Quite simply an accent chair is a single seated chair which is typically more substantial in size and design. Accent chairs are used in many areas of the home to create décor interest and the obvious, additional seating. That’s why they’ve are so popular, they add a new look, feel, extra seating, colour and fun to any room.

Here are some of the more popular style names defined on Wikipedia.

A Club Chair is a type of arm chair usually covered in leather. Before it came to be known under its current name, it first appeared as the “comfortable armchair”. It was given this name to distinguish it from the fauteuil de style, which had straighter lines and was less enveloping.

The Tub Chair is fully upholstered and has solid sides and a low semicircular back, no separate arms.

Armless, a Slipper Chair is an upholstered chair with short legs so it sits lower to the ground.

Occasional Chairs are portable and are normally used occasionally for additional seating.

A Wingback Chair is an easy chair or club chair with “wings” mounted to the back of the chair, typically, but not always, stretching down to the arm rest.

The Bergère Chair is an enclosed upholstered French armchair (fauteuil) with an upholstered back and armrests.

Now the fun stuff: what’s your need/want?

Want to spruce up a bay window, an entrance, your bedroom, create a conversation area, a reading nook to cozy up to a good book, or just need more seating for your living room?

What’s your style?

Using the definitions you learned, is there a shape that you’re drawn to? Modern, traditional, transitional, high or low back, which ‘feel’s most fitting to you?

What space do you have? Do you want one, two or more chairs?

Think a single, cozy, larger scaled accent chair with an ottoman or pouf and create a reading or relaxing area for yourself.

Group a few club, tub or slipper chairs with an accent table and you have a conversation area or add another one and create adaptable seating instead of a loveseat.

Your bedroom has a lovely area in front of the window? Place a wingback chair, an accent table, a magazine rack and a comfy throw – voila, your own little hideaway!

Don’t forget to be adventurous by incorporating colour, style, texture, patterns and accessories. Here are a few examples to inspire you …