The Best Leather Accent Chairs

Buying Guide for Leather Accent Chairs

Why buy a leather accent chair?

A leather accent chair can be a nice way to create visual interest in a room. Especially in areas like living rooms or even a home office or library, an accent chair can help tie your decor together for a cohesive effect. Better still, as long as you buy a chair that’s not just visually pleasing but comfortable too, you’ll have a great place to relax.

What should you consider when buying a leather accent chair?

• Design: As with any furniture, accent chairs come in various styles. From traditional wing-tipped chairs to mid-century modern configurations, there are many options out there.
• Support: Even if your chair is meant to be more decorative than functional, you should still shop for a leather accent chair with support and ergonomics in mind. You want a chair that provides proper support throughout the backrest and doesn’t restrict the natural curve of your spine. Additionally, when sitting in the chair, you should be able to sit with your feet flat against the floor without feeling like the seat edge is pinching against the back of your legs.
• Assembly: Depending on your budget and where you shop for furniture, you might be required to do some of the heavy liftings on your own—literally. Some leather chairs require a minor assembly, such as inserting the legs. While this may not be an obstacle for many people, some despise the idea of home-assembly furniture.
• Materials: This might seem like an odd factor to consider since we’re talking about leather chairs, but “leather” is a word that’s used very loosely. Many manufacturers will use the term leather in general product titles, only to admit that it’s faux leather further down in the product description. So, be mindful of phrases like PVC, vegan, and even polypropylene. All of these are faux-leather materials. To be genuine leather, a manufacturer must use the phrase “genuine leather” and ideally share what type of hide is used (i.e., cow, goat, lamb, etc.).

What can you use to clean and maintain your leather accent chair?

To keep your leather accent chair looking its best, there are several things you can do. First, you will want to position your leather accent chair away from sunlight and heated sources to prevent it from cracking or drying out. As for keeping your leather supple and smooth, you can use leather furniture cleaner, wipes, and conditioners. Some ingredients you’ll want to look out for are UV-resistant protectors, while others have dye that will help maintain the leather’s color.

Our Picks for the Best Leather Accent Chairs

Pros: If you’re the type who looks at furniture as a conversation piece, you’ll appreciate this overstuffed accent chair from Stone & Beam, an Amazon Brand. Available in eight colors, this living room chair measures 50 by 39 inches and offers a plush space to rest after a long day. You’ll get genuine-leather upholstery over a wood frame.

Cons: With a total weight of 86.3 pounds, you’ll have your work cut out to move it around a room. More importantly, while pretty, this isn’t a budget-friendly chair, and you’ll need to assemble the legs yourself.

Bottom Line: People who love the look of a traditional overstuffed chair will appreciate bringing this regal-looking addition into their home. With eight colorways and a plush feel, you can’t go wrong.

 

Pros: If mid-century modern is an entire vibe that speaks to your soul, you’ll love this sleek design from Rivet, yet another Amazon Brand. This median-priced accent chair pairs the rich cognac caramel finish with wooden legs. You’ll get a fully padded seat and backrest and a tufted back pillow for added charm.

Cons: If you’re concerned about authentic leather, this may be a combination of genuine and bonded leather.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a leather accent chair that’s not overpriced, this mid-century modern chair from Rivet is a solid choice that won’t break the bank.

 

Pros: Club chairs have never gone out of style, and for good reason—they just work. They’re simple, can easily blend in with a wide array of decor schemes, and are comfortable. If you have your heart set on leather upholstery, there are two other finishes you can choose from. Plus, this is a budget-friendly option for the style and support you get. On top of that, it can hold up to 300 pounds.

Cons: You’ll need to keep looking elsewhere for those who only want genuine leather, as this is a faux-leather product. Also, some assembly is required.

Bottom Line: Budget shoppers will appreciate that this wallet-friendly chair offers a classic design in three fantastic neutral shades and can support up to 300 pounds.

 

Pros: After a long day at work, all you want to do is get home and relax. This traditionally inspired wing-tipped chair from Great Deal Furniture combines the look of a wing-tipped chair with recline functionality for ultimate comfort. Choose from five finishes, although this is the only leather option.

Cons: While there’s a footrest that extends when the recliner is activated, the back doesn’t move. So if you were hoping for a flat lay solution, this might not be a fit.

Bottom Line: This wing-tipped Waldo recliner is an excellent investment for those who crave more traditional furniture styles, especially if you want the footrest functionality.

 

Pros: If you like more architecturally inspired furniture, this funky mid-century modern piece from Belleze is a smart investment. The sleek design features an oversized curved seat that’s fully padded and pairs walnut wood with leather upholstery. The modern three-legged base is a unique twist that plays up your design aesthetic.

Cons: While stylish, this too is another faux leather upholstery option. It also makes odd NSFW (not safe for work) noises when you sit in it.

Bottom Line: Design-focused shoppers will appreciate this unique mid-century modern chair with its oversized curved seat. While it’s upholstered with faux leather, it’s reasonably priced.

Final Thoughts

Unless you want to live in a home devoid of furniture, you need a comfy place to sit. Leather accent chairs can be an incredibly durable solution to this problem and often are designed to last for quite a while. Whether your tastes swing more towards avant-garde or traditional styles, leather accent chairs are a solid investment for your home.