An accent chair is more than just a place to sit. It’s a statement piece, a splash of colour and the final touch that can tie an entire living room together. But with so many styles, materials and sizes available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. How do you choose a chair that not only looks stunning but is also comfortable and fits your space perfectly?
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options. This guide offers practical advice for selecting an accent chair and highlights a few standout choices that blend style with function, helping you find a piece you’ll love for years to come.
Before you start browsing, considering a few key factors will help narrow down your search and ensure you make a choice that complements your home.
The size of your accent chair should be in proportion to your living room and existing furniture. A large, bulky upholstered armchair might dominate a smaller room, while a delicate dressing table chair could feel lost in a spacious, open-plan living area. Before you buy, measure the intended spot and compare it to the chair's dimensions. Think about visual weight, too—a chair with slender legs and a lower back will appear lighter than a solid tub chair that sits directly on the floor.
The fabric of your chair influences its look, feel and maintenance. Velvet offers a luxurious, soft texture that can add a touch of glamour, making it a popular choice for a modern accent chair. Suede provides a similar softness with a matte finish. For a more relaxed or high-traffic setting, linen is a durable and breathable option that brings a natural, airy feel to a room. Consider your lifestyle—if you have pets or young children, a more hard-wearing and easy-to-clean fabric might be a more practical choice.
What will be the primary role of your new chair? If it’s destined for a cosy reading nook, look for something with comfortable arms and a supportive back. If it’s an occasional chair intended more for visual appeal, you can prioritise form and unique design features, such as a scalloped back chair or a chair with gold legs to create a focal point. The chair should complement your existing decor, whether that means matching the style or providing a deliberate, eye-catching contrast.
Here are a few recommendations that balance contemporary design with comfort, suitable for a variety of interior styles.
Why It Stands Out: This chair makes an immediate impression with its unique blossom-inspired design. The backrest fans out like a flower corolla, with vertical tufting that adds texture and sophistication. Paired with soft faux fur upholstery and slender, gold-toned metal legs, it serves as both a comfortable seat and a piece of decorative art.
Pros:
Who is it for? This chair is ideal for anyone wanting to introduce a touch of modern glamour into their space. It works beautifully as a statement bedroom chair or as a chic accent in a living room.
Why It Stands Out: Featuring the same elegant floral silhouette as its faux-fur counterpart, this version is upholstered in a sophisticated grey suede. The material offers a soft, velvety feel with a contemporary matte finish, making it a more understated but equally stylish option. The tufted back and gold legs provide a refined contrast.
Pros:
Who is it for? Perfect for those who love the sculptural, scalloped back chair design but prefer a more muted and versatile colour palette. It’s a great choice for adding refined style without overwhelming a room.
Why It Stands Out: This chair combines ergonomic design with a clean, modern aesthetic. The hollow backrest not only adds a unique visual element but also provides breathability and targeted support. Upholstered in a durable green linen fabric and featuring a generously padded seat cushion (10 cm thickness), it offers substantial comfort. The armless design makes it a versatile choice for tighter spaces.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent option for those seeking a functional and comfortable accent chair for a living room with a smaller footprint. It’s also versatile enough to be used as a stylish home office chair or in a reception area.
If these selections aren't quite what you had in mind, or if you'd like to explore a broader array of styles, colours and materials, there are many more possibilities to discover. From classic wingbacks to minimalist Scandi designs, the right chair for your home is out there.
Browse our complete collection of furniture and home furnishings products to find more inspiration.
What is the point of an accent chair? An accent chair serves both a functional and an aesthetic purpose. Functionally, it provides additional seating in a room. Aesthetically, it acts as a design element to introduce a pop of colour, an interesting texture or a unique shape. It can complete a room's decor and serve as a focal point.
Where should you place an accent chair in a living room? The ideal placement depends on your room's layout and the chair's intended use. Common locations include next to a sofa to encourage conversation, in an empty corner with a floor lamp to create a cosy reading nook or opposite the main sofa to help balance the space. The key is to ensure it enhances the room's flow without obstructing walkways.
Can you have two different accent chairs in a living room? Yes, you can. Using two different but complementary accent chairs can add depth and a curated feel to your decor. To create a cohesive look, find a common thread between them. This could be a shared colour family, a similar style period (like two different types of modern accent chair) or matching design details, such as a chair with gold legs.