Design 101

Design Your Dream Space With the Best Accent Chairs

September 19, 2024

An accent chair is so much more than an extra seat. The best accent chairs shape the atmosphere of your room decor, lending a unique touch to any room in the house. 

An accent chair is perfect for your design vision, whether you want to introduce a splash of color, mix up the texture, or add a hint of charm. 

Let’s explore the world of these versatile furniture pieces, including how to find the best accent chairs to elevate your space. 

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What’s an Accent Chair? 

Accent chairs are designed to draw the eye immediately. They express the space's color scheme or aesthetic by adding color, texture, and style. Through their color, material, and shape, they pull together the look and feel of the room decor.

Accent chairs can be added to any room in the home, from the living room to the home office. They come in various styles, colors, and materials. You can find an accent chair in just about any design you can imagine. 

Different Accent Chair Styles 

There are many different styles of accent chairs to choose from, making it easy to find something that suits your interior. Here are a few of the most popular accent chair styles: 

Armchair — a traditional-looking chair with a back and two arms 

Slipper chair — an armless chair with shorter legs to sit closer to the ground

Wingback chair — a high, solid back chair with winged sides 

Chaise lounge — a long, armless, and often reclinable lounging chair 

Tub chair — a large rounded chair with a semicircular back and no separate arms 

Ottoman or pouf — a low and backless chair that can double as a footstool

Where to Place an Accent Chair

If you’ve ever walked into a room and felt like something was missing, an accent chair could be just what you need to bring the room to life. But once you have the perfect accent chair, where do you place it?

Thanks to their versatility, accent chairs can be placed anywhere in your home. Most often, you’ll find accent chairs in bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, and even dining rooms.

Some popular places to set your accent chair are right next to a coffee table, opposite a sofa, next to a bookshelf, in front of the fireplace, or paired with an ottoman. For larger spaces, you can even place two accent chairs side by side to create a space for cozy conversations or entertaining guests.

Before You Buy 

The right accent chair shouldn’t just blend into your home decor — it should elevate the look and feel of your home. 

Here are a few factors to consider before you start searching for your perfect fit. 

Choose a color 

For a bold and eye-catching look, try to pick out a powerful color that already exists in the space. This could be something as small as a pillow on the sofa, a decorative design on a plant pot, or even color in a painting. Choosing an accent chair in this color will create a strong focal point, adding vibrancy and personality — without looking out of place. 

Choose a color 

If you prefer a more subtle look, pick out the main color in your interior scheme. Then choose a shade slightly lighter or darker for a cohesive look. If you’re not sure which color stands out in your design, then pick a neutral color that blends with the rest of your color palette. 

Select a size 

Before purchasing an accent chair, take measurements of the available space. The chair should fit proportionally without being cramped by other furniture pieces or overwhelming the room. 

Decide on material and style 

Whether you prefer modern, traditional, or eclectic looks, there are accent chairs out there for everyone. Make sure you find one that fits seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of your space. 

The material can make a big difference when it comes to style. Look for visually appealing materials, but don't forget to consider the texture too. A velvet accent chair, for example, will have a very different look and feel than a rattan accent chair. 

Best Accent Chairs Based on Style

Whether you’re drawn to the sleek lines of mid-century modern or the plush comfort of a traditional armchair, the right style of accent chair can transform your decor. 

Best coastal accent chairs

A coastal-style accent chair brings a breezy, relaxed feel to any room. Using neutral colors like crisp whites, sandy beiges, or soft blues as well as natural materials like rattan or wood, this style of accent chair adds a touch of seaside charm and tranquility. 

Best mid century modern accent chairs

A mid-century modern accent chair is all about timeless elegance. With clean lines and a minimalist design, it effortlessly blends sophistication with old-fashioned flair. This style of accent chair often features tapered legs, sculptural forms, and rich fabrics. 

Best traditional accent chairs

A traditional-style accent chair takes it back to the basics with a classic armchair look. Features like carved wooden legs, tufted backs, richly upholstered fabrics, and ornate patterns give this style its refined look. 

Best Accent Chairs for Each Room of the Home

An accent chair can light up any room in the house, whether a cozy reading nook or a busy living area. Here are some of the best accent chairs tailored for each room. 

Best accent chairs for the living room

The best accent chairs for the living room should offer a comfortable spot to unwind or entertain guests. Look for features like plush upholstery and a sturdy frame to support hours of relaxation. 

Best accent chairs for the bedroom 

An accent chair for the bedroom should balance both comfort and style, creating a cozy space for reading or relaxing. Opt for features like a low profile and graceful lines to complement the ambiance of the room without overwhelming it. 

Best accent chairs for the home office 

An accent chair suited for the home office should blend functionality with style, featuring supportive cushioning and a sleek design. Look for features like durable fabrics, comfortable arms, and a sophisticated color palette that enhances your workspace while still keeping things polished. 

Best accent chairs for small spaces 

The best accent chairs for small spaces should be both compact and versatile. Look for a sleek, streamlined design without too much extra flair like a slipper chair, ottoman, or pouf. A touch of luxury — velvet finish, ornate patterns, or a braided trim — can provide a stylish edge without overwhelming the small space. 

Best Accent Chairs for Function and Style 

From chairs that swivel to chairs made from durable leather, there are accent chairs just as practical as they are eye-catching. Here are some of the best accent chairs that strike the perfect balance between form and function. 

Best leather accent chairs

Leather accent chairs combine timeless style with exceptional durability. High-quality leather upholstery and a sturdy frame ensure long-lasting performance, while the well-padded seat and back provide excellent support. 

Best swivel accent chairs

Swiveling accent chairs feature a sleek design and powerful swivel functionality. With its smooth 360-degree rotation feature, these chairs add a dynamic element to your living room or home office. 

Best rocking accent chairs 

With rocking accent chairs, classic charm meets modern comfort. A gentle rocking motion adds a soothing touch when relaxing in this chair, while the stylish design often includes features like plush upholstery, graceful curves, and a padded look that invites you to unwind. 

Make a Statement: Best Accent Chairs for Every Room

Accent chairs are more than just pieces of furniture — they’re works of art. The right accent chair adds charm, comfort, and style to your space, bringing the look of your whole room together. 

With our curated selection of the best and most stylish accent chairs on the market today, you can explore a variety of styles, colors, patterns, and materials. Take a look at our collection of accent chairs to find your perfect fit. 

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