The Best Armchairs You Can Buy on a Budget

Furnishing any room in the house, be it the living room or the study, quickly adds up. But you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style, comfort, or quality just to stay within your budget. Whether you’re redecorating the whole room or you’re just looking to make a single addition to your decor, consider these affordable armchairs. They’ll look great, and you’ll feel great knowing you didn’t have to break the bank.

By Bob Vila Staff | Updated Aug 11, 2023 04:56 AM

Mega-Charming Microfiber

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White Microfiber Chair

This plush seating option, known as the Bounce Armchair, strikes a stylish silhouette in the living room. Its simple lines and graceful curves make it an appealing option for decorators of many tastes, whether modern, contemporary, or otherwise. And those who usually steer clear of white furniture, for fear of stains, will enjoy the easy-to-clean microfiber surface. Available at Domino; $150.49.


Related: Designers Reveal Their Top 10 IKEA Go-Tos

domino.com

Boldly Blue

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Blue and White Armchair

You won't miss the arms on this cozy, colorful chair. The high-density foam design keeps you feeling snug while stealing nothing from the streamlined look. Buy one to inject color into a neutral-toned room or buy a pair and place on either side of your room for symmetrical style. Available at Hayneedle; $149.99 (currently on sale for $99.98).


Related: Reinvent Your Furniture with 9 Colorful DIYs

hayneedle.com

Swanky Teal

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Teal Amrchair

When buying an investment piece, many homeowners choose something versatile that can easily transition between rooms. The Aldwick Armchair from Wayfair does the trick perfectly. The attractive teal color and durable hardwood frame work with both modern and traditional decor, while the eye-catching nail head detailing gives a touch of elegance. If teal doesn’t match your color scheme, consider picking up the chair in the other available hues: green or sand. Available at Wayfair; $223.99.


Related: Seat Yourself: 11 Ways to DIY Your Own Chair

wayfair.com

Old-School Cool

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Mid-Century Modern Armchair

Unless you're a seasoned shopper of antique shows and flea markets, finding the right seat for your mid-century modern aesthetic might cost you a pretty penny. This newly-made, retro-inspired armchair from Langley Street, however, requires zero haggling to get an unbeatable price. The button tufting, angular arms, and espresso-finished wooden legs are so stylish, plus promise the ability to blend with modern and vintage accents alike. Available at Wayfair; $279.99.


Related: 10 Best Flea Markets for Cool Old Finds

wayfair.com

Casual and Refined

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Cheap Wingback Armchair

A modern take on a traditional favorite, the Hierry Wingback Armchair pairs an angular rubberwood frame with sturdy, easy-care upholstery, available in your choice of six vibrant colors. At once, the armchair somehow succeeds in being both casual and refined. Plus, though relatively compact, its generous proportions provide the encompassing comfort you'd expect only from a much heftier (and much pricier) armchair. If its attention-grabbing design wouldn't look at home anchoring your living room seating area, consider it as an accent in a less formal setting, such as the master bedroom. Available at Wayfair; $199.99.


Related: The 9 Most Unconventional Ways to Use an IKEA Shelf

wayfair.com

Chic and Contemporary

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Beige Armchair

Searching for the perfect seating solution to complement your modern living space? Look no further than the Thalassa Beige Fabric Upholstered Arm Chair. The contemporary chair has a wooden frame and button-tufted beige upholstery rimmed with nail head accents. The rubberwood legs, which are made of dark brown wood, won’t scuff up your flooring. The chic piece of furniture is a cozy addition to any home office, bedroom, or living room. Available at Home Depot; $224.99.


Related: 19 Rooms That Prove Beige Isn't Boring

homedepot.com

Mid-Century Classic

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Cheap Mid-Century Armchair

Though its clean lines and svelte styling harken back to the heyday of mid-century modern, the Cayla Lounge Chair isn't a novelty retro throwback. Between its pared-down construction and on-trend color combination (neutral gray cushions and dark walnut-stain wood), the design distills leading currents in contemporary furniture design—namely, the low-key luxury that arrives from crossing minimalism with rusticity. Built with solid, sustainably harvested rubberwood and topped with comfy cushions covered in a low-maintenance fabric, the Cayla lounger offers not only focal-point-worthy good looks, but long-term durability as well. Available at Houzz; $188.99.


Related: 10 Ways Your Furniture Can Make You Healthier 

houzz.com

Creamy Comfort

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Cream Armchair

Yes, you can lounge luxuriously without blowing through your full room refresh budget! The combination of creamy upholstery and nickel nailhead trim elevates this cheap armchair from Red Barrel Studio to look even more expensive than its $250 price tag. Moreover, its neutral tone should work with nearly any color scheme you've got going—or any color choices you may dream up down the road. Available at Wayfair; $249.99.


Related: 20 Best Ways to Spend $20 on Your Home

wayfair.com

Modern Classic

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Modern Club Chair

Treat yourself to a sumptuous seat in this modern spin on the traditional club chair. Fully upholstered in a linen weave that’s available in several colors, this chair will coordinate with a multitude of decor styles. Casters hidden under the legs make it possible to effortlessly rearrange when entertaining large crowds or whenever the redecorating bug bites you. Available at Home Depot; $395.51.


Related: Editors' Picks: 10 Favorite Sofas for Under $1,000

homedepot.com

Leather Wingback

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Leather Wingback Chair

This modern take on the leather wingback feels classic without being stuffy or clunky. A slimmed down profile makes it the perfect design candidate for an apartment, studio, or other intimate space. With smooth, soft brown leather and a well-padded back and seat, this will likely become your favorite spot to relax and chill. Available on Houzz; $230.40.


Related: 18 Sneaky Ways to DIY Top-Dollar Decor

houzz.com

Box Seat

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Green Velvet Chair

Sink into this plush beauty, the epitome of mid-century style. The square club chair gets extra design oomph from a traditionally hand-tufted back, flanked by tapered solid wood legs. Its faux velvet in forest green exudes an aura of wealth, but even with shipping the chair comes in well under $500. Available at World Market; $324.99.


Related: 15 "Under $100" Lighting Solutions for Every Room

worldmarket.com

Retro Elegance

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Spindle Chair

If you long for a touch of retro elegance in your home, consider this spindled arm chair by Studio Designs. Its muted, solid taupe fabric lets the texture of the wood spindles take center stage. But it doesn’t put style over form; padded arms and a deep seat cushion provide extra comfort. It’s as suitable for the bedroom as it is next to the fire, plus it has a matching ottoman available if you need a place to kick up your feet. Available on Hayneedle; $344.25.


Related: 8 Sneaky Ways to Furnish Your Home for Less

hayneedle.com

Cool and Casual

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Leather Armchair

The no-fuss Minisink Armchair is a great accent chair for any type of room, regardless of its design style. The steam-bent, vertical slat arms give it a modern feel, yet the classic colors lend a traditional sensibility. And no need to worry about spills, just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Available on Wayfair; $313.99.


Related: The 15 Best Cheap Furniture Makeovers We've Ever Seen

wayfair.com

Linen Luxury

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White Linen Armchair

Fully upholstered in rich linen, tufted, and detailed with decorative tacks, this armchair brings executive luxury to any room. Subtle curves in the back and arms add to the allure of this piece, because the chair is as stylish as it is comfortable, it's the perfect companion in the living room, den, office or bedroom. Available on Houzz; $267.99.


Related: 10 Ways to Give Furniture a Fast Facelift

houzz.com

Refined Recliner

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Gray Recliner

Get the look of a sleek leather chair and the comfort of a cozy recliner when you choose the Dawson Recliner from Sam’s Club. Accented with silver nailhead, the plush high-density cushions take on a luxurious look. Yet thanks to the eco-friendly, faux-leather material from which the exterior of the chair is fashioned, the chair can be yours for less than $200. No one will guess that your sophisticated armchair is really a bargain. Available at Sam's Club; $199.88.

Related: The 10 Most Surprising Things You Can Buy at Sam's Club

samsclub.com

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