What kind of chair is best for a living room?

It depends on how you'll use it. An armchair suits everyday relaxing and reading, a recliner is best for putting your feet up, a mobility chair helps anyone who wants extra support getting up, and an accent chair adds style and occasional seating. Most living rooms use a mix — an armchair or recliner for comfort, and an accent chair to finish the room.

What chair is best for getting up easily?

A riser recliner, part of our mobility chairs range, gently rises and tilts to help you to your feet, and orthopaedic-style chairs with a higher seat can also make standing easier. These suit anyone who wants a little more support in the living room without giving up comfort. Browse our mobility chairs for the options.

Can I mix different chair styles in a living room?

Yes, and many rooms look better for it. Pairing an armchair or recliner for comfort with an accent chair for character adds interest, as long as something ties the scheme together — a shared colour, material or tone. Mixing styles also lets you cover different needs, from everyday comfort to occasional guest seating.

Stylish and Elegant Accent & Occasional Chairs for Your Living Room

Accent & Occasional Chairs — Living Room Armchairs & Recliners

Q: How many chairs should a living room have?

There's no fixed rule — it depends on the size of the room and your sofa. Many living rooms pair a sofa with one or two armchairs or a recliner, and add an accent chair for extra seating or style. The main thing is to leave clear walkways and not to crowd the room, so measure the space and picture the layout before you buy.

Living room chairs do two jobs: they add seats without the footprint of another sofa, and they bring a colour, shape or texture to the room. This range brings together everything you might sit in apart from the sofa, from small occasional chairs to armchairs and full recliners.

Narrow it down with accent chairs, armchairs, recliner chairs and mobility chairs, or see fabric chairs, leather chairs and footstools and pouffes.

Occasional chairs

An occasional chair is an extra seat for when people visit, and a piece of furniture in its own right the rest of the time. Velvet, bouclé and cord fabrics, ribbed backs and contrasting legs make them a good place to add colour. Many come in more than one shade.

Small occasional chairs

For a bay window, a bedroom corner or a narrow alcove, look for a compact, upright chair with slim arms or none at all. Check the overall width and depth on the product page against the space.

Accent chairs for the sitting room

Placed opposite or at an angle to the sofa, an accent chair creates a conversation area. Leave about 40cm between the chair and the coffee table so people can get in and out easily. Swivel accent chairs suit open-plan rooms where the chair needs to face two ways.

Armchairs and recliners

For a chair you'll sit in every evening, comfort comes first. Armchairs offer a deeper seat and supportive arms, and some come with a matching footstool. Recliner chairs put your feet up at a button or a lever: electric or manual. Check the reclined length on the product page.

Comfortable chairs for the living room

Sitting back, your feet should rest flat on the floor and your back should meet the backrest. Higher seats are easier to get out of; deeper seats suit curling up. If you can, compare the seat height and depth with a chair you already find comfortable.

Delivery and assembly

Chairs are delivered in 2 to 3 weeks unless the product page says otherwise. Our own team delivers across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and carries each piece into the room you choose. Assembly is optional, with the cost shown on each product.

Part of the range is on show at our Enniskillen showroom. The online range is wider, so ring before you travel if there's a particular piece you'd like to see.

Accent and occasional chair FAQs

What is an occasional chair?

An extra chair that isn't part of a sofa set, used when needed and chosen as much for its look as its comfort.

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

An armchair is built mainly for comfort and always has arms; an accent chair may be smaller or armless and is often chosen to add colour.

How many chairs should a living room have?

Enough for the household to sit at once, plus one or two for visitors. A sofa with one or two chairs suits most rooms.

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Accent & Occasional Chairs — Living Room Armchairs & Recliners

Scatterbox Sutton Chair Cream

Scatterbox Adina Chair Natural

Scatterbox Treva Chair Natural

Scatterbox Bexley Chair Natural/Gold

Scatterbox Ellington Chair Natural

Scatterbox Bexley Chair Black/Natural

Scatterbox Haddington Chair Natural

Torelli Rimini Swivel Armchair Ivory

Torelli Rimini Swivel Armless Chair Ivory

Torelli Rimini Swivel Armless Chair Oatmeal

Torelli Rimini Swivel Armchair Oatmeal

Dakota Fabric Accent Chair Oak

Dakota Fabric Accent Chair

Banbury Recliner Armchair Silver

Banbury Recliner Chair Light Grey

Banbury Recliner Chair Bison Saddle

Alina Armchair Liberty Stone

Alina Armchair Liberty Pearl

Pippa Accent Chair Mink

Nardo Electric Recliner Armchair Brown

Klayton Recliner Chair Charcoal

Flynn Accent Chair Rust

Dudley Reclining Chair Grey

Blaine Electric Recliner Armchair Latte

Union Fabric Bean Chair Brown