Occasional chairs, sometimes called accent chairs, are versatile pieces that add flair and function to any room. With endless options for styles, colors, and fabrics, occasional chairs allow you to make a statement and create a customized lounge space.
In this guide, we’ll walk through key factors to consider when selecting the perfect occasional chair or chairs for your home decor vision. By the end, you’ll be able to choose occasional chairs tailored to your personality and lifestyle. Let’s dive in!
Styles That Speak to You
Occasional chairs come in a diverse range of styles spanning classic to modern. Choose a shape and silhouette that resonates with your taste:
- Wingback – Classic design with wings flanking back and tall tapered legs
- Barrel – Rounded back, arms, and cushioning offer a cozy cocoon shape
- Club – Deep cushions, tall straight back, and stubby legs scream old-world sophistication
- Slipper – Small rounded back, curved cushioning, and short legs create a delicate look
- Accent – Contemporary style with exposed legs and streamlined low-profile shapes
There are no limits – go bold with a velvet swoop armchair or modernize with a sleek molded plastic seat. Your occasional chairs for living room should reflect your style priorities.
Colors that Complement
Choosing an occasional chair color that works with your existing palette pulls the room together. You can match colors already found in furnishings and decor or make the chair a bold contrasting accent shade.
Neutrals like white, tan, and gray blend seamlessly. Bold tones like crimson or sapphire blue create vibrancy. Metallic chairs in silver, gold, and copper add glam. Distressed wood chairs contribute to warmth. Ensure your color choice flatters surrounding hues.
If unsure, stick with versatile neutrals that complement most color schemes. You can always add pops of color later with a throw blanket or pillows.
Fabric: The Comfort Factor
Fabric selection is crucial for both aesthetics and coziness. Natural fibers like cotton and linen offer casual allure but need more maintenance. Silk and velvet provide luxurious softness perfect for formal spaces.
Performance fabrics like microfiber shed pet hair and resist stains – ideal for families. Leather brings a sophisticated texture but can feel cold. Blends marry the best of both worlds with combined benefits.
Beyond the material, check the chair’s fill. Foam and down cushioning provide plush softness. Poly-fill offers firm but comfortable support. Gauge fill density, cushion thickness, and seamwork quality too. Testing chairs in person whenever possible helps check true comfort.
Sizing Matters
Occasional chairs should be sized in pleasing proportion to your room layout. Measure both your floor space and existing furnishings to find the sweet spot. Aim for at least 18-24 inches of clearance around chairs to allow fluid circulation. If concerned about sizing, default small – chairs can feel imposing if too large but go unnoticed if too small.
Also, keep scale in mind. A petite slipper chair pairs well with fine antique furnishings in ornate rooms. For spacious contemporary spaces, choose a statement oversized occasional chair. Used thoughtfully, occasional chairs improve flow and balance.
Placement Strategies
How and where you position occasional chairs impacts their utility. Arrange seating to promote conversation, reading nooks, TV viewing, or another purpose. Angle chairs face-to-face to foster intimacy. Float chairs beside sofas for traditional appeal.
Or, cluster three together in flexible configurations. Maintain at least a 20-inch access path without bottlenecking room flow. Your house architecture and traffic patterns should guide placement. Think multifunctional for the win.
Budget-Friendly Options
Finding occasional chairs on a budget requires a bit of savvy sourcing:
- Discount retailers like Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Ollie’s often carry stylish occasional chairs at a fraction of boutique prices.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist collectors sometimes relinquish vintage chairs in good condition for cheap.
- Dedicated chair slipcovers revive old chairs. Choose from custom dimensions or ready-made sizes.
- DIY occasionally chairs using inexpensive unfinished furniture and paint, fabric, and foam to customize on the cheap.
With smart shopping, you can curate occasional chairs that look and feel far above their bargain price points!
Maintaining Your Investment
To keep occasional chairs looking their best:
- Vacuum regularly and spot clean spills/stains quickly to avoid buildup
- Rotate usage frequently to evenly distribute wear and fading
- Follow fabric care instructions for cleaning – washable vs dry clean only
- Re-fluff pillows and cushions frequently to prevent flattening
- Repair loose joints, scratches, and missing buttons right away before worsening
Simple proactive care preserves the structure, upholstery, and finishes of your occasional chairs.
Mixing and Matching
The eclectic look of mixed occasional chairs oozes homey appeal. Maintain cohesion by:
- Repeating at least one color, material, or design detail
- Choosing chairs with a consistent design aesthetic (all traditional or modern shapes)
- Using a shared area rug to define the seating vignette
- Adding tied cushions and throws to pull the look together
Varying occasional chair styles make the seating area more dynamic yet coordinated.
Trends in Occasional Chairs
Stay stylish by keeping up with the latest occasional chair trends:
- Fresh takes on classic materials – velvet, cane, Lucite, rattan and leather
- Vintage retro occasional chair silhouettes from the 50s, 60s and 70s
- Contrasting exposed wood frames and legs on upholstered occasional chairs
- Oversized, enveloping occasional chair shapes and cushions
- Bold occasional chair colors and eye-catching geometric or nature prints
- Multifunctional occasional chair/chaise and stool combinations
Conclusion
There are so many factors to weigh when choosing occasional chairs. But keeping your home style, color scheme, and lifestyle needs in mind helps narrow the selection. Seek chairs that highlight your decor persona.
Curate cozy conversation nooks or reading retreats through placement. And care for the fabrics properly so your investment lasts. Follow these tips, and you’ll have occasional chairs that not only look beautiful but also welcome you home.
Key Takeaways
- Consider your room’s existing style and color palette when selecting an occasional chair. The chair should complement your decor.
- Look for occasional chairs with versatility to transition between spaces like the living room, bedroom, and office.
- Focus on comfort features like cushioning, armrests, and lumbar support for chairs used for relaxation.
- Opt for durable frames and stain-resistant fabrics if using the occasional chair in high-traffic areas.
- Measure the space where you plan to use the chair and buy the right size chair for the area.
- For visual cohesion, match occasional chair legs and frames to other furniture in the room.
FAQs
What fabrics work best for occasional chairs?
Cotton, linen, microfiber, and leather or faux leather are good occasional chair fabrics that resist daily wear.
What occasional chair styles are space-saving options?
Slipper chairs, armless chairs, and nesting chairs have smaller footprints perfect for tight spaces.
Should I buy an occasional chair in a bold color or pattern?
For versatility, stick to neutral occasional chair colors and patterns that mix well with various decors.
Is it okay to use different occasional chairs in one room?
Yes, use cohesive colors and repeat chair leg finishes to tie differently styled chairs together.