Anyone living in a big city can recognize my constant struggle as a New Yorker: how do I find furniture that is cute and usable, but fits within the tiny dimensions of my shoebox apartment?
I want to find furniture that not only matches the vibe of my home, but also doesn’t take up too much space. It’s a design conundrum, but it is very solvable with a couple of the options listed below.
Key Features to Consider for Small Apartment Chairs
The metrics for what makes a chair one of the most comfortable chairs for small spaces is both comfort and size. We want something we can sink into without stubbing our toes on the way into the kitchen.
Luckily, many of my favorite furniture stores have great options for small accent chairs. I am moving from Harlem to the Lower East Side in Manhattan soon, so I will definitely be stealing from this list in order to decorate my new (and downsized) apartment.
Other considerations I kept in mind: versatility and style. If a piece of furniture can serve multiple purposes (let’s say swivel around to be used for different “rooms”) and still look good. I’m here for it.
15 Best Chairs For Small Spaces With Sacrificing Style
Without further ado, here are my top picks for a lounge chair that won’t break the bank or your apartment dimensions!
1. Blake Lounge Chair
One of life’s greatest hacks is to shop on PB Teen rather than Pottery Barn. The furniture is identical, but PB Teen is often slightly cheaper.
If limited floor space is your problem, then a swivel chair might just be your answer. The duality of a swivel chair to face multiple directions means it can be placed in multiple sides of a room and used for dual purposes. You can have the swivel chair facing the television and then, well, swivel to the conversation in the kitchen, perhaps.
The Blake Lounge is an excellent pick because it offers excellent arm and back support without taking up too much space. I love the textured material and the color options– it adds a lot of originality to an otherwise very plain chair.
While this chair is a little higher cost than others on this list, I think it’s a great investment. Pottery Barn furniture lasts a long time and is always super durable.
2. Ebello Modern Velvet Accent Chair
If you can count on Walmart for anything, it’s deals, deals, deals. I’m a sucker for velvet upholstery chairs– especially ones this stylish.
This is a super unique, geometric chair that will go great in any room on the plainer side. I tend to decorate my living space with very plain pieces– classic couches, rugs, and armoires that are very adaptable. Pair it with a comfy ottoman and yoy’ve got the perfect little reading nook.
This chair is less adaptable, but that’s what I like about it. I think the fun design of the chair is what makes it so necessary for apartments like mine. It’s a statement piece.
The price is practically unbeatable, and the size of this chair is teensy (despite its deceiving appearances). The white color can be a nice, even blend in tone, or you can go for the standout orange if you need a little more pop in your space.
3, Catskill Outdoor Lounge Chair
Nobody does a wooden frame like West Elm. If you’re looking for a small apartment chair for an outdoor seating space rather than a living room, then I would love to point you in the direction of the lovely Catskill Chair.
There are a couple amazing features of this mid century modern outdoor chair. It’s completely weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about a little rain, snow, or sleet ruining this 😉
One of my favorite aspects is the colors. You can mix and match colors as well as wood frames, which should make it easy to match this chair to any existing furniture you own. The size is small and compact but very comfortable, with a deep seat and high armrests.
The price tag is a major plus, too. While West Elm is typically known for being on the more expensive side, these are a total steal.
4. ABET Cane Accent Chair
When it comes to the best armchair for small spaces, sometimes a simple cane chair is the best answer. Home decor is easy so long as you make space for cane, in my humble opinion.
This is a super classic piece that can be swapped and changed and even put under a dining table, should you need. Because it has no bottom half, it looks like it takes up less space than it does, which is great if you have an already busy-looking space.
While I won’t necessarily claim an uncushioned cane chair is the best in terms of comfort, there is a lot to be said for the space you’ll save here. You can always add a cushion if you need to.
As always, Amazon is one of the best places to find furniture. Shipping is free if you’re a prime member, and it usually ships within the same week. Plus, the ratings are very reliable and you can see how the chair looks in real buyers’ homes.
5. Baylor Accent Chair
Despite the fact I will never be able to get the Raymour Flanagan jingle out of my head, I still suggest you check out this sick barrel chair.
Accent chairs for small spaces can be hard because you have a lot to consider. Colors, shape, and size are chief contenders. The Baylor Accent chair comes in some flashy colors, as well as some more plain ones, which should fit whatever it is you’re looking for.
The dimpled buttons on the back are a simple, unique touch that make this piece really stand out. I also love the wood legs, as most barrel chairs don’t normally have legs.
If you view comfort as a key, then I would definitely consider this chair. The deep seat on this allows you to add another cushion, or just sit back as far as you desire.
6. Foley Velvet Modern Dining Chair
Technically, this is a dining chair. Technically. However, if you have a super small living space, you may just want to swap an upholstered accent chair for an upholstered dining chair. They take up less space but achieve the same effect.
While this chair is a bit more pricey than some others on the list, especially dining chairs, CB2 is known for their quality and their attention to detail. This olive green chair is no exception. I love the minimalist, geometric design and the coloring.
If you are worried about comfort, this chair can be fixed up with a nice decorative pillow for the back. I wouldn’t worry too much, though– it is lined with cushioned on all sides.
If you decide you really love this chair, there is always the option to buy a few more and convert them into dining chairs!
7. BROBOCK Armchair
I understand that IKEA has some critics. I am not one of them.
IKEA is one of the best furniture companies to get cheap, high quality furniture that serves a specific purpose. The BROBOCK is a fantastic, compact chair that is customizable. You can leave it in all its straw-colored wicker glory, or you can add pillows.
This chair features a super long seat back that will let you relax into it. I have had one of these before, and I loved it. It quickly became my favorite chair for the back support and how surprisingly comfortable the wicker was.
My advice would be to still definitely buy a long cushion. It just makes the chair a little more inviting and comfortable. The price is low enough that it is totally do-able to buy both. This chair is also super small and easy to squeeze into any space.
8. Havva Faux Leather Armchair
I have a hard time staying away from Wayfair. The prices are just so good, and the quality is shockingly just as awesome. Most of their furniture items are pulled from the same manufacturers as sites like Albany Park, Birchlane, Pottery Barn, West Elm– all the brands I consider too expensive for myself– but they knock the price down. This chair looks so much more expensive than it is. I am a sucker for deceiving furniture pieces, and a faux leather lounge chair will always do the trick.
When it comes to comfy chairs for small spaces, my biggest thing is how deep the seat goes. I want a small chair I can still lean back into. Otherwise, it’s just not all that comfortable to me. This has a deep seat, and according to reviews, very comfortable and flexible vegan leather.
Stiff leather is the worst, but that won’t be the case here. Wayfair usually has epic sales, so keep your eyes peeled on this little chair that will turn your home into a gorgeous fake leather mecca.
9. Tonier Accent Chair
One thing I hadn’t initially thought of as the best armchair for small spaces is one that takes up vertical space rather than horizontal. But it makes total sense!
This accent chair from Raymour Flanagan is much more vertical than it is horizontal. It has a super comfortable headrest and slanted back support the entire way up. It also happens to be only 32 inches long, which means it can be squeezed into just about any tiny corner space you have.
I am a big fan of dark wood with light fabric, which is what you have with this chair. If cream is less your style and you want something with more of a pop, there are multiple different colors to choose from.
All of them look great with the wood, too. One final aspect of this chair I’m obsessed with is the arm rests. They are very wide– wide enough you could probably rest a mug or plate on them should you want to eat in the living room. As a frequent TV eater, this is a massive plus for me!
10. Petite Groovy Swivel Chair
The Petite Groovy Swivel Chair just screams “comfy small chairs” to me. It is technically intended for children, but it does fit any size. I personally think it looks like a beanbag for adults.
If you are super tight on space, this chair is a great way to not only provide seating but also to zhuzh up your space. It’s a very unique looking chair that is equal parts art and furniture. I love double utility
I think this chair is also really great for anyone who has a lot of wood in their apartment. It’s a good way to mix things up a bit. The base is wood, which will match, but the majority of it is fabric. To stand out!
11. Bubble Chair
Even without armrests, this chair from Urban Outfitters is winning the comfortable small chair race. It doesn’t hurt that it is absurdly cute and comes in multiple colors.
I am very into the general vibe of this accent chair. It looks relaxed and put together at the same time, which is a pretty difficult note to strike.
As I’ve said about other chairs on this list, this chair also doubles as an art piece in a lot of ways. If your space is lacking in art, this is a nice way to fill that hole.
As with every chair on the list, this one is super duper small. The dimensions are almost laughably small, but there is a great twist: the seat is large! They extend past the legs, which makes it incredibly comfortable to sit in. No butts hanging off the seat, thank goodness.
12. Channel Tufted Occasional Chair
I have to be honest here. Not only is this chair more expensive than any other item on the list, but it is also dimensionally the biggest. I know, I know! I’m breaking all the rules here.
I can’t help it, I have to include this chair from Anthropology. The wooden bubble feet, the deep and comfy seat, the long arm rests– everytime I look at it, I want to cuddle up with a book and a cup of tea.
There are a lot of directions you can go here. While I love the velvet in the display picture, you can swap the velvet for other fabrics. You can also change the color and even the wood finish on the feet. I can’t complain about a little mix ‘n match.
If you have a little extra space to spare (and a few extra dollars), then I can’t recommend this chair enough. It is what I call a “forever piece.” Much like a capsule wardrobe, capsule furniture is a thing too! And this is a piece that can fit any future apartment or house you move into.
It’s timeless.
13. Buchanan Roll Arm Chair
I would be remiss to write a list of small living room chairs for small spaces and not include something from Pottery Barn. They rule the small space world.
I actually have this chair. I freaking love it. It is so cozy, comfortable, and fits perfect with any room. I’ve had it in my bedroom for a couple of years, but it was in my living room prior to that. I got it in the gray color, and it matches pretty much everything.
I think the versatility of this chair comes from how simple it is. There aren’t many bells and whistles, and it definitely does not double as art. However, that is exactly what I wanted when I bought it! I wanted a chair I could place anywhere and it would still look great.
Pottery Barn is big into customizations, so this chair will definitely allow you options. It’s furniture that will last, so try and make it as adaptable as you can. Or don’t– maybe a crazy color is what you need right now. Traditional doesn’t always mean adaptable, depending on what your home’s vibe is.
I am a big reader, so a small comfy chair is a necessity in every room of my apartment. This chair has lasted me almost a decade, and I’ve read just about a million books in it.
14. Modern Boucle Fabric Accent Chair
A lot of my friends are into industrial interior design. Exposed pipes, metal, lots of dark wood, I get the vibe, and I’m a fan.
This chair from Amazon fits exactly that energy. The metal legs make it even smaller than it really is, which is helpful if your living room or bedroom are feeling cluttered visually.
What is most appealing about this chair to me is the cost. It is extremely cheap, and it will be delivered quickly. If you can’t wait for the long shipping process of other furniture companies, then this is a great purchase.
The wide back and deep seat make this a very comfortable place to sit. It’s wide enough you could sit legs up, should you want to. The fabric is a very comfortable, terry-cloth adjacent that will stay nice for a long time.
And best of all, maybe, it’s available on Amazon! Amazon has terrific return policies, so you can always try this chair out and then return it if it’s not a good fit.
15. Modern Lounger
My final pick for small comfortable chairs is this bean bag-esque piece from West Elm. I am truly and absolutely obsessed. It is extremely high quality vegan leather in the shape of a big pillow. What could be better than that?
Part of what makes this such a good purchase is, once again, the versatility of it. It can definitely be placed in a living room or bedroom, depending on what you need. That is a huge advantage. If you move apartments, you may need to switch the location. It’s super smart to purchase furniture that can move spots.
When it comes to West Elm furniture, this chair is more affordable. It also comes in multiple colors. And if leather isn’t your thing, you can change the fabric type.
My last argument for this chair is how unique it is. It’s like an adult clubhouse in many ways, but with an elevated level of chic thanks to the leather.
As someone who has recently moved, researching this list has been incredibly helpful to my own life. My new apartment is slightly bigger than my old place, but by New York standards– a few hundred square feet.
I think that any apartment can feel huge if you use the space correctly. Picking pieces based on how they open the space up is a big part of small apartment life, and it makes a massive difference. Or at least that’s just what I’m telling myself.
All of the items on this list will open your space up beautifully while also allowing your guests a place to sit. I’ve noticed I host less when I have a smaller space, and I want to quit that. Hosting is so fun! Now I’ll have a place for everyone to sit. Do you have a fave chair in your small apartment?! Let us know in the comments, and we’ll update this list with our faves!
