Few things make a room come alive more than an accent chair. These beautiful, stylish, and often colorful seating options are called accent chairs because they accent, or highlight, the larger furniture in a room, such as the dining room table or the couch.
Accent chairs serve two main purposes in a room:
When carefully chosen and placed, accent chairs can elevate a space from ordinary to breathtaking, all while making it easier to welcome your guests into your home.
Choosing an accent char isn’t always easy, though. From sorting through multiple styles to making sure you have the right measurements, there are a number of factors to consider before you bring an accent chair home.
There are dozens of types of accent chairs from which you can choose, which means you can bring any vision of your living room or dining room to life. Here is a look at 5 of the most popular types of accent chairs.
The armchair, as its name implies, is an upholstered accent chair with two arms.
This versatile piece of furniture comes in many styles, including the club chair, oversized chair and a half, Chesterfield chair, and a tub chair.
The armchair is typically considered a classic design, although some types of armchairs boast more of a mid-century modern design.
These chairs also come in hundreds of different designs and styles of upholstery so you add the right design look to any space you want to improve.
The slipper chair is an upholstered chair without arms.
This type of accent chair, because it lacks arms, is thinner, smaller, and lighter than a traditional armchair.
As a result, it makes a good addition to a room where you lack space or need extra seating that does not impeded pathways through the room.
They often make a stylish accompaniment to a couch and, like the armchair, come in hundreds of fabric patterns and styles for the perfect fit no matter the design of your room.
Literally meaning “the long chair,” the chaise lounge is a combination of footrest and chair, though some lounge chairs separate the footstool from the chair.
Armless and often reclinable, the chaise lounge allows for maximum comfort in your living room while still providing a very stylish profile that can enhance the elegance of your space.
Some of these accent chairs are also intended for outdoor use, and the style you choose can either dress up your room with a formal look or give your space a more casual and comfortable feel.
A side chair often has a straight, high back.
Traditionally very light, and with a small profile.
These chairs are ideal for small spaces and for situations where you need to quickly move chairs in or out of the room.
Because of their straight backs, these chairs often create a more formal or elegant feel in a space.
The side chair often ends up besides larger pieces of furniture because of its size.
But their design and style only adds up to the accentuation that they can achieve in a room.
While the wingback chair can technically be considered an armchair, it is unique enough to stand on its own.
This upholstered chair boasts “wings” along its arms that give it a formal and traditional look while also being very comfortable.
As one of the larger types of accent chairs, the wingback chair is heavy and needs space, but can serve as a very cozy location for reading a book or curling up with a blanket.
The first thing you will notice when selecting an accent chair is the sheer number of options that you have. Ranging in price from less than $150 to more than $1,000, and arrayed in hundreds of styles, colors, patterns, and types, you could spend weeks looking for the right chair.
However, there are a few things you can consider to narrow down your choices and ensure you select a chair that will serve your space, and your design aspirations, well.
The most basic consideration is the amount of space you have available for your new piece of furniture.
Accent chairs come in many different sizes, so you need to make sure the one you choose will create additional seating and style without blocking traffic flow through your room.
The best approach is to measure your space and then find a chair that fits.
You are likely adding a chair to your room for a specific purpose. The right accent chair will fulfill this purpose naturally and comfortably.
For example, you may want a cozy club chair for your book nook, and a parsons chair for your extra seating.
One major consideration when looking for a chair that fits a specific purpose is the weight of the chair.
If you need a way to gain extra seating, you may want to choose a lightweight chair that is easy to move around a room. Cozier and more permanent seating, on the other hand, can be heavier.
Placing a wooden-framed chair in a cozy living room may not be the best move. Placing a navy blue chair in a room that already has a lot of blue may also not create the impression you desire.
An accent chair should create pops of color and visual appeal that complements the style of the room where you are placing it.
To that end, consider style carefully as you choose your accent chairs. What does your room look like now? What do you want it to look like?
Make sure your accent chair elevates your space and contributes to your ideal vision of a place where you will, hopefully, be spending quite a bit of time.
With so many style options and fabrics available, finding the right accent chair is simply a matter of looking.
Here at Niu Urban Living, we can help. Not only do we offer a wide variety of beautiful designer accent chairs, we also offer complimentary design consultations to help you craft a space, and choose an accent chair, that is perfect for you.
Stop by today to create the space you desire in your home!
Before choosing the perfect accent chair, the basic question that a lot of us ask ourselves is what is an accent chair? An accent chair is versatile, and fancier than a standard seating chair. It can be in any color style and fabric.
In this post, we will explore how you can use this versatile piece of furniture in your home to elevate your style statement.
Before exploring the idea of creating a visually appealing décor with your accent chair, let’s discuss the concept of accent furniture. Accent furniture refers to pieces of furniture that are primarily chosen for their decorative and stylistic qualities rather than their functional or practical purposes. Hence, your accent chairs are intended to stand out and draw attention, adding character and visual interest to your room's interior design.
Here's a definition and an exploration of the role of accent chair in interior design:
Your accent chair is typically chosen for its unique design, materials, colors, textures, or artistic elements. It is strategically placed within a room to enhance the overall aesthetic.
The accent chairs serve as focal points, adding depth, character, and personality to the space.
They can tie together different design elements and create a cohesive look.
These pieces can provide contrast or complement the existing color palette and materials in the room.
Accent furniture can help balance the proportions and scale of a room. For example, in a room with large-scale furniture, an intricately designed accent chair or a decorative coffee table can provide balance by introducing more minor, detailed elements.
Accent furniture can be chosen to reinforce a specific theme or style. For example, a vintage-style accent chair can enhance a retro theme, while a sleek and minimalist accent chair can complement a modern design.
While accent furniture is primarily chosen for its aesthetics, it doesn't mean it can't have a functional purpose. Many accent pieces, such as accent chairs or decorative storage cabinets, can provide both style and utility.
Indeed, accent chairs can make a powerful statement in your home decor. When choosing an accent chair that aligns with your design theme, consider the following factors to ensure it complements and enhances your overall aesthetic:
First, determine the overarching design theme of your space. Is it modern, traditional, eclectic, bohemian, industrial, or something else entirely? Understanding your theme is essential to selecting a chair that fits seamlessly.
If you're seeking a pop of color, select an accent chair in a hue that contrasts or complements your room's dominant color palette.
For a more cohesive look, choose an accent chair that shares a color with your existing decor, but in a slightly different shade or tone.
If you want to make a bold statement with patterned fabric, choose one that complements or contrasts with your existing decor. Geometric patterns can add a modern edge, while floral or paisley prints can evoke a more traditional or bohemian vibe.
Secondly, consider the texture of the chair's upholstery. Leather, velvet, and woven fabrics each convey a different tactile experience and can contribute to the overall ambiance.
Determine the primary function of the chair. Is it for additional seating, reading, or purely decorative purposes?
Accessorize thoughtfully, use throw pillows, a coordinating area rug, or a side table to tie the chair to the room's decor. These accessories can help create a cohesive look.
To create an inviting reading or relaxation nook with an accent chair, start by choosing a quiet, well-lit location, ideally near a window or a reading lamp. Select a comfortable and stylish accent chair that complements your room's decor, adding plush throws and pillows for added comfort. Ensure nearby book storage, whether it's a bookshelf, wall-mounted shelves, or a side table.
Incorporate adequate lighting with adjustable lamps, and provide a small table for drinks and reading glasses. Personalize the nook with family photos and personal items, use warm colors and textures, and consider adding privacy elements like curtains or room dividers if desired. Keep the space clutter-free and well-maintained, and surround it with inspirational decor, creating a cozy retreat where you can unwind with your favorite books in comfort and style.
Apart from creating a great reading corner, the strategic placement of accent chairs can play a pivotal role in encouraging interaction and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Here's how to position accent chairs effectively:
Position two or more accent chairs across from the primary seating area, such as a sofa or another set of chairs.
Arrange multiple seating areas within the living room, each centered around an accent chair or sofa. This setup accommodates smaller, intimate conversations and gives the room a cozier, more inviting feel.
If you have a coffee table, arrange accent chairs around it in a circular or semi-circular fashion. This setup naturally invites people to gather, share drinks, and engage in conversation.
Swivel accent chairs provide flexibility and can be easily turned to face different directions. They are particularly useful in large open-plan living areas, allowing occupants to join conversations wherever they happen.
Incorporating accent chairs as dining chairs is a creative way to introduce an element of surprise and personality into your dining area. Here's how you can successfully integrate accent chairs into traditional dining seating arrangements:
Select accent chairs that complement the overall style and color scheme of your dining room while adding a distinct element of surprise.
Decide how many accent chairs you want to incorporate into your dining set. Common options include using them at the heads of the table (end chairs), interspersing them with traditional chairs along the sides, or replacing all the chairs for a more eclectic look.
Ensure that the accent chairs coordinate with the dining table. If your table is wood, consider accent chairs with wood accents or similar wood finishes. If the table is glass or metal, choose chairs that complement these materials.
Ensure that the size and scale of the accent chairs are compatible with the dining table. You don't want the chairs to overpower the table or look out of place in terms of size.
If you're using accent chairs at the heads of the table, consider maintaining a consistent upholstery fabric or color with the rest of the chairs. This helps tie the look together.
Enhance the personality of the accent chairs by adding seat cushions, decorative chair covers, or throw pillows. These accessories can make the chairs more comfortable and visually appealing.
Harmonizing accent chairs with existing furniture and decor elements involves thoughtful consideration of color palettes, materials, styles, shapes, and proportions. By selecting accent chairs that either match or complement the room's color scheme, coordinating materials and textures, aligning with the style and design of the existing furniture, and ensuring that the scale and silhouette are proportionate, you can maintain aesthetic coherence.
Additionally, balancing patterns, coordinating with coffee tables, and using accessories and decorative elements to bridge the visual gap between chairs and other furnishings contribute to a harmonious interior design. Ultimately, this deliberate selection process ensures that the accent chairs seamlessly integrate into the room, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal and creating a cohesive and inviting space.
Accent chairs can serve as versatile and stylish additions to unconventional spaces in your home, injecting both style and functionality. Here are some creative ideas for their unconventional use:
Transform a long, empty hallway into a cozy seating area by placing an accent chair or a small bench against the wall.
Make a bold statement in your entryway by using an accent chair as a focal point. Pair it with a decorative mirror or a small table for a complete look.
Create a luxurious dressing room or walk-in closet by adding an accent chair for comfort while getting dressed or putting on shoes. It adds a touch of glamor and makes the space feel more inviting.
Elevate your bathroom's design by incorporating a stylish and comfortable accent chair. Just ensure it's placed away from direct moisture.
Utilize a landing or upper hallway area by incorporating an accent chair or a small seating arrangement. It can serve as a reading spot or a quiet escape within your home.
Maximize the use of underutilized stairway landings by placing an accent chair and a small table, creating a cozy nook that makes the most of available space.
Accent chairs, with their diverse upholstery options, have the remarkable ability to introduce rich textures that elevate both the visual and tactile dimensions of a room's decor. Whether it's the sumptuous softness of velvet, the timeless elegance of textured weaves, the modern sleekness of leather, or the organic warmth of natural materials, these textures can significantly enhance the ambiance. Patterned fabrics add depth, while faux fur and fuzzy upholstery offer cozy sensory experiences. By harmonizing these textures with the room's color palette and design theme, accent chairs become not only functional seating but also sensory-rich design elements that enrich the overall aesthetic and tactile sensation of your living spaces.
All images used in this article credit: ARCHIOLOGY and Pinterest