Accent Chairs

What are accent chairs?

Accent chairs are chairs all right but they are much more than a piece of furniture that we use to sit on. Accent chairs are in fact specially created to enhance the look of any room. They are used either to accentuate the main seating area or to create an alternate, often more private seating space in a living room or bedroom.

Accent chairs actually comprise several different types of chairs including chaise lounge chairs, arm chairs, rocking chairs, side chairs, ottomans, decorative stools with fabric cushions, and even elegant benches. Accent chairs usually come in high quality wood and in designs that make them complement all kinds of d?cor. Elegant curves and intricate carvings are the characteristics of most antiques and antique styled accent chairs. The contemporary variety follows smooth straight lines and minimalistic design.

Accent chairs come in a variety of materials like normal wood, modern wood, microfiber and leather. Wood is an all time favorite. Micro-fiber is a very strong, comfortable and flexible material which is also water resistant. Leather is relatively expensive but leather adds a lot of style and sophistication wherever it is used. These days even marble top accent chairs are gaining in popularity.

Accent chairs go back a long way

There is historical evidence that ancient Egyptians used accent chairs. These were not just functional pieces of furniture but also considered as items of luxury and richness, a belief that is alive in some way even today. The Greeks even as early as the 4th century BC were using klismos chairs that were fine examples of exemplary craftsmanship. This chair had curved legs, curved back rails and a narrow concave backrest. The Romans has their own version of the accent chair in the curule. The curule chair's design was quite simple where the seat and the armrest were integrated into a U shaped curve and the legs looked like an arch. Victorian accent chairs came with hourglass-shaped backrests and were intricately carved and had stitched padding. As the art of furniture making evolved and was perfected over the years, accent chairs took a variety of forms and styles. Today accent chairs come in a range of materials, designs and shapes to complement all kinds of home d?cor.

Where all can we use accent chairs

In a large sized living room, the addition of an accent chair as part of the main seating arrangement accentuates the other furniture in the room. They act as functional pieces that also enhance the d?cor. They complement the color and textures of the larger pieces of furniture like the sofa and help you make effective use of a corner or a small space. Accent chairs can also be used to create a separate seating spot away from the main seating area. This could be near a window or near the fireplace or in front of a focal wall where a couple of accent chairs will allow you to have a more private conversation with someone in the middle of large gathering. Throw in a bright rug, a small table and a lamp and you have the perfect setting for a cozy and comfortable evening with your favorite book or a hot cup of coffee

In your bedroom a large chaise lounge allows you to relax and feel comfortable when you don't want to sit on the bed. A set of two accent arm chairs together with a table allows you to enjoy your morning tea with your partner.

You can also place an accent chair in your entertainment or game room and add to the comfort quotient of this space. Placing two accent chairs together with a table in a corner of a den creates a great area for playing cards and board games, while the main seating in the room is grouped around a television.

Accent chairs look great in elegant offices. The best options for offices are the stylish wood desk chairs. These are available in various styles and patterns and you will easily be able to find one that matches your office d?cor. They are usually hand crafted and made of teak, cherry, mahogany, or rosewood. Since these are used for longer seating durations, these chairs are very comfortable and some come with seat adjusting features.

What do accent chairs for our interiors

Accent chairs are perfect to turn a normal room into a charming, cozy and comfortable place where you'd love to spend your time. Accent chairs work for our interiors in a number of ways:

• They help augment an existing theme. By adding an accent chair that is in sync with your room's theme, you can turn your room from ordinary to extraordinary in an instant.

• They take your living room beyond the regular furniture arrangement of a sofa or couch, coffee table and end tables.

• Accent chairs add to the uniqueness of a room by neutralizing any dominant feature. If the room is too bright, it tones it down. If the room theme is dull and pale, accent chairs brighten it up. If the furniture is too large, one or two small accent chairs in between two big pieces provides the much needed relief.

• Accent chairs help you create a more private space in a public domain like a living room. Here you can read, write, listen to music and do whatever your heart desires without being a part of the larger scheme of things.

• Accent chairs have the ability to look fabulous in any type of setting, from the very formal to the comfortable and casual.

• Adding accent chairs brings in not just an extra dose of elegance but also a sense of comfort in your living room or bedroom.

Buying and using accent chairs

Let there be harmony

One of the first things you should do when choosing an accent chair is to pick up one that complements the style and look that you want for your room. If its elegance you want to add, then a chaise lounge would be what you're looking form. On the other hand, if you want an element of warmth and comfort an oversized soft armchair would be perfect. For a modern look you could consider a "Lazy Boy" type reclining chair. For a more classic look, a wooden straight back chair with padded seating would be a great choice.

Choose the appropriate material

The second most important thing is the chairs material. The material should be in sync with usage. In case you want a chair that's both stylish and comfortable, you could consider a leather accent chair. If your chair is just going to add to the visual appeal of your living room and isn't going to be used much, then you could opt for a wooden chair with silk or velvet upholstery. Microfiber chairs would be ideal if its flexibility you're looking for. They are also very easy to clean and maintain.

Color is critical

Neutral colors like brown, gold, yellow or beige are great to add warmth to any room. Bolder colors like red, orange or yellow work well if you want the chair to be the focal point in your room. Pastel colors such as a pale pink, green or light blue give a friendly feel to the room. Whatever color you choose, make sure it adds something to the room without being too loud and overbearing.

Comfort Vs style

An accent chair in an area where its going to be used a lot for sitting has to be comfortable. On the other hand in an area where it is not the main seating option, you can focus more on appearance and compromise a little on comfort by buying a very stylish chair that may not be really too comfortable.

Find the right place

Placement of your accent chair is very important aspect of incorporating these elegant pieces of furniture into your home. Your accent chair should make your room look inviting without looking cluttered. Make intelligent use of corners and spaces that cannot be filled up with larger pieces of furniture like sofas and couches.

In your bedroom don't place your accent chair near a huge piece of furniture like your bed. Set it at a distance so that it seems to have a purpose. In the living room if you want to use your accent chairs to provide you moments of solicitude or privacy, do not place it near a busy entertainment area, or directly in the path of the entrance to an adjoining room like the kitchen. Setting accent chairs next to a natural light source is a great idea. You can only enhance the look of your room if you place your accent arm chairs in the right place.

Accent chairs, however and wherever they are used in your home, truly bring in a sense of completeness to your space.