If you’re among those driving the phenomenal 9% CAGR of the interior design industry, you’re already well aware of the impact a new design can have on your home. We bet you didn’t know that implementing a single piece of furniture can boost your room’s aesthetic to the next level.
This miracle-working item is none other than the accent chair. If you’re wondering, ”What is an accent chair?”, right now, or even if you think you know, read this accent chair guide for more information.
What Is an Accent Chair?
Accent chairs are single-seat chairs that rarely act as a seating option. Their main aim is to create an interesting focal point in your room or to highlight otherwise understated colors or shapes.
In this way, they act as a decorative element that unifies the look and feel of other design items to pull together the overall look of your room.
These chairs are extremely versatile and suited to any setting, be it a home office, living room, or bedroom. They’re equally well suited to contemporary and classic interiors.
If you look at examples of accent chairs on websites like etsy.com, moderndigsfurniture.com, and overstock.com, it’s easy to see how unusual colors and shapes can make your interior design ‘pop’.
What to Look For When Buying an Accent Chair
Before you go shopping for an accent chair, you need to consider a few things. These are:
- What is the purpose of your accent chair?
- What is the overriding style of your room?
- Which colors and fabrics do you prefer?
- How much space do you have for your accent chair?
Measure the height, width, and depth of the area identified for your accent chair. Make sure you know the absolute size limits that allow you to move around the chair and clean easily, too.
A chair that’s too large or too small will do more harm than good for your design.
Size Counts
If you’re buying an armchair, make sure you know the optimum floor-to-seat and floor-to-arm height for comfort. It’s best to sit down in any chair before you buy it to make sure it’s a good, comfortable fit for you.
Finally, consider the size and weight of the chair. Will you be able to maneuver it through the door to your room, or up the stairs if you live in a high-rise apartment?
Take a photograph of the room where you plan to place the chair, so you can better envision how your new chair will suit the space.
Color Considerations
There are two ways your accent chair’s color can enhance your room. If you want to make a statement, choose a bold color and design that stands out in your room.
Make sure it isn’t a shade that throws the rest of your design off-kilter. For instance, picking a bright yellow chair in an otherwise beige room might look a little out of place, whereas a yellow chair in a cream-colored room would create the desired effect.
If you’re opting for an accent chair with a stand-out design, it will hold its own even if it’s the same color as the rest of your furnishings.
The best aesthetic choices usually involve picking a color that occurs somewhere else in the room, for instance, brown shades in a piece of art, or a hint of red on a vase or cushion.
With these criteria firmly in mind, you can more easily determine the best accent chair for your room and avoid arriving home with a piece that simply doesn’t fit in physically or aesthetically.
Types of Accent Chairs
If you’re unfamiliar with any of the below types of chairs, take a browse around the internet for images and information on available designs. This will help you get a clearer picture of what to look for in your search for an accent chair.
Armchairs
Garden variety armchairs are a comfy place to settle in front of the TV or relax with a book. When they feature eye-catching upholstery or a unique design, they can assume a dual role as both an armchair and an accent chair.
Traditionally, armchairs come as part of a matching sofa set. When one stands out like a sore thumb, it becomes an accent chair.
Wingback Chairs
Wingback chairs first appeared on the interior design scene in the 17th century, and they’re still a popular choice today. These chairs have winged sides, wooden legs, and a high, solid back.
Slipper Chairs
Slipper chairs have no arms and short legs. Their unusual low profile makes them a good choice for an accent chair, especially in small rooms or bedrooms.
Chaise Lounge
Another longstanding design, a chaise lounge doubles as a place to put your feet up thanks to their elongated build. They’re a popular choice for bedrooms, but they’ve infiltrated living rooms in recent times, too.
Ottoman
Ottomans are multipurpose furniture pieces that do double duty as a footstool extra chair or concealed storage option. They suit compact, busy rooms, like TV rooms and playrooms, as well as living rooms.
Tub Chair
Tub chairs are like traditional armchairs, except they’re more stylish. These chairs are also called bucket chairs and have a low, curved, back that flows into armrests. They’re a swish option for modern living rooms and bedrooms.
Sculptural Chairs
It’s all about appearances when it comes to these kinds of chairs. They typically have unique, interesting shapes and aren’t well suited for seating. They typically feature wood or metal arms and legs and have a sharp, sleek silhouette.
Accent Chair Tips For Creative Design
While accent chairs should stand out, they must also fit into your overall design. Haphazardly squishing an accent chair alongside a matching sofa set will make it look out of place.
Rather, place your accent chair strategically beside a side table or in a cozy corner, giving the chair a sense of purpose as a reading nook or place to relax.
Always consider the overall composition of your room when you add a new piece of furniture.
Small Things Make a Big Impact
Smart design choices, like choosing the right chair for the occasion, can deliver a satisfying bang for your buck.
Would you like to discover more ways to enhance your home quickly and affordably? Browse our blog for answers to more design questions, like, “What is an accent chair?”.
