion that you can personalize to your liking.
17. Heller Frank Gehry Easy Chair, $800, original price: $1,000
Anyone looking to add some interest to their sitting room should consider adding a bold or colorful chair for a “fun pop of color,” Shaffer recommends. For an added pro tip, he also says not to be afraid to “mix and match patterns and materials, like pairing a velvet chair with a woven throw pillow.”
You can even add a throw blanket or throw pillow “to really make the chair feel like a comfortable and inviting spot to sit.”
This chair will certainly be a talking piece of any room you set it in. It’s available in a mix of neon colors and features curved lines to tie in your modern abstract space.
18. Everly Quinn Binghamton Upholstered Armchair, $480, original price: $1,240
Go the non-traditional route with an accent chair that boasts geometric lines and cut outs like this one by Everly Quinn. Not only is it only sale for $760 off, but comes with a velvety soft orange material that will make it perfect for you eclectic bedroom.
19. Yongqiang Accent Chair, $160, original price: $170
Lounge in complete luxury — without burning a hole in your wallet. This tufted accent chair features a curved seat and rounded edges to complete your contemporary aesthetic — and for less than $200!
20. Andover Mills Pringle Upholstered Wingback Chair, $410, original price: $430
You’ll feel as though you’re sitting upon a throne in this chair from Wayfair. The high backing exudes elegance, especially when paired with the silver stud accents. It even includes the matching throw pillow for extra comfort.
You can’t help but turn your head towards this option from the small business Coming Soon. The vintage aesthetic will add a nice retro touch to any room your place it in while the orange edges will bring some subtle color.
22. Yaheetech Leather Accent Chair, $195, original price: $300
Yes, it is possible to get that luxe leather look for less and this style by Yaheetech proves it. The brown tufted backing will provide support and comfort while adding some texture to your living room. Since it’s filled with a thick foam, you can sit and watch TV without switching to the couch halfway through.
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