Your Quick Guide to Choosing Accent Chairs

As their name implies, accent chairs complement your décor or add a little pizzazz to the room. They're wonderful additions to living rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms. To help ease your decision-making process, we've put together a quick guide with everything you need to know.

What are some popular accent chair types?

Armchairs, which may be among the most popular options, offer added comfort with side supports on each side designed for resting your arms.

Slipper chairs have a lower profile and no arms, giving them sleek, space-saving appeal.

Chair-and-a-half is an oversized chair that has a wider and deeper seat. These accent chairs are a good option if you prefer to pick up your legs, curl up, and relax in the seat

Barrel chairs get their name from rounded backs that look similar to a barrel, which add a traditional look and plenty of comfort.

Club chairs feature deep seats, high arms, and an attractive design that centers around comfort and a cozy feel that's ideal for curling up with a book.

Wingback chairs Tall backs and winged sides boast a classic style that's been used for centuries, which gives these accent chairs lasting appeal and versatility in how you use them.

Egg chairs are iconic, mid-century modern marvels that add instant contemporary appeal to your room with rounded lines and plush upholstery.

Related: See the full breakdown when it comes to types of accent chairs and their characteristics!

How should I pick an accent chair for my living room , bedroom, or reading?

Personal preference should always win over any stuffy rules. But if you're torn between a few different options, try using these four factors to guide your decision-making process in choosing accent chairs:

Style should be among the first considerations. After all, you want the accent chairs to look great and function even better. Find occasional chairs that work within your decorative scheme while also suiting your needs. If you're decorating your library, for example, stately club chairs or wingback chairs can make a decorative impact. Slipper chairs, on the other hand, can work well in a smaller dining room where you want to keep things looking airier.

Fabrics determine the look, feel, and care of your accent chairs. If you live in a home with pets and children, stick with durable fabrics like microfiber that you can easily wipe down. If you're looking for a classic, rugged feel and don't mind more involved maintenance, consider leather or suede.

Patterns of the fabric are another important factor. Use patterns for additional color or to add a pop to an otherwise neutral room. If the rest of your furnishings already have bold colors or patterns, consider choosing a solid accent chair to ground the space. Likewise, you could choose neutrals to go with neutrals to create a soothing, cohesive look throughout the room.

Features and accessories are other important factors. Do you need an ottoman? Look for occasional chairs that come with a matching version, or have fun shopping for a separate ottoman that coordinates with the chair's materials or pattern colors. Do you prefer the ability to easily change position? Consider swivel accent chairs that provide freedom of movement. Or, if you're looking to add multitasking function to your room, check out the selection of convertible accent chairs that fold down into a sleeper chair.

Learn More: Make a statment with a specific style chair with our Accent Chair Style Guide!

Explore: Find our 9 Best Accent Chairs by most reviewed, style, budget friendly & more for an easy home update!