Most social activities happen in the living room, from family gatherings to entertaining guests. A study found that it is also where people have meaningful experiences that help them develop intimate relationships and attachments with their loved ones.
If you want a living room that fosters conversation and supports these interactions, you need to design the space to be not only visually appealing but also functional and comfortable. Accent chairs can help with this.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose and use accent chairs to create a living room ideal for strengthening your bonds with family and friends
What Counts as Accent Chairs?
Sometimes known as side chairs, accent chairs are decorative furniture pieces that stand out in a room. Besides serving as extra seating, they are used as a key point that draws attention while injecting personality into the space.
These chairs don’t usually come with sofa sets. Interior design experts often choose such pieces in hues different from the room’s other furniture. But when they are incorporated in a well-thought-out manner, modern accent chairs can elevate the look and feel of the living room, tying everything into one cohesive design.
Types of Accent Chairs & Placement
Accent chairs come in various shapes and sizes and have different features, including swivel, recliner, and wide (broader back and seat).
Here are a few accent chair styles you can choose from and how you can incorporate them into your living room design:
1. Wingback Chair
A wingback chair has a tall back and wider sides. This chair style was originally designed to keep the wind and chill off the back of the person sitting near a fireplace, but it has since evolved into a statement piece that balances out a big living room sofa.
Best for: Living rooms with large sofas
2. Chaise Lounge
Chaise lounges are long couches with one-sided armrests. Their design enables users to fully recline or stretch their legs while keeping their torsos upright.
Best for: A reading nook, a TV-watching spot, or a cozy alcove
3. Armchair
As the name implies, armchairs have armrests that support the user’s elbows and arms. They come in a wide range of styles and materials that allow them to fit into a variety of interior design themes and living room layouts.
Best for: Filling empty corners, flanking sofas
4. Club Chair
Club chairs are armchairs with deeper seating. They are usually made with upholstered leather and are designed for utmost comfort.
Best for: Cozy corners in smaller living rooms
5. Lounge Chair
A lounge chair is a lowered seat with a slightly more reclined position. It is designed for comfort and allows for a less attentive posture, which is also why it is not recommended to be placed around a coffee table.
Best for: Seating by a fireplace or TV stand
6. Barrel Chair
A barrel chair is known for its curved back and wrap-around arms that resemble barrels. It is a standout accent chair that injects a quirky silhouette into any room.
Best for: Reading nooks and areas near TV stands in both large and small living rooms
Accent Chairs for the Living Room: Interior Design Best Practices
Find it daunting to incorporate accent chairs into your living room design? Here are a few best practices that will set you up for success in this endeavor.
1. Arrange accent chairs around a focal point
No matter what style you choose, make sure you place accent chairs around a focal point in your living room. Depending on the available space and layout of the room, you can group two to three chairs around a luxurious area rug, a coffee table, or even an artwork.
If you decide to place it near a coffee table, arrange the chairs on one side and your sofa on the other to ensure a balanced layout.
2. Make a cozy nook out of them
Accent chairs make perfect fillers for those unused areas. Empty corners make for cozy reading nooks, especially when they have cushioned chairs with matching throw pillows.
To make it even more inviting, place the chair of your choice near a window or by a bookcase, creating a perfect area to catch up on some reading.
3. Let them dictate the room’s color scheme
One common mistake people make when designing a room is choosing paint colors before the fabric. Interior designers recommend doing it the other way. This is because it is easier to find paint that fits well with upholstery hues and textures, especially ones from a unique accent chair.
4. Optimize the arrangement for traffic flow
Interior design is not only about aesthetics. When arranging accent chair, never forget to account for the availability of space for traffic flow.
Don’t block major pathways. Instead, place your accent chair around primary furniture pieces, such as the sofa. There should be at least 3 feet of space between furniture pieces to avoid overcrowding and ensure a seamless flow of movement in the room.
5. Match them with existing furniture
Accent chairs can add flair to your living room so long as they blend with the existing furniture well. Consider how they would look when placed opposite your couch or sofa to determine whether they help create a symmetrical or balanced look.
Accentuate Away
Accent chairs can serve as both a focal point and a supporting piece of furniture for your living room. Whether it’s a cozy chaise lounge or a space-saving barrel armchair, arrange these around coffee tables, balance them out with sofas, and make a cozy nook out of those beautiful accent seating.
Browse our selection of accent chairs and arm chairs to find the perfect piece for your home.
