Everyone has their favorite chair...
...Perfectly roomy, with that sink-right-in feeling and just enough support to have your back. Finding that perfect chair? It’s practically an art form.
From cozy reading nooks to conversation-ready living rooms, an armchair can totally transform a space. Let's dive into how to style these versatile pieces in a way that works for your home. We’re breaking it down: read on!
Accent Chair Placement: Where do I put an accent chair?
Accent chairs are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture. With oh-so-pretty potential for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and even spacious hallways or landings, it’s the right piece for wherever you need a little (or big) sit. The key is understanding the purpose of both the room and the specific corner where your perfect chair will live.
Reading nook? Conversation area? Laundry landing zone? Accent chairs can create focal points in sunny corners, make living rooms cozy, and just be there when you need them. If your dream is a dedicated reading spot, comfort should be your top priority. Look for chairs with deeper seats, supportive backs, and arms at a height that lets you truly relax. For spaces where conversation is key, consider chairs that encourage an upright but comfortable posture. Need more seating in your living room? Consider adding two identical chairs across from your sofa with a table in-between for a nice refreshing beverage.
Accent Chair Arrangement: Make room!
Allow for at least 18 inches of walking space around your accent chair — more if it's in a high-traffic area. A chair with a high back creates vertical interest, but might block sightlines in an open floor plan. A wider chair with lower arms might take up more floor space, but create a more open and cozy feel. A great tip for understanding your space is to use a piece of cardboard or to tape out the measurements on the floor where you plan to place the chair. How does it feel in your space? Can you walk around comfortably?
Wood vs. Upholstered Accent Chairs
Depending on the look you’re going for, balancing materials can break up an abundance of elements and make your space more visually interesting. In rooms with tons of wood elements, like floors, tables, or storage pieces, fully upholstered accent chairs can be a welcome addition of softness and comfort. If your space is already uber cozy with lots of soft fabrics, an accent chair with wooden elements can add structure and texture. Or, mix and match a wood and upholstered accent chair for a lovely combination of both!
Pairing Accent Chairs: Double up or Mix & Match
When using multiple accent chairs in a space, ensure they have room to work as a cohesive unit. For conversation areas, position chairs at a comfortable distance — roughly 3.5 to 4 feet apart. Don’t forget to aim for a 12–18 inch distance between your accent chair and your coffee table or ottoman table, if it’s in your living room. If you're creating a reading nook with two seats, consider angling them slightly toward each other with a small table between them, which feels intentional and invites connection.
Pairing Accent Chairs with Existing Furniture
When pairing a new accent chair with the pieces you already own, consider style and scale, as well as function. It doesn't need to match your sofa perfectly — in fact, thoughtful contrast can create more interesting spaces — but there should be connecting elements that create harmony. Keep in mind that generally, seat heights should be within 1-2 inches of each other.
Experimenting with textures and fabrics is where the fun really begins. With our 120+ fabrics to choose from, you can create endless combinations that express your home’s unique style. For a harmonious look, choose fabrics in the same color family. For more visual interest, play with contrasting colors or varying textures.
How to Accessorize an Accent Chair
The perfect armchair is a blank slate for your styling dreams. Thoughtful accessories enhance both the comfort and style of your seating. A beautiful throw blanket invites coziness and adds another layer of texture. A small side table at the right height creates a place for books, beverages, or a small lamp. Take into account the chair’s armrest height when picking out a side table to avoid any awkward imbalance. Throw pillows can add color and pattern while providing additional cushioning. Or, go for a lumbar pillow for a little extra support where you need it. Try different pillow shapes for visual interest and textural layering. Consider the space above and around your chair as well. A floor lamp positioned behind or beside the chair provides task lighting for reading, while artwork hung above creates a complete vignette. Put it all together, and you get everything armchair dreams are made of.
Medley Accent Chairs: A Comparison Guide
With 20 years of experience behind us, we’ve put together a guide to on what to look for when shopping for an accent chair. From the classics, to heirloom wood pieces, to the loungiest curl-up spots, your perfect chair is a scroll away.
Shop our collection of Accent Chairs and know that we take utmost care in creating durable and comfortable pieces with attention to every single detail – from the frame to the upholstery fabric – with help from our certification partners who help us source more sustainable and non-toxic materials for a healthier home.
