Best accent chairs

Any space that needs a little more seating will benefit from one or two accent chairs. We've gathered our favorites.

Best accent chairs
(Image credit: @Mitch Moondae on Unsplash)

Add accent chairs to any room that needs a bit of extra seating. This might be in your living room to accommodate an extra guest, or perhaps your bedroom for a spot to put on socks and shoes. We've identified the best accent chair options in a variety of styles. Read on to find the one that will pair well with your current furnishings and décor.

Staff pick

accent chairs

(Image credit: GDFStudio)

GDFStudio Macedonia mid-century modern recliner

Form meets function

Put your feet up in style without pulling a lever with this inconspicuous recliner.

Pros:

  • Wood legs
  • Dark finish
  • Easy to clean upholstery
  • Tufted back cushion

Cons:

  • A bit narrow
  • Very firm
  • Not durable

If you are looking for a living room chair to watch TV, look no further than this option. We like how the mid-century modern style gets an unexpected upgrade with the easy-to-use footrest. You also won't have to shift out of your comfortable position when you want to recline. Plus, it has a respectable selection of colors you can choose from, so you aren't limited to the classic white, brown, or black options.

Cloud comfort

accent chairs

(Image credit: Amazon)

HollyHOME modern fabric lazy chair

Papasan-style option offers a unique look

Sitting in this chair feels like you're receiving a hug from your furniture.

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Steel frame
  • Anti-skid feet

Cons:

  • Lacks back support
  • Not very durable

Grab a throw blanket and snuggle up in this chair during a rainy-evening movie night or while finishing a book. The Papasan style creates curved lines that encompass the person seated in the chair, creating a cocoon-like feeling. This form feels like a hug, which is quite relaxing for many people. We also think it offers superb support since the frame is made of steel, and the feet won't slide on your wood or tile floors.

Timeless style

accent chairs

(Image credit: Belleze Furniture)

BELLEZE modern accent chair

Make a statement with bold colors

A recognizable style that suits almost any room, especially with the hues available.

Pros:

  • Linen fabric
  • Well-padded
  • Stylish
  • Wood legs

Cons:

  • May be too firm for some
  • Build quality could use improvement

Picture an exclusive club's seating, and this chair will likely come to mind. Every contact spot offers padding to keep you comfortable, though it is a bit firm. The back provides support without a bulky head pillow causing an unnatural angle for your spine. Wooden legs add style and warmth without compromising on support. However, we don't think this chair is ideal for very tall people since it's not that far off the ground.

A few words

accent chairs

(Image credit: Roundhill Furniture)

Roundhill Furniture Botticelli chair

Contemporary pattern with subtle colors

This option is built on a wooden frame, and the fabric is digitally printed.

Pros:

  • Poly-canvas upholstery
  • Anti-scratch feet
  • Wooden frame

Cons:

  • Uneven legs may need adjustments
  • May have an odor upon arrival

Rich expresso wooden legs elevate this chair, complimenting the English letter pattern that envelopes it. It's the perfect conversation piece and place to sit while having said conversation. The fabric is quite thick, so it will hold up to wear and tear without worry. When you receive the chair, it's easy to put together, but you may want to let it air out a bit before adding it to a smaller space like a bedroom or office. 

Retro look

accent chairs

(Image credit: Amazon)

Lexicon Elle accent chair

Curved armrests add personality

A style that stands out instead of blending in, with several cushion color options.

Pros:

  • Includes hardware
  • Foam-padded springs
  • Supports up to 300 pounds

Cons:

  • Stiff cushions
  • Make sure all hardware is in the box

Walnut wood holds a rich finish really nicely, and this chair's frame is no exception. While you probably won't find yourself cozying up in this chair with a blanket, it does add a touch of warmth to your room with its tones. We're in love with the unique curved armrests, but they may not be comfortable for everyone due to their height. The fabric choice is also a plus since it has a slight texture, and the cushions are fully supported by zigzag springs. 

Superior texture

accent chairs

(Image credit: Amazon)

Roundhill Furniture Pisano accent chair

The best back support in the collection

The chenille fabric is soft and durable, making this a great option for the living room.

Pros:

  • Padded back
  • Included cushion
  • Durable

Cons:

  • May wobble or need extra adjustments
  • Requires tools to put together

Chairs without arms are best suited for spaces where the person taking a seat isn't staying in that spot for long. Ideally, this chair would work best in your bedroom or as guest seating in an office. For instance, think of your morning routine when putting on socks or shoes, and how armrests would simply be in the way. The chenille fabric is extra soft, provides an interesting texture, and can be cleaned without issue. As a bonus, the included pillow offers extra back support, which is unexpected in this style of chair.

Selecting accent chairs

Accent chairs add more to a space than a place to sit, they can also add personality. Our collection doesn't disappoint on this front but also includes accent chairs that you'll find yourself using on the regular. Our favorite option is the GDFStudio Macedonia mid-century modern recliner. For starters, it's tough for other accent chairs to compete with a reclining function. Then add in the armrests, vibrant fabric, and wooden legs, and you have a winner. We do wish the seat was a bit softer and wider, but since this doesn't have to be your full-time chair, we still think it's the best overall.

If getting cozy is more your style, then the HollyHOME modern fabric lazy chair is for you. Sitting in this chair is like being inside a catcher's mitt, except much softer. The sides wrap up around you in bowl form, creating the ideal place to relax while watching shows or reading. Plus, not only can you choose from vibrant colors, but there are also some fun patterns available.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.