Accent Chairs: Made For All Design Styles, Including Yours!
Accent chairs can be the one of the best ways to decorate your living room without making it look busy. One single chair can make a huge difference in even the sparest room, as long as it's the right chair.
Choose the right chair and your home is suddenly full of style, yet still a haven of comfort.
Accent Chairs Defined...
Accent chairs are meant to be distinct in your den or living room. Just one or two chairs, that aren't part of a living room set, used to accentuate the room. Chairs that go with your dining room or kitchen table are not accent chairs. Add a distinct ottoman, a chaise lounge, a chair and a half or a recliner to your living room. Those are all example of accent chairs. Let's focus on three specific chairs you might want to consider.
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The Ottoman
The ottoman was first introduced by the Turks, who traditionally have low garden furniture. A low backless, usually cushioned chair, many use ottomans as a prop where they could put their feet up. You could also use the ottoman as an actual chair. For decorative purposes, an ottoman makes a statement in any home.
If large enough, an ottoman is a great place for two old friends to play catch up and giggle the night away. Families find it a useful extra chair when everyone is gathered together and the youngest has nowhere to sit.
The Armchair
While there is a growing demand for those strikingly attractive armless chairs, the traditional armchair is still the piece de resistance in furniture. Although armless chairs allow more freedom of movement, the common instinct when sitting down is to prop your forearms up.
Armchairs are perfect as stylish decorative pieces, as you may see in several styles, models and designs. The design of the arms are varied and distinct, whether they are wooden arms intricately carved and varnished, or cushioned arms. Naturally, cushioned armchairs are best for that quiet nook in your house that's all your own. Club chairs are a comfier, cozier style of armchair. Our favorite leather club chairs are found here.
Chaise Lounges
There are a number of chaise lounges that are moving out of the poolside and into the living room. You'll need a larger living room in order to utilize a chaise lounge properly. They take up quite a bit of space, as they're designed for indoor lounging.
There are some wooden chaise lounges with wide arms which you can actually prop your legs up on while watching TV or reading your favorite book, their backs made of rattan for airy comfort. More popular are the chaise lounges that resemble recliners. The version we'll show you sits alone while some are attachments on sectionals.
Recliners
Recliners are the granddaddy of them all. Nestle in and pull that lever...then lean back...ahhh. A recliner perfectly accents a traditional or casual living room design. It's the patriarch's chair, reserved for the king of the castle.
Recliners have definitely come a long way in the last 20-30 years. Mutliple positions, cupholders, heat and vibration are some of the bells and whistles you'll find in today's models. Visit our friends at Living Rooms Direct for more great recliners.
Decorating with Accent Chairs
Before you even hit the store or the web, think about what need you're trying to fill with this chair. Corner coziness, showy style, ultimate relaxation?
Don't leave your chair in the lurch. Nesting tables or end tables are great companions. Accessorize with a lamp that fits the style of your living room.
Maybe you'd like the chair to sit alone with no table around it. What about the wall behind it? Could a sconce and a wrought iron sculpture punch it up. Maybe some framed art matching the chair's color scheme.
Remember, the accent chair is a foundational piece in your living room. Match the chair to your style and needs and accessorize for a great look.
Other Great Chairs
Having options is the key to great living room design. The accent chairs above are some of our favorites but don't limit yourself. We have some other great chair ideas on the following pages...
Contemporary leather chairs offer sleek styling with clean lines, great comfort and lots of sophistication.
You've heard of cottage style design or Shabby Chic(R)? Great! Here are some wonderful shabby chic chairs, cozy and comfy and maybe just what you were looking for.
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