What is the purpose of an accent chair?

An accent chair has several purposes. It serves as additional seating, bringing more practicality to a living room, bedroom, or home office. But since most accent chairs are single pieces, they also bring style and flair. Whereas functionality is almost always the principal feature for something like recliners, an accent chair also introduces color, texture, and style to a space. Make it the focus of the room, have it complement its surroundings, or let it define an area like a reading nook — how you style your accent chair is up to you.

How many accent chairs should you include in a room?

The size of a room is the main consideration when deciding how many accent chairs to put in. In a larger room with plenty of space, you might consider two or more chairs to create balance or a conversation area. A single accent chair is usually more than enough in smaller spaces to add personality, style, and function without overcrowding. Also, rely on something other than your eyes for dimensions. Always measure a room carefully when bringing in larger pieces that need additional walking space around them.

Do accent chairs need to match?

No, accent chairs don't need to match each other or other furniture in the room. Some interior designs may include a matching set of two, but generally speaking, accent chairs often don't match. Whether it's color, texture, material, or style, a feature of accent chairs is introducing contrast and visual interest to a room. So, in effect, not matching is part of that. Of course, you should still maintain an element of cohesion. For example, ensure your new chair has the same relative size to its surroundings to keep spatial harmony. Also, remember to avoid extreme color clashes, such as neon green against a deep maroon.