Accent chairs are a fun and versatile way to add design appeal and extra seating to any room. With a pop of color or unique silhouette, they instantly draw the eye and can become a statement piece. In my home, I love using accent chairs to create cozy reading nooks, highlight an artistic corner, or simply provide a spare seat with personality when guests come over.
In this post, I’m sharing my tips for selecting and styling the perfect accent chair for your space. Whether you want to make a bold color statement, introduce an unexpected texture, or carve out a conversation area, an accent chair is the ideal decor piece to experiment with.
I’ll cover how to consider the chair’s aesthetic, choose complementary colors and patterns, layer accessories, and position the chair to maximize its visual impact. With the right styling, your accent chair can become the jewel of the room and really showcase your personal décor aesthetic. Read on for ideas to inspire you to have fun with this versatile interior design staple!
Match the Chair’s Aesthetic
Start by analyzing the accent chair’s design aesthetic. If your accent chair has a midcentury modern look, keep the styling clean-lined and sophisticated – pair it with a geometric side table for books and top it with a square throw pillow in a retro-inspired print.
For a chair with sleek contemporary details, accessorize with pieces that highlight its modernness – floating shelves displaying vivid artwork above it perfectly complement the look.
If your chair boasts romantic floral upholstery, build upon its feminine charm by layering in touches like an embroidered ottoman, delicate side table, and soft, frilly accent pillows.
Choose Colors Complementary to the Chair
Choose complementary colors when decorating an accent chair. If your accent chair is a rich navy blue, use tones of warm orange and yellow to make it pop – the interplay between the shades creates visual vibrancy.
A cherry red chair can become even more striking when paired with green and purple accents – complementary hues emphasize the red while also toning it down. Soft blush pink chairs come to life when styled with patterns or accessories in shades of sage, light blue, or terra cotta – the clashing colors make each other bolder while still feeling cohesive.
Decorate with Throw Pillows
Do accent chairs need pillows? In general, yes it’s a good idea to put throw pillows on an accent chair. Accent chairs can greatly benefit from a few throw pillows, as they can enhance both the comfort and aesthetics of the chair.
Here are some reasons why adding pillows to accent chairs is a good idea:
- Comfort: Pillows provide extra cushioning and support, making the accent chair more comfortable for sitting. They can provide additional lumbar support or padding for armrests, making the chair more inviting and cozy.
- Visual charm: Pillows can introduce color, patterns, and texture to the accent chair, adding pigment and enhancing the overall design of the space. They can serve as decorative accessories that tie in with the color scheme or patterns in the room, contributing to a cohesive and coordinated look.
- Layering and dimension: Placing pillows on an accent chair creates layers and adds depth to the seating area. This can make the chair look more inviting and appealing. Layering pillows with different sizes, shapes, and textures can create a visually dynamic arrangement.
Toss a Throw Blanket Over the Back
Draping a textured throw blanket over the back of your accent chair adds a welcoming visual softness while also showcasing the chair’s shape. Coordinate blanket colors to match your existing decor for a pulled-together look – an ivory knit throw over a navy chair provides nice tonal contrast. Choose a blanket made from a special material like faux fur or tapestry to introduce an eye-catching new texture and make the chair even more of a statement piece.
I hope this article was helpful in designing a room with accent chairs for your home! Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have in the comments below!
