There are few items in your home that can transform your living room quite like an accent chair. Not only are they one of the more flexible design choices you can make—they’re less fixed than, say, a coffee table or a couch—but they offer some practicality, too. Adding one to an empty corner of your living room can instantly warm up the space. That’s doubly true if you’re able to add a side table and lighting fixture to create a little reading nook-like vignette.
Still, finding the right accent chair for your space doesn’t mean matching the same fabric as your couch—or going for function alone. While you can look at the usual suspects like West Elm, you’ll find something even more unique if you take your talents to vintage furniture sellers like Chairish, The RealReal, 1st Dibs, or even on Instagram. And if you’re shopping in-store, don’t be afraid to take a peek at the dining chairs section: Oftentimes, extra inventory that may have lost its other pair are steeply discounted.
Ahead, three kinds of accent chairs that feel particularly timeless—plus, how to keep them in tip-top shape.
Accent Chair Idea: Cozy Lounging Chair
If you’re looking for something that’s just downright comfortable, this is the way to go. Most chairs made for napping—er, lounging—can be
- Jake Upholstered Right-Arm Chaise with Bronze Legs, $1,399
- Wayfair Tufted Armchair, $264
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Abisko Quartz White Lounge Chair
Accent Chair Idea: Sculptural
Save for anything Eames makes, most mid-century modern chairs fall under this category. Oftentimes, they include mixed materials or leather accents or wooden handles.
Accent Chair Idea: Sherpa or Boucle
- West Elm Cozy Swivel Chair in Boucle
- Pottery Barn Boucle Twill Gravel Cole Swivel Lounge Chair, $499
- Hugger Curved Swivel Accent Chair by Leanne Ford, $1199
More than anything, enjoy your new relaxing chair! If you’re worried about pet hair or other everyday grime, just throw a blanket on top. It’ll make the space that much cozier.
xx LC
