The Ultimate Guide to Accent Chairs—and Where They Belong in a Home

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Need more seats around the house? An accent chair or two may be just the ticket, since they can fit in small spaces, are relatively inexpensive, and come in a variety of styles that can add instant personality to a space.

“If you want to add color or pattern, an accent chair is the way to go,” explains Michael Diaz-Griffith, an art consultant and founder of Material Cult. “Take risks—because accent chairs can always be reupholstered or moved from room to room.”

Granted, if you’re looking for heftier seating for larger spaces, you’ll want to peruse our more complete chair style guide, which includes the classics from wingbacks to club chairs and beyond. But an accent chair is a whole different ballgame, and a lot more fun.

“Anything that feels special, isn’t too bulky, and has an interesting shape can be a great accent chair,” shares Gwen Hefner, a home decor pro at The Makerista.

For some help with these unusual seats, here are some accent chair styles to consider for every area of your home, and some help on what belongs where.

Queen Anne chair

The elegant lines of this royal chair make it a winning accent.

Amazon

Hosting a big dinner party? This seat ($318 for two, Amazon), with its English pedigree and classic vase-shape cutout, is the ideal choice.

“You could also position two accent chairs in a corner to create a reading nook, as it’s almost like gaining another room—and why live with dead space when you can activate it?” posits Diaz-Griffith.

“Sometimes the more unique an accent chair is, the better—but if you have a subdued pick like the one here, you can’t go wrong with a pair of them,” adds Hefner.

Spindle seat

Slender rods are the calling card of a spindle chair.

Amazon

These chairs ($148 for two, Amazon) could work as accents in a number of places, including tucked alongside a front hall table or as seating for a corner secretary. The delicate rods and small size make it seem airy, which is key in small spaces.

Peacock chair

Upgrade your dining room corner with this peacock-inspired seat.

Anthropologie

Boho or eclectic spaces would welcome a peacock chair as an accent. Choose from a traditional wicker style or this stunner handcarved from rosewood ($748, Anthropologie).

“This chair adds impact and it’s a conversation piece, too,” notes Drew Henry of Design Dudes.

Ghost chair

This clear chair lets your room decor shine while providing extra seating.

Amazon

Henry picks this piece ($82, Amazon) for its classic oval shape and strong acrylic material.

“Use it in a small room as it doesn’t take up visual space,” he suggests.

Chiavari chair

These are a steal for the pair.

Wayfair

There’s a reason these delicate, lightweight chairs are preferred by wedding professionals and caterers the world over. They’re easy to move, stackable, and downright pretty to look at. Pull up this chair ($136 for two, Wayfair) when you need an extra seat at your dining table or use it at a kid’s desk.

Rope-weave chair

A solid acacia wood frame resists wear and tear.

Overstock

Accent your outdoor space with a woven number like these seats made from acacia and smart-looking rope weave. Light and airy, a woven accent chair looks at home by a pool or on a deck—and the price is right for the set ($279 for two, Overstock).

Basket chair

Choose from black, orange, teal, and white.

Amazon

Basket chairs hit a modern, sleek note and are easy to arrange on the grass or your side porch. The steel frame is strong, while still offering a soft seat ($151 for two, Amazon) that’s OK to sit on with a wet bathing suit or a plate of sticky barbecue ribs.

Fan chair

Add old-world charm to your new split-level home.

Target

This curvy, scalloped-backed fan seat evokes a peacock chair while offering a smaller, more manageable profile. Made from natural rattan, this accent piece ($190, Target) can play a supporting role with a larger set of furniture or stand out with the addition of a bright throw pillow.

Fireplace chair

Low-slung and comfortable = perfect by the fire

Overstock

Everyone wants to be close to the hearth, so keep this small perch handy when the weather’s chilly. This smart find ($268, Overstock) also comes in beige shades made from oak and walnut as well as hip hues like gray, tangerine, and minty green.

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