If a room in your house is starting to feel like something’s missing, a cheap accent chair can add a pop of fresh, fun style. An accent chair can be a great way to add some new texture and visual interest into your space, while providing additional seating or a comfy place to read. According to Lara Apelian, RA at Lara Apelian Studio, “Accent chairs can offer a pop of color, contrast what you have, and are a nice way to complete the room in terms of how you experience it.” Plus, you can find options at every price point.
After speaking with Apelian to better understand accent chairs, the benefits of them, and what to seek out while shopping, we researched the best cheap accent chairs for a wide range of styles and prices. We were sure to include a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and color options in our picks.
Joybase Lounge Arm Chair
Higher weight limit
9 color choices and 2 material options
High density foam cushioning
Tedious assembly
Too low for some
If you’re coveting the sleek angles of mid century modern arm chairs but aren’t willing to spend a fortune, Joybase’s Lounge Arm Chair is the way to go. A sturdy wood frame forms the base and gives this accent chair the shape that’s commonly associated with mid century furniture, while polyurethane leather in an array of hues lends a sleek, classic touch. On the seat and back, you’ll rest against high-density foam, which provides excellent comfort and plush cushioning. We also like that this accent chair has a wider seat and a weight capacity of 275 pounds, which allows it to accommodate different bodies.
Do be aware with this option the assembly instructions are a bit vague and as a result, assembly can be tedious and somewhat confusing. Additionally, it has a lower profile that some people may find to be too difficult to climb into and out of for their needs, so be sure to consider this detail before buying.
Price at time of publish: $139
Dimensions: 31.5 x 25.59 x 29.92 inches | Material: Wood, polyurethane leather | Color Options: 9 colors
Vingli Mid Century Modern Accent Chair
Simple, classic design
Removable cushion covers
Cool neutral color choices
Cushions require time to expand
Sometimes, simple is the way to go, which is why we love Vingli’s Mid Century Modern Accent Chair. It’s classic and understated, which makes it a viable option to use amongst other more eclectic pieces, or in rooms with varying aesthetics, but the linen fabric in multiple cool, go-with-anything hues still offers its own sort of elegance. Additionally, this chair is durably made, with a 380-pound weight limit. That’s the highest on our list, thanks to a solid metal and wood frame.
We love how versatile the simplicity of this accent chair is for any room and any design preference. However, it’s worth noting the cushions do require some time to expand upon arrival. It can take two to three days for them to fully expand, as they’re vacuum packed for shipping.
Price at time of publish: $160
Dimensions: 30.7 x 29.9 x 33 inches | Material: Linen, fabric, foam, solid wood legs, metal, wood | Color Options: 3 colors
Mercer41 Daulton Upholstered Side Chair
13 vibrant color options
Velvet upholstery
High-density sponge filling
Quite small
Lacks support and cushioning
For a splash of color that’ll change the vibe of your space, we love Mercer41’s Daulton Upholstered Side Chair. Available in 13 fun and bright hues, you’ll absolutely be able to find an option that brings color into the room–and it’s a great option if you want an eye-catching accent. Featuring a contemporary style and shape, the chair is covered in soft velvet upholstery with channel tufting on the winged backrest for some interesting textural variance. It’s also made with high-density sponge filling for cushy padding and sits atop sleek, thin, gold-colored legs that make a subtle statement.
Do note that this accent chair is quite small in size. Although it has a 250-pound weight limit, it’s not ideal for larger individuals; it’s really best for those around 5.5 feet tall and under. Additionally, while it offers decent cushioning, it isn’t quite supportive enough to offer long-term comfort, so it’s a chair that offers more style than all-day functionality.
Price at time of publish: $135
Dimensions: 29 x 20 x 19.5 inches | Material: Foam, velvet, solid and manufactured wood, metal | Color Options: 13 colors
Dakota Fields Daisy Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair
Rotates 360 degrees
7 color choices
Comfy for lounging
Lower weight limit
Cushioning runs thin
A swivel chair can be a fun way to add some character into a room while also incorporating an additional layer of versatility. Dakota Fields’ Daisy Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair in particular is a great option that’ll keep you comfy, allow you to spin around as needed, and add an eye-popping piece to any room. This accent chair features resin wicker wrapped around a metal frame at the base, with a dacron-filled cushion up top that includes built-in fabric straps to hold it in place. It also has 360 degree swiveling abilities to allow you to make the most of wherever you place it.
Do be aware with this choice that it has a lower weight capacity than other options on our list, holding up to 200 pounds maximum. Additionally, while it’s plenty roomy and comfy to curl up in and lounge atop, you may find the cushioning underneath to be a little thin. In some spots, you may be able to feel the frame as you relax.
Price at time of publish: $450
Dimensions: 35.25 x 40 x 36 inches | Material: Polyester, metal, wicker, rattan, resin | Color Options: 7 colors
Dazone Modern Accent Chair
Compact and suited for small spaces
Easy to clean
Includes ottoman
Runs firm
We love Dazone’s Modern Accent Chair because it not only looks stylish, but it also features an ottoman–and both pieces are perfectly sized for small rooms. This accent chair, which is available as a single chair-and-ottoman set or a pair of two chairs and ottomans, is a barrel-style chair that’ll fit in apartments, small bedrooms, and compact living rooms. It comes in nine unique color options and makes just as much sense in your living room as it does in your home office.
Covered in a linen-like fabric and built with a removable cushion, it’s also easy to clean, while solid wooden legs aid in promoting durability. Additionally, despite the smaller nature of this chair, it can still support up to 300 pounds. However, you’ll want to note its cushioning does run firm; it isn’t plush but more hard in its feel.
Price at time of publish: $150
Dimensions: 25.5 x 27 x 28.5 inches | Material: Wood, linen | Color Options: 9 colors
Olela Modern Accent Chair with Arms
Wide variety of color choices
Easy to assemble
Multiple fabric options
Runs quite firm
Between the comfy-looking design and the supremely inviting teddy sherpa fur fabric, we had to include Olela’s Modern Accent Chair with Arms. Underneath that soft and fuzzy fabric is resilient foam, which is designed to support and cushion. Brass-toned metal legs support this chair while inviting some variety and material variance into your space. Plus, this cozy looking chair makes a great addition as an inviting option with a pop of color, as it comes in an array of different colors and is super easy to assemble. Oh, and if you don’t love the teddy sherpa fabric, you can choose from other fabric options that better suit your style, like velvet or faux leather.
Do be aware that while this chair is super inviting, it is pretty firm and not quite as cozy as it looks. Additionally, the unique nature of it won’t necessarily allow it to match with any and every style.
Price at time of publish: $230
Dimensions: 20.08 x 31.1 x 32.28 inches | Material: Wood, metal, upholstery fabric, foam| Color Options: 24 colors
Anthropologie Pari Rattan Chair
Stylish rattan construction
No assembly required
Can dress up or down
Can’t be left uncovered outdoors
Not comfortable for extended periods
For the trend connoisseurs out there, rattan is popping up everywhere–and it’s an excellent material to use if you’re going for a rustic or cottagecore look in any space. We love Anthropologie’s Pari Rattan Chair as it looks great on its own, but you can also add accents and accessories for a pop of color, extra cushioning, or a touch of personal style. It’s available in white, neutral, and black, and it’s suitable for indoor and covered outdoor use, thanks to a protective clear lacquer seal (just keep in mind you’ll want to bring it inside if the weather is harsh.) Plus, as an added perk, there’s no assembly required.
You may want to consider adding a cushion to this accent chair when it arrives; it doesn’t include one, which means it’s not too comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time. However, as a decorative accent that’s functional, we think it totally delivers.
Price at time of publish: $148
Dimensions: 21.5 x 25 x 30.25 inches | Material: Rattan | Color Options: 3 colors
Steelside Boney Tufted Barrel Chair
Luxe-looking diamond tufting and nailhead trim
Neutral and vibrant color choices
Solid and engineered wood frame
Small width
For a classic silhouette that can add some character into your living space, we really like Steelside’s Boney Tufted Barrel Chair. The barrel shape combined with the solid and engineered wood frame underneath provide stability, while the foam and sinuous springs inside ensure a comfortable sitting experience. The faux leather material is available in six colors that allow you to add some grounded earthy tones to your space, while diamond tufting and nailhead trim also provides some texture into the space.
Make sure to double-check the measurements on this accent chair before buying. For adults, it can run small, particularly when it comes to width. It may not be the best choice for larger, taller bodies.
Price at time of publish: $196
Dimensions: 25 x 29 x 27.95 inches | Material: Solid and engineered wood, foam, springs, faux leather | Color Options: 6 colors
Linon Bradford Accent Chair with Butterfly Print
Playful all-over pattern
Higher weight limit
Easy to move
Low to the ground
Difficult to assemble
If you’re looking for an accent chair featuring a pattern as opposed to letting solid color do the speaking, Linon’s Bradford Accent Chair with Butterfly Print is an excellent choice. The butterfly print scattered across the chair’s linen upholstery is a fun way to add some character and playfulness into your space without going over the top. This chair also features an armless design that lends itself to modern spaces, and eucalyptus wood legs enable it to hold 275 pounds, however it’s still lightweight and easy to move from room to room.
Just be aware that this accent chair is a bit difficult to assemble. It also sits pretty low to the ground, which can pose a challenge for those who struggle with low-slung seats.
Price at time of publish: $150
Dimensions: 25 x 21.5 x 18 inches | Material: Eucalyptus wood, local hardwoods, fabric, foam | Color Options: 1 color
Hulala Home Nileus Modern Classic Polyester Accent Chair Set of Two
Set of two chairs
Suits contemporary and classic styles
Sleek vegan leather and nailhead trim
Back lining does not look great
If you’re looking to maximize your bang for your buck, Hulala Home’s Nileus Modern Classic Polyester Chairs are the way to go. Sold in sets of two chairs, these matching seats are a great option to put on both sides of an accent table to host a guest for a cup of coffee. Made with vegan leather and including a nailhead trim, they’re equal parts contemporary and classic. Inside, a sturdy wood frame and foam filling also make sure you can relax comfortably in these chairs. Do be aware that this set of chairs has velcro lining the back, which isn’t the most appealing or attractive design detail. You may want to place them near a wall to hide the backs from view.
Price at time of publish: $570
Dimensions: 28.5 x 27.5 x 34 inches| Material: Solid wood, manufactured wood, polyester, foam, vegan leather | Color Options: 6 colors
Silver Orchid Murray Velvet Accent Chair
Sleek curved silhouette
Goldtone accents
4 neutral and bold color choices
Prone to wobbling
With a silky velvet upholstery, a curved silhouette, and semi-open back, Silver Orchid’s Murray Velvet Accent Chair is a great option to draw some attention to your space. In addition to the velvet upholstery, it features a gold tone finish on its metal sled frame for some added warmth. You can keep things neutral with gray, or you can add some fun flairs of color with the pink, blue, and green options that really accentuate the velvet texture. Plus, despite its smaller size, we appreciate that this chair can accommodate 285 pounds of weight, putting it right within range of many other options on this list.
This lightweight accent chair is prone to wobbling, however. You may need to adjust the thin metal legs to prevent wobbling or uneven footing on your flooring.
Price at time of publish: $117
Dimensions: 25 x 28 x 31.5 inches | Material: Metal, engineered wood, foam, plastic, polyester | Color Options: 4 colors
Zinus Aidan Sling Accent Chair
Plush shredded foam fill
4 neutral color choices
Minimal, modern design
Longer assembly process
If you’re looking to compliment your modern space while adding in some comfort, look no further than Zinus’ Aidan Sling Accent Chair. Specifically designed with spaciousness in mind, we love that this option uses shredded foam-filled cushions that are able to mold to your specific body shape. This detail enhances the chair’s comfort while naturally putting you in a somewhat reclined positioning. But don’t think this comfortable choice isn’t sturdy; the rounded pipe steel frame can hold up to 250 pounds.
Putting this accent chair together does take some time. It’s not so much that assembly is challenging, but rather the shredded foam fill requires time to fully fluff up–it’s recommended that you spread out the foam fill and wait for 48 to 72 hours before using. This detail aside, it’s one comfy and uniquely stylish piece.
Price at time of publish: $140
Dimensions: 30.71 x 30.71 x 35.15 inches | Material: Steel, shredded foam | Color Options: 4 colors
Three Posts Daleyza Upholstered Slipper Chair
5 color and stripe choices
Suits small spaces
Easy assembly
Lower weight capacity
If patterns are your preference, this slipper chair from Three Posts is a perfectly suited striped option that offers multiple different stripe patterns and five color choices. We like it as an accent to add some more color and texture into your space while still implementing a simplistic design. At under two feet wide and without arms, it’s also a good fit for someone limited on space who’s trying to maximize the available area. It’s also fairly easy to assemble, requiring only that you screw the legs on.
Do be aware, however, that this accent chair has a lower weight capacity than other choices on our list; it can only withstand up to 200 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $210
Dimensions: 25.25 x 23.25 x 34 inches | Material: Solid and manufactured wood, polyester, foam Color Options: 5 colors
Etta Avenue Tellico Upholstered Barrel Chair
Sleek, curved C-shape
Stainless steel frame
Multiple fun color options
Tedious assembly
Etta Avenue’s Tellico Upholstered Barrel Chair combines quality and style in a modern accent piece. Constructed with a stainless steel frame in a gold metallic finish, which supports and adorns the cozy velvet upholstery above, it’s available in seven different hues that range from subtle to vibrant. Beneath that comfy upholstery, a foam filling provides plush cushioning while channel tufting adds an inviting feel. We also like that the stainless steel frame adds durability as well as strength; this chair can hold up to 300 pounds total.
When it comes to assembly, this modern chair is more tedious than other options on our list. The curved shape can pose a bit of a challenge, but once it’s put together, it’s definitely a standout accent.
Price at time of publish: $599
Dimensions: 28.5 x 28.5 x 30 inches | Material: Stainless steel, solid and manufactured wood, foam, fabric | Color Options: 7 colors
Acmease’s Velvet Accent Chair with Ottoman
Sleek, curved C-shape
Stainless steel frame
Multiple fun color options
Tedious assembly
Sometimes after a long day, you need to come home and kick your legs up, preferably on a chic and fun-colored ottoman and matching chair. For us, Acmease’s Velvet Accent Chair with Ottoman checks all of these boxes. The chair comes in 16 different colors that range from standout to subtle, and we love the details like cushioned armrests and an included ottoman. Plus, each component of this accent chair features interesting designs, like button tufting. And unlike other options on our list, this chair features adjustable knobs on the legs to change its height to your personal preference. It can also recline 90, 120, and 180 degrees and features an impressive 350-pound weight limit.
Do be aware that as wonderful as this chair and ottoman are, there is a noticeable drawback: On the back, you’ll find black fabric that doesn't match the chair. This is visible if the chair back isn’t facing a wall. Also, note that while the pictures may indicate that the arms recline out, they do not actually move at all.
Price at time of publish: $160
Dimensions: 25.2 x 25 x 30 inches | Material: Metal, velvet | Color Options: 16 colors
What to Look For in a Cheap Accent Chair
Size and Shape
Accent chairs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but ultimately, finding the right one for you will come down to available space. Additionally, Apelian tells us that “A lot of times, [the right chair] depends on what your couch is like. You want to make sure the height of the chair somehow corresponds to the height of the couch. You don’t want a really high accent chair with a really low to the floor couch with no legs.” If you have a higher couch, though, you may want to consider an accent chair like the Dakota Fields Daisy Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair, which is 36 inches tall.
Design and Style
Finding the proper design and style for your accent chair will of course be impacted by the other furniture that you have in the room. If you have pieces that are mid-century modern, then you may want to purchase a mid century modern accent chair like the Joybase Lounge Arm Chair. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are other factors worth considering. Apelian tells us that while she loves cushioned chairs she also “love[s] accent chairs that are less cushy because they are a little bit more versatile, meaning they are lighter and you can move them around the room,” noting that these chairs, like the Anthropologie Pari Rattan Chair, can be used sometimes to put at the head of the table if you are having a dinner party.
Material
When it comes to deciding on the material you want for your accent chair, you have a ton of choices that run from teddy sherpa and boucle chairs to plush velvet options to linen or cotton upholstered seats. Apelian tells us that your choice in material ultimately “depends who is using the house. If you have kids or dogs, I would not do velvet. I would honestly do a fabric that is washable and durable, or you could do a leather.”
However, if you don’t have pets or kids, Apelian really likes velvet because you can use it to add some fun pops of color or a fun fabric. If you’re interested in a fun color, you can consider Acmease’s Velvet Accent Chair with Ottoman, which comes in 12 different color options.
Color Options
Apelian tells us that accent chairs are a great opportunity to infuse some color into the space, stating that “It’s a fun piece you can add a pop of color with and have it even work with the accent colors on the couch,” adding that “if you don't want to be as risky with your couch, you can definitely be more risky with an accent chair.” With this in mind, you can opt for something more colorful like the Mercer41 Daulton Upholstered Side Chair which comes in 13 colors. However, if you just want something more neutral, you can consider an option like the Zinus Aidan Sling Accent Chair.
Why Trust The Spruce
Jack Byram is a freelance writer who covers all things home related for The Spruce. For this article, he spoke with experts like an architect and interior designer to learn about the different styles, materials, and design choices involved in choosing an accent chair. Using that expertise as a guide, Byram researched and read reviews for numerous cheap accent chairs, focusing on details like style, materials, color options, size and more.
Our Experts:
- Lara Apelian, RA at Lara Apelian Studio
- Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce