In the world of interior design, armchairs reign supreme for multiple reasons, the least of which is that they provide additional decoration to what we are looking for.
Beyond that, they're a way to free us from all the decorating "rules" we tend to adhere to, allowing us to have a little fun in our spaces.
"Accent chairs are a great opportunity to add design interest to a room, through their shape, color and texture," says Stephanie Brown of Stephanie Brown Inc., based in Vancouver, Canada.
"Whether it's one piece of furniture or a pair, you can branch out from your comfort zone which often applies to larger pieces like sofas."
Plus, they help fill a space that seems empty or awkward while being versatile because they can be easily moved as needed, according to interior designer Jill Croka, director of Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Jill Croka Designs.
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Adds Hannah Rice, senior interior design specialist at Maiden Home: "If you're looking to achieve a particular aesthetic, these chairs can help you move in that direction without committing to a larger centerpiece like a sofa."
The next thing is to find out which chair or armchair of this type is the best for your space, and as you would expect, size is the most important thing.
“The first step is to make sure the size works. You want to make sure it's not too big or too small for the space, and then figure out how its size feels with your other pieces,” advises Brown.
Interior designer Amber Lewis, who recently launched her Simple Pleasures With Amber Lewis collection for Anthropologie, agrees, noting, "You want to get into the space and not be distracted by the wrong-sized chair."
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Alexandra Davin, co-founder of Davin Interiors and Clairrow, an online interior design school, adds: "Don't forget about proportion, you want to make sure that the chair is complementary to the space itself and to the other furniture in the room. For example, don't force a huge armchair next to a small drinks table in a small study.
Once you've found the best size for your chair or couch, it's time to focus on material, shape, and color.
"Like any selection in your design scheme, the accent chair should complement the style and color of the room while maintaining its own character or identity," says Davin.
Lest we forget, we also have to take comfort into account.
That's right, we're going to want to sit down and maybe even relax a bit in this chair!
"The most important thing to consider is whether or not the chair is comfortable," says Benjamin Reynaert, creative director at Interior Define and contributing editor at Domino.
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However, the overarching theme we heard from almost every designer we spoke to was that there are no rules when it comes to finding the perfect accent chair, and given its supporting role in your design scheme and its relatively diminutive size, it is a safe place to take risks.
"Juxtaposition is what makes rooms interesting to me, so play it up," says Reynaert.
The differences when it comes to materials are important.
Mix different shades of wood, metallic finishes and upholstery colors.
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Hillary Stamm of Manhattan Beach, California-based HMS Interiors adds, "I always like to tell people that the accent chair can be the jewel of the space. Too often, homeowners make the easy mistake of going to play it safe and match your chair to your sofa. Don't forget we want variety in the design, and this is what elevates the space. Your space isn't going to have that wow factor if you don't introduce different elements into the design."
We found a plethora of accent chair options curated by the designers mentioned.
You can choose one from this list or get an idea for your home.
Accent Swivel Chairs
West Elm Cozy Swivel Chair
Starting at $899 in West Elm
A bestseller for West Elm;
"I love how West Elm's Cozy Swivel Chair is on-trend and suitable for so many design styles, from eclectic modern to mid-century to glam," says Brown.
"It comes in a variety of great fabrics, which makes it very easy to pair with an existing color palette.
Interior Definition Lawson Swivel Chair
USD$ 1,145 in Interior Define
A modern take on the Lawson swivel chair from Interior Define comes in over 100 fabric options, from richly hued velvets to neutral sheets, but our favorite part is its dramatic roundness, which is guaranteed to make it extra comfortable.
Says Reynaert, “The Lawson swivel chair is like a giant hug. Its sculptural shape is not only super comfortable, it adds a curvaceous line to any room, and its wide stance pairs nicely with larger sofas and sectionals in family spaces. Best of all, swivel chairs can float in a space and break up larger rooms, as guests can swivel back and forth and be part of different seating and conversation areas."
More to know: "That's a great price for a chair with customizable options," adds Davin.
You could do luxurious velvet in a moody art deco space or go for a totally modern look with a neutral knit fabric."
Etta Avenue Guernsey Velvet Swivel Barrel Chair
$699 $469.99 at Wayfair
An instant statement, the Velvet Barrel Chair comes in over a dozen colors, and has a 4.6-star rating.
"The Guernsey style nods to art deco-inspired design with velvets, curves, gold accents and eccentric shapes," says Rebecca Breslin, senior design manager at Wayfair Professional.
"We've seen a rise in these open silhouette upholstered chairs, which feel sophisticated with an unexpected twist."
Feather Filled Brynn Swivel Chair
$499.99 at World Market
Streamlined, it's perfect for anyone who's actually sitting in it 24/7.
Why?
As a result of its composition full of feathers, the chair is ultra comfortable!
Available in cream or navy upholstery, this simple yet stately chair will fit perfectly into your room's design scheme.
West Elm Porto Swivel Chair
Starting at $1,199 at West Elm
Offering 360 degrees of movement and eye contact for anyone who sits in them, swivel chairs are a great way to keep everyone engaged without constantly moving chairs around.
And Shaolin Low, founder of Honolulu-based Studio Shaolin, loves West Elm Port.
"This is great for outdoors, which generally means they're great for kids indoors. The mix of wood, rope, and cream fabric is very on-trend, and it's also easy to pair with many different types of décor."
Wade Logan Waltman Velvet Armchair
$659.99 at Wayfair
Ultra wide and featuring a retro design, it is sure to stand out wherever you put it in your home.
"Mid-century accent chairs are timeless, with beautifully structured silhouettes, rich hues, tufting, and rolled pillows," says Wayfair Professional's Breslin.
We're seeing these styles in saturated hues, from gold and navy, to emerald and rust.
albany park
$799 $695 at Albany Park
We tested this chair ourselves and can attest that its dense yet soft cushions and oversized seat make it the best place to read;
seriously, it can fit a parent and two kids with ease.
Available in eight colors and fabrics and two leg materials, the chair is 41 inches wide and also comes in the Ẹkáàbọ̀, a really beautiful pattern, if you want a scene stealer!
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