Is there a corner in your home that just seems to be missing something? Or perhaps you need extra seating when guests arrive? Either way, the answer may be an accent chair! Accent chairs bring form and functionality to any room. Of course, they are great for sitting, but they also add style, character and colour.

Here’s what an accent chair can do for your home:

• Add Colour & Pattern. Accent chairs come in every conceivable colour and pattern. Go neutral to blend in, or add a jolt of colour like yellow, turquoise or sea foam green. Plaids and geometric prints are especially trendy right now and add so much visual interest.
• Add Diversity. An accent chair (or 2) is a great way to introduce a silhouette, theme or pattern into a space; in fact, it can set the tone for a room. Conversely, an accent chair can be in contrast to the décor of the rest of a room as a stunning focal point, unique in its styling and colours.
• Add Convenience. If you often entertain, an accent chair is a convenient extra seat – or a special seat away from the group seating on the sofa. It’s your own little oasis of comfort.

Chair Considerations. You’ve found the perfect chair for you – it’s beautiful and comfortable. But before you buy, here are some other points to consider:

• Size. Will the chair fit your space and match other furniture proportions? An accent chair can certainly stand alone in style, but be sure it harmonizes with the size of other pieces .
• Leg Shape. Straight is more contemporary, curved more traditional, ornate more Victorian, flared more mid-century, etc. Consider the effect you want to create.
• Finish. Look at light and dark woods, distressed options, even metal – finish material and colour also help determine décor style.
• Upholstery. Fabric or leather? Consider durability, washability and colour fastness. A seldom used chair can be covered in a delicate fabric, but a family room choice must be tough.

What are your accent chair options? There’s an accent chair for every space, ever taste and every need. Here are a few of the more popular styles:

• Club Chair. This chair says ‘comfort’, loud and clear. It’s typically plushy back and bottom, has high sides and a fitted form that’s conducive to a nap or a long conversation. Perfect in a living room.
• Slipper. The lovely slipper chair has gained popularity for its simple silhouette and versatility. It’s a great addition to any room or corner, but I like it best in a bedroom or washroom. Without arms, its best suited as a quick, but beautiful, seat.
• Wing Back. Once the domain of a traditional study, contemporary versions are softer, available in gorgeous colours and suit any room; especially perfect in quiet corner for reading.
• Occassional. Many people call any accent chair an occasional chair, but in fact, it refers to a chair that is slight and easily movable, and sometimes with an open wood or wicker back and a small seat cushion.
• Bergere. These are easily the most elegant of all accent chairs. Defined by longer wood legs and a visible wood frame around cushioned seats and backs, the bergere suits any home committed to sophistication.
• Recliner. The most comfortable chairs ever – and with the abundance of options available today, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. The quintessential family room chair.

The accent is definitely on chairs! Whatever your style, find one you love and relax.

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