We Tested (and Rated!) All the Accent Chairs at Blu Dot
As opposed to the main furnishings in your bedroom, living space, or dining room, accent pieces are fun because they’re just that — accents. While choosing a sofa or bed frame can feel almost like a life-or-death decision, picking out a supplementary side table or storage bench can be more playful and experimental. That being said, even an accent piece can cost a big chunk of money (especially if you want something well-made), so you want to make sure to do your research before pulling the trigger. That’s why Personal Shopper is here!
In this series, we visit the brick-and-mortar stores of your favorite home retailers, including Pottery Barn, West Elm, Burrow, Ashley, and others to test the furniture and decor. After our visit, we provide a detailed breakdown of which sectional, dresser, or desk is best for your space. In other words, you no longer have to leave your home to learn all of the important details about a piece’s materials, size, color, and upholstery before you buy it. We do all the heavy lifting for you!
For this installment, we’re revisiting a mainstay of modern design: Blu Dot. We’ve already covered the retailer’s sofas and coffee tables, and we’re back to look at accent chairs.
Why Blu Dot?
Blu Dot’s furniture is beautiful, yes, but we also appreciate the brand’s dedication to thoughtful design. In fact, the company was founded by designers, and every piece is sketched in the team’s Minneapolis studio before being brought to life. Blu Dot also prioritizes sustainability by both using high-quality materials and rigorously testing furniture to prevent damage and, in turn, waste. Should you invest in a piece from the brand, you’ll find that it evolves with your lifestyle, regardless of what’s on trend. As a result, when you shop Blu Dot, you can rest assured that you’ll own and love your new piece for many years to come.
The Accent Chairs
Best Swivel Style: Council Swivel Lounge Chair
Best Fashion-Forward: Toro Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Best Mixed Materials: Buttercup Lounge Chair
Best for Small Spaces: About Face Swivel Lounge Chair
Best for Lounging: Field Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Best for the Bedroom: Nonesuch Swivel Lounge Chair
Best Industrial Style: Method Lounge Chair
Best Scandi Style: Clutch Lounge Chair
Best Statement Maker: Hedge High Back Lounge Chair
Best in Pairs: Puff Puff Lounge Chair
Most Inviting: Double Down Lounge Chair
Best for Reading: Bloke Lounge Chair
Best for Socializing: Acre Lounge Chair
Best for WFH: Close Encounter Swivel Lounge Chair
The Criteria
We judged every Blu Dot chair in-store based on the following five criteria, giving each category an average rating between 1 and 5. These scores helped us determine whom the chair suits best, from the avid reader to the remote worker.
Seat firmness: How soft or firm are the seat cushions? How do they contribute to overall posture and comfort?
Seat depth: How far do you have to scoot to meet the backrest? And when you do, are you in an upright or reclined position?
Loungability: Can you spend hours on this chair? And would you want to?
Durability: Is the fabric easy to care for and able to withstand daily use? Does it require frequent upkeep or spot cleaning?
Appearance: What style does it suit best? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., rounded lines, tufted cushions, classic silhouettes) or more contemporary (i.e., clean lines, swivel bases, simple silhouettes)?
Every Editor-Tested Accent Chair at Blu Dot
Best Swivel Style: Council Swivel Lounge Chair
Council Swivel Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$1,895
What impressed us: The enveloping silhouette and nice recline.
The Council chair has everything you want in a lounge chair: a plush but mid-firm seat, a normal depth that allows you to recline just the right amount, and a curved silhouette that hugs you without making you feel claustrophobic. We did find the swivel base to be a bit difficult to maneuver, but it doesn’t make the chair any less cozy. It also doesn’t hurt that the Council is pleasing to look at, especially in the light gray bouclé fabric we saw. We could just as easily picture it in the bedroom as we could see it styled in the living room. Any spot that could use some comfy extra seating is fair game for this homey pick.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
39″ long, 30″ wide, 28″ high
6 upholstery options
Wooden frame, steel base, and foam seat and back
Best Fashion-Forward: Toro Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Toro Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$1,595
What impressed us: The sleek leather and artful design.
Impossible to ignore, the Toro chair instantly wowed us with its all-black design and artfully reclined silhouette. The leather adorning its wooden frame is better described as a sling than a seat, and to be totally honest, it wasn’t the most comfortable thing to sit in. It dips into a “U” shape when you sit, which isn’t ideal for those after a chair with a lot of support. As a result, we would recommend the Toro chair — and its matching ottoman — for people who appreciate furniture that doubles as art and are perhaps looking for something beautiful to adorn an empty corner as opposed to something that can serve as a primary lounging spot. Indeed, this model would look right at home amid a fireplace and white shag rug. It’s nothing if not aspirational.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
26″ long, 32″ wide, 33″ high
3 wood frame and leather color options
Beech wood frame and leather sling
Best Mixed Materials: Buttercup Lounge Chair
Buttercup Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$990
What impressed us: The contoured back and contrasting metal base.
The Buttercup chair also sports an unconventional seat, though this one was surprisingly comfortable. Although the top portion of the chair is made of plywood, it’s contoured in a way that cradles the body, and you get a smooth recline. We also had fun swiveling; it’s not hard to get a good momentum going because of the chair’s compact size and lightweight material. The silver base pops against the wood, giving the Buttercup a modish appearance. What’s more, the chair has a lower profile than a lot of the other models we viewed, which only makes it that much cuter. Again, we wouldn’t recommend this piece for those after a lounger. Instead, it would serve well in a pair for the living room or as an extra seat in the home office. It’s certainly more of an accent than an essential, and that’s what makes it so fun.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
31” long, 23” wide, 28” high
2 wood finish options
Stainless steel base and plywood seat and back
Best for Small Spaces: About Face Swivel Lounge Chair
About Face Swivel Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$2,850
What impressed us: The smooth glide and tall back.
We viewed the About Face chair in a velvety, suede-like turquoise leather that also covered a number of other seats in the store. The material’s rich color not only makes the chair pop, but its softness also encourages you to stay in your seat. The leather does scratch easily, but we found that it gives the About Face a lived-in look. As for the chair’s shape, it has a delightfully small footprint and normal depth, though we do think it could benefit from a lumbar pillow. The small size is perfect if you’re tight on living room space but still want seating other than your sofa. The chair’s tall, skinny arms are more for beauty than function, but they make you feel enveloped, which is nice. We noticed that the chair is also available in velvet upholstery, and we think the moss color looks especially dashing.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
28” long, 32” wide, 31” high
7 upholstery options
Hardwood frame, steel base, foam seat and back
Best for Lounging: Field Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Field Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$3,395
What impressed us: The soft, comfy cushions and wide seat.
Sometimes, the chairs with sink-in softness that we test in stores are overstuffed, making us feel more like we’re drowning as opposed to just sinking. The Field lounge chair is incredibly plush and pillowy, but we appreciate that its cushions are not too voluminous. In fact, you might find yourself having to re-fluff them every week or so. The matching ottoman was much firmer, but this is okay considering you’ll only be resting your legs on it. Up top, you get a wide and very nappable surface, complete with neck support and an included pillow for your lower back. If there was one seat we had the best time lounging in at Blu Dot, it was this one. The chair was upholstered in Blu Dot’s same signature inky leather, and we found that its black steel base lends a slight industrial vibe.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
36″ long, 38″ wide, 36″ high
12 upholstery options
Steel and bent wood frame with all-over padding
Best for the Bedroom: Nonesuch Swivel Lounge Chair
Nonesuch Swivel Upholstered Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$1,395
What impressed us: The velvety leather and laid-back profile.
If you happen to have an unused corner in your bedroom that you’re not sure what to do with, consider the Nonesuch chair. Not only would it make a great seat for midday idling, but we could also imagine draping clothes over its almost flat silhouette when choosing what to wear for the day. Of course, the coolest part about the Nonesuch is the way its leather upholstery is laid over the wooden frame. It provides just enough padding to make the seat inviting without compromising its minimalist appeal. Yet another contrasting swivel base adds a contemporary edge that’s so common among Blu Dot’s offerings. If you ever need an extra seat for guests, the rotating base also makes this chair great for gatherings.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
29″ long, 28″ wide, 26″ high
2 upholstery options and 2 wood finish options
Bent ply and wood frame and powder-coated steel base
Best Industrial Style: Method Lounge Chair
Method Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$850
What impressed us: The sparse frame and mix of hard and soft materials.
The Method chair was another model we were skeptical about regarding comfort. In looking at its no-frills design and tube frame, we were unprepared for how nice it actually felt to sit in! The seat and back panels are quite cushy, albeit firm. The small wooden armrests are a charming touch even if they’re not the most practical. We viewed this model in inky leather, too, but we think it looks more appealing in the ivory faux shearling available online, especially if you’re after a Scandi vibe. And, at just over 30 inches in length and width, the Method is yet another pick that’s suitable for small spaces.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
31″ long, 33″ wide, 28″ high
4 upholstery options
Powder-coated steel tube frame and wood armrests
Best Scandi Style: Clutch Lounge Chair
Clutch Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$1,050
What impressed us: The cozy back and upward-angled seat.
If you’re going to get the Clutch chair for your living room, you might as well get two. This model is one of the smallest we looked at, so it’s better styled as a couple as opposed to a lone accent piece. Although its design isn’t definitively inspired by Scandinavian design, we couldn’t help but think of that when observing its minimalist wooden frame and angular silhouette. In fact, the seat angle’s “V” shape practically forces you to slide all the way back in a recline. Although we found the upholstered back to be comfortable, the wooden seat feels unsurprisingly firm, so you might consider buying a cushion for it. Besides that one unsavory detail, the Clutch is an eye-catching piece that’ll never go out of style and one you’ll never want to leave behind, no matter how many times you move.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
22″ long, 27″ wide, 25″ high
5 upholstery options
Wooden legs, seat, and back
Best Statement Maker: Hedge High Back Lounge Chair
Hedge High Back Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$2,095
What impressed us: The tall back and privacy.
After looking at all of the chair’s on Blu Dot’s first floor, we climbed the stairs to the next level and, at the top, were met with none other than the Hedge high-back chair. It was an unexpected sight in the best way possible and strategically placed for maximum shock and delight. You can achieve the same effect in your home by placing the Hedge in a tucked-away reading nook or around the corner of a hallway. Make no mistake, though — its looks aren’t all that make this chair impressive. The tall back makes you feel like you’re in a cocoon; if you’re looking for a chair that’ll help you escape the noise of your day-to-day, look no further. The included back cushion is a nice addition to the otherwise thinly padded chair, and the mustard upholstery only makes the piece that much more striking.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
39″ long, 33″ wide, 50″ high
3 upholstery options
Tight upholstered seat and back cushions and powder-coated steel legs
Best in Pairs: Puff Puff Lounge Chair
Puff Puff Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$1,495
What impressed us: The tomato velvet upholstery and voluminous appearance.
If you read our shopping guide for Blu Dot sofas, you’ll know we viewed the Puff Puff in couch form. Although it’s a perfectly good sofa for small apartments, we much prefer its design in chair form. The rounded curves and voluminous arms and cushions look better on a more compact frame, especially when it’s upholstered in a dapper tomato-colored velvet. The tall arms make the chair feel snuggly, and although it’s a tad firmer than we were expecting, it’s still comfortable enough to keep you seated for a long time. Like the Hedge chair and other models at Blu Dot, this one also has a powder-coated steel base that matches the red upholstery, which is a thoughtful touch that sets the retailer’s pieces apart from others.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
37” long, 33” wide, 31” high
4 upholstery options
Wood frame, foam seat, and powder-coated steel base
Most Inviting: Double Down Lounge Chair
Double Down Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$1,995
What impressed us: The flat, square back and all-over upholstery.
Most of the Blu Dot’s furniture is expensive, but the Double Down lounge chair is arguably the piece that most looks it. Its svelte gold velvet upholstery is luxe in both appearance and feel, and the high back and arms add a sophisticated quality, reminding us of a chair we might see in an upscale hotel lobby. The Double Down looks satisfyingly smooth from behind, which is owed in large part to the square shape of its three sides. We also appreciate that its mid-firm seat cushion is removable for easy cleaning. You’ll be happy to learn that this model ships fully assembled, so it’s also luxurious in that it’ll save you the time and trouble of having to put it together. For those after a chair with a unique silhouette that still has all of the best qualities of a traditional lounger, this is it.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
33″ long, 33″ wide, 28″ high
4 upholstery options
Wood frame?, tight upholstered back, and foam cushion
Best for Reading: Bloke Lounge Chair
Bloke Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$2,195
What impressed us: The big lumbar pillow and twist on the classic wingback chair.
Many of the chairs we saw would make fabulous picks for a reading corner, but perhaps none more so than the Bloke model. Its mid-deep seat suits a variety of positions, whether you want to sit upright or lean back with your legs on an ottoman. We also like that the arms don’t extend outward very far, so you can sit cross-legged without bumping up against the frame. A nice big lumbar pillow supports your back, ensuring that you’ll want to stay a while, even if your book isn’t particularly enthralling. The Bloke is undeniably current, but it still boasts a vintage flair that’s only emphasized by its ochre-hued upholstery. And if you don’t happen to have a designated reading nook, this model would look equally appealing in the front entryway next to a side table.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
29″ long, 31″ wide, 34″ high
4 upholstery options
Hardwood frame, foam seat cushion, and powder-coated steel legs
Best for Socializing: Acre Lounge Chair
Acre Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$1,595
What impressed us: The stainless steel base and body-contouring curves.
The Acre was designed as a smaller, more upright version of the Field chair, so it makes sense that it would be perfect for social gatherings. You could easily fit two around your coffee table, and we have a hunch guests will naturally gravitate toward the duo. Even though the Acre chair isn’t the softest model we sat in, it offers optimal lower back support and makes you feel safe in its inward-curving silhouette. We also had to admire its copper velvet fabric and silver stainless steel legs, which make it look at once retro and current. The chair is wonderful for those who frequently entertain guests in their homes or who are looking for an accent piece that’s comfortable enough without being too loungey.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
29″ long, 30″ wide, 38″ high
4 upholstery options
Stainless steel tube base and foam seat and back cushions
Best for WFH: Close Encounter Swivel Lounge Chair
Close Encounter Swivel Lounge Chair
Blu Dot
$2,795
What impressed us: The prominent stitching and ample leg room.
If you’ve experienced back problems and require an ergonomic desk chair for your home office, the Close Encounter chair might not be for you. But if you prefer something that allows you to switch up positions during your 9-to-5 and swivel as you work, you’ll love this pick. It has a firm but wide seat, allowing you to sit crisscross. Even if you don’t have a desk, you could comfortably work with your computer in your lap, reclining against the curved back. We viewed the Close Encounter in ultrasmooth black leather upholstery, complete with prominent matching stitching. It can be hard to sit completely still during a remote office job, so this model helps you get your work and your fidgeting out, all while looking great, to boot.
How We Rated It:
Specifications:
33″ long, 30″ wide, 30″ high
4 upholstery options
Foam seat and back cushion and powder-coated steel base
Further Reading
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