Accent Chairs: How to Choose One That Finishes the Room
Key takeaways
- Match the chair's scale to the room and nearby furniture.
- Decide whether the chair is for lounging, reading, or occasional guests.
- Use the chair to introduce color, pattern, or texture.
- Leave space for a side table and a clear path around it.
An accent chair is one of the simplest ways to finish a room. It adds seating, introduces color or texture, and fills an empty corner with purpose.
Because accent chairs come in so many shapes and styles, a little planning helps you choose one that looks intentional rather than added on.
Start With the Purpose
Ask yourself how the chair will be used most often.
- Reading or relaxing: choose a deeper seat, supportive back, and comfortable arms.
- Extra seating for guests: a lighter, smaller chair is easy to move.
- Primarily decorative: you can lean into bold shapes, colors, or patterns.
Consider Scale
The chair should feel balanced with nearby furniture.
- In small rooms, look for armless or slim-arm designs and raised legs.
- In larger rooms, a wider club chair or swivel chair holds its own next to a sectional.
- Keep the seat height close to your sofa's seat height when chairs are part of the main seating group.
Popular Accent Chair Styles
| Style | Character | Works well in |
|---|---|---|
| Club chair | Deep, comfortable, rounded | Living rooms, dens |
| Swivel chair | Turns toward conversation or TV | Open layouts |
| Wingback | Tall back, traditional shape | Reading corners, bedrooms |
| Armless or slipper chair | Compact, light look | Small spaces, bedrooms |
| Barrel chair | Curved, enveloping back | Modern and transitional rooms |
Use the Chair to Add Personality
Because it is a smaller piece, an accent chair is a lower-commitment place to try color or pattern. A rich jewel tone, a textured boucle, or a classic stripe can bring a neutral room to life.
To keep the room cohesive, repeat the chair's color at least once elsewhere, such as in pillows, a throw, or art.
Tip: Accent chairs do not have to match each other or the sofa. Pieces that share a color, finish, or shape often look more designed than a perfectly matched set.
Where to Place an Accent Chair
In the living room
Place one or two chairs across from or at an angle to the sofa to complete a conversation area. Keep them within easy talking distance.
In a bedroom
A chair in a corner with a floor lamp creates a quiet reading spot. It also gives you a place to sit while getting ready.
In an entryway or landing
A small chair offers a convenient place to sit and put on shoes.
Plan the Supporting Pieces
A side table within reach and good lighting make an accent chair truly useful. Leave a clear walkway around it so it does not interrupt traffic.
Test for Comfort
Sit in the chair as you would at home. Check seat depth, back support, and arm height. If you are tall or prefer to curl up, look for a deeper seat.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Accent chairs often see lighter use than a sofa, which gives you more freedom with fabric. Velvet, boucle, and textured weaves add a refined look. In busy family rooms or homes with pets, a tightly woven or performance fabric is a practical choice that still looks polished.
Accent Chair Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a chair that is too small to balance a large sofa
- Placing it too far from the main seating group to join a conversation
- Selecting a fabric that cannot stand up to daily use in a busy room
- Forgetting a nearby light source if the chair is meant for reading
Find the Finishing Piece
Browse our accent chairs to compare shapes and fabrics, and pair them with loveseats or a sectional for a complete look. For the best sense of comfort, visit our Hempstead or Valley Stream showroom.
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Find furniture and mattresses for every room at A&M Discount Furniture.
