There's no better time than a new season to think about refreshing your space. If you've been eyeballing your home and overwhelmed with all the things you'd like to change but are unsure where to start — not to mentions the limitations of being on a budget — don't stress. It's a lot easier and less expensive to inject some new life into your place than you might think. Just start with something that's manageable that still can create a lot of impact, like swapping in some affordable accent chairs.
When it comes to picking the perfect chairs for your space, take the advice of Los Angeles-based interior stylist and owner of uber stylish home decor boutique Night Palm, Tiffany Howell, who suggests shopping for them the same way you would your next pair of chic footwear. "When I shop for chairs, I always ask my clients, 'Are these going to be functional, fun, or both?'" she says. "It's funny, because it's the same question I ask myself when I'm buying shoes. Purpose and lifestyle should influence what you select."
As for what gets the most bang for your buck when you're shopping for accent chairs, follow Howell's advice and look for a balance of aesthetics and functionality. "I tend to be drawn to sculpturally interesting chairs that are also comfortable, this way the chair can be versatile in your space," she shares. And while the designer's favorite hack for saving a buck is scouring for vintage finds and re-upholstering them with affordable fabrics, she's confident that finding existing chairs (for those of you who'd rather skip the DIY) without a hefty price tag is not an impossible feat. In fact, she regularly styles with pieces from retailers like CB2, Lulu & Georgia, and HD Buttercup. Heeding her advice, here are a few stylish, fun, and functional chairs that are bound to bring a breath of fresh air into your pad — and they're all under the $200 mark.
With a totally inviting texture, this faux fur chair adds both elements of coziness and style to your space. For comfy book reading (while being enveloped in softness) there's likely no better spot to sit.
The addition of metals always helps to make a space look more luxe. Enter this shiny gold chair that works just as well as a stand-alone accent piece as it does part of a chic dining set.
When it comes to affordable yet stylish pieces, it's hard to beat IKEA's offerings. This Mid Century-meets-modern armchair is the perfect balance of clean lines and comfort.
For an eclectic, worldly vibe, World Market always seems to have the perfect pieces at manageable prices. The color and pattern of this metal chair stylishly adds a ton of interest to any space.
Howell knows she can count on finding budget-friendly home decor goods at CB2, so it's no surprise that this sleek velvet chair by the brand clocks in at under $200. And the subtle blue-grey color can work with a variety of palettes.
In terms of furniture and home goods, the offerings at Target just seem to get better and better. This rattan chair from the retailer's Opalhouse line is a showstopper but still wildly affordable. To make it more comfy, add in a plush cushion or toss on a faux fur throw.
Bring in the Palm Springs, Mid Century vibes with this Overstock find. A pop of blue will infuse your space with an uplifting feel.
For budget-conscious shoppers, Wayfair is a great source for finding cool pieces for less than you'd expect. This Eames-inspired rocking chair — that's way more affordable than finding an authentic vintage version — is exactly that.
