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15 Best Small Living Room Chairs That Make a Big Impact


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Whether your living room is where you display your seasonal decor, curl up with a book, start a new show, host friends and family, or all of the above, it should be designed with functional furniture to maximize your space. When it comes to seating, the best small living room chairs balance comfort and your personal aesthetic while complementing larger items like sofas and coffee tables.

Not sure where to start? For smaller living rooms, consider the layout of the living room, where you’ll want the chair to be placed, and how it will function in the space. For example, a modern swivel chair will need room to turn in each direction, while a chair with an ottoman should have space around it so it’s not crowded by other furniture. In general, it’s a good idea to place accent chairs away from walls to make a small space appear larger while still feeling intimate. Ready? Let’s get shopping.

01

Joss & Main Femi Armchair

Wayfair

$376.00

An accent chair should bring life to your space, and one of the best ways to achieve that is with color. Take inspiration from this mid-century modern upholstered chair, which comes in a crimson orange hue that would look fabulous in any small living room.

02

Mercury Row Petrin Tufted Lounge Chair

Wayfair

$333.99

The silhouette of your accent chair can also make an impact. This beautiful chair features a unique hexagon silhouette that doesn’t take up too much visual room. It also features sophisticated button-tufted cushions and deep armrests for comfort.

03

Steelside Aichele Vegan Leather Chair

Wayfair

$216.99

Speaking of sophistication, leather is never a bad choice, and there are lots of leather chairs for small spaces that won’t break the bank. This bestselling option features a wingback design that would look very elegant next to an electric fireplace.

04

Mistana Adona Accent Chair

Wayfair

$316.99

Pattern is another way to achieve a relaxed look. This striped accent chair features a solid wood frame, recessed arms, tapered front legs, and flared back legs. It has a modern yet playful design that would coordinate well in many spaces.

05

Andover Mills Munson Vegan Leather Barrel Chair

Wayfair

$126.99

On the other hand, if you’re drawn to softer edges, you might prefer a barrel chair. This vegan leather chair is compact and comfortable. Its smaller size provides a clean look next to built-ins, display cases, or other small living room decor.

06

Sand & Stable Esme Accent Chair

Wayfair

$249.99

Not in love with leather? Try a chair made with rattan or wicker, two materials known to add warmth. This top-rated lounge chair features large rattan arms that sit on tapered wooden legs beneath a plush seat cushion.

07

AllModern Inez Upholstered Pouf

Wayfair

$117.99

If a regular accent chair isn’t your thing, a pouf might be! Poufs are a great way to add casual seating to a small space. This leather one won’t sag or sink, and it also comes fully assembled. It’s available in multiple colors so you can choose one to complement your room perfectly.

08

Etta Avenue Toulouse Upholstered Armchairs, Set of 2

Wayfair

$1198.00

Yes, you can get a pair of accent chairs in a small living room. The key is to balance them with the rest of the room. Instead of a larger sofa, for example, you might opt for a love seat to make space for the set. These upholstered armchairs look ultra cozy and come in a variety of chic, calming velvet hues like green, mustard, and ivory.

09

Barrel Armchair with Ottoman

Amazon

$132.99

If you like kicking your feet up in your living room, consider this barrel chair with a matching ottoman. In a small space, the ottoman is excellent because it can be used for comfort when you’re alone, and as additional seating for guests when you’re entertaining.

10

Café Lounge Chair

Amazon

$184.80

Sophisticated with a touch of industrial edge, this leather accent chair will make your living room a mid-century modern dream. Its slightly angled back as well as its simplistic metal frame also ensure it doesn’t take up too much visual space.

11

Tuchico Accent Chair

Amazon

$123.50

If comfort is a priority, an upholstered accent chair works so well next to a sofa or desk. This one from Amazon offers a barrel-backed style with thick padding for an extra layer of support.

12

Viv Swivel Chair

West Elm

$699.00

Swivel chairs: What’s not to love? This West Elm accent chair adds movement to a small living room. Praised for its wraparound back, this pick would act as a fabulous corner chair. Or you could even pair it with a small table in a reading nook.

13

Penn Chair

West Elm

$399.00

This luxurious piece features a stunning silhouette, deep cushion, and extra-soft fabrication. The bestselling chair is slightly wider than others on this list—but because it’s so plush, it makes the space around it feel cozy, not cluttered.

14

Andover Mills Hansell Swivel Chair

Wayfair

$299.99

If you prefer a minimal design aesthetic, this Wayfair chair is a fantastic option. The swivel barrel chair is resistant to mildew, fading, scratching, staining, and tearing, so it’s a smart choice for a house with kids or pets running around.

15

Sherpa Accent Chair

Amazon

$157.99

Plush lounge chairs are like having a giant teddy bear in your living room. Thousands of happy homeowners praise this cozy chair not only for its price, but also for its comfort and style. You could even give this chair its own little corner moment! Pair with a small rug, floor lamp, and piles of blankets and pillows.