How to Style Accent Chairs in Your Living Room
Your living room is the heart of your home, where comfort meets style and conversations flow freely. If you feel that your living room needs a refresh or is lacking some personality, consider adding accent chairs to this space!
Accent chairs not only provide extra seating but also serve as statement pieces that can elevate the overall aesthetics of your space.
Whether you want to create a reading nook or a social area, styling accent chairs requires some thought and consideration. In this article, we'll take you through some tips on placement, design, and how to create a cohesive and inviting living room with accent chairs.
Selecting the perfect type of accent chair
Before you dive into styling your accent chairs, it’s important to find the right one for your space.
Consider the overall design theme, colour scheme, and also the chair’s size, comfort, and durability. The accent chair should not only look great but also provide a cosy spot for relaxation.
Let’s take a look at some common types of accent chairs out there so you know your options:
Swivel accent chair
Swivel accent chairs are a stylish and functional addition to your living room. These chairs are designed with a rotating base that allows them to swivel in a 360-degree motion. This makes them perfect for socialising or multitasking without having to physically move the chair.
They are a popular choice for any space in your home, providing mobility, comfort, and the ability to easily interact with others in the room.
Recommended read: 8 Best Swivel Chairs for Your Living Room
The Dawson Swivel Armchair boasts a chunky form with a subtle curved frame. Picture credits: @theverestplace
The Hamilton Round Performance Fabric Swivel Armchair is a roomy armchair, perfect for lounging. Picture credits: @pattirobertsdesignco
Even @paulpayasalad’s cat loves lounging on the Amber Bouclé Swivel Chair!
Wingback accent chair
Wingback chairs are characterised by their high backs and winged sides. These features provide a cosy and enclosed feel, which provides a sense of security and is perfect for curling up with a book or enjoying an afternoon snooze.
The Colette Swivel Armchair in Cumin Velvet has a wingback feature that creates a cosy cocoon. @smashingdiy
Other than teddy white, the swivel chair also comes in teddy brown. Picture credits: @malaquemahdaly
Paired with the Kit Bouclé Stool, @alannapanday completes her comfy reading spot.
Club accent chair
Club chairs are known for their deep, wide seats and plush cushioning. They offer a sense of relaxation and comfort, making them ideal for leisurely lounging.
These types of chairs typically have a low backrest, wide armrests, and generous padding. Club chairs often evoke a classic or vintage aesthetic, working well in modern-contemporary homes.
The Madison Leather Armchair creates a cosy lounging spot in @linseywoods.home’s space.
From the same collection as its leather counterpart, the Madison Armchair doesn't fall short of comfort. Picture credits: @lovinglittlehalls
The Adams Armchair features thin legs and chunky fibre seats. Picture credits: @ellisandhale
Lounge accent chair
Lounge chairs or chaise lounges are designed with comfort in mind and is typically associated with relaxation and leisure.
These chairs often have a reclined backrest and deep seats. Some variations might even come integrated with a footrest or an extended seat, allowing you to stretch out for maximum relaxation. Lounge chairs are perfect for creating a cosy corner to unwind after a long day.
The Sacha Performance Fabric Armchair boasts a low-slung silhouette that's perfect for lounging. Picture credits: @cococuenco
The Astrid Chaise Lounge features a comfortable channel quilted cushion draped over a stainless steel frame.
The Philippe Chaise Lounge is perfect for lazy days in with its channel tufted cushions.
Placement and arrangement
Now that you’ve chosen an accent chair, it's time to find the perfect spot for it in your living room. Here are some common accent chair arrangements you can explore:
Symmetrical placement
@brownstoneboys places two armchairs in the living room creates balance. Pictured: The Sacha Performance Bouclé Armchair.
Similarly, @paradiseinteriors_goldcoast creates a symmetrical arrangement with two Sacha Performance Bouclé Armchairs placed beside a sideboard.
Create balance by placing identical accent chairs on either side of a sofa, coffee table, or sideboard. This is a common placement option as it creates a visually appealing and balanced arrangement.
Corner placement
@graceinmagnolias utilises the dead space beside a window to place the Wayne Armchair.
@modernasianlife creates a comfy reading spot with plenty of fresh air by placing the Amber Bouclé Swivel Armchair by the window.
Utilise any awkward corners in the room by adding a single accent chair to the space. Create a cosy reading nook by adding a side table and a floor lamp.
In groups
The Pebble Armchairs in Forest Green certainly help create a chic and modern space in @narmthelabel's abode.
@dawnpdarnell positions the Paloma Bouclé Armchairs in Snow infront of the fireplace for a cosy lounging spot.
Arrange two or more accent chairs with a small table in between. This acts as a secondary seating area to your sofa and creates an intimate atmosphere. If you have a small living room, the accent chairs can even serve as your main seating area.
Statement piece
@sezairi creates a fun and playful living room with the Ingrid Sherpa Chair in Teddy Brown.
With a striking chair like the Madison Armchair, @ourbeautifulmundane creates a focal point in the living room.
If you have a striking or unique accent chair, make it the focal point of your living room by placing it in direct line of sight from the entrance. This allows the eye to be automatically drawn to it when you walk in.
Pair with existing furniture
You want your accent chair to create a beautiful contrast, not stick out like a sore thumb. That’s why it’s important for your accent chair to be well-coordinated with the existing furniture in the living room.
If you have a neutral-coloured sofa, introduce an accent chair in a complementary shade to ensure it gels well.
For a bolder approach, don't be afraid to combine styles and materials. For example, pair a mid-century modern accent chair like this Desmond Leather Armchair with a rustic coffee table like this Seb Round Coffee Table. This mismatch in the sofas and accent chairs can still look stylish if you strike a balance between cohesion and diversity.
Experiment with textures and fabrics
Texture and fabric selection can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your living room. Mix different textures like velvet, leather, or woven fabrics to add depth and visual interest to your seating arrangement.
Consider the texture of your accent chair and how it complements or contrasts with the surrounding furniture.
@a.freckled.fawn.design creates visual interest by pairing the Madison Leather Sofa with two Madison Armchairs.
The Owen Sofa, upholstered in a luscious olive gold velvet fabric, is paired with the Madison Leather Armchair and leather stools. Picture credits: @palmtreesandpellegrino
If you have a leather sofa, pair it with a fabric accent chair to add warmth and softness. For velvet accent chairs, you can balance it out with a sleek and minimalistic side table like the Harper Side Table, or a metallic accent piece.
Incorporate different textures through rugs, curtains, or artwork to create depth in the room.
Introduce colours and patterns
Accent chairs provide an excellent opportunity to introduce pops of colour and patterns into your living room. Here are some ideas to help you incorporate colours and patterns effectively:
Bold and vibrant: Make a statement in your living room with an accent chair in a vibrant colour, such as electric blue, emerald green, or fiery red. Pair it with neutral furniture and surroundings to allow the chair to steal the spotlight.
Subtle elegance: Choose a chair in a soft, pastel hue or a muted tone to create a calming and sophisticated ambiance. These chairs work well in minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired spaces. You can then add pops of colour and patterns to the cushions or throws.
Patterned designs: Opt for eye-catching accent chairs, such as using floral or geometric shapes. Use these chairs as focal points in the room and complement them with solid-coloured accessories and decor.
Accessorise the accent chair
Enhance the accent chair’s appeal by adding some accessories to it. For example, you could add a cosy throw draped over the back of the chair for an inviting touch. Consider placing some cushions to make the chair more comfortable to lounge on for longer periods.
A small side table with a lamp or a potted plant can also provide functional and decorative elements. Remember to keep the scale and proportion of the accessories in mind to maintain balance within the space.
@jessmaple_ decorates around the Gable High Armchair and Ottoman Set to create a cosy sitting corner.
@neelam_'s kitty also finds the Hamilton Round Performance Fabric Swivel Armchair comfortable to lounge on!
Now that you’ve learned how to go about styling your accent chairs, it's time to put this knowledge into practice to transform your space. By selecting the right types, strategically placing them, and incorporating thoughtful decor ideas, you can transform your living space into a stylish and inviting sanctuary that reflects your individual style and enhances your everyday living experience.
Remember, accent chairs are not just functional furniture; they are statement pieces that can elevate the entire aesthetic of your space.
