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The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Accent Chair: Everything You Need to Know

by | Last updated Mar 17, 2023 | Buying Guides | 0 comments

Contents

What is an accent chair?

Accent chairs are single seat chairs that create an eye-catching focal point in a room and provide an additional seating option. 

They are rarely used as regular seating like traditional chairs –  instead, they are used as accent pieces and often have a decorative design that pulls together the look and feel of the decor through their colour, material and shape. 

Accent chairs are increasing in popularity and thanks to their versatility, can be added to any room in the home such as the living room, bedroom or home office. They come in a variety of styles and different materials and finishes, in fact just about any design that can be imagined, so work well in both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Grain and Frame Natural Oak Dining Table Trapezium Black Steel Leg

Photo credit: Grain and Frame 

Is there a difference between an occasional chair/accent chair/statement chair?

Yes, there is a difference! An occasional chair is simply a type of chair that is not meant for regular use. An accent chair is an occasional chair that is used to add a pop of colour or design to a room. A statement chair is an accent chair that makes a bold statement and stands out from the rest of the furniture in the room.

Grain and Frame Is there a difference between an occasional chair

Photo credit : Pinterest @Camperdownlane

Why should I get an accent chair?

There are many reasons why you might want to get an accent chair. Perhaps you need extra seating for when you have guests over or maybe you want to add an accent piece to make your decor really stand out. Accent chairs can also be a great way to add colour or pattern to a room, and are often used to tie a decor theme together. Regardless of your reason, an occasional chair can be a great addition to any home.

If you’re contemplating getting an accent chair, there are a few things to consider. You will need to work out the purpose of the chair, the style of the room, the colour and material of the chair and also the size of the space where the chair will be placed. Using these four categories will help you decide whether an accent chair is right for you.

Grain and Frame Why should I get an accent chair

Photo credit : Pinterest @thetomkatstudio

What are the different types of accent chairs?

There are many different styles of accent chairs to choose from so you’ll be sure to find something to suit your interior. Here are some of our favourites:

Armchair

If a decorative chair has arms, it is considered both an accent chair and an armchair. A traditional armchair usually comes in the same fabric and style as a sofa and is designed to match, whereas an accent armchair is designed to stand out, usually with a contrasting fabric and colour.

Grain and Frame Armchair

Photo credit : Pinterest @yourspacefurniture

Slipper Chair

Chairs that are armless are often referred to as a slipper chair. They typically have short legs so sit closer to the ground, and are a great option for an accent chair, especially in rooms such as the bedroom or smaller living rooms, as they don’t take up much space.

Grain and Frame Slipper Chair

Photo credit : Pinterest @target

Wingback Chair

Wingback chairs, also called wing chairs, have a high, solid back, winged sides and often come with wooden legs. Wingback chairs have been around since the 17th Century and are still as popular today, thanks to their classic and elegant style.

Grain and Frame Wingback Chair

Photo credit : Pinterest @housebeautiful

Chaise Lounge

The chaise lounge is a piece of furniture that dates back several centuries although it has maintained a presence in home decor throughout the years. Renowned for being a chair that you can lie on and put your feet up on, chaise lounges are often found in the bedroom but are increasingly being used in modern lounges too.

Grain and Frame Chaise Lounge

Photo credit : Pinterest @IdealHome 

Ottoman

An ottoman is a handy piece of furniture to have in the home that can be used as a footstool, additional seating, storage or even as an alternative coffee table. Typically an ottoman can be found in a living room, but they can also be found in playrooms and bedrooms too. Many people opt to get an ottoman to match their sofa, but it can be a great way to add flair to a space by using a contrasting shape and fabric.

Grain and Frame Ottoman

Photo credit : Pinterest @shootfactor

Tub Chair

A tub chair sometimes referred to as a bucket chair, is a large rounded chair with a semicircular back and no separate arms. It usually has a low back that is curved for both style and comfort. The tub chair is a modern take on the traditional armchair so is perfect for contemporary interiors. 

Grain and Frame Maggie Tub Chair 4

Photo credit: Grain and Frame, Maggie Tub Chair

Where to put an accent chair

Accent chairs can be placed anywhere in your home, from bedrooms and offices to living rooms and dining rooms. 

Some of the most popular places to place an accent chair are next to a coffee table, opposite a sofa, on the side of a fireplace or bookcase, or even paired next to an ottoman.

Grain and Frame Alaska White Armchair 2

Photo credit: Grain and Frame, Alaska White Chair

For those with large spaces, you could even choose two accent chairs and place them side by side to create a cosy and conversational area in the home, ideal for entertaining guests.

Grain and Frame Where to put an accent chair

Photo credit: Pinterest @athoughtfulplace

How to choose the right colour for your accent chair

When it comes to choosing the right colour for your accent chair, you need to decide whether you want to make a statement with a bold shade that will stand out or choose a shade that complements your interior scheme.

For those looking for something bold and eye-catching, assess the room’s colour palette and try picking out a recurring colour. This could be a colour in a piece of art, cushion or plant pot. As the colour already features in the room, it will make an impact but without looking out of place.

Grain and Frame How to choose the right colour for your accent chair

Photo credit: Pinterest @makingyourhomebeautiful

For those who want an accent chair that matches the interior perfectly, pick out the main colour of your interior scheme and pick a chair a shade lighter or darker for a cohesive look. If you don’t want to introduce too much colour, pick a neutral colour but in a chair with an interesting shape instead.

Grain and Frame Joseph Natural Armchair 2

Photo credit: Grain and Frame 

What colour accent chair goes with a blue sofa?

The colour combination depends on what look you are going for in your interiors. Orange and yellows go really well with blue sofas and helps keep the decor vibrant. For a more elegant and classic look, pairing blue with colours like dark green and grey work well. If you want something with a more muted colour palette, a soft beige accent chair will work well with any shade of blue.

Grain and Frame What colour accent chair goes with a blue sofa

Photo credit: Pinterest @pecansthomedecor

What colour accent chair goes with a beige sofa?

The neutral colour of a beige sofa means you can pair it with practically any other colour. You can build a neutral colour scheme around a beige sofa and pair it with a neutral accent chair, as long as you pick different patterns and textures to add interest.

Grain and Frame What colour accent chair goes with a beige sofa

If you have a light beige sofa and want to create a strong contrast, pick warm colours such as navy, burgundy, dark green or even black or brown.

Grain and Frame What colour accent chair goes with a beige sofa 2

Photo credit: Pinterest @mydomaine

If you have a beige sofa that’s brighter or closer to white, consider using a brighter colour for your accent chair such as red, blue, blue, orange, green or yellow.

Grain and Frame What colour accent chair goes with a beige sofa 3

Photo credit: Pinterest @stylemepretty

What colour accent chair goes with a dark grey sofa?

A dark grey sofa is a classic choice for a living space. As a modern and versatile colour, a dark grey sofa provides the perfect foundation for bright and bold accent colours and also blends well with a range of neutral colours. Choose an accent chair in mustard yellow, blush pink, navy blue or dark green for a look that will stand out.

Grain and Frame What colour accent chair goes with a dark grey sofa

Photo credit: Pinterest @hotelchique

What colour accent chair goes with a green sofa?

White, beige, tan and grey are neutral shades that work well with a green sofa. If you have a sofa that is sage green, pair it with a blue-grey or navy accent chair. For an olive green sofa, pair it with khaki or tan chairs, and if you have a dark green sofa, a chocolate brown or blush pink accent chair will be the perfect complement.

Grain and Frame What colour accent chair goes with a green sofa

Photo credit: Pinterest @dreamgreendiy

Do accent chairs need to match?

Accent chairs do not have to be the same as each other, or as every colour and hue in a given room, but they should match and flow with the colours on display. An accent chair is not meant to be an exact copy of the sofa or other chairs in the room, but it can be if you desire. You can also match multiple accent chairs to each other by covering them with matching blankets and cushions to add similarity.

Grain and Frame Do accent chairs need to match

Photo credit: Pinterest @room&board

Other things to consider when buying your accent chair

Size

When choosing an occasional chair, you’ll need to consider the size. You’ll want to make sure the chair is proportional to the rest of the furniture in the room – the last thing you’ll want is a chair that dominates the room. As a starting point, measure the width, depth and height of the space where you’ll put the chair.

Grain and Frame Logan Grey Velvet Armchair 2

Photo caption: Grain and Frame, Logan Grey Velvet Chair

Style

The beauty of an accent chair is that you can choose whatever style you like.  Shop for a shape that contrasts your existing furniture to really make a statement. There’s also nothing wrong with opting for a neutral accent chair, as long as it enhances your interior scheme.

Grain and Frame Style Accent Chair

Photo credit: Pinterest @simplesingharath

Pattern

Accent chairs are a great way to trial using patterns in your interiors. There are many different patterns to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style. If you’re not brave enough to buy a pattern accent chair, go for a bold block colour and accessories with patterned cushions and throws.

Grain and Frame Pattern Accent Chair

Photo credit: Pinterest @simplesingharath

Material

Accent chairs can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and upholstery. What materials you use depends on the style you’re going for and how you’re going to use the chair. Leather is much more durable for everyday wear than more delicate materials such as velvet. Materials like wood, metal and plastic can easily be wiped clean, making them suitable options for accent chairs placed in kitchen areas that will be used frequently. The type of material used can also influence the overall feel of the chair – soft materials such as leather and fabric feel warm and inviting, whereas metal and plastic can feel a bit colder.

Grain and Frame Material Accent Chair

Photo caption: Pinterest @nugget

Price

Price is always a consideration when making any purchase, but it’s especially important when buying an accent chair since they are not typically used as primary seating. You’ll want to find something within your budget that still meets your needs and fits your style preferences. If the chair will only be used occasionally when you have guests over, style may be the priority over comfort. However, if the chair will be used regularly it will need to be sturdy and comfortable which may increase the cost.

Grain and Frame Harley Dark Grey Armchair 2

Photo caption: Grain and Frame

At Grain and Frame, we have a selection of accent chairs to suit a variety of budgets.

Can you use an accent chair as a desk chair

More people are working from home than ever before so an accent chair is a great way to inject a bit of style into a home office. However, there are some styles that work better than others. Make sure the chair isn’t too low to the ground otherwise you may find it difficult to reach the desk. Your back should also be supported, which makes an armchair a great option.

Grain and Frame Can you use an accent chair as a desk chair

Photo caption: Pinterest @TheConfidentHome

Tips for finding the perfect accent chair

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start shopping! Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect occasional chair:

  1. Start by measuring the space where you want to put the chair. This will help you pick a style that fits in the room perfectly.
  2. Think about how the chair will be used. If it’s just for extra seating, comfort is key. But if you’re looking for an accent piece, style is more important.
  3. Set a budget before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your options when you begin your search 
  4. Check out both stores and online shops. You’ll have a wider selection to choose from if you shop online, but you’ll be able to see the chairs in person and test them out in the store. 
  5. Read reviews before making your final decision. This will help you get an idea of what the chair looks like in a home setting, how comfortable it is and how long it will last.

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