Unlike the accent wall, which usually just makes a room look unfinished, an accent chair is the perfect finishing touch. It can bring color, pattern, and playful shapes into a room in a more low-commitment way than a couch. Yes, I know patterned couches are having a moment, and my TBC carts are filled with options that I am not quite ready to click “buy” just yet. But an accent chair? More affordable, more flexible – that I can commit to.
And not all accent chairs have to make an accent with color or pattern, the materials can be what makes it more of a feature in the room. There's a reason neutral-lovers were so obsessed with a bouclé accent chair; it added an accent without needing to be bold. Stylistic differences aside, all accent chairs share one common trait – they have the potential to redefine a room without committing to a huge new piece of furniture.
Think about it this way – if you want to tap into some of the hottest interior design trends of the moment, but you're afraid to commit to a total redesign, accent chairs act as the perfect opportunity to test the waters. Unlike a couch, accent chairs aren't a huge commitment. They're usually not a big investment, either.
Consider the living room, for example. If you've chosen a neutral design scheme for the space, but you love the whimsical design trend that's happening at the moment, perhaps all you need is a patterned accent chair to uplift the room and give it some personality. Even if you're not interested in following trends, but you want to give a room a bit of extra energy, all you need to do is incorporate a fun accent chair to immediately refresh the room's atmosphere.
I'm a firm believer that accent chairs are the best-kept secret behind the most stylish interiors. They're the definition of low risk, high reward. Not only do they enrich the character of any room with their aesthetic appeal, but they also act as an opportunity for you to get creative.
So, if you feel eager to give any room in your home a refresh without reimagining it completely, shop 15 accent chairs to help you do just that, below.
The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.
