Archie Bunker had one, Ralph Kramden had one, and even Homer Simpson has one. Accent chairs, recliners and other living room chairs have been household staples for years! But these furniture items have come a long way since the days of your grandfather’s tattered and stiff chair that he loved so much. There are different sizes, styles and comfort levels to suit all members of your family. This holiday season, get your loved one a piece of Americana with a new and stylish living room chair! Here are three tips for picking the perfect seating:

1. Decide Who the Chair Is Really For

The first question you want to ask yourself is who will be using this chair. Will it be your husband for watching the big game? Or will you be curling up with a good book after a long day? If this is true, you want something very comfortable and great for lounging. Microfiber or leather chairs are both good choices. Microfiber is velvety soft and will provide long hours of comfort. Plus, it’s simple to clean. Leather is equally as easy to maintain, and the sleek material complements most existing living room furniture.  

If you are buying a chair for an older person, choose a chair that is sturdier and has arms. This will make it easier for the person to get in and out with ease. A firm chair with a high back will offer ample support and the comfort they need for reading, drinking or watching TV.

But if you are simply looking for a chair that will enhance your room's decor and occasionally act as additonal seating, then a chaise or patterned chair may be exactly what you are looking for. Picking a chair with a unique design will show off your sense of personal style. A chaise is a great choice becaise it gives any room a feeling of elegance and can quickly become the focal point. Choosing the right chaise or patterned chair will give your room a look of class!

2.  Know the Floor Plan and Function

Before you fall in love with the perfect accent chair, make sure you understand your living room's floor plan. You don’t want to pick a chair that is too large or too small for the room. Accent chairs come in many different sizes, so you need to know how much space you have to work with. You want to make sure people can navigate comfortably around the room without it feeling like an obstacle course. Larger furniture can be complemented by a smaller chair, giving the illusion of more space. It is important to remember not to over clutter your room with bulky furniture it can't handle. If the room looks too busy, it will take away from the beauty of your new accent chair.

You also want to keep the chair's function in mind. Accent chairs are great for additional seating. If you plan on using your chair in other rooms, like the dining room, pick a chair that is smaller and lighter. This way you can easily move it from room to room. If your chair is going to be used solely in the living room, make sure it is comfortable enough to sit in for long periods. Perhaps you will want one with an ottoman that can act as a bench seat when needed. Once you know how you plan to use the chair, you can better pick the right one for your space.

3. Pick What You Love

The most important thing to remember when choosing a new living room chair is to choose one you love. If you pick something that serves a function but does not appeal to you, you’ll regret your choice. You can easily mix and match an accent chair to complement existing living room furniture. Pick a bold pattern to spice up a neutral sofa and loveseat. Or add a sleek, modern look with a dark leather chair!  If your room is already bright and bold, you can soften it with a neutral chair.Take your living room rug, walls, lamps and curtains into consideration. You can bring out the colors in these items with the right accent chair tp create a balanced look.

Remember: Have fun and play around with design and pattern. The right accent chair for your living room with make you look like a design expert and have all your friends talking!

 Browse living room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Design Tips