We Tested (and Rated!) All the Accent Chairs at West Elm — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space

No matter how convenient online shopping is, I will forever prefer to shop in-store. This bodes well for me, as I write Apartment Therapy’s Personal Shopper series — so that if you aren’t able to visit a specific store, you can still get a clear idea of its offerings beyond what the online product pages tell you. Today I’m bringing you a shopping guide to the best West Elm accent chairs, including new arrivals.

Below are the exact West Elm chairs I tested, including ones from customer-favorite collections and smaller models that are bound to make apartment dwellers happy. You can also check out the shopping guides for West Elm’s rugs, sofas, and coffee tables.

West Elm is an editor- and reader-favorite destination for all things home, including chairs. Its impressive selection not only looks stylish, but you can also trust that its products are made of premium materials that’ll hold up to daily use. West Elm also offers free furniture customization and design guidance, as well as complimentary swatches to help you find your ideal materials and colors. 

Additionally, when you order large furniture, you can opt into the retailer’s white-glove delivery service, which includes unpacking, assembly, and cleaning of packaging debris. You also have the option of a three-year warranty plan and easy returns on select eligible items.

I judged every West Elm chair in-store based on the following five criteria. These considerations helped me determine the right person for each coffee table.

• Seat firmness: How soft or firm are the seat cushions? How do they contribute to overall posture and comfort?
• Seat depth: How far do you have to scoot to meet the backrest? And when you do, are you in an upright or reclined position?
• Loungability: Can you spend hours on this chair? And would you want to?
• Durability: Is the fabric easy to care for and able to withstand daily use? Does it require frequent upkeep or spot cleaning? How sturdy is the frame?
• Appearance: What style does it suit best? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., rounded lines, tufted cushions, classic silhouette) or more contemporary (i.e., clean lines, swivel base, simple silhouette)?

Every West Elm accent chair was tested by shopping writer Nikol Slatinska. Nikol has written for Apartment Therapy since 2022. She has tested and reviewed furniture for the Personal Shopper series to help readers find the best pieces for their homes, especially small spaces. From sofas and bed frames to dining tables and accent chairs, she’s covered it all, making her a furniture expert. 

Nikol spent the day at the West Elm store in NYC to evaluate the brand’s accent chairs on their design, durability, and loungability.

What impressed me: The Viv Chair was supremely cozy, thanks to its small frame and barrel back, which feels like a hug. The channel tufting along the inner back of the chair is a nice touch, but overall, the Viv is free of embellishments and thus easy to style. I think its small footprint makes the chair a wonderful option for a bedroom. Use it as a reading chair or convenient spot to drape clothes. It could even work as a vanity chair — your options are endless! Select upholstery options are on sale, too.

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available in swivel ottoman, slipper chair, and grand swivel chair styles
• Dimensions: 29.5″ wide, 31″ deep, 29.5″ high
• Upholstery: 69 options

What impressed me: Even as I made my way through the entire store, I left with the impression that the Delray was the most comfortable chair on the floor. For one, its back pillow is incredibly soft and plush, so leaning into it almost felt like tucking myself into bed. The curved back and tall arms create that enveloping feeling, and the seat was also surprisingly deep. It’s easy on the eyes, too, with exposed, angled wooden legs, that add an artistic flair to the otherwise classic design. Plus, select colors are on sale!

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 32.25″ wide, 33.25″ deep, 27.25″ high
• Upholstery: 35 options

What impressed me: The most notable feature of the Benson chair is the tubular wooden frame, which would look austere in metal but feels undeniably bohemian in a natural material. The leather back and seat felt velvety, like suede, so they are prone to scratching. Also, both components were firm when I sat. It’s equally a decorative object as it is a functional chair, so if you enjoy expressing your personal style through your furniture, this is a fabulous showpiece.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 32″ wide, 33.25″ deep, 28.5″ high
• Upholstery: 8 options

What impressed me: The Stuart lounger and ottoman set is slightly oversized and, I can’t overstate this, so comfortable. A system of leather slings sits atop a metal frame, which is bedecked with the softest, plushest semi-attached cushions. I love how their velvety taupe fabric contrasts against both the silver of the metal frame and the reddish-brown hue of the leather slings.

The only non-loungy aspects of the chair are its skinny arms, but at least the seat is wide enough to where you can rest your arms next to your body. It looks like an exhibition piece — it’s not until you lie back on it that you realize just how homey it actually is.

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available without the ottoman
• Dimensions: 27.75″ wide, 31.75″ deep, 34″ high
• Upholstery: 1 option

What impressed me: The Whitman Chair has a cube-like silhouette with big, fluffy bed pillows. Although this chair looks like it would have a swivel base, it doesn’t, but it’s still a great option for a reading corner. Also of note are the Whitman’s tall arms, a detail I’ve come to realize is customary with coastal-inspired furniture. Wide flanged edges add an air of coziness and serve as an eye-catching detail. If you’re after a clean but comfortable accent piece to place by the fireplace or across from the TV, you can’t go wrong with the Whitman.

The cherry on top? You can snag select upholstery styles on sale.

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available in sofa, trundle sofas, and chaise sectional styles
• Dimensions: 31.75″ wide, 35.25″ deep, 32.25″ high
• Upholstery: 26 options

What impressed me: The Imogene chair has a compact frame punctuated by a gorgeous wooden swivel base. The store manager let me know that the Imogene is a bestseller, and as I took in its pillowy seat and just-right depth, I understood why. The swivel on this chair requires a bit of effort to get going, but it is smooth.

Its curved silhouette is modern but still adds softness, which will come in handy if your living room could use some warmth. You’ll also be happy to learn that both the seat and back cushions are loose and have removable covers, which makes cleaning the chair a breeze. Even better, select shades (not pictured) are currently on sale.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 29″ wide, 36″ deep, 31″ high
• Upholstery: 72 options

What impressed me: I love the cool metal base on the Kristoff Swivel Chair and its matching ottoman. The leather upholstery is classic and fashion-forward, and in addition to a wide seat, the chair also boasts wide, low arms. The fluffy, sink-in seat was practically made for mid-day napping. I also enjoyed the voluminous head cushion, which cradled my neck in a way a lot of chairs aren’t able to. The Kristoff is somewhat difficult to get out of because of its low profile and concave seat. My suggested solution? Just stay put.

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available without the ottoman
• Dimensions: 35.75″ wide, 38.5″ deep, 36″ high
• Upholstery: 1 option

What impressed me: The Berra Chair is delightfully compact and low to the ground, making it a wonderful accent for small spaces. It has a firm, mid-deep seat and back, and was upholstered in green velvet. If I’m being honest, it’s not the most comfortable chair I tested precisely because of its firmness, but it’s nothing a soft accent pillow can’t fix. Because of its petite size and sculptural form, the Berra would look great in an entryway or hallway, especially if you need a place to sit while taking off your shoes. Select upholstery options are on sale, too!

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 32.5″ wide, 33.75″ deep, 29″ high
• Upholstery: 36 options

What impressed me: The Craig chair is bound to garner tons of compliments thanks to its rounded silhouette. And because it’s compact, you could easily grab two to position opposite the sofa or at the foot of the bed. The seat is upright and the back is low, makingthe Craig a solid spot for conversing with guests instead of vegging out. The mixed materials were especially noticeable — you can really get playful with the upholstery fabric and contrast it against the oak or walnut wood. Bonus: select finishes are on sale right now.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 30.25″ wide, 24″ deep, 28″ high
• Upholstery: 62 options

What impressed me: The Hugo chair is upholstered in suede-like leather and sports a sculptural wooden frame that makes it look like a piece of art. The wide plank arms are almost like mini side tables for your phone or coffee cup, even if they sit at an incline. The Hugo has a very firm seat and flat back, so that’s something to consider if you prefer something with more padding. I was also mildly shocked to find that the chair’s seat was of a normal width when I sat; it looked wider when I was merely observing it. I could envision the Hugo acting as a spare seat in a home office or outside a bedroom closet.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 31″ wide, 33.25″ deep, 29″ high
• Upholstery: 16 options

What impressed me: As an unabashed lover of beige, I instantly found myself liking the Beaumont’s grayish-taupe velvet upholstery. I also like the fact that the chair is upholstered all over, resulting in a sophisticated monochromatic appearance. The chair’s soft seat and back, as well as its armless design, reminded me of furniture you’d see in a high-end spa. The best part is, you can sit cross-legged atop the wide seat, which I was definitely tempted to do.

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available as a daybed and bench
• Dimensions: 28″ wide, 32″ deep, 29″ high
• Upholstery: 62 options

What impressed me: Even the Briar, West Elm’s most traditional-looking chair, still looks stylish and contemporary. What makes this model look slightly vintage is its enveloping wingback design, which is nicely balanced out by a plain wooden base. It has a slightly tall back and medium-deep seat, but I’d still classify the chair as small-space-friendly. Although it has a sink-in seat, it still feels foamy and medium-firm. If you’re after a vintage home aesthetic or you happen to have a fireplace that could use some spiffing up, the Briar is a must — you can even snag select upholstery options (not pictured) on sale.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 28″ wide, 31.75″ deep, 30″ high
• Upholstery: 70 options

What impressed me: The Cozy Swivel looks bigger in person, which makes it even more ideal for curling up to read or scroll on your phone. Its seat is angled upward, and although it’s not exceptionally deep, you get a decent recline. This is another low-profile chair, so that’s something to keep in mind if you prefer a seat that you can hop in and out of easily. The snuggly gray bouclé makes it a great bedside seat, though you could certainly opt for a more pared-back fabric and situate the chair in a common space.

Specifications:

• Styles: Also available in swivel glider ottoman, swivel glider, and chair styles
• Dimensions: 38.6″ wide, 35.4″ deep, 28.7″ high
• Upholstery: 70 options

What impressed me: The Spencer recliner has a tall, inviting frame and only requires a slight push for its back and footrest to extend seamlessly into a reclined position. The firmness level on this chair is low, and the slightly grainy leather felt cool against my skin. It did have scratches on it, so you’ll want to note that some of the leather upholstery options are pretty delicate. I don’t think that’s necessarily bad, though, as it adds a lived-in feel. The brown wooden frame also looked nice against the black, though you do have 18 other leather colors to choose from.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 30.25″ wide, 36″ deep, 41″ high
• Upholstery: 19 options