How to Style Accent Chairs in Your Living Room

Accent chairs are more than just extra seating—they’re the statement-makers of your living room. Whether you’re refreshing your space or designing from scratch, the right accent chair can tie the room together, add personality, and elevate comfort. Here’s how to style accent chairs like a pro, from choosing the right type to pairing them with your existing décor.

1. Selecting the Perfect Type of Accent Chair

Before diving into colours or fabrics, start with the style. Think about the overall mood of your living room—coastal, Hamptons, modern minimalist, or mid-century chic.

• Wingback chairs bring a touch of classic sophistication and are perfect for Hamptons or traditional spaces.
• Armchairs create a cosy reading nook beside a window or sofa.
• Swivel chairs add versatility and are ideal for conversational layouts.
• Barrel chairs introduce softness and curved silhouettes that contrast beautifully with angular furniture.

If your living room already has a standout sofa or statement coffee table, choose an accent chair that complements rather than competes.

2. Placement and Arrangement

Where you place your accent chair can completely change the room’s dynamic.

• Create a reading corner with a small side table and a floor lamp beside the chair.
• Frame your sofa by placing two accent chairs opposite or at a diagonal angle to balance the layout.
• Highlight empty corners—an accent chair can fill unused space while maintaining flow.

Make sure there’s at least 60–90 cm of space around the chair to move comfortably. Balance functionality with aesthetics.

3. Pair with Existing Furniture

An accent chair should fit in, not blend in. Use it to enhance your current furniture selection.

If your sofa is neutral—say, in grey, beige, or white—consider an accent chair in a richer tone like navy, forest green, or soft terracotta.

If your sofa already features bold colour or texture, keep your accent chair simple with clean lines and muted tones.

To keep cohesion, repeat one or two design elements such as wood tones, metal legs, or fabric textures between your sofa and chair.

4. Experiment with Textures and Fabrics

Texture adds visual depth. Try mixing materials for a layered, designer-inspired look:

• Linen or cotton for light, airy coastal vibes.
• Bouclé or velvet for a touch of luxury and softness.
• Leather for timeless appeal and easy maintenance.

If your main sofa is upholstered in smooth fabric, choose a contrasting material for your accent chair. This subtle difference can make your living room feel more curated.

5. Introduce Colours and Patterns

Accent chairs are the perfect place to play with colour. They can be your canvas for introducing seasonal tones or trendy hues without overhauling the entire room.

For example:

• Pair a grey sofa with a sage green or mustard chair for a calming yet vibrant combo.
• Combine navy and cream for a coastal Hamptons aesthetic.
• Experiment with stripes or subtle florals if the rest of your décor is solid.

Remember, patterns work best when balanced with plain surroundings.

6. Accessorise the Accent Chair

The final touch lies in styling. Accessorising enhances comfort while making your accent chair feel intentional.

• Add a throw blanket for warmth and texture.
• Layer cushions in complementary tones or prints.
• Use a small side table or ottoman to complete the vignette.
• A floor lamp beside the chair creates an inviting corner for reading or relaxing.

These finishing details make the setup feel lived-in and cohesive.

Final Thoughts

An accent chair is a small piece that can make a big impact. By thoughtfully choosing the right type, playing with placement, and mixing textures, you can transform your living room into a stylish, balanced, and comfortable haven.

Whether you’re drawn to a bouclé swivel chair or a linen Hamptons-style armchair, browse our Accent Chair Collection to find the perfect fit for your space.

FAQs: Styling Accent Chairs in Your Living Room

1. What is the purpose of an accent chair?

An accent chair is designed to add personality and visual interest to your living room. Beyond providing extra seating, it helps define a space, balance the layout, and introduce colour, texture, or contrast to your existing furniture setup.

2. How do I choose the right size accent chair for my space?

Measure your space before purchasing. An accent chair should complement the scale of your sofa and coffee table—not overpower them. Leave at least 60–90 cm of space around the chair for easy movement. In smaller rooms, consider armless or swivel designs that maintain flow and openness.

3. Should my accent chair match my sofa?

Not necessarily. While they should coordinate, they don’t have to match perfectly. You can mix materials, colours, and patterns as long as they share one or two design elements—like a similar leg finish, fabric texture, or undertone. This keeps your living room cohesive yet dynamic.

4. What colour accent chair goes with a grey sofa?

Grey is one of the most versatile sofa colours. You can pair it with:

• Navy or teal for a sophisticated contrast.
• Blush or mustard for a warm, modern touch.
• Natural linen or cream for a soft, coastal feel. These combinations work especially well in Australian homes with neutral palettes.

5. Where should I place an accent chair in the living room?

Placement depends on your layout:

• Beside a window to create a reading nook.
• Opposite your sofa to balance the seating arrangement.
• In an empty corner with a floor lamp and side table for a curated look.

The key is to maintain balance and visual flow between all your seating pieces.

6. What fabrics are best for accent chairs?

It depends on your lifestyle and aesthetic:

• Linen and cotton blends: breathable and ideal for coastal or Hamptons-style interiors.
• Velvet and bouclé: plush, luxurious, and perfect for formal living spaces.
• Leather: timeless, durable, and easy to maintain.

If you have kids or pets, opt for durable, easy-clean materials like performance fabric or faux leather.

7. Can I mix two different accent chairs in the same room?

Yes! Mixing two different accent chairs can look intentional and stylish—as long as they share one cohesive element. You can vary the shape or fabric, but keep a consistent tone or design language (e.g. both having wooden legs or neutral upholstery).

8. How do I accessorise an accent chair?

Layer it thoughtfully:

• Add a throw blanket for warmth and style.
• Use decorative cushions in complementary shades.
• Pair with a side table, ottoman, or floor lamp to create a functional vignette.

These simple touches make your accent chair feel like part of the overall design rather than an afterthought.

9. Where can I buy accent chairs in Australia?

You can explore our curated Accent Chair Collection, featuring designer-inspired armchairs, swivel chairs, and statement pieces in modern, Hamptons, and coastal styles. We deliver Australia-wide with fast dispatch from local Sydney stock.