Armchairs and Accent Chairs
These solo seating options lend flexibility and coziness to any space within the home — be it a quiet spot for your reading nook, extra seats in the living room, or even a catchall for that pile of clothes. Discover the comfort and style that come with these seats.
Armchairs and Accent Chairs
Armchairs That Suit Your Style
An armchair is the most personal item of furniture in the house. As a single seater chair, an armchair provides solace, comfort and respite. For this reason, choosing the right armchair is an important task. Whether you opt for a recliner, a chaise lounge or an accent chair, your selection will depend on a variety of factors.
Types of Accent Chairs
Accent chairs come in a wide variety, each offering a unique look and feel. Here's a breakdown of some popular types:
- Wingback Chair: High back with tall wings on either side, offering a classic and enclosed feel.
- Club Chair: Deep seat, wide arms, and a substantial presence, perfect for lounging and conversation.
- Barrel Chair: Rounded back and sides, creating a sculptural and modern statement.
- Slipper Chair: Armless and often lower to the ground, ideal for smaller spaces and adding a touch of casual elegance.
- Slipper Chair: Armless and often lower to the ground, ideal for smaller spaces and adding a touch of casual elegance.
- Mid-Century Modern Chair: Clean lines, tapered legs, and pops of color, reflecting the design aesthetic of the mid-20th century.
- Swivel Chair: Base allows for 360-degree rotation, adding convenience and flexibility.
- Recliner: Offers a reclining mechanism for ultimate relaxation and comfort.
- Chaise Lounge: Extended seat perfect for stretching out and relaxing.
- Rocking Chair: Curved chair with gentle back-and-forth motion for relaxation
How to Choose and Style Your Armchairs and Accent Chairs
Choosing the perfect armchairs and accent chairs for your living room involves a careful balance of style, comfort and functionality. Whether you're looking to buy online or browse in-store, this guide will help you navigate the selection process and create a space that truly reflects your personal taste.
Space and Style
Before you fall in love with a particular armchair, consider the available space in your living room and the overall style you want to achieve. Some armchairs, like plush recliners with high backs and protruding armrests, can take up a significant amount of space.
Measure your available area and visualize how the chair will fit in relation to your existing furniture, such as modern sofas, ottomans, coffee tables, and TV stands. Will it complement the existing living room set or add a touch of contrast? Think about the overall aesthetic you're aiming for — do you want to create a cozy reading nook, a stylish conversation area, or a focal point in the room?
Upholstery and Materials
The choice of upholstery and materials plays a crucial role in both the comfort and style of your armchair. Consider options like leather, velvet, or even more unique materials like rattan or wood. Think about how the colors and textures of your chosen armchair will complement or contrast with your existing furniture and decor.
Mixing and Matching
Don't be afraid to embrace an eclectic look by mixing and matching different styles, materials and colors of armchairs and accent chairs. This can add depth and personality to your living room. To achieve a balanced and cohesive look, consider these tips:
- Find common ground: Look for unifying elements to tie your chairs together, such as a shared color palette, similar materials, or a recurring design element.
- Balance is key: Play with scale and proportion. Combine a bulky wingback chair with a sleek mid-century modern chair for visual contrast, or balance height by pairing a high-backed chair with a lower club chair.
- Consider comfort: Choose chairs with a variety of seating styles to cater to different needs and preferences.
- Think like a curator: Use your chairs to create conversation areas or highlight architectural features.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Mix and match patterns, textures, and eras to create a space that reflects your unique personality.
- Accessorize wisely: Accentuate your chairs with throw pillows and blankets that complement the color scheme or design elements.
Size and Quantity
When choosing the size and number of armchairs, consider the scale of your living room and your desired seating arrangement. For smaller spaces, one or two armchairs may suffice, while larger rooms can accommodate multiple chairs for a more conversational setup. Measure the available space and ensure the chair's dimensions are proportionate to the room and allow for comfortable seating and easy movement.
You can also use an armchair as a complement to your existing furniture or as a way to add some contrast. It’s best to think about upholstery options too, like leather, velvet, or something completely different like rattan or wooden finishes. Pair colors and materials with existing furniture to create the perfect living room.