Stylish Accent Chairs That Enhance Living Room Decor
Accent chairs are the perfect way to add style, color, and functionality to any living room. With the right accent chair, you can transform an empty corner into a cozy reading nook or complement your existing furniture with a pop of contrast. But with so many accent chair styles, fabrics, colors and sizes to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow down your options.
We'll cover popular accent chair styles, smart placement tips, fabrics and colors to consider, and clever ways to incorporate accent chairs into your living room layout. By the end, you'll have plenty of accent chair ideas and inspiration to refresh your living room with just the right amount of flair.
Why Add Accent Chairs to Your Living Room
Accent chairs serve both stylish and practical purposes in any living room. Here are some of the top reasons to incorporate one or more accent chairs into your layout:
- Add visual interest - Accent chairs immediately draw the eye and help break up boring, boxed-in living room layouts.
- Provide additional seating - Accent chairs are a space-savvy way to add extra seats for guests.
- Create defined spaces - Use an accent chair to carve out a reading nook or conversation area.
- Introduce color - Accent chairs allow you to incorporate bold, vibrant colors without overpowering the room.
- Show off your style - Choose a trendy accent chair that reflects your personal tastes and preferences.
- Mix up textures - Accent chairs introduce new textures and materials like velvet, leather, or linen.
In short, accent chairs are an easy way to add visual complexity, extra seating, and your unique style touch to any living room. And with the right placement and design, they can help carve out special spots for reading, relaxing or chatting with guests.
Choosing the Right Accent Chairs for Your Living Room Decor
With so many accent chair styles and options to pick from, it can be overwhelming to choose the right chairs for your living room. Here are some top tips for selecting accent chairs that will perfectly complement your existing layout and decor:
Consider Your Living Room's Size and Layout
First, look at the footprint of your living room. Is it a spacious, open concept room or a smaller, cozy space? This will determine if you should choose one larger statement chair or a few smaller chairs to fill up empty corners.
Also, pay attention to your living room's existing furniture layout. Are there obvious gaps or underutilized areas that could benefit from an accent chair? Place your accent chairs intentionally to create designated spaces within your layout.
Complement Your Existing Furniture and Style
Make sure your new accent chairs coordinate with the overall decor and furniture style of your living room. For a cohesive look, match the finish of wood accent chairs with your existing coffee table or side tables. Or pick an accent chair fabric and color that complements your sofa and accent pillows.
You'll also want to choose accent chairs that work with the general aesthetic of your living room - for example, mid-century modern chairs for a retro-inspired space or antique-inspired chairs for traditional decor.
Pick Colors and Patterns that Enhance Your Decor
One of the biggest benefits of accent chairs is that they allow you to incorporate bold prints, patterns and color palettes that you may not be able to integrate elsewhere. So take advantage of that creative license!
Look for an accent chair print or color scheme that either pulls out a secondary color already in your living room or introduces a brand new complementary color. The accent chairs should enhance the decor, not compete with it.
Choose the Right Scale and Proportions
Scale is key when selecting accent chairs. You want the chair to be proportional to the size of the room as well as the other living room furniture. An oversized chair in a small space will feel clunky and overwhelming. Similarly, a tiny accent chair will look odd floating in a large, open room.
If possible, test out accent chairs in person or use furniture design software to get a feel for scale before purchasing. An accent chair should provide pleasing balance to your layout, not stick out like a sore thumb.
Accent Chair Styles to Liven Up Your Living Room
From sleek and modern to plush and traditional, accent chairs come in endless styles. Here are some of the most popular accent chair types and their distinguishing features:
Classic Accent Chair Styles
Wingback Chairs
- Iconic high back and wrapped "wings" around sides
- Often with rolled or scrolled arms
- Tufted back and seat
- Traditionally upholstered in leather or fabric
Slipper Chairs
- Armless accent chair with low, narrow back
- Often have carved wooden frame and legs
- Complement more massive pieces like sofas
- Feminine, vintage vibe
Club Chairs
- Rounded back and wide seat
- Low arms and short, thick legs
- Leather or plush upholstery
- Masculine and sophisticated
Modern Accent Chair Styles
Armless Chairs
- Sleek, minimalist look
- Come in endless modern variations
- Great space-savers for small rooms
- Allow for easy conversations
Swivel Chairs
- Round base allows chair to rotate
- Often have armless design
- Playful and casual vibe
- Flexible for conversations
Sled Base Chairs
- Iconic mid-century modern style
- Metal sled base provides stability
- Low-profile and light look
- Come in endless variations and fabrics
Beyond these popular categories, look for accent chairs that speak to your personal style. A bold graphic print, sculptural legs, or an unexpected silhouette, like a hanging bubble chair, can turn an accent chair into a true statement piece.
Strategic Accent Chair Placement Tips
Where and how you position your accent chairs will determine how successfully they complement your living room. Use these tips for optimal accent chair placement:
Flank the Sofa
Place matching accent chairs on either side of a sofa to create a cohesive seating area. Angle the chairs inward slightly to encourage conversation. Just be sure to allow enough room for walking between the sofa and chairs.
Corner Accent Chairs
Maximize empty corners by tucking a petite slipper chair or armless chair diagonally into the corner. This creates an intimate reading or conversation nook.
Next to Other Furniture
Accent chairs look natural paired next to other living room furniture like side tables, bookshelves or desks. Try placing an accent chair near a floor lamp for a reading spot.
Floating Layout
For a modern, eclectic vibe, try positioning accent chairs in unconventional locations like the middle of a room as a standalone piece. Just be sure to leave walking room around the chair.
It's also smart to angle your accent chairs towards the main sofa or conversation area. This pulls the entire seating area together rather than having chairs oddly floating in space.