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Finding the perfect accent chair can feel overwhelming. With an endless array of fabrics, patterns, and styles available, narrowing down the right fit for your home isn’t always easy. As Leah Valiquette, sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Kingston, explains:
“When customers first walk into our showroom, they often say they don’t know where to start. Accent chairs can do more than provide an extra seat. They bring personality, function, and balance to a room. The key is finding one that matches your lifestyle and complements your space.”
This guide brings together everything you need to know about accent chairs, from measuring your space and choosing the right style to customizing fabrics and understanding costs.
Key Takeaways:
- Accent chairs are versatile pieces that add style, comfort, and function to any room.
- La-Z-Boy offers customizable styles, including swivel chairs, high-leg recliners, and the Duo® collection.
- Upholstery choices range from affordable fabrics to premium leathers, with specialty options like stain-resistant, eco-friendly, and pet-friendly covers.
- Prices for La-Z-Boy accent chairs typically start around $1,100, with the final cost depending on customization and upgrades.
- Measuring your room and planning the layout is essential before making a purchase.
- White-glove delivery and financing options are available for Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston customers.
In This Article...
- What is an Accent Chair?
- Evaluating Your Space
- Choosing the Right Accent Chair Style
- How to Customize Your Accent Chair
- How Much Does an Accent Chair Cost?
- Delivery or Pick-Up Options
- Accent Chair Buying Checklist
- What to Expect Shopping at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston
What is an Accent Chair?
An accent chair is a secondary seating piece that provides more than function. It serves as a design element, often acting as the focal point of a room. Unlike sofas or sectionals, accent chairs allow you to experiment with bolder fabrics, unique shapes, or trending styles without committing to a full-room redesign.
According to Leah, customers often discover that an accent chair can solve multiple design challenges at once.
“Sometimes people come in looking for a way to brighten up a neutral space, and sometimes they just need one more seat. The beauty of an accent chair is that it can do both. It’s one of the easiest ways to bring new energy into a room.”
Accent chairs come in many forms, from traditional wingbacks to modern swivels, compact chairs for condos, and even high-leg recliners that blend elegance with function. Today’s accent chairs also come with extensive customization options, allowing you to have full control over fabrics, leathers, and finishes.
Evaluating Your Space
Before you start looking at fabrics, colours, or chair styles, the first step is to make sure your accent chair will fit seamlessly into your room. Many customers fall in love with a piece on the showroom floor only to realize later that it feels too large or awkward in their home. Careful planning can prevent this frustration.
Room Assessment
Think about where your accent chair will go. Will it sit beside a sofa in the living room, in a bedroom reading nook, or in a corner of your home office? The placement of your chair influences not only comfort but also the flow of your space.
As Leah explains, “A chair may look perfect in the showroom, but until you measure your own space, it is impossible to know how it will truly fit. The right placement is about more than just filling an empty corner. It should make the room feel inviting and balanced.”
Consider how natural light, doorways, and walkways interact with your layout. An accent chair in front of a window can frame the view beautifully, while one near a doorway should not block traffic flow.
Accurate Measurements
Always measure both the room and the route to get there. Doorways, stairwells, and narrow hallways can create challenges on delivery day. Bring your measurements, sketches, or even photos of your room to the showroom. This helps your consultant quickly narrow down the right size chair for your space.
La-Z-Boy also recommends leaving clearance around reclining or swivel chairs so that movement is not restricted. Even compact chairs need room to breathe visually.
Additional Factors to Consider
- Wall Colour and Décor: Accent chairs should complement your existing palette rather than clash with it. Bringing paint or fabric samples can make your decision easier.
- Flooring: Hardwood, tile, or carpet will affect how the chair looks and functions. Felt pads are a good choice to protect hardwood floors from scratches.
- Existing Furniture: Think about whether your new accent chair should match your current sofa or create contrast. A patterned chair beside a neutral sofa can add visual interest.
- Obstacles and Flow: Radiators, outlets, or heating vents can limit where you place your chair. Planning ahead ensures you do not block functionality.
If you are planning a larger redesign or simply want to see how different options will look together, La-Z-Boy offers complimentary interior design services. Our team can create a 3D floor plan of your room to show how the chair will fit with your existing furniture and décor.
To learn more about our services, take a look at this step-by-step guide.
Selecting the Ideal Accent Chair
Your personal needs and figures come into effect when purchasing a furniture piece. Here are some other factors to consider when choosing an accent chair for yourself.
Understanding Your Needs
Are you buying the accent chair for yourself or someone else? Will multiple people use it? Consider the heights and body types of all potential users. If heights differ significantly, you might need to compromise or even consider buying additional seating options. Also, factor in whether children or pets will use the chair, as this might influence your fabric choice and the type of chair you choose.
Size and Style
Finding the right accent chair involves considering your personal dimensions and style preferences. Sitting in a chair should feel comfortable, which means considering certain aspects, such as seat depth, back height, and overall comfort.
For example, your head should rest at the same level as the head cushion, and your legs should be about 90 degrees when you touch the floor, with your feet planted on the ground. If this doesn’t match up, the recliner you’re sitting in may not be right for you.
Chair Sizes
La-Z-Boy offers accent chairs in various sizes to fit different room sizes and personal preferences:
- Small Accent Chairs: Ideal for small spaces or as additional seating.
- Medium Accent Chairs: Perfect for standard-sized living rooms.
- Chair & a Halfs: Great for spacious rooms and providing ample seating.
Each sofa size can also come with additional height recommendations:
- Petite: Users that are 5’4” and under
- Medium: Users that are 5’4” to 5’9”
- Large: Users that are 5’10” to 6’2”
- Extra Tall: Users that are 6’2” and over
Each model is designed to provide optimal comfort for specific body sizes, ensuring that the sofa fits you just right. To get a better idea of what our Top-Selling La-Z-Boy Accent Chairs are, read this article.
Style Preferences
La-Z-Boy offers four unique style categories that are meant to suit certain households. Here they are:
- Classics Revisited: Inspired by fashionable and elegant designs, this collection honours the past without being stuck to it.
- Modern Retreat: With streamlined silhouettes and geometric prints, the Modern Retreat look is both chic and sophisticated.
- Family Favourites: The Family Favourites collection is designed to cater to family functions without having to sacrifice style.
- Comfortably Casual: This collection is meant to create beautiful spaces that are meant to be lived in.
To learn more about these Furniture Styles, take a look at this article.
Current Design Trends
Accent chairs are also a great way to experiment with trends without committing to a full furniture overhaul.
This year, we are seeing a strong shift toward curved silhouettes and barrel chairs, which soften the flow of a room and make spaces feel more inviting.
Bouclé and other textured fabrics remain popular for their cozy look and tactile appeal, adding both warmth and visual interest.
Colour is also making a comeback, with homeowners gravitating toward rich earth tones and jewel-inspired shades such as deep greens, chocolate browns, and sapphire blues.
At the same time, many shoppers are looking for more sustainable choices, which is why eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled or low-impact materials are becoming increasingly important.
As Leah notes, “Accent chairs permit you to take a design risk. Maybe you go with a bold pattern or a trendy fabric you wouldn’t choose for a sofa. A chair is the perfect place to let your personality show.”
To learn more about the Most Current Design Trends, take a look at this article.
How to Customize Your Accent Chair
Personalizing your accent chair is the reason why it is called an accent chair in the first place. With a unique pattern and colour that works in your room, you will be able to stand out from all the other living rooms out there.
But there is so much more to personalizing your accent chair at La-Z-Boy. Before we see what kind of customizable options there are, let’s see what are the different types of accent chairs.
Types of Accent Chairs
High-Leg Recliners
High-leg recliners offer a sleek approach to the traditional recliner. These chairs look like stationary accent chairs but have the added functionality of a recliner. Simply push back to enjoy instant reclining comfort.
To learn more about our Top-Selling High-Leg Recliners at La-Z-Boy, read this article.
Swivel Chairs
Swivel chairs provide versatility and mobility, allowing you to turn in any direction. They are perfect for living rooms, home offices, or any space where flexibility is key.
To learn more about our Top-Selling Swivel Chairs at La-Z-Boy, read this article.
Leather Accent Chairs
Leather accent chairs add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any room. They are durable, easy to clean, and become more comfortable over time. Leather accent chairs are perfect for those looking for a timeless, stylish piece that also offers longevity and ease of maintenance.
To learn more about our Top Leather Accent Chairs at La-Z-Boy, read this article.
Duo Collection
La-Z-Boy’s Duo® Collection combines the appearance of stationary furniture with the functionality of recliners. These contemporary pieces can be placed right up against the wall and provide the luxury of reclining.
To learn more about the Duo Collection, read this article.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Now that we know what types of accent chairs there are, let’s see what custom options you can make for a La-Z-Boy accent chair.
Fabric vs. Leather
Deciding between fabric and leather depends on various factors, including comfort, appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. Leather offers a unique look and is easier to clean, while fabric provides a broader range of colours and patterns.
At La-Z-Boy, we offer over 800 different kinds of upholstery options, with a fabric and leather grading system that affects pricing depending on which cover grade you choose. To learn more about our Fabric Upholstery or our Leather Selections, take a look at these articles.
If you’re still unsure about whether to choose fabric vs leather, learn more with this comparison article.
Specialized Covers
- Performance Fabrics: Durable and easy to clean, perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Like La-Z-Boy’s iClean, designed to repel spills and stains, providing peace of mind in busy households.
- Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Made from recycled materials, such as La-Z-Boy’s conserve™ Sustainable Fabrics, offering an environmentally friendly option.
- Antimicrobial Covers: Protect against mold, mildew, and bacteria, ensuring a healthier living environment.
- Pet-Friendly Fabrics: Designed to withstand scratches and wear from pets, making them durable and easy to clean.
- Energy Restoration: Restore by Nanobionic® features a mineral-based fabric coating that transforms natural body heat into energy using infrared technology.
- Bleach Cleanable: These comfortable and resilient fabrics can withstand diluted bleach products for the toughest stains.
Cushion Upgrade
For an additional cost, upgrade to firmer cushions that conform to your unique shape, enhancing comfort and ease of use, especially for those with mobility issues.
Contrasting Welt Trim
Customers have the option to choose a contrasting welt trim to accentuate the design of their accent chairs. Furthermore, patterned welt trim options are available, which can enhance the aesthetics of the furniture frame.
Finish Options (Wooden Legs & Swivel Bases)
La-Z-Boy is all about customization, including customizing the legs/swivel base of your accent chairs. The accent chair legs/swivel can come in one of four finish options:
- Brown Mahogany (Standard Finish)
- Coffee (Additional Cost)
- Graphite (Additional Cost)*
- Driftwood (Additional Cost)*
*Not always available.
Power Upgrade with Adjustable Headrest & Lumbar Support
Upgrade your La-Z-Boy high-leg recliner to power for easy reclining with a control panel or wireless remote. Adjust the headrest from 0-55 degrees and control the lower lumbar support to match your spine's curvature. Enjoy added convenience with built-in USB ports and memory settings for your favourite positions. All power upgrades can be cordless, thanks to our rechargeable battery pack.
To learn more about the headrest & lumbar upgrade, check out the Review of La-Z-Boy Power Recliners with the Headrest & Lumbar Feature.
How Much Does an Accent Chair Cost?
One of the most common questions customers ask is how much they should expect to spend on an accent chair. The answer depends on the fabric or leather grade, chair type, and customization options you choose.
Leah explains, “The biggest influence on price is the fabric or leather grade you choose, followed closely by the type of chair. A swivel or recliner mechanism will always add cost, but it also adds function. The important thing is to balance your budget with the features that matter most to you.”
At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Kingston, and Gatineau, most accent chairs start around $1,100 for basic frames and entry-level fabrics. Adding upgrades like swivel bases, performance fabrics, or premium leathers typically places a chair in the $1,500 to $2,500 range.
For high-leg recliners, Duo® chairs, and models with advanced power features such as adjustable headrests and lumbar support, prices often begin at $2,500 and can exceed $3,000 depending on the customization.
Comparison with Other Brands
When comparing La-Z-Boy accent chairs to those at big-box or discount retailers, the biggest difference comes down to materials and construction.
While a cheaper chair may advertise an appealing price, many are built with particleboard frames, thin foam padding, or upholstery that wears out quickly. La-Z-Boy accent chairs use hardwood frames, reinforced joints, and high-resiliency cushions, which translates into longer-lasting comfort and durability.
Customers often tell us that their La-Z-Boy chairs last for 10 years or more, compared to a few years for less expensive models. In other words, a higher upfront investment can save you from having to replace your chair as often.
Furniture Financing at La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy partners with Flexiti Financing to make sofas more affordable. Customers can take advantage of 0% interest for up to 36 months with equal monthly payments, plus quick approval and reusable credit for future purchases. This makes it easier to upgrade to premium fabrics or power features without feeling limited by upfront cost.
Leah often sees this option as helping families. “Financing takes the pressure off. People can choose the sofa they love and spread the cost out over time.”
To learn more about What to Expect with Furniture Financing at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.
Delivery and Pick-Up Options
Once you’ve chosen the right sectional, the next step is deciding how to bring it home. Sectionals are larger and heavier than standard sofas, so delivery logistics are especially important. La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston offer both white glove delivery services and local warehouse pick-up, giving you flexibility based on your budget and comfort level.
White Glove Delivery
For most customers, professional delivery is the best choice. White glove service is available for $129.99 within Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, with out-of-town delivery available for $169.99. The delivery team does more than drop off your sectional: they bring it into your home, place it in the room of your choice, and assemble it if needed.
Additional services are also available. For $25 per furniture piece, the team can move existing furniture within your home or bring it to the curb. If you want old furniture removed completely, disposal is available for $50 per seat, with items taken to a local landfill.
Leah often encourages customers to choose delivery for peace of mind. “An accent chair isn’t something you want to wrestle with on your own. Our team makes sure it gets into your home safely and set up correctly so you can enjoy it right away.”
Pick-Up Options
If you’d prefer to save on delivery costs, you can pick up your accent chair from La-Z-Boy’s warehouses at Cyrville in Ottawa or Kingston.
Whether you choose delivery or pick-up, our team is here to make the process as smooth and convenient as possible. For more information on preparing for delivery or pick-up, visit our delivery services page.
To learn more about our delivery services, read this article.
Accent Chair Buying Checklist
Now that you know everything you need to purchase a La-Z-Boy accent chair, here are some additional things to consider beforehand:
Helping You Find the Perfect Furniture for 25 Years
For over 25 years, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston have been proudly Canadian-owned and operated, helping over 200,000 families find the perfect furniture for their homes. Our experienced sales consultants are ready to guide you through the purchasing process, ensuring you choose a recliner, sofa, or sectional that meets all your needs.
We are deeply committed to our local communities, and if you're interested in learning more about our Community Involvement or the story behind La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, visit our About Us page.
What to Expect When You Visit
Upon entering our showroom, one of our sales consultants will welcome you and start by asking a few key questions: “Are you looking for fabric or leather?” or “What style of furniture suits your home?” If you're unsure, that’s okay! Our team will guide you through the selection process, considering factors like comfort, design, and even your height to ensure the perfect fit.
After trying out a few options, you’ll start to recognize the details that matter most. Whether it's the firmness of a cushion, the stitching on a recliner, or the overall design. If you're torn between multiple options or looking for accessories to complete your space, our sales consultants can collaborate with our interior designers to bring your vision to life. Learn more about our complimentary design services here.
What's Next?
You now have all the knowledge necessary to make a more informed decision when shopping for a La-Z-Boy accent chair. Now, it is up to you to decide whether La-Z-Boy is right for you.
If you’d like to browse our furniture selection in person visit one of our La-Z Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston stores today or schedule a visit online before coming in.
Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Not only are they trained in knowing the large variety of furniture offered at La-Z-Boy, but they are also experts in furniture fitting and design.
You can also take advantage of our complimentary interior design services to see how our living room furniture could fit in your home.
Related Articles:
Top Stationary Accent Chairs at La-Z-Boy
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