287 Armchairs & Accent Chairs

What style of accent chair will work for me?

Consider the room’s current design scheme as well as your personal preferences when making this decision. Do you want it to be something that acts a focal point? Find something with exposed wood and less padding, or upholstered in a vibrant velvet. Do you want to sink into it with a glass of wine at the end of a long day? If so, you’ll want an design where comfort is key: think thick cushions, wide armrests, or even a giant papasan chair. Below you’ll find information on some of the most loved types.

Armchairs: Just like the name says, these feature two arms, and are synonymous with comfy living room chairs. They come in many styles, but the most common are the soft and inviting oversized chairs that sport substantial armrests. These are perfect for curling up in, and can be super conducive to getting lost in a good book. Smaller models, like barrel or club chairs, can be a great way to incorporate that same cozy feeling in a slightly more formal way.

Armless Chairs: No arms required for these guys. If you’ve got a tighter space but still want to add a functional accent piece, a parsons, side or slipper chair should fit the bill. You can find them upholstered or not, and while they are generally simple designs, more intricate styles are available.

Wingback Chairs: The high sides and back of a wing chair were originally intended to protect the sitter from drafts or help trap in heat from a fireplace (which explains why it’s often pictured near one). Now its bold design serves as more of a statement and less of a functional element. Its close relative, the balloon chair, features a similar high-back design with a partially enclosed half-dome shape that would protect its occupant just the same.

Egg Chairs: The modern futuristic look of this iconic style, created by Arne Jacobsen in 1958, is sure to be a showstopper. It’s been said the design of the egg chair was inspired by the popular womb chair; both styles feature womb-like shapes and round, modern curves. Its cousin, the swan chair, is a smaller, less encompassing version, but will bring an equally modern and fun look to any room.

How big should my accent chair be?

This depends on where you plan to put it. Determining the size is all about understanding scale: if it’s going in a spacious living room, a larger armchair will work, but if it’s going into tight guest bedroom, consider one of smaller stature, such as a slipper chair. In addition, keep in mind the other furnishings in the room so that the size of your new piece works with them, not against them.

What upholstery material should I consider?

In many cases, upholstered chairs tend to be accent pieces, so it may be fun to use a patterned fabric or bold color to make a statement. Cotton and polyester designs usually come in the widest variety of colors and patterns, but might not be the winners if you’re looking for fabrics that are easy to clean. If your style is more easy going and classic, consider leather or microfiber; both are fairly easy to clean and will withstand wear-and-tear over time. Always take your climate into account as well when choosing and upholstered chair — leather chairs may not be the best choice for hot sticky climates.

Should I pair my living room chair with an ottoman?

Ottomans and footstools are great for kicking back and relaxing, and work well if your armchair falls in line with a more casual, lounging style. Think along the lines of a leather chair and ottoman tucked in the corner by a cozy fireplace. If it’s too formal, a footrest may seem out of place. You’ll need to consider space: will there still be sufficient room for pathways and access to the chair itself? If so, your next step will be to make sure to get the height and width right. To maximize comfort, both pieces should be of similar width, with the footstool being as high as or slightly lower than the seat height. Ideally, you should try to coordinate the pieces by matching color, material or pattern.