Accent Chairs — Occasional & Statement Chairs for Every Room

An accent chair is a single chair chosen as much for how it looks as for somewhere to sit. Also called an occasional chair, it's the piece that adds character to a room — a pop of colour, an interesting shape, or a texture that catches the eye — rather than blending in with the sofa. It works as extra seating when guests come round, a reading spot in a quiet corner, or simply a finishing touch that pulls a room's look together.

Below you'll find the main accent chair styles, how to choose one that suits your room, and how an accent chair differs from a standard armchair.

What is an accent chair

An accent chair is a type of occasional chair — a chair that isn't your everyday seat, but adds something to the room when it's there. Where a sofa or a main armchair is chosen for comfort and daily use, an accent chair "accents" the space: it brings colour, pattern or a striking shape that lifts the room. A particularly bold one is often called a statement chair, because it's designed to stand out and draw the eye.

That doesn't mean comfort doesn't matter. A good accent chair still gets sat in — often more than expected, because a chair that looks inviting is a chair people gravitate towards. The best ones balance looks with a seat you're happy to settle into.

Accent chair styles and shapes

Accent chairs come in almost any shape, which is part of their appeal. A few styles come up again and again.

Tub and barrel accent chairs

A tub or barrel chair has a rounded back that curves around to form the arms, creating a snug, enclosing seat. The rounded shape feels soft and sociable, and suits both modern and more relaxed rooms — curved silhouettes are one of the strongest looks in UK interiors right now.

Slipper and armless accent chairs

A slipper chair is armless and sits lower to the ground, which makes it a neat choice for smaller spaces, bedrooms and hallways where a bulkier chair would crowd the room. Without arms, it takes up less visual weight while still adding style.

Velvet and bouclé accent chairs

Material is a big part of an accent chair's character. Velvet brings a rich, tactile depth and takes colour beautifully, while bouclé — a soft, looped, textured fabric — adds warmth and a contemporary feel. Both are among the most popular finishes in UK homes at the moment, and both suit a chair that's meant to be noticed.

How to choose an accent chair for your room

The trick with an accent chair is to stand out without clashing. The most successful ones pick up a colour that's already in the room — in a cushion, a rug, or a piece of art — and give it a stronger voice, so the chair feels intentional rather than random. You don't have to go bold, either: a neutral accent chair in an interesting shape or texture works just as well, as long as it adds something.

Size matters too. An accent chair should sit in proportion with the furniture around it, not dominate the room, so measure the space before you choose — the width, depth and height of the spot where it'll go. Slimmer designs with tapered legs suit smaller rooms because they add style without much visual bulk, while a larger, sculptural chair makes more of a statement in a room with space to carry it. Colour and texture are hard to judge from a screen, so it's worth seeing an accent chair in person where you can — you're welcome to see the ranges at our Enniskillen showroom and find the shade that works in your room's light.

Accent chairs and armchairs: the difference

Accent chairs and armchairs overlap, but they're chosen for different reasons. An armchair is picked mainly for comfort and everyday use, and often matches or complements the sofa. An accent chair is picked mainly for its looks, to add character and stand out, and is used more occasionally. Many accent chairs are perfectly comfortable, and many armchairs look lovely — the difference is which job comes first. If you're mainly after a comfortable everyday seat, our armchairs are the better place to start; if you want a chair that adds style to the room, an accent chair is the one.

Accent chair FAQs

What is the difference between an accent chair and an occasional chair?

They're essentially the same thing — "occasional chair" describes a chair that isn't for everyday use, and "accent chair" is the most common type, chosen to add colour, pattern or style to a room. An accent chair is an occasional chair with a decorative job. A "statement chair" is simply a particularly bold accent chair designed to stand out.

What is the difference between an accent chair and an armchair?

An armchair is chosen mainly for comfort and everyday use, and often matches the sofa. An accent chair is chosen mainly for its looks, to add character to a room, and is used more occasionally. There's overlap — accent chairs can be comfortable and armchairs can be stylish — but the difference is whether comfort or appearance comes first.

How do I choose an accent chair colour?

A reliable approach is to pick up a colour that already appears in the room — in a cushion, rug or artwork — so the chair feels connected to the scheme rather than random. You can go bold for a statement or neutral for something subtler; either works as long as the chair adds interest. Seeing the colour in your room's light before deciding helps, as tones shift between a showroom and home.

Are accent chairs comfortable to sit in?

They can be, and the good ones are. While an accent chair is chosen first for its looks, a well-made one still offers a comfortable seat — and because an inviting chair tends to get used more than expected, comfort is worth checking, not just appearance. Sitting in a chair before you buy is the best way to judge it.