Decorating With Accent Chairs

Accent chair guide with tips on size, arms, fabric, tufting, piping, and leg style. Learn when to buy pairs and how to style them at home.

When pulling a room together, seating is the backbone. This post focuses on accent chairs, which add extra seats and show personal style. An accent chair can be a single piece or a set, and it works in living rooms, bedrooms, and even a quiet corner by a window.

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What is an Accent Chair?

Accent chairs usually sit a bit straighter than lounge chairs and often have a smaller footprint. They shine in pairs by a fireplace or grouped with a side table. Comfort matters, but size and scale are just as important. Keep the tips below in mind to fill empty corners, build conversation areas, and choose pieces that look right at home.

Arms or No Arms?

A good choice for an accent chair is a “slipper chair.” Slipper chairs are armless, and sit slightly lower to the ground. They were originally used in bedrooms for ladies to sit and slip on their shoes. They have definitely left the bedroom, and are now found in main living areas. A set of slipper chairs is perfect for flanking a fireplace or a large piece of furniture. One or two slipper accent chairs can add a touch of the unexpected to any space.

Fabric and Color

Chair fabric is the perfect place to show personal style. Choose a favorite color or pattern, or stay neutral so the chair can move around your home. I purchased the chair above for a guest bedroom, and it could go in any room.

Tufting

The one thing that will take an accent chair up a level (or two) is tufting. Tufting is created by threading buttons through the upholstery and pulling tight to form small indentations. It can raise the price a bit, but the texture is worth it. A tufted accent chair is perfect for any style decor.

Piping

Piping on an accent chair adds a finishing touch. It is a trim applied to the seams of a chair, usually around the edges of seats, arms, and backs. Piping can be highlighted even more when it’s made in a complementary color. It pops off the main color and adds interest and depth to an accent chair.

Leg Style

Most smaller accent chairs have exposed legs. Choosing a leg style that reflects your own personal style is the best route to go. If you like modern or contemporary furniture, choose a sleek and plain leg. For traditional style, a carved or turned leg would work well. Some accent chairs even come with casters which add a lovely, vintage touch.

Small-Scale Chairs

Add a touch of warmth and style to your home with a set of faux or real wicker accent chairs. These chairs are perfect for any room, from the living room to the entry. The woven design looks great, adds interest, and is very sturdy. You can make them extra comfy with some soft cushions or pillows. Wicker chairs blend well with many decor styles, creating a welcoming and relaxing space.

Do Accent Chairs Need to Match?

Do accent chairs have to match? There is no simple answer to this question, because it’s a matter of taste. Personally, a matching set of anything makes me smile. I love symmetry, and a matching set of chairs can quickly add it to any room. Chairs on opposite sides of a room do not have to match. When they sit side by side or share a corner, matching often looks more pulled together.