Best Accent Chairs
If you’re looking for a piece of furniture that can bring focus into your room design and make even the most boring room seem more interesting, then an accent chair is a great choice.
These chairs are designed to be decorative and to stand out in a room in a way that adds to the overall look. They also serve the function of being a comfortable chair!
Accent chairs come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors and allow you to add some personality to your home. Unlike many other pieces of furniture, you don’t have to play it safe with accent chairs.
However, this means that there are many different accent chairs available, so knowing how to pick the right one for you and your home can be a difficult task.
In this article, we will look at some of the best accent chairs available and discuss the important factors to consider before making a purchase. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about accent chairs.
Let’s begin by looking at some of our favorite accent chairs.
Elle Accent Chair
This chair by Lexicon can add an interesting accent to almost any room.
The chair is one solid color and is available in a variety of shades from bright orange to a more neutral gray or beige. No matter what color you choose, the chair will have an exposed wooden frame that has a smooth walnut finish.
Although the design of this chair is pretty classic, it has a modern twist thanks to the curved armrests and these are bound to stand out in any room. The chair is 28 inches high and 32 inches wide, and can take weights of up to 300 pounds.
Although easy enough to assemble, we found that things proceeded quicker with two people instead of one.
Once assembled, the chair was sturdy and solid. We liked the boldness of the colors and the contrast between the fabric and the walnut finish.
The chairs are low and the backs are hard, so if you’re looking for a higher chair with plusher upholstery, this may not be the chair for you.
Pros
- Variety of colors - you can choose from bright, dark, or neutral colors
- Wooden frame - the wooden frame with its walnut finish is classic
- Curved armrests - the curve to the armrests add a modern twist
- Spot-clean - any marks can be spot-cleaned with mild detergent
Cons
- Thin back - the upholstery may be too hard for some people
Harrison Fabric Tufted Club Chair
The pattern of this accent chair is sure to grab the attention of everyone in the room. Although largely white in color, the brown stems and flowers of various shades of blue make this chair a stunning addition to any room.
It has four wooden legs painted black, with the back two legs being a plain rectangular shape and the front two carved into a more ornate design.
The nail head accents along the arms of the chair add a classic twist to this club chair. It is nearly 34 inches high and is 28 inches wide and can be spot cleaned.
The assembly of this chair was really easy and only took a few minutes. We were impressed with the material of the chair and the design looks as good in person as it does in the product photos.
We also found it to be comfortable to sit in, but it may be too low for some people.
Pros
- Eye-catching design - the browns and blues of the design will fit in many rooms
- Different legs - the front and back legs share different designs
- Spot-clean - the polyester fabric can be spot-cleaned if needed
- Easy to assemble - although assembly is required, this is straightforward
Cons
- Low seat - the chair may not be high enough or comfortable enough for some
Accent Contemporary Lounge Chair
This accent chair by Holly Home will definitely stand out in any room due to its thick upholstery.
It’s available in a wide variety of colors, including bright yellow, burgundy, and even leopard print! If you’re looking for a bold color, neutral color, or interesting pattern, there is bound to be a design for you.
Each leg has a plastic cover over the foot to stop the chair from moving or damaging your floors. There is a small pocket in the side of the chair to hold small items and the fabric can be spot cleaned.
Assembly of this chair isn’t the easiest and if it’s not assembled correctly, the chair can easily buckle under even lightweights.
However, once it’s assembled correctly and the legs are firmly fixed in place, it is sturdy and durable. It is very soft and comfortable to sit in but might not provide the solid support needed for those with bad backs.
Pros
- Variety of colors - with so many colors and designs, there is something for everyone
- Metal frame - the strong metal frame will support for a long time
- Plastic feet covers - plastic covers on the legs prevent the chair from moving or scratching floors
- Spot-clean - if marked, the fabric can be spot-cleaned
Cons
- Tricky assembly - getting the legs to be securely attached can be difficult
Ergonomic Accent Chair
Made by Yaheetech, this accent chair has a curved back and short armrests. It is available in three different colors and each version has four, tapered, black, metal legs.
Each leg has an adjustable foot cap so you can ensure the chair is level and there are also protective pads to prevent your floor from being scratched.
The chair is 33 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and can hold weights up to 275 pounds.
The chair was easy to assemble and sturdy once put together. We found it comfortable to sit in, especially for shorter periods of time, and is good for both tall and short people. We liked the quality and texture of the fabric, also.
Pros
- Sturdy legs - legs are arranged in an X to keep the chair sturdy
- Adjustable feet - keep your chair level by adjusting the feet
- Protective pads - the soft pads on the feet will prevent your floor from becoming scratched
- Curved back - the angles and curves of the chair make this stylish
Cons
- Can wobble - depending on how the feet are adjusted, it can make the chair wobble
Barrel Shaped Accent Chair
This classic barrel-shaped chair is available in several colors and designs. Each chair has four wooden legs with adjustable and padded feet to protect your floors.
The fabric can be cleaned with either a vacuum or by spot-cleaning. The chair is 33 inches tall and 28 inches wide, and can hold weights of 250 pounds.
We found these chairs easy to assemble and liked that the heights of each leg could be individually adjusted. The chair is comfortable to sit in, but may be too small for some.
Pros
- Color varieties - available in a wide range of colors and designs
- Classic design - the barrel-shape is classic and will suit any room
- Soft feet - padded feet won’t scratch your floors
- Easy to clean - vacuum or spot clean
Cons
- Small size - seat may be too small for some to sit comfortably
Buying Guide
Before you purchase an accent chair, there are some important factors that you should take into consideration. Keep these in mind as you make your selection as they will help you make the right choice.
Size
The size of your accent chair is going to be ruled by how big your space is and whether you want more than one accent chair.
Like any piece of furniture, you don’t want an accent chair that is going to be too big for your room and make it difficult to move around.
However, as an accent chair is there to make a statement, you don’t want it to be so small that it gets lost, either.
If you’re shopping online for an accent chair, many websites allow you to use VR to see how a piece of furniture will look in your room and we advise taking advantage of this feature if you can. It will let you see if a chair is the right size for your room.
Material
Accent chairs can be made from a wide variety of materials. It’s very common for them to have wooden frames or legs as wood is one of the most used furniture materials due to its durability and ease of use.
Any exposed wood, such as legs, can be easily kept clean with wood polish or soapy water. Some chairs have metal frames instead and this is also an incredibly strong material.
Exposed metal often has a reflective and shiny finish and this can pick up smudges and fingerprints easily, but it’s just as easy to clean as wood.
Accent chairs are upholstered in a variety of fabrics. Cotton and polyester are very common, but you can also find wool, velvet, and also real or faux leather.
Color
One of the most important considerations when choosing an accent chair is the color and design of the material.
There are a few different ways that you can choose which color is best for your accent chair, but one of the most common is to find a color that already exists in your room and choose a similar shade.
It doesn’t have to be an obvious color that is easy to spot. Instead, look for a color in some art or decor that hangs on your walls, a shade found in a couch cushion, or the color of a plant pot or ornament.
Matching your chair to a color that already exists, no matter how small or subtle can help tie your room together. The bolder your color, the more it will stand out.
Shape And Design
Many different chair designs can be used for accent chairs. They can be classic armchairs or more modern shapes and styles with scalloped backs and odd-shaped seats.
If you don’t want to commit to bold and bright colors, then you can add focus to your room by choosing a unique shape and design for your accent chair instead.
You can also look for other features, such as exposed wooden arms or textured fabric.
Cleaning
We touched briefly on cleaning wood and metal in the materials sections but when it comes to cleaning accent chairs, it is the upholstery that is the main concern.
Leather is waterproof and can be wiped clean, but can also tear if not cared for properly. Other fabrics are not waterproof and can stain easily, so be careful with food and liquids.
A lot of fabrics can be spot cleaned with a wet cloth but others may need professional cleaning instead.
You can also find some accent chairs that allow you to remove cushions and put them through the washing machine, making cleaning that much easier.
All of these fabrics need caring for carefully and you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although we’ve looked at some of the best accent chairs and considered what factors make a good chair, there may still be some lingering questions.
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding accent chairs.
Why Are They Called Accent Chairs?
In this case, the word “accent” is being used to mean “stress” or “emphasis.” Accent chairs are used to add emphasis and focus to a room by contrasting with the rest of the decor.
For example, if your living room is decorated with furnishings that are neutral in color, then adding a bold red chair will add some extra focus and life to the room. This red chair would be an accent chair as it adds emphasis.
A chair that is also a neutral color adds no emphasis to the room, so it wouldn’t be an accent chair unless there is something unique and unusual about the shape.
What Is The Difference Between An Accent Chair And An Armchair?
Both accent chairs and armchairs are chairs and they can look very similar, so this is a very common question.
In some cases, a chair can be both an accent chair and an armchair, but in other circumstances, a chair is one thing but not the other. One major way that the two can overlap is through the arms of a chair.
An armchair always has arms, whereas an accent chair may or may not.
Accent chairs are bright statement pieces meant to add color and highlights to a room, but armchairs are often made to match other furniture and can share the same upholstery as a couch.
This means it’s possible for a chair to be both an armchair and an accent chair, to be one and not the other, or even to be neither!
The important thing to remember is armchairs always have arms and accent chairs always add emphasis to a room.
Where Do You Put Accent Chairs?
You can put an accent chair wherever you like! There are no rules saying they must be placed in a certain room or a certain location as you can place them wherever you want to.
Here are some of the more common places to place an accent chair, but remember, this list isn’t exhaustive.
- In the corner of a room
- Next to a coffee table or end table
- Opposite a couch or loveseat
- Across from a bed
- Next to a fireplace
As you can see, these chairs are very versatile. They can fit anywhere you have the space and need some extra style in your room.
Can You Have More Than One Accent Chair In A Room?
Yes! Although accent chairs are typically sold singularly and are designed to be a single piece of eye-catching furniture, you can put two or more in a room if you wish.
They can be of contrasting colors and designs also, although it's best if they are of similar sizes as making one much larger than the other will make them unbalanced and ruin the accent effect.
If you have two accent chairs, you want them both to stand out, instead of having a larger chair overpower the other.
Final Thoughts
An accent chair is a great way to add some life and color to a room without needing to completely redecorate it. When choosing an accent chair you should be bold and adventurous and allow the chair to make a statement.
An accent chair can add style, vitality, and glamor to even the blandest room. Accent chairs can also function as comfortable chairs and can add extra seating to your room.
With the suggestions and information included in this article, you should now be able to choose the best accent chair for yourself and your home.
We hope that whatever accent chair you choose livens up your living space and makes you feel more comfortable and at home.
