What’s the difference between a regular chair and an accent chair? You will have seen the term “accent chair” if you are interested in interior design or looking for new furniture for your home. But what exactly is an accent chair? How do you style a room to include this type of seating? And are there any particular chairs you should look out for?
Here we answer your most important questions about this essential décor item.
What is an Accent Chair?
An accent chair not only provides an extra place to sit. It also serves another essential purpose. The accent chair highlights, or accents, the main furniture in the room, which is usually the sofa in the living room or the bed in the bedroom. This furniture also adds colour, interest, or detail to the living space. You choose an accent chair to balance and accentuate the design of the room, including the furniture and the design.
What are the Different Types of Accent Chair?
Accent chairs come in all shapes and sizes. Your choice of chair depends on personal taste and the size and style of the space. You can draw up a shortlist of suitable seats by looking at the different basic types.
An armchair, for example, is probably the most popular of the accent seats. Armchairs come in such a wide variety of colours and textures; it is difficult to narrow down the search to just one or two. These chairs are designed with your relaxation in mind including, of course, two arms to rest on.
If arms aren’t essential, consider the slipper chair. This chair is sleeker and more compact. It is the perfect furniture for a smaller room, or for combining two chairs at a window or around a coffee table. The slipper chair is low to the ground and works particularly effectively in a bedroom setting.
The side chair is another alternative. It’s generally slimmer in stature than a slipper chair but it still has an upholstered back. You can also use this chair as a dining chair.
A lounge chair is a more casual, often larger, accent chair and is designed with ultimate comfort in mind. There is often a footrest.
Where to Add an Accent Chair
The bedroom is a common place to add an accent chair or two. Place the seat by the window to make the most of a view or add it next to the bed to provide additional seating when getting dressed. This type of chair is also ideal for a living room, complementing the sofa which is the main attraction in the space, and serves as an extra place for guests or family to sit. Or add an accent chair to your home office, as highlighted in the spring tips for interiors here. Accent seating is also perfect for outdoors, on patios or terraces.
The sky’s the limit when designing a room with accent chairs. Keep in mind the proportions of the space and choose the highest quality chair you can afford, to set off the design in style.
