Accent Chairs
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Thanks to a variety of living room chair designs, sitting back and relaxing – in style – has never been easier.
Types and Styles
The terms ‘accent chair’ and ‘sofa chair’ are often used interchangeably – even though they denote different meanings. Here’s the exact difference between the two:
- Single Chair: A single chair or lounge chair for any living room, bedroom or home office chair (living room chairs don't have to be used just in the living room), used to add style to a room. These chairs can include certain types of sofa chairs.
- Large Chair or Chair and a Half: A large chair is a type of chair that is designed as a “smaller” version of a regular sofa and primarily for comfort. These chairs often come with plush cushioning and wider seating areas.
Features of Living Room Chairs
Under the definitions of living room chairs, there are a few different subtypes. Wood legs, comfy cushioning and a variety of materials (rattan, faux leather, leather, fabric and more) and styles (mid century modern, modern, traditional) are common features you can expect to find. Here are a few more that separate certain styles from the rest:
- Deep button tufting
- Roll arms
- Tapered legs
- No arms
- High backs
- Cutout arms
- Adjustable levelers
When choosing an accent for your space, look for features that match its overall style, color and texture. Thanks to its luxurious details, a rich brown chair with plush roll arms and deep button tufting has ‘traditional’ written all over it – and so would not blend well in a room with bold colors, geometric patterns and other characteristics of a more modern feel. On the other hand, in the same room a chair with tapered legs, a flared back and a sleek ‘cutout’ silhouette would fit in perfectly – while adding a mid-century punch.
Styling with Living Room Chairs
Together, living room chairs are the epitome of comfort and style – and bring out the fun in home decorating. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect spot for your perfect chair!
- Clear out a corner. Instead of squeezing your new chair in a tight space, where it’s sure to get lost and go unnoticed, clear out a defined corner. Rearrange furniture so that nothing blocks the chair from view; if necessary, take the opportunity to toss out any pieces that aren’t serving an obvious function.
- Think in terms of symmetry. The more balanced a room feels, the more complete will it also. If you have the space, style two of the same chairs in opposite ends of a room (or sofa).
- Contrast and Define. Like symmetry, contrast and definition (and the lack thereof) have the power to influence the entire dynamic of a space. But while a colorful chair next to a neutral sofa makes it easy to carry out this design rule of thumb, it’s not the only way; while the chair can and should be used as contrast and definition in and of itself, to affect the room as a whole, remember, too, that contrast and definition can also be incorporated within the chair’s aesthetic. What you place on the chair can have just as much of a contrasting, defining effect in the room as, for example, where you choose to place the chair – or what color sofa you choose to pair it with. To keep the style of your chair’s design feeling tailored – to a contrasted, defined tee –, a throw blanket will do the trick! To contrast, make sure each piece is a different hue (a red blanket on a red chair, for instance, will not “pop.”) To define, remember, bolder is better. The more saturation, the more poppin’ your space will feel!
More popular than ever before, accent chairs are taking the design world by storm for their unique versatility and refreshing styles.
What Is an Accent Chair, Anyway?
An accent chair is a seat designed as a work of art in its own right. If you’re feeling like your home’s style is in need of a little pick-me-up, an accent chair could be the key to a lighter, more refreshed feel!
Types of Accent Chairs (Bestsellers)
Here are just a few of the most popular types of accent chairs:
- Mid-century chairs and chaise lounges. Inspired by sleek vintage designs from the ‘50s and ‘60s, mid-century accent chairs commonly feature tapered legs and geometric body shapes.
- Minimalist chairs. Accent chairs designed in the minimalist style place a higher emphasis on function rather than form. Expect sleek, no-fuss materials – steel and wood frames are popular choices among minimalists – and simple silhouettes.
- Farmhouse chairs. Farmhouse chairs celebrate the rustic charm of farmhouse living by emphasizing wood craftsmanship, distressed finishes, nailhead trim and fresh, light neutrals.
- Slipper chairs or side chairs. Offering sleek style and a versatile, streamlined shape, slipper accent chairs are like any other accent chair – minus the arms.
- Deep button-tufted chairs. Deep button-tufting was a common feature among 19th-century furnishings; today, it’s highly coveted among traditional designers for its stunning, attention-grabbing details – especially when incorporated into accent chairs.
- Barrel chairs (tub chairs). Barrel chairs, also known as tub chairs, feature a rounded backrest that flares out on either side to form the seat’s armrests – offering an enveloping, closed-in feel, and making them one of the best chair types for curled-up coziness!
- Parlour chairs and wingback chairs. Inspired by the lavish French parlours or dining rooms of the 18th century, parlour chairs often feature upholstery in floral patterns and rich wood trimming with intricate engravings.
Where to Place an Accent Chair
Accent chairs are often designed with streamlined silhouettes, making them easy to refresh both large and small spaces. If you’re feeling uninspired, though, or are looking for original, unexpected placement ideas, check out some of these current out-of-the-box trends for styling accent chairs:
- In an entryway. Since the entryway accent chair won’t be used much for sitting, you don’t have to worry as much about durability; experiment with unusual materials, such as jute or silk, to create unexpected-yet-stunning entryway designs – the perfect way to welcome guests in style!
- Under a window. We can hardly think of any area more perfect for an accent chair than the one directly under a window; big enough that it demands statement style, yet often too small for the average console table or armchair, it’s as if windows were designed for the sleek silhouettes of accent chairs – and vice versa. Plus, placing a chair in an area flooded with natural light will bring out and brighten up any subtle hints of color that are embedded into the chair’s design – and which would otherwise go unnoticed in a dark or dull corner.
