Seating is an essential component of any living space. In fact, it never hurts to have extra seating in your home, if space allows. This is where accent chairs come into play. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color or simply more seating, accent chairs make a great addition to any space. Today, we’re going to talk about 7 popular types of accent chairs that are perfect for the living room (or even the dining room and bedroom). So, pull up a chair, and let’s get started.
1. The Wingback Chair
With its tall back and dramatically winged sides, the wingback chair is very easy to spot. A wingback chair is extremely versatile, making it the perfect companion to a variety of other pieces, especially a large sofa. Wingback chairs can be used just about anywhere, including next to the fireplace, in a reading nook, and even at the head and base of a dining table.
To learn more about the history of the wingback chair and how it can best be used in your home, check out our blog The Beauty of the Wingback Chair.
2. The Club Chair
The club chair is an upholstered armchair that offers ample room largely in part to its wider frame and very deep seats. Born around 1929, this comfortable armchair, a French piece likely used in French and English clubs (hence its name) was designed to appease the desires of wealthy customers in search of luxury, perfection, and comfort.
Because of its size, the club chair is the perfect place to snuggle up and relax. Club chairs commonly have leather upholstery, which is often accompanied by nailhead trim.
3. The Slipper Chair
The slipper chair is armless and upholstered with a petite silhouette and short legs. Dating back to 18th-century Europe, the slipper chair was originally designed for dressing rooms out of necessity. Victorian era women, especially the high-society ladies, needed a seat when maids would help them “slip” into their dancing shoes or slippers. Hence the name. Because the clothing of the time was often restrictive — tight corsets and wide petticoats — the wide and lower-to-the-floor design of these chairs made the task a much easier one.
Slipper chairs are generally preferred by petite individuals, as the low seat height can make them somewhat awkward for people who are tall. While slipper chairs are a popular choice in modern homes, they can be a great fit anywhere if space is scarce.
4. The Occasional Chair
Just as its name states, the occasional chair is a chair that is used occasionally. Typically a wood-framed chair with the frame exposed, occasional chairs are simple, lightweight, and complementary to numerous interior design styles.
5. The Chaise Lounge
The chaise lounge — or, what the French more accurately termed “chaise longue,” translated as “long chair” — refers to an elongated chair with four legs and a slanted back that makes reclining comfortable. Its semi-reclining angle makes it an ideal place to stretch your legs without having to use an ottoman.
Throughout the ages, it has morphed in both name and form — chaise, divan, settee, daybed, deck chair, fainting chair, lounge chair, recamier, and more. Regardless of what you call this accent chair is a classic for anyone who wants the room to have a traditional, yet comfortable look.
6. Chesterfield Chair
The name Chesterfield is typically associated with one of the world’s most well-renowned sofa designs. The great news, however, is that you can also get this beauty as a chair. And while it might be smaller in size, there’s no skimping on style. Just like the sofas, Chesterfield chairs boast a mixture of leather materials, rolled arms, and nailhead trim. With unique design features such as this, is it any wonder this truly distinctive chair remains a classic?
7. Barrel Chair
Also referred to as a “tub chair”, the barrel chair gets its name from the overall shape of its body, which includes a curved backrest. The really nice thing about barrel chairs is that they look amazing whether you have one, a pair, or an entire set.
Over the years, many designers have taken hold of the barrel chair. Because of this, many styles are available — unique, yet uncompromising when it comes to the true integrity of the core design.
Cutting Corners Has Your Custom Chairs
When the time comes to add an accent chair to your living space, let us help! We have the accent chairs you need to turn your living room into a thing of beauty, so stop by one of our showrooms to see our selection of beautiful accent chairs. Looking for something more personal? Let us custom-make an accent chair for you in a fabric you love!
