Buying Guide

How to Choose an Accent Chair: Reading Corners, Swivel Chairs and Stools

  • 6 min read
  • Updated October 2026
  • EmmyPes Workshop

Reading chairs, swivel chairs, bedroom armchairs and counter stools: how to choose by the job, compare leather, leather-look and fabric, and place a chair beside a recliner set.

Brown leather accent chair with a padded seat and back, shown on its own
Handcrafted Hardwood & Finish
Brown leather accent chair with a padded seat and back, shown on its own

Short answer: Choose an accent chair by the job it will do: a deep, padded chair for a reading corner, a swivel chair for a room you face in two directions, a compact chair for a bedroom, and stools for a kitchen counter. Accent chairs at EmmyPes cost KSh 8,500 to KSh 69,500, and bar stools KSh 12,500 to KSh 16,500.

Start with the job the chair will do

An accent chair is any single chair that is not part of a matching sofa set. It fills a corner, adds a seat for guests and often brings a colour or texture the room is missing. Before you look at colours, decide what the chair is for:

  • Reading corner: you need a supportive back, arms and a seat deep enough to sit back in, plus a lamp beside it.
  • Extra seat for guests: a lighter, compact chair that can move between the living room and dining area.
  • Feature piece: a strong colour or shape that people notice when they walk in.
  • Bedroom: a small armchair for dressing or for a quiet corner.
  • Kitchen counter or bar: stools at the right height for the counter.

Accent chairs compared

Prices from our accent chairs and stools collection, checked on 9 October 2026.

Chair Price Material Best for
Mustard Accent Chair KSh 8,500 Mustard upholstery A bright, budget feature chair
Cream Armchair KSh 15,850 Cream upholstery Bedrooms and calm living rooms
Grey Accent Chair KSh 28,000 Grey upholstery An easy match for grey sofa sets
Grey Rope-Woven Round Accent Chair KSh 38,000 Woven rope, padded cushions Sunrooms, balconies and relaxed lounges
Camel Leather Swivel Accent Chair KSh 38,000 Leather-look, swivel metal base Reading chairs and open-plan rooms
Greenish Blue Leather Accent Chair KSh 43,500 Leather finish One bold piece in a calm room
Grey Leather Accent Chair KSh 62,000 Leather finish Modern living rooms and studies
Brown Leather Accent Chair KSh 69,500 Leather finish Classic rooms with wood furniture

Leather, leather-look and fabric

Product names can be confusing, so read the description of the chair you like. Most of our leather chairs are listed with a leather finish, while the camel swivel chair is described as leather-look upholstery. If the difference matters to you, ask us on WhatsApp which material a chair uses before you order.

Leather finish

Smooth leather wipes clean easily, which suits homes with children and pets, and it pairs naturally with leather recliner sets. It feels cool in hot weather and can feel cold on a chilly highland morning; a throw solves that. Keep it out of strong direct sun.

Leather-look

Leather-look upholstery gives a similar appearance at a lower cost and is easy to wipe. Avoid sharp objects and very hot surfaces, which can mark it.

Fabric

Fabric chairs feel warmer and softer and come in more colours, such as mustard, cream and grey. They show spills sooner, so blot spills fast and vacuum regularly.

Woven rope

The rope-woven round chair (KSh 38,000) brings texture and a resort feel. It suits covered verandas and sunrooms as well as living rooms.

Accent chairs beside a recliner or sofa set

A single chair beside a large set breaks up the room and gives one person their own seat. Some ways to make it work:

  • Same material, different colour: a greenish blue leather chair (KSh 43,500) next to a brown or black leather recliner set looks planned and lively.
  • Same colour family, different texture: a grey fabric or rope chair beside a grey leather set adds softness.
  • Swivel for open-plan rooms: the camel swivel chair (KSh 38,000) turns from the TV to the dining area.

Leave space for the recliner's footrest and back to open fully before you place a chair beside it. Our 6-seater recliner sofa guide explains how much room a recliner set needs, and the sofa sets and leather chairs guide covers planning a whole living room.

Bar and counter stools

Stools need to suit the height of the counter. As a guide, leave about 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the underside of the counter top so knees fit comfortably.

Allow about 60 cm of counter width per stool so people are not elbow to elbow.

Size and placement

  • Measure the corner or floor space, and allow room to walk past the chair.
  • A reading chair needs a lamp and a small side table within reach. A nesting side table works well; see our coffee and side tables.
  • In a small apartment, one chair that swivels or a compact armchair is better than a large chair that blocks the walkway.
  • Angle the chair slightly towards the sofa, so it joins the conversation instead of facing the wall.

Living in a flat? Our furniture for Nairobi homes page shows what fits apartment living rooms.

Care

  • Leather finish: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it; condition every few months.
  • Fabric: vacuum weekly and blot spills straight away with a dry cloth.
  • Swivel and adjustable bases: check that bolts are tight every few months.
  • Rope: brush off dust and keep it dry; bring cushions indoors if the chair stands on an open veranda.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an accent chair and an armchair?

An armchair has arms and is built for comfort; an accent chair is any single chair chosen to add style or colour. Many accent chairs, like ours, are also armchairs.

Is the camel swivel chair real leather?

Its description lists leather-look upholstery. If the material matters to you, ask us on WhatsApp before you order and we will confirm.

Which accent chair goes with a grey sofa?

A grey chair in a different texture, such as rope or fabric, keeps the room calm. For contrast, try a mustard or greenish blue chair.

How much are accent chairs at EmmyPes?

From KSh 8,500 for the Mustard Accent Chair to KSh 69,500 for the Brown Leather Accent Chair. Prices were checked on 9 October 2026.

Can I try the chairs before buying?

Yes. Visit our showroom at Rubis Utawala, along the Eastern Bypass, Nairobi, open every day from 8am to 8pm and sit in the chairs you like.

Tell us the sofa or recliner you have and we will suggest a chair to match. Ask us on WhatsApp, or visit our showroom at Rubis Utawala, along the Eastern Bypass, Nairobi, open every day from 8am to 8pm.

Prices checked on 9 October 2026. Last updated: 9 October 2026.

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