What is an Accent Chair? Where to Use These Handy Seats

Looking to add a little something extra to your living room? Accent chairs are a great way to inject personality and flair into any space. I’ll share everything you need to know about accent chairs – what they are, how to use them, and our favorite picks that are sure to elevate your home decor.

What are Accent Chairs?

What is an accent chair? An accent chair is a standalone chair that adds extra seating and visual appeal to a room. Accent chairs come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials that allow you to incorporate them seamlessly into your existing decor. Accent chairs can be purchased alone or in matching pairs. A common living room furniture combination is one sofa and two accent chairs.

Whether you’re going for a modern, traditional, or eclectic vibe, accent chairs are versatile pieces that can complement your existing furniture and pull a room together. Read on for tips on incorporating accent chairs into your home and a roundup of our top accent chair recommendations for every style and budget. With the right accent chair, you can easily take your interior design to the next level.

An accent chair is a small, upholstered chair used to enhance the design and overall comfort of a room. Some key features of accent chairs:

• Size – Accent chairs are smaller in scale than standard armchairs or sofas. They take up less space but still provide seating.
• Purpose – Accent chairs are decorative and used alongside other furniture, not as standalone seating. They complement rather than dominate a space.
• Design – Accent chairs come in many styles, from traditional to modern. They often have unique shapes, bold patterns, or distinctive materials that make them stand out.
• Placement – Accent chairs are not primary seating but are strategically placed around the room as decorative touches. They are commonly positioned next to sofas, beds, tables, or reading nooks.
• Color/Pattern – Accent chairs introduce color, texture, and visual pleasure through their upholstery. Florals, stripes, plaids, and colorful patterns are common.
• Material – Accent chairs may incorporate leather, velvet, or luxurious fabrics less practical for everyday furniture.

An accent chair serves a decorative function in adding visual punch, color, and diversity to a room’s style. It’s an accessory seating piece often found in most living room designs!

Where Accent Chairs are Used

Accent chairs can be placed in different settings in your home. You could use an accent chair as additional seating in your living room or you could also use one in an empty corner of your home and create a little reading nook. If you have space in your bedroom, you could put one in there to sit down when putting on shoes or relaxing. The possibilities are endless!

Common Types of Accent Chairs

Let’s go over some of the different types of accent chairs available. Most accent chairs will require some assembly, even if it’s just attaching the legs to the bottom of the chair base. Be sure to read the assembly details before purchasing!

Lounge Chair

Lounge chairs are the perfect choice for a family room or casual living room. Lounge chairs are typically wide, and deep, and offer a thick and comfortable cushion to sit on. They often have big arms so people can relax when they sit down. These chairs are designed for long uses, so they’re great for having company over and watching movies!

 

Armless Chair

Sometimes called the “slipper chair,” armless chairs are light and airy ways to add additional seating in a room. Because they don’t have arms, these chairs feel less bulky than a traditional armchair. That being said, they may be a bit uncomfortable for longer uses.

 

Wingback Chair

Wingback chairs are an elegant choice for a traditional living room or bedroom. Two “wings” are installed on either side of the chair back. This design was originally created centuries ago to keep people warm, by trapping the heat on either side of the person sitting down. They were typically found in front of a fireplace, but today you can use them anywhere.

 

Tufted Chair

Tufted chairs can come in many shapes and sizes. Tufting is a way of adding small equally spaced crevices secured with buttons to any soft fabric surface. Tufted chairs are sometimes associated with French or European style decor, and they add class and elegance to any space in which they are placed.

 

Sculptural Chair

The last type of accent chair to know is the least comfortable, but perhaps the most visually interesting. Sculptural chairs are accent chairs that have a unique and interesting form. These types of chairs may have metal or wood arms and legs, offering a sleek and sharp silhouette.

 

Accent Chair Styles & Materials

These chairs can come in a variety of materials. Accent chairs come in most major design styles you can imagine.