18 Modern Accent Chairs That Will Instantly Elevate Your Living Space

Long gone are the days when a chair was merely somewhere to park your rear end. It's 2022, and this classic piece of furniture has gone multifunctional, marrying utility with fun, contemporary shapes that will zhuzh up your space in a big way. Meet: the best modern accent chairs. These gorgeous pieces not only serve as comfy seating, they double as décor, making them a major investment piece.

Since you'll likely be sitting in your accent chair for years to come, the one you choose should be durable enough to withstand heavy use. You'll want to look for options with sturdy frames, legs or bases (wood and metal are great options). To keep things simple and straightforward, we’ve broken down several other things to consider before buying your modern accent chair below.

• Style: A tufted velvet accent chair may not be your vibe if you gravitate toward clean lines and minimalist- or industrial-inspired pieces. Not sure where to start? Take our handy home décor quiz to help take the guesswork out of things and narrow down your desired aesthetic.

• Size: Thought it may seem obvious, it's important to consider how much space you actually have to play with before pressing that “buy now” button. Trust us when we say that a big, clunky accent chair will look out of place in a small space, no matter how good it looks online. Instead, you'd do well to opt for an armless option or a barrel-shaped design, which are typically compact enough to easily to fit in a corner. (I type this while sitting on my own purple-colored barrel chair, which is tucked near the window of the one-bedroom apartment I share with my husband.) On the other hand, a large, high-backed chair will help to fill out an oversized room. Be realistic about what you need.

• Comfort: Since it is, first and foremost, a seat, your accent chair should be every bit as comfortable as it is stylish. Those who prefer firm seats over soft ones should steer clear of pieces with pillowy, padded cushions. Alternately, if a plush, fluffy spot to relax is your jam, it's best to avoid accent chairs without much stuffing.

• Color: Before you start shopping for an accent chair, think about the color scheme of your room. Depending on which shade you choose, you can create a new focal point for the space. Alternately, something with less of a contrast may help to give you a more pulled-together living area.

• Fabric: The fabric of an accent chair is another critical factor to take into account. While leather, microfiber and canvas will be your most durable options, each has its own pros and cons. Leather can cost you some serious coin, for instance, while microfiber requires a bit more care. Canvas, meanwhile, will last you a while, but has larger fibers, which make it slightly less cushy and comfortable. A chair's fabric can also have a big impact on your aesthetic. If your space is breezy, beachy and airy, a rich, velvet seat may not be the best choice to fill it with, while a woven leather or rattan option can help to complete the look.

• Budget: Believe it or not, there’s no need for you to shell out $1,000-plus on an accent chair when your price limit is $500 (or even $300). In fact, you can find excellent, high-quality accent chair options for as low as $100. Don't believe us? Keep scrolling for the best modern accent chairs to enhance your living space.

• Most Modern Glam Accent Chair: Christopher Knight Home McDonough Accent Chair
• Best Modern Rocking Accent Chair: Sauder Cottage Road Accent Chair
• Best Modern Accent Chair With Ottoman: Mercury Row Blakeley Accent Chair and Ottoman
• Best Modern Velvet Accent Chair: Artechworks Velvet Modern Accent Chair
• Best Modern Leather Accent Chair: Zuri Furniture Heidi Leather Accent Chair
• Best Modern Farmhouse Accent Chair: HomeFare Farmhouse Accent Chair
• Best Extra-Wide Modern Accent Chair: Latitude Run Stanton Drew Accent Chair
• Best Modern High-Back Accent Chair: Yaheetech Faux Leather Accent Chair
• Best Hanging Modern Accent Chair: Meridian Furniture Luna Accent Chair
• Best Modern Reclining Accent Chair: West Elm Lewis Recliner
• Best Modern Cheap Accent Chair: Milliard Accent Chair
• Best Barrel Modern Accent Chair: Threshold with Studio MgGee Vernon Accent Chair
• Best Modern Sling Accent Chair: Anthropologie Stanton Chair
• Best Open-Back Modern Accent Chair: Duhome Velvet Accent Chair
• Best Modern Rustic Accent Chair: Anthropologie Chunky Petite Accent Chair
• Best Modern Swivel Accent Chair: AllModern Bennett Accent Chair
• Best Modern Faux Leather Accent Chair: Art Leon Faux Leather Accent Chair
• Best Modern Rattan Accent Chair: Safavieh Suncoast Rattan Accent Chair