Ella and Ross – An Online Furniture Store in Canada

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 without looking out of place.

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.