Accent Pieces That Complete a Living Room

Accent pieces play a crucial role in pulling a living room together. They add the finishing touches that complete the look of the space.

Accent pieces are furnishings, decor items, or architectural elements that add visual interest to a room. They complement existing decor instead of serving as the main focal point. Strategically placed accents inject color, texture, shape and personality into a space.

In living rooms, accent pieces provide style along with functionality. Accent seating, tables, storage furniture, rugs, lighting fixtures, wall art and greenery are all excellent living room accents. They reinforce the room's overarching aesthetic while offering additional places to sit, surfaces to display items, and storage solutions.

Tips for Choosing Accent Pieces

When selecting accent furnishings or decor for a living room makeover or refresh, consider the following:

• Mix textures, colors and shapes for visual interest
• Incorporate bold yet unexpected accents that show personality
• Choose multifunctional accents like benches, ottomans and side tables
• Display travel souvenirs, books, plants and artwork to personalize
• Repurpose antique, vintage or upcycled pieces as charming accents
• Work within your existing color scheme for a cohesive look

Stylish Accent Tables

Accent tables instantly elevate a living room by providing surfaces to stage decorative objects. They also offer convenient places to set down drinks without cluttering sectionals or coffee tables.

Coffee Tables

Coffee tables anchor living room furniture arrangements. Glass-topped designs feel lightweight while wood or stone tops create natural contrast. Opt for nesting tables to allow flexible configurations.

End Tables

Flanking sofas, end tables provide perfect perches for table lamps. Round end tables save space in smaller living rooms. For easy yet customized storage, try DIY end tables like wooden crates.

Accent Tables

Whether standalone or tucked beside sofas, accent tables add style through unique shapes like ovals and curves. Detailed metalwork and mixed materials like concrete and timber up the visual appeal.

Seating Accents for Function and Flair

Accent chairs, benches and ottomans expand living room seating arrangements with panache. Sitting areas feel welcoming and pulled-together with accent seating options sprinkled throughout.

Accent Chairs

From oversized armchairs perfect for curling up with books to petite seats offering auxiliary seating for guests, accent chairs make living rooms extraordinarily livable. Choose chairs that complement main sofas without completely matching.

Benches

Benches maximize seating capacity while anchoring room layouts. Storage benches offer hidden organization for odds and ends. Place benches facing sofas to create conversational groupings.

Ottomans

Ottomans pull triple duty as footstools, temporary seating and impromptu tables. Round ottomans save space in modest living rooms. For family rooms, oversized ottomans covered in washable slipcovers work wonderfully.

Storage Solutions

Living room storage furniture keeps games, craft supplies, TV remotes and other items organized yet accessible. Open shelving also displays favorite objects in decorative ways.

Cabinets

Cabinets outfitted with doors or concealed behind soft furnishing masking clutter while adding visual architecture. Wall-mounted media cabinets streamline AV components and free up floor area.

Bookcases

Bookcases show off book collections and beloved keepsakes. Choose built-in designs for small living rooms. Lean ladder-style bookcases against unused walls to create homework stations.

Display Shelving

Mixing closed cabinets and open shelves allows hiding some things while creatively displaying others. For small living rooms, hang wall-mounted shelving to conserve space.

Rugs and Decor Accents

Thoughtfully chosen rugs along with wall art, mirrors, greenery and throw pillows personalize living rooms through color, texture and shape.

Rugs

Area rugs anchor furniture groupings while introducing captivating patterns underfoot. Rotate rugs seasonally to keep the look fresh. Place smaller rugs beneath accent chairs or chaise lounges.

Throw Pillows

Revolving throw pillows perks up tired sofas and chairs effortlessly. Coordinate pillow colors to accent hues found in artwork and area rugs for harmony. Choose double-sided designs to show off reversible patterns.

Wall Art

Meaningful paintings, prints and photographs enliven blank walls above seating areas and furniture groupings. Salon-style gallery arrangements make collections shine.

Houseplants

Strategically placed houseplants generate natural contrast, especially in urban settings. Low-maintenance succulents add organic texture without demanding constant care.

Lighting Accents

The right mix of ambient, task and accent lighting transforms living rooms from dull to dramatic while setting the perfect mood. Carefully positioned light fixtures eliminate dark corners too.

Floor Lamps

Floor lamps direct illumination precisely where needed most. Arc lamps on swing arms reach sofa seating without taking up precious surface area. Up-light floor lamps placed behind seating wash walls with flattering illumination.

Table Lamps

Table lamps satisfy lighting and decor needs simultaneously. Sculptural lamp bases command attention. Opt for smart table lamps offering adjustable brightness and automated schedules.

Pendant Lights

Hanging pendant lights center living room layouts with illumination and intrigue. Mini-pendants spotlight reading nooks and game tables. Directional shades prevent glare.

Focal Point Accents

Focal point accents immediately draw the eye, serving as living room centers of attention. Choose statement-making accents that align with personal taste to put the finishing touch on room designs.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces act as natural living room focal points with classic appeal. Accentuate mantels year-round with sculptures, artwork or floral arrangements. Surround firebox openings with textured stone or stacked stone.

Sculptures

Display compelling freestanding or wall-mounted sculptures prominently to readily capture attention. Abstract metal sculptures introduce movement and sheen.

Finishing Touches for Pulled-Together Style

When thoughtfully combined, living room accent pieces reinforce overarching style for spaces with purpose, personality and panache. Follow these finishing touch tips:

• Arrange accent seating to form intimate conversation areas
• Repeat decorative motifs found in artwork and area rugs
• Incorporate natural textures like wood, stone, metal and greenery
• Refresh pillows and throws seasonally to keep the look feeling current

The right assortment of accent pieces pulls a living room together, offering expanded seating options, decorative display surfaces and storage solutions along with loads of style. Carefully chosen accents ranging from side chairs to stately bookcases reflect personal taste, setting spaces apart with purpose and polish.