Shopping The 13 Best Accent Chairs of 2023 to Add Style and Comfort to Your Home Pottery Barn’s Menlo Upholstered Swivel Armchair offers a contemporary look in a compact size. By Jennifer Carmichael Jennifer Carmichael Jennifer Carmichael is a freelance writer, covering decorating, home improvement, and organizing for BHG.com. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Molly Miller Molly Miller Molly Miller has 3+ years of experience as a commerce editor for home and lifestyle brands like HGTV and BHG. Her experiences as a mother, homemaker and shopping enthusiast inspire her to seek out the best products that bring simplicity and beauty to everyday life. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 27, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know About Accent Chairs Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Better Homes & Gardens / David Hattan The best accent chair should be eye-catching and provide extra comfortable seating. Its purpose is to pull together the look and feel of a space. Accent chairs come in various styles, so you'll find something to suit your interior, no matter if your interior is traditional or contemporary. But before buying one, consider where you'll place it, the room's style, and space. “An accent chair should be used where a pop of color or design statement is to be made,” says Susan Hayward, founder of Susan Hayward Interiors. “It should add to the aesthetic of the room, either through its color, style, or design.” To make up our list of the best accent chairs, we researched a variety of pieces, keeping dimensions, weight capacity, and material in mind. In addition to consulting with Hayward, we also spoke with Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director at Mendelson Group. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Pottery Barn Upholstered Swivel Armchair at Pottery Barn Jump to Review Best Budget: Threshold Designed With Studio McGee Howell Accent Chair at Target Jump to Review Best Splurge: Restoration Hardware Cloud Chair at Rh.com Jump to Review Best Modern : Better Homes & Gardens Cozy Upholstered Swivel Chair at Walmart Jump to Review Best Leather: Burrow Club Chair at Burrow Jump to Review Best Wood: Threshold Wood Dowel Accent Chair with Cushion Arms at Target Jump to Review Best Velvet: Rivet Tufted Velvet Living Room Chair at Amazon Jump to Review Best Swivel: Birch Lane Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair at Birchlane.com Jump to Review Best Midcentury Modern: Crate and Barrel Woven Leather Strap Accent Chair at Crate & Barrel Jump to Review Best with Ottoman: Gracie Oaks Upholstered Armchair at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Overall Pottery Barn Menlo Upholstered Swivel Armchair Pottery Barn View On Pottery Barn Why You Should Get It: With a clean, contemporary look and a compact size, this accent chair will add style to your room and a comfortable place to sit.Keep in Mind: The seat depth is more shallow than other styles. Clean and contemporary, this accent chair will mix perfectly with almost any interior design. The Menlo offers sleek and compact upright seating with more than enough customization options to choose from if you’re willing to compromise on deep, cocoon-like seating. Its smaller footprint makes it more versatile, but its size may be a downside for those looking for a chair with deep seating. The slender, square track arms create a crisp counterpoint to its comfortably padded seat cushion that’s just right–not too soft or firm. Set upon a swivel base, the chair can turn a full 360 degrees, making it the perfect choice for an open plan concept. You’ll be able to converse with those sitting around you in a living area or swiftly turn toward the conversation in the kitchen. Choose between neutral color options in basketweave, boucle, linen, velvet, or chenille fabrics. And while we love the many fabric choices, we wish it offered more color selection. But you can add your own colorful touch with a pillow or decorative throw. As a bonus, the chair’s loose cushions feature zip-off covers for easy cleaning. Price at time of publish: From $449 Product Details: Dimensions: 34 x 34.5 x 32.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Hardwood, Polyester Best Budget Threshold Designed With Studio McGee Howell Upholstered Accent Chair Target View On Target Why You Should Get It: Affordable with a high-end look, this chair is a great value.Keep in Mind: This chair requires assembly. This sophisticated accent chair looks more expensive than its modest price. With calming, neutral fabric choices and a stylish, streamlined silhouette, this is one of the best accent chairs to coordinate with multiple styles and color schemes. The chair’s tapered, light-colored wood legs offer an airy look to balance out the boxy shape while also adding warmth and texture. Padded seat and back cushions, which are both removable for easy vacuuming and spot cleaning, allow you to sink right in and relax. And its upholstered arms lend extra comfort for lounging and reading your favorite book for an extended period of time. Crafted of rubberwood, the frame is sturdy too, making the chair a great buy. The only downside is that you’ll need to assemble it upon arrival at your door. Price at time of publish: $340 Product Details: Dimensions: 32 x 30 x 32 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Rubberwood, Polyester Best Splurge Restoration Hardware Cloud Chair Restoration Hardware View On Rh.com Why You Should Get It: For supreme comfort and durability, this modern masterpiece stylishly delivers on both fronts.Keep in Mind: Its oversized shape doesn’t lend itself to versatility of style or placement. This chair exemplifies relaxation with its generously stuffed cushions and oversized proportions luring you to sink in and never leave. Luxurious feather and down filling surround a foam core for soft yet supportive seating, conjuring a fluffy resting place as the name implies. Stretch out by yourself or snuggle up with someone else on the generously sized 22.25-inches deep and 32-inches wide seat. (The Luxe size offers an even roomier lounging spot at 36 inches wide and 25 inches deep.) A low profile and wide arms make this accent chair even more enticing to sink into, but the squared-off modern silhouette and large footprint may not look at-home in all spaces. You’re paying for comfort and durability here, but it’s one of those pieces that you’ll buy only once. You may never need to buy another chair again since you and your guests will only want to sit in this one. Thanks to the abundance of fabric choices, customization options are nearly endless. If you go the stocked-fabric route, your choice is limited to four neutral options, but your chair will arrive in three to seven days. Special order fabrics will take longer for the chair to be delivered, but with 155 selections, you can truly make this piece your own. Price at time of publish: From $3,895 Product Details: Dimensions: 40 x 48 x 31.5 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Material: Hardwood, down, feathers, polyfiber, foam, various fabrics The 13 Best Couches of 2023 Best Modern Better Homes & Gardens Cozy Upholstered Swivel Chair Walmart View On Walmart Why You Should Get It: The chair doesn't require any assembly and is less expensive than other styles.Keep in Mind: It's only offered in white, which could get dirty easily. For a modern look, the best accent chair is the Better Homes & Gardens Cozy Upholstered Swivel Chair. The compact chair features a rounded silhouette and doesn't require any assembly, so you'll be able to lounge once you get it. There's a 360-degree swivel base, so the chair will make a great addition to a living room or anywhere else you entertain often. Plus, it's less expensive than some other options, so you can even get two of them and make a conversation set. The chair is upholstered in a cozy white fabric, which will pair well with other furniture and decor you already have. It could show dirt and stains easily, so you'll want to be mindful if you have any pets or small children. The cushion is reversible, however, which can hide any blemishes as well as extend the lifespan of the chair. Price at time of publish: $279 Product Details: Dimensions: 34.3 x 33.5 x 27.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Hardwood, fabric Best Leather Burrow Arch Nomad Club Chair Burrow View On Burrow Why You Should Get It: Leather instantly adds warmth and luxury to your space in the form of supremely durable seating.Keep in Mind: The cushions may shift as they are not attached to the chair frame. There is nothing quite like a beautiful leather chair to make a design statement in a room, and this one by Burrow is one of the best. Made with top-grain leather from an Italian tannery, it’s a true find with its slim profile, classic style, and customizations. Choose from three leather colors–chestnut, slate, and camel–paired with one of three wood finishes–ebony, walnut, and oak–or three metal finishes–black, chrome, and brass–and your pick of an arched arm, sloped arm, or block arm. Because leather is a “living” material, it will develop a patina over time and is particularly sensitive to scratches and scuffs, but these marks fade quickly. Leather’s supple look and feel bring a cozy, luxurious touch to modern and traditional spaces alike, making this chair a versatile, timeless investment. Though traditional in style, a built-in USB charger and 72-inch power cord discreetly offer a modern convenience. Note that you can add on a matching ottoman to extend lounging space or accommodate a tall family member. The back and seat cushions are not held in place by velcro or a clasp so they’ll likely shift around quite a bit. Although the cushions’ impermanence makes for easy removal and cleaning, it’s something to keep in mind. Price at time of publish: $1,295 Product Details: Dimensions: 34 x 35 x 33 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Material: Leather, wood, plated steel, foam cushion Best Wood Threshold Arbon Wood Dowel Accent Chair with Cushion Arms Target View On Target Why You Should Get It: Juxtaposing materials of wood and woven fabric bring interest and texture to any room.Keep in Mind: This chair isn’t very deep. Wood chairs don’t typically lend themselves to extensive lounging, but with cushioned rolled arms and plush seat cushions, this wood dowel accent chair from Threshold offers an inviting spot to curl up. Neutral cream or gray linen fabric nicely complement the warm tones and natural grain variations in the wood frame. This accent chair is loosely inspired by safari-style chairs, which are typically made from leather and wood with sling arms. We like this iteration from Threshold designed with Studio McGee because the padded armrests offer a more inviting, practical place to sit while also nodding to the original design’s silhouette. Exposed wood brings a sense of casualness and adds texture. Nubby polyester cushions soften the frame and appear to drape effortlessly over the rubberwood frame. We love the look of matching accent chairs to add symmetry and anchor an open living space. At less than $400, you could purchase a pair of these Arbon chairs for the price of one higher-end chair to round out your seating area. It is worth noting that the chair isn’t very deep, so it’s not ideal if you want to lounge back and curl your legs up to read. Price at time of publish: $315 Product Details: Dimensions: 28 x 34.25 x 34 inches | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Material: Rubberwood, Polyester The 16 Best Dining Chairs of 2023 Best Velvet Rivet Frederick Channel Tufted Velvet Living Room Chair Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It: Velvet offers rich texture and color and instantly adds warmth to a bedroom, office, or living space.Keep in Mind: Stock and color options are limited. We fell in love with this accent chair at first sight. It's that piece you immediately notice when you walk into a room, oozing style with its gold plated legs and channel-tufted velvet upholstery. Navy blue is a neutral in our book as it blends well with a variety of interior aesthetics. This elegant midcentury-inspired chair can serve as a grounding accent piece amongst other deep-hued decor or as a statement-making focal point in a simpler space. While this chair has style, it also provides comfort thanks to its foam seat fill. And it boasts a bolster pillow for extra support while sitting. Some assembly is required, but it should have it ready for you or your guests in about 30 minutes. Price at time of publish: $611 Product Details: Dimensions: 34.6 x 38.1 x 31.4 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Material: Performance velvet, wood, aluminum Best Swivel Birch Lane Bennett Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair Birch Lane View On Birchlane.com Why You Should Get It: This chair’s functional swivel base features a decorative wood trim upgrade that’s worthy of display.Keep in Mind: Price varies based on fabric selection. Swivel chairs are the ultimate accent piece, offering functional, conversational seating and a stylish design element. We’re particularly smitten with the Bennet’s modern barrel design and sophisticated fabric options. Whether you’re trying to create a moody atmosphere with the forest green microfiber or invite in texture to a traditional space with the herringbone patterned pebble gray, there are plenty of elevated upholstery materials from which to choose. A smooth 360-degree swivel allows for comfortable conversation in an open living and kitchen area to make everyone feel connected. At just 22 inches deep, the seat isn’t the largest on our list, but the sloped back and arms create an inviting cocoon shape in which you can relax with a book or curl up for movie night. Whether you have a small or large space, this chair will provide functional seating thanks to its compact shape. It will also look right at home in a transitional or modern-styled room. Plus, no assembly required. It will come ready for you to sit and enjoy. Price at time of publish: From $510 Product Details: Dimensions: 31 x 31 x 28.3 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Material: Frame: Solid pine and manufactured wood; Fabric: Polyester blend, linen, or rayon/viscose; Leg: Solid ash wood Our Boucle Chair Sold Out Three Times —and It’s Finally Back in Stock Best Midcentury Modern Crate and Barrel Taj Brown Woven Leather Strap Accent Chair Crate and Barrel View On Crate & Barrel Why You Should Get It: Woven leather straps, an exposed wood frame, and low-slung seat call to mind minimalist, craftsmanship-forward furniture of decades past.Keep in Mind: The leather may feel stiff at first, but will break in with time. This gorgeous chair has all the markings of a classic midcentury style chair where clean lines and a simplified silhouette allow the high-quality materials to sing. You can’t help but kick back in this chair thanks to the relaxed, reclined position and supple, wide leather straps. Woven entirely by hand, the chair’s gorgeous leather will get softer with time making for a perfectly worn-in seat. Rich, warm, and inviting, this accent chair stands out, but at the same time will fit just about anywhere. You’ll want to show off the leather’s natural texture and the crisp woven design, but think about adding a faux sheepskin throw to not only soften the piece but add depth, too. Remember that wrinkles, scarring, and color variation are inherent to leather. It’s what gives the piece its character over time. But do limit exposure to direct UV or sunlight. Price at publish: $999 Product Details: Dimensions: 29.5 x 24 x 32 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Material: Acacia wood and leather Best with Ottoman Gracie Oaks Jenae Upholstered Armchair Wayfair View On Wayfair Why You Should Get It: Elegant turned wood spindles add charm and character that’s not commonly found in chair and ottoman sets.Keep in Mind: This chair sits upright and firmer than others on our list. Stretch out and lounge comfortably on this transitional style chair and ottoman pair designed by Gracie Oaks for Wayfair. Spindle legs and arms give off a distinctly traditional feel but not in a stuffy way. The solid, neutral colored cushions keep the look fresh rather than outdated. Plush seat and ottoman cushions add softness visually and literally to juxtapose the substantial wood frame. Select from two finishes–espresso or white–depending on the nature of your room and what you’re looking to achieve. The espresso color will add depth and warmth to a room. White, on the other hand, lends itself to a softer interior, one that’s more light and airy, or even coastal-style. There is only one fabric choice, but the neutral beige color pairs well with both finishes. While you should account for space for the ottoman, you can always move it if you need more room. Price at time of publish: $830 Product Details: Chair Dimensions: 33 x 29 x 37.5 inches Ottoman Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 20 inches | Weight Capacity: 280 pounds | Material: Pine wood, foam, polyester Best Set Sand & Stable Esme Upholstered Armchair Wayfair View On Wayfair Why You Should Get It: This set of two on-trend accent chairs make a stylish statement at an incredible value.Keep in Mind: These chairs have shallower seating and aren’t as plush as other options on our list. This set of two accent chairs is perfect for bringing in texture if your space feels a bit flat and cold. We love the cane webbing’s distinctive open-weave design, which will increase the style quotient of your space, whether it’s Midcentury or maximalist. In fact, cane fits in beautifully with a vast range of design styles, naturally adding visual interest and a casual, easygoing feeling with it. So, why get a set? A matching pair of chairs can help visually balance a space and make a room feel more put-together. Arranged across from a couch or settee, these sweet little armchairs bring symmetry and cohesion. Complement them with a side table in a similar design style, and top the table with greenery and nature-inspired figurines for a finished look. A high-density foam cushion makes for upright, supportive seating. Simply introduce a lumbar support pillow to add comfort and dress up the linen blend upholstery, which comes in seven colors–beige, blue, blush, linen, pewter, tan, and yellow. At just 22 inches deep, the seats aren’t suitable for long-term lounging but will offer distinctive decorative seating for occasional use. Price at time of publish: $998 Product Details: Dimensions: 29.5 x 24.8 x 31.7 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Wood, foam, polyester blend Best Small Etta Avenue Euclid Upholstered Accent Chair Wayfair View On Wayfair Why You Should Get It: The petite size makes it a natural fit for cozy corners and nooks where you need a colorful accent.Keep in Mind: The seat is shallow and low to the ground. The best small accent chair serves primarily as a decorative piece that injects character, texture, color, and/or pattern to your space. This cute little channel tufted side chair with its flared, curving back is a modern take on the wingback chair. Petite gold legs bring a visual lightness to the piece, juxtaposed against the seat’s heavy velvet material and thick cushion. The chair’s glamorous style and low profile make it an ideal pick for a vanity or bedroom to elevate your everyday getting ready routine. And with 16 gorgeous solid colors to choose from, there’s an elegant option for every preference, including rich jewel tones and soft pastels. At just 26 inches wide, you won’t have to give up much floor space for this beauty, and the armless style allows for more versatility of positioning. While smaller chairs are the perfect fit for an apartment, empty corner, or entryway, be mindful of their size limitations, such as shallow seating (i.e. no reclining, sinking in, or curling up, here) and less cushioning. Typically small accent chairs are only used occasionally or strictly as a design element, so, while shopping, keep in mind your intended use for a small accent chair. Price at time of publish: $225 Product Details: Dimensions: 26 x 29.5 x 31 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Velvet, wood, metal Best Reclining Room and Board Westport Recliner Room and Board View On Roomandboard.com Why You Should Get It: This compact recliner won’t take up much space.Keep in Mind: You might find that the wood arms are hard when compared to a typical recliner with cushioned arms. Finding a quality recliner is challenging, especially for a small space. This reclining accent chair made our list because of its high-quality construction and relatively compact size. Artisan-crafted in the U.S., it's designed to last with a durable, hardwood frame with webbing suspension. It's wrapped with a high-resiliency foam cushion in the fabric of your choice. There are 260 fabrics including richly hued solid colors, performance fabrics that are pet-friendly and fade-resistant, and timeless patterns like plaid and houndstooth. When shopping for a recliner, you want to be sure that it offers a smooth recline for comfortable and easy use. While some recliners on the market offer a power reclining mechanism, this one is manual. And unlike bulkier recliners, you’ll be relaxing in style thanks to this chair’s tailored look with clean lines and smooth wood accents. But while we love the look of the wood, you might miss having cushioned arms. So, that's the trade-off with going with this slimmer style. It’s also pricier than other chairs on our list, but we think it’s worth it for the premium materials, design, and craftsmanship. Price at time of publish: From $1,999 Product Details: Dimensions: 36 x 28 x 42 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Material: Hardwood, high-resiliency foam, various fabrics The Bottom Line Pottery Barn’s Menlo Upholstered Swivel Armchair is our overall best choice because it has a clean, contemporary look and a compact size. This accent chair will add style to almost any interior space and a comfortable place to sit. What to Know About Accent Chairs Before Shopping Dimensions While it may seem obvious, it's crucial to figure out how much space you have to play with before choosing an accent chair. You could select the most fantastic piece, but if it is too big, it will visually make the whole room look off. So you need to measure and even consider rearranging the furniture in the room, if it’s a piece you want to buy. “Always have a floor plan with the dimensions that you need available,” says Hayward. “The intention of an accent chair is to fill a space with a design element, so make sure the scale of the chair fits the intended space.” Also, consider traffic flow to determine if you should go for an armless or barrel-shaped design. If you're trying to fill a corner, you can go for a chair with a high back or fit a recliner. Do your homework first to avoid repackaging the chair and having to send it back. According to Mendelson, “There is really no rule here, but we try to balance size and comfort without choosing one that’s too large.” Weight Capacity Weight capacity should be taken into consideration. Traditionally, accent chairs were primarily used for decoration, but today, it's more common to use them practically, too. So need to think about how you’ll be using your chair. Do you intend to curl up and read in it? Or will you primarily only use it when guests visit? Our research suggests that the industry standard for weight capacity for a chair is 250 pounds. But keep in mind that a quality chair can withstand more weight. Material “The material of the chair should add the needed design element,” says Hayward. “If the space needs some light, consider a fabric that may have a bit of a shine. If the space needs richness or drama, consider a velvet or tapestry. The most important part of the fabric on a chair is design.” Mendelson says that an accent chair shouldn’t be fully upholstered, noting that it should have a wood or metal frame with an upholstered seat and/or back. “The goal of the chair is to break up the weight of upholstery in a room–it should feel lighter and introduce new materials to the space.” Your Questions, Answered How can you style an accent chair? An accent chair can solely serve as a design element or a functional piece for extra seating. You may want to buy one that is not only comfortable, but one that swivels or reclines. Also think about if two chairs are better than one. A pair of chairs offers more seating for guests and visually rounds out a room. Place a chair and floor lamp in a corner to create a cozy spot for reading. Add a pillow and throw and the spot is sure to draw someone in. When styling the room itself, be mindful of the other furniture that is already present. Mendelson adds,“We incorporate accent chairs as both a way to add additional seating in a room and to break up the heaviness of fully upholstered furniture.” What room should you put an accent chair in? The experts we consulted say that an accent chair can go anywhere—living rooms, libraries, sitting rooms, family rooms, entries, and hallways. Place one in any room that needs a furniture piece as a design element and an extra seat. Small living spaces in particular may benefit from an accent chair as a single chair takes up less space visually and physically in a room. Just be sure that there is space for it. How many accent chairs should a room have? “It depends on the room, but at least one accent chair in a room is always nice,” says Mendelson. The size of your room will determine how many accent chairs you may want to add. Sometimes a room is big enough to create zones where you might create a seating area by placing a pair of chairs side-by-side facing a sofa with a coffee table in between. And in the same room, you could place a standalone chair in the corner. There’s no magic formula. “If the space is a corner, we generally use a single accent chair rather than along a wall,” notes Hayward. ”For a larger space, or where symmetry is needed, we like to use a pair of accent chairs.” Who We Are Jennifer Carmichael is a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens. She researched the variety of accent chairs on the market, keeping dimensions, weight capacity, and material in mind. She also consulted with interior designers Susan Hayward and Gideon Mendelson. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit