What Is the Difference Between an Armchair and Accent Chair?

Both armchairs and accent chairs play a significant role in the design of your living room; however, many people struggle with determining between the two. While an accent chair can serve as an armchair, they both have distinct differences. Armchairs are always made with arms, and depending on the manufacturer, an accent chair can be produced with or without them. If you are curious about learning more, we dug deeper into the key differences between these two commonly used chairs.

Armchair vs. Accent Chair

Simply put, an armchair is simply a chair with arms. Armchairs can be purchased with a traditional living room set so it can match the loveseat and sofa. It can also be purchased separately, and contrast that harmony while complementing the existing furniture. On the other hand, accent chairs are more than just functional pieces of furniture. The purpose of an accent chair is to add a focal point in your living space by drawing out a particular hue in the room or contrast in a bland space. Therefore, an accent chair does not have to create an exact match in the living room. When shopping for an accent chair, you can select from different colors, patterns, and styles. If a decorative chair has arms, it can function as an accent chair or armchair. On the contrary, pieces without any arms are accent furniture.

How to Choose an Armchair?

When shopping for an armchair in a traditional, formal living room, you can opt for a piece that exactly matches your sofa and loveseat. You can also consider coordinating with a pattern that is being used within the space such as the accent pillows on the couch or the curtains. With a rainbow of colors available to you, you will want to give careful thought to what color chair you are interested in purchasing. If possible, obtain a sample fabric just to see how it will look in the room.

How to Choose an Accent Chair?

Accent chairs can be used to add extra seating to the living room, dining room table, and in other areas of the house. Depending on where you place the accent chair, be sure to choose the right size, shape, and height for the space. You want to be an accent to the room while blending seamlessly into the overall design.

What are your thoughts on accent chairs and armchairs? Do you have a preference? Lets us know your thoughts below in the comment section!

Patterns: How to Incorporate Florals in Your Home

15359994_SPatterns are a major trend in fashion and interior decorating.  Floral patterns are back in and hitting the scene full on when it comes to home décor and design.  This particular pattern might remind you of floral patterns from your mom or grandma that just may seem dated.  You can add floral accent pillows, floral vases, and even bring in florals with actual flower arrangements to keep your home looking and smelling fresh. Here are a few ways to incorporate today’s floral trends at home.

15285253_SIf the image above made you rethink using florals in your home, there are other options.  You could take the pattern above and place it in a frame to hang as a piece of art on the wall.  The image to the right, uses the pattern more subtly.  Using a black and white color palette keeps the room looking neutral and classic. The floral accents are able to stand out, but are less invasive to the eye.  Using accent pillows is a great way to test out if you’ll enjoy using floral patterns throughout your home

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since they can easily be traded out.  It would also be fun if you traded these black andwhite floral pillows for pastel floral pillows during the springtime.  The candles on the shelf are a similar style and, again, are easy pieces to move in and out of the room.  Duvet covers are another great source if you want to experiment with subtle or bold floral patterns in your bedroom.  The duvets will most likely make your bed become the focal point of the room.

18969410_SIf you already know you’re in love with adding floral patterns in your home, maybe try to incorporate them with more long-term methods like purchasing a floral patterned accent chair like the one to the right.  The chair becomes the focal point of this seating area.  Decorating around it is easy with a simple side table, mirror, and lighting.

You could also make an accent wall with floral wallpaper or floral stencils.  However you choose to add florals into your home, they’ll be sure to add more depth and interest to your design.  Whether it’s through accents, major pieces of furniture, or small décor pieces we hope you enjoy the floral pattern as much as we do! 

Build your Dream Room, One Piece at a Time – Accent Chair(s)

In this series of blogs we’re providing a step-by-step process for decorating your living or family room. With an empty room in front of you it can seem overwhelming to turn it into a comfortable and welcoming space. You can find your feet if you take it one step at a time.

In our last blog we selected a sofa. Now we’re going to add one or more accent chairs. These are the next-largest upholstered pieces in the room. If you selected a sectional, you may want only one accent chair. A more straightforward sofa may require two or more chairs to finish the space. Position your sofa in the room and determine how much space is left for additional seating.

Your chairs open the opportunity to add accent fabric. As a smaller piece, chairs can carry patterns better than a sofa. Take a chance on a floral or stripe. Don’t hesitate to bring some color into the room with your fabric choice. It can easily be echoed later in accessories or window treatments.

Choose chairs that are comfortable and sturdy, and include an ottoman if you have space. You may have your main furniture pieces facing a television or fireplace, but make sure they also create a comfortable space for conversation.

You may already own a nice chair or two. If the upholstery doesn’t work in your new home, consider reupholstering or a slipcover to dress it appropriately. You can use the money you save on other furnishings and accessories as you continue to decorate.

In our next blog we’ll talk about coffee table choices.