Accent chairs are the unsung heroes of interior design—versatile, stylish, and functional, they can elevate a room from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color, provide extra seating, or just a cozy accent chair for bedroom, the right chair can make all the difference.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore different types of accent chairs, how to choose the best one for your space. Plus, we’ll share expert tips on placement and styling to help you maximize both aesthetics and comfort.
What Are Accent Chairs?
Accent chairs are secondary seating options designed to complement a room’s decor while providing additional functionality. Unlike primary seating (like sofas), they serve as decorative focal points, often featuring bold upholstery, unique shapes, or intricate detailing.
Their purpose extends beyond seating—they can define a space, add contrast, or introduce texture. From sleek modern designs to plush vintage-inspired pieces, accent chairs come in countless styles to suit any aesthetic.
Types of Accent Chairs
1. Armchairs
A classic choice, armchairs offer both comfort and style. They often feature padded arms and upholstered seats, making them ideal for living rooms and studies. Bergère chairs, for example, are timeless French-inspired designs with exposed wooden frames and caned or upholstered backs.
2. Wingback Chairs
Known for their high backrests and "wings" that extend to the arms, wingback chairs add sophistication to any space. Originally designed to shield users from drafts, they now work well in traditional and transitional interiors.
3. Club Chairs
Compact and cozy, club chairs are upholstered with deep seats and low arms, perfect for lounging. They’re great in home libraries or as part of a conversation area.
4. Barrel Chairs
With a rounded back that hugs the sitter, barrel chairs offer a retro-modern appeal. They’re excellent for small spaces due to their compact footprint.
5. Slipper Chairs
Armless and low-backed, slipper chairs are ideal for tight spaces like bedrooms and dressing areas. Their sleek profile allows for easy placement in nearly any room.
6. Accent Recliners
For those prioritizing comfort, reclining accent chairs provide the perfect blend of functionality and style. Many modern designs now feature chic fabrics and slim silhouettes.
7. Swivel & Glider Chairs
Ideal for dynamic living spaces, swivel chairs rotate 360 degrees, while gliders offer smooth back-and-forth movement—great for nurseries or home offices.
For more chair style inspiration, check out Architectural Digest’s accent chairs.
How to Choose the Perfect Accent Chair
When selecting an accent chair, consider the following factors:
1. Room Size & Scale
- Small spaces
It's tricky to get both function and style in a small space without it feeling crammed. With less floor space, narrow paths, and the risk of clutter, you gotta be smart. So, try going for accent chairs with compact designs like slipper or barrel chairs. They'll give you the look you want without taking up too much room.
- Large rooms
Making a big style statement, anchoring your space, and adding layers of interest while filling those empty spots can be tricky. The main challenge is making sure your chair doesn't get lost in the shuffle, especially in a large room. You want to strike the right balance in terms of scale and create a cozy vibe. That's where bold, oversized chairs come in handy – they're perfect for anchoring a space and making sure your design doesn't get swallowed up!
2. Style & Aesthetic
- Modern
Embracing minimalism and functionality, making them perfect for sleek, contemporary spaces. These chairs often feature clean lines, streamlined silhouettes, and subtle detailing.
Common materials include leather or smooth, neutral-toned fabrics like gray, beige, or white, which complement a wide variety of interiors without overwhelming the space. Metal or minimalist wood legs often complete the look, giving the chair a light, airy presence. Whether placed in a home office or next to a geometric coffee table, modern accent chairs bring understated sophistication wherever they land.
- Bohemian
It is all about personality, texture, and eclectic flair. They typically showcase vibrant patterns—think tribal prints, florals, or colorful geometrics—and upholstery materials that invite touch, like woven fabrics, velvet, or embroidered textiles.
A boho-style chair might feature carved wooden arms, mismatched pillows, or even fringe details, creating a collected-over-time look. These chairs are ideal for adding a sense of coziness and world-traveler charm to a reading nook, bedroom corner, or sunlit living area.
- Traditional
accent chairs exude classic charm and timeless design. Key features often include tufted backs, rolled arms, and rich wood frames with ornate carvings or dark finishes. Upholstery tends to favor luxurious materials such as velvet, damask, or brocade in deep, warm tones like burgundy, navy, or forest green.
Traditional chairs often serve as statement pieces in formal living rooms or elegant bedrooms, instantly elevating the ambiance with a sense of refinement and comfort rooted in heritage style.
3. Material & Durability
- Fabric
Fabric accent chairs offer a soft, inviting feel that adds warmth and comfort to any room. Materials like velvet and linen are popular choices for their texture and visual appeal, but they can require a bit more maintenance to keep looking their best.
Velvet, for example, shows impressions and can attract dust, while linen is prone to wrinkles and staining. Regular vacuuming and occasional professional cleaning may be needed, making fabric best suited for low- to moderate-traffic areas or spaces where style takes priority over rugged use.
- Leather
Leather is a favorite for those seeking both durability and easy maintenance in an accent chair. It resists spills and wipes clean with minimal effort, making it a smart choice for homes with kids or pets.
Over time, leather develops a rich patina—a soft sheen and color depth that adds character and charm. Though it costs more upfront, genuine leather's durability makes it a smart long-term investment. Whether in a sleek modern shape or a more classic club chair design, leather brings sophistication and resilience to any space.
- Synthetic blends
Synthetic blends, such as microfiber or polyester mixes, are go-to choices for households that need practical, everyday seating. These materials are engineered to resist stains, moisture, and fading, which makes them ideal for high-traffic areas like family rooms or casual sitting spaces.
Microfiber, in particular, mimics the softness of suede but repels spills and dirt more effectively, offering a balance of comfort and convenience. With a wide range of colors and textures available, synthetic options can be both stylish and sensible.
4. Comfort & Functionality
By thoughtfully evaluating these comfort and functionality aspects alongside the aesthetic appeal, you'll be much more likely to find an accent chair that's not just beautiful, but also a joy to use and a truly valuable addition to your home.
Finding an accent chair that perfectly blends comfort and functionality means being strategic in your search.
- Define your primary use and placement.
- Prioritize comfort features.
- Consider functionality features.
- The "Test Drive" (if possible).
Test the chair’s seat depth and back support. If you plan to use it for extended periods, prioritize padded cushions and ergonomic design.
For expert advice on selecting furniture fabrics, Elle Decor’s upholstery guide offers valuable insights.
Top Accent Chair Trends
1. Curved & Organic Shapes
Soft, rounded silhouettes dominate modern interiors, offering a welcoming feel.
2. Sustainable Materials
Eco-friendly options like recycled fabrics and ethically sourced wood are in demand.
3. Bold Colors & Patterns
Vivid hues (emerald green, mustard yellow) and geometric prints make statements.
4. Mixed Material Designs
Combinations like wood and metal or rattan with velvet create visual interest.
5. Multifunctional Chairs
Storage-integrated or convertible designs are rising in popularity.
For the latest trends, visit House Beautiful’s Design Forecast.
Styling Tips for Accent Chairs
Pair with a Statement Rug
To truly define a seating area, consider pairing your accent chair with a complementary rug. This creates a cohesive and inviting space. You can achieve color reinforcement by pulling a subtle hue from the rug into the chair, or vice versa, to create a harmonious rhythm.
For strategic contrast, let a neutral chair allow a colorful rug to shine, or have a jewel-toned chair pop against a more muted rug. Here's a pro tip: for a sophisticated look, try matching the rug's secondary color to your chair, like a teal chair with a rug that has subtle teal accents.
Add a Throw Pillow
Enhance comfort while tying in colors from the room. Pillows are a visual harmony catalyst for your accent chair and rug. Use them to create a strong color connection by pulling hues from the rug into the pillows on the chair, forming a cohesive loop. For example, if you have a teal rug, consider adding a neutral pillow with teal piping.
Pillows also serve as pattern mediation, helping to blend a bold rug with a solid chair, or vice versa, creating a balanced look. Don't forget texture layering; combine the textures of your rug (like wool or jute) with different pillow fabrics such as linen, velvet, or even faux fur to add depth and warmth to your seating area.
Use as a Focal Point
Transforming your accent chair, throw pillows, and rug into a cohesive yet chair-centric focal point requires strategic layering, contrast, and restraint. To ensure your chair remains the star of the show, there are a few tricks to keep it dominant.
One effective method is using a lighting spotlight: aim a floor lamp or track light directly at the chair to draw the eye and highlight its unique design. Additionally, leverage negative space by leaving the walls around the chair bare, avoiding competing art or shelves that could distract from its prominence. For a subtle yet impactful grounding, opt for a tone-on-tone rug that matches your floor color; this helps the chair stand out without vying for attention.
