38 Affordable Accent Chairs That Don't Skimp on Style

Accent chairs are the unsung heroes of interior design. These often overlooked accessories work overtime, bringing beauty and function to your space in one fell swoop. Better still, accent chairs are available in endless silhouettes and colorways to enhance all interior styles and satisfy your ever-evolving needs like creating tucked-away nooks or providing overflow seating for special occasions.

With a wealth of options to sift through it can be challenging to find the creme de la creme accent chairs for your space. The good news? You’ve got us on your side. We spent hours hand-selecting the best budget-friendly accent chairs for every style based on materials, size and style versatility. Plus, we consulted a pro for insider tips.

“An accent chair is more than just a seat; it's a statement piece that can transform a room. Choose one that speaks to your style, complements your space, and adds a touch of elegance to your home,” shares Jennifer Wagener, interior designer and owner of Decorating Den Interiors.

“There are several factors that can be considered when choosing an accent chair,” Wagener continues. “First, think about the chair's purpose — will it be used for lounging, reading, or as additional seating for guests? This will help determine the type of chair you need — a comfortable armchair with plush cushioning may be ideal for reading, while a sleek and compact design may be better suited for extra seating.”

And her last piece of advice? Materials matter. “When choosing materials for your accent chair, consider both durability and aesthetics. If you have young children or pets, opt for easy-to-clean materials such as leather, microfiber, or a performance fabric.”

Learn more about styling accent chairs and shop our favorite finds in the links below.

How to Style an Accent Chair

Accent chairs are easy to dress up using your favorite throw pillows and blankets. Add interest to your solid-colored accent chair with a textural knit blanket and punchy printed pillow. For a pattern-clad accent chair, use a solid pillow in a contrasting material to make a statement in the space. Pro tip: Rotate your accessories throughout the year to speak to the season afoot.

How to Arrange an Accent Chair

Accent chairs can be arranged in endless ways to complement your style and enhance the layout of your room. Arrange two armchairs side-by-side in front of a coffee table, across from a sofa or flanking a fireplace for a traditional look. Tuck an accent chair into a corner of your kids’ room to create a cozy storytime nook or place one in front of your bedroom window for reading with a view.

What Size Accent Chair Do You Need?

An accent chair that’s too large or too small for its surroundings sticks out like a sore thumb and looks like an afterthought. The best size accent chair for your space is relative to the other furnishings in the room. If you have a living room furnished with an oversized sofa, extra-large coffee table and soaring ceilings we recommend choosing a larger accent chair to maintain visual balance. By contrast, a smaller accent chair is the best fit if working with limited space or apartment-sized furniture.

Best Upholstered Accent Chairs

Eager to add interest to your bedroom or family room design? Scoop up one of our favorite (affordable) upholstered accent chairs below. Upholstered accent chairs feature tailored cloth covers and come in varied fabrics including twill, linen and trendy bouclé. You can find upholstered accent chairs to complement all interior design styles and color palettes. Skirted upholstered club chairs like the Manel Modern Soft Wide Upholstered Accent Chair are mainstays in traditional spaces, while wood-framed upholstered chairs like the Nathan James Wood & Faux Leather Upholstered Chair appear at home in a modern farmhouse or contemporary design.

Best Velvet Accent Chairs

Velvet accent chairs technically qualify as upholstered accent chairs, but they’re so beautiful, we think they deserve a category of their own. The buttery-soft, color-shifting fabric lends a dash of drama and luxury to any accent chair frame. Better still, velvet feels exquisite against your skin, making it the ideal upholstery choice for your future favorite chair. Choose a velvet accent chair in an earthy sage tone for an understated touch or go bold with a bold marigold finish à la the Jasmine Upholstered Club Chair listed below.

Best Leather Accent Chairs

Searching for an accent chair (or two) to complement your upholstered sofa? Invite contrasting texture and warmth into your design with a leather accent chair. Genuine and faux leather accent chairs provide a handsome juxtaposition, balancing soft-and-airy furnishings and bringing balance to the space. Bonus: You can find a leather accent chair for all interior design styles. The Camel Vegan Leather Flange Club Accent Chair is a seamless addition to a transitional living room, and the Hearth & Hand Faux Leather & Metal Accent chair is well-suited for contemporary or midcentury abodes.

While we appreciate how genuine leather breaks in and becomes increasingly comfortable with time, faux leather accent chairs are cruelty-free and considerably more affordable than the real deal.

Best Accent Chair Sets

One accent chair is lovely, but two are twice as nice. Investing in an affordable accent chair duo is our go-to solution for creating balance in a room, leaning into your love of symmetry and providing extra seating for guests. You can even scoop up a pair and split the set between two different rooms in your home to satisfy your seating needs throughout the home. Style your set side by side with a cocktail table in the middle to serve as a polished conversation corner in your living room, or use them to flank the hearth for fireside chats.

Accent chair sets are available in endless styles, fabrics and colorways. If you’re looking for a failproof duo to elevate your space, we’re smitten with the Wade Logan Hendina Upholstered Armchair Set. It features a sleek, square-armed silhouette and cream fabric that plays well with most design styles. Another idea: Use your accent chair pair to pack panache into your design with an unexpected dose of color or a bold pattern.

Best Hanging Accent Chairs

Provide playful seating in your kids’ room, sunroom or bonus room with a hanging accent chair. The swing-style seating often features a woven rattan or knotted fabric frame and cozy cushions, providing unmatched comfort for reading, drawing or watching movies. These accent chairs are our go-to for adding bohemian flair to a room or maximizing a small floor plan.

Style your hanging accent chair solo in the corner of a room, or snag a pair and suspend them side by side in your sunroom or playroom for cozy talks.