Rise and Recline Chair Advice
What is an accent chair? Style, comfort and support
An accent chair is a single chair that adds visual interest or personality to a room. Think of it as a design statement that still provides a comfortable perch. Unlike a sofa or standard armchair, an accent chair is often used to highlight a style, colour or texture.
Whether it’s nestled in a corner of a living room, in a bedroom or at the end of a hallway, an accent chair can be a functional and decorative piece of furniture that really makes a space. From modern designs to classic upholstered styles, there’s an accent chair to suit any interior.
Key takeaways:
- An accent chair combines style and function, adding character to a room
- Accent chairs can be decorative, practical or both
- Size, comfort and placement matter just as much as colour and design
- Some accent chairs can also offer supportive features, such as higher backs or firmer seats
- For those with mobility needs, rise and recline chairs can act as functional accent chairs
What are accent chairs used for?
Accent chairs are used to elevate a room while providing extra seating.
- Adding a pop of colour or texture
- Breaking up large furniture layouts
- Creating a focal point in a living room or bedroom
- Filling unused corners or awkward spaces
- Providing a comfortable seat for reading or relaxing
In living spaces, accent chairs for the living room are often placed near sofas to balance the layout. In bedrooms, accent chairs can create a calm seating area for dressing or winding down before bed.
How to choose an accent chair
Choosing the right accent chair means balancing style, comfort and practicality.
Styles
Accent chairs come in many styles, including:
- Modern accent chairs with clean lines and bold shapes
- Traditional or classic designs with rolled arms and deep cushioning
- Statement chairs with patterned fabrics or sculptural frames
Choose a style that complements your existing furniture without overpowering the space.
Colours and patterns
There’s no need to match the colours of your accent chair and sofa exactly. Some people like a matchy-matchy look but you can create more of an impact by choosing a contrasting colour or pattern. Choose tonal variations from a similar colour palette to create a soothing feel, or pick up on colours in a rug, piece of art or furniture that’s already in the room.
A patterned chair can add a lovely point of interest in a living room or bedroom. Take the Morris & Co. Fabric recliner chair for example, the rich, botanical William Morris print works perfectly if you’re going for a traditional look. It helps to create a cosy cottage feel which is understated and elegant.
Materials and fabrics
Accent chairs come in all types of materials and patterns, including;
- Leather accent chairs are durable and easy to clean
- Fabric chairs offer more warmth and a cosy feel
- Go for velvet or patterned fabric for a bold look
When picking a fabric, think about maintenance and comfort. Leather is easier to spot clean, while some people prefer the feel of a fabric chair.
Size and space
Size and placing can play a big part in ensuring your accent chair works in the room.
Measure the space first to make sure the chair will fit comfortably without overcrowding the room, allowing plenty of space for walking around it. You don’t want to dwarf the rest of your furniture, especially if your living room is on the smaller side.
Features
While many accent chairs focus on design, some offer added comfort features such as:
- Supportive backrests
- Firm seat cushions
- Higher arms for easier sitting and standing
- Reclining and tilting functions
- Leg lift for added comfort and better circulation
- You can even find chairs with in-built heat and massage options!
If you value comfort as much as appearance, these details matter.
Price
Perhaps not as exciting as comparing design options, but your budget is important when deciding which chair to buy. Accent chairs are available across a wide price range. Costs depend on material, craftsmanship and additional features or customisations.
You can learn more about costs in our chair price guide.
Where to put an accent chair?
The beauty of an accent chair is its versatility. They can work well in many areas of your home:
- Living rooms – beside a sofa, near a window or facing a TV
- Bedrooms – at the foot of the bed or in a quiet corner
- Hallways or landings – to soften unused space
- Reading nooks – paired with a lamp and side table
Placing the chair where it’s both visible and usable helps it feel purposeful rather than purely decorative.
Tips on how to style your accent chair
Once you’ve chosen your accent chair, it’s time to style.
While many chairs provide enough of a design feature on their own, you can really make it your own and ensure it fits your space with a few simple interior design tricks:
- Add a cushion or throw for comfort and colour
- Pair it with a small table or footstool
- Use lighting to highlight it as a feature - perhaps a standing lamp behind or a small table lamp beside it
- Keep surrounding décor simple so the chair stands out
Styling works best when the chair feels integrated into the room rather than added as an afterthought. If you’re not sure, we can help you assess your options at a home visit, to help you find a chair that suits your space the best.
Explore our Rise and Recline accent chairs
While traditional accent chairs focus on looks, some people need additional comfort and support. Our rise and recline chairs can act as accent chairs while offering:
- Easy standing and sitting support - lower yourself gently down and back up to standing at just the touch of a button
- Enhanced comfort for everyday use
With a wide choice of fabrics, leathers and designs, these chairs can blend seamlessly into your living space while supporting your independence and wellbeing. As they are made-to- fit, you can rest assured that your chair supports your posture with tailored comfort.
To find out more, you can request a free brochure or book a home visit where you can try a chair for yourself and get in-person advice.
FAQs about accent chairs
Still have questions about accent chairs? These frequently asked questions should help…
What is the point of an accent chair?
The point of an accent chair is to add style and character to a room while providing extra seating.
Why are they called accent chairs?
They’re called accent chairs because they ‘accent’ or highlight a room’s décor.
What is another name for an accent chair?
Accent chairs are sometimes called occasional chairs or feature chairs.
What is considered an accent chair?
Any single chair designed to stand out visually while offering seating can be considered an accent chair.
What's the difference between an accent chair and an armchair?
An armchair is often part of a matching set, while an accent chair is chosen to contrast or complement existing furniture.
Where do you use an accent chair?
Accent chairs are commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and reading areas.
Are accent chairs comfortable?
Comfort varies by design. Some are more decorative, while others are designed for everyday comfort and support. For example, our Rise and Recline chairs feature back and footrests that tilt together or independently, as well as customisable features like arm caps or neck rolls.
Do accent chairs have to match my sofa?
No. Accent chairs often work best when they contrast slightly with your sofa.
What is a good colour for an accent chair?
Good colours include bold shades, soft neutrals or tones that reflect other elements in the room.
How to add accent chairs in the living room?
Position them at an angle to the sofa, near windows or as part of a conversational seating layout.
