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A living room filled with furniture

Living In Style: How To Add Accent Furniture In Your Home

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION

Is your living space lacking pizzazz, or something to tie the design of the room together? Here is a simple solution for you – accent furniture. Not only is it an opportunity to let your unique style shine, but it is also a chance to add functionality to the place, whether you are decorating a living room, bedroom, or home office.

 

On the flip side, there is nothing wrong if accent furniture is just that, an ‘accent’ that serves purely as a design element and has no functionality besides putting your own stamp on the design of a room and accentuating the décor. If you are interested in incorporating accent furniture into your living space, check out our guide to help you get started on your interior decorating.

PART 2 – SPACE PLANNING 101: STYLING YOUR ACCENT FURNITURE

2.1. Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Accent Furniture

Top factors to consider before purchasing accent furniture

 

First things first – there are essential factors you must consider before purchasing your accent furniture. Remember, it is about sprucing up a space, so you should pivot from concerns about functionality to décor.

 

Questions like “How will this piece look in my living space?” or “How will this look alongside the other pieces of furniture?” are the best ways to break down your decision-making process. So, before you start your shopping spree, consider these three pivotal decisions to ensure you select the right piece of accent furniture.l

Factor #1: Consider The Room

When it comes to decorating your space, never lose sight of the big picture. For instance, before you decide which piece of living room furniture to add, you need to envision where it goes and what you wish to achieve by adding that accent there.

 

Some essential questions to consider include:

  • What room are you considering adding accent furniture for? 
  • Who will be using the room? Will there be plenty of foot traffic?
  • What is the vibe you want to achieve? Do you want it to be cosy or formal?

 

Having the answers to these questions helps establish a crucial framework that will help you much later.

Factor #2: Assess Your Space

After deciding which room you want the accent furniture to be in, you need to consider where you might place it. After all, you want to ensure your new piece will fit into the room, physically and aesthetically. It should not overcrowd the room nor look out of place.

 

To fulfil both criteria, you must consider both style and functionality:

  • Is there space for something new? If so, how much space is available?
  • Will it need to be functional in any way?
  • Is there only one type of accent that fits this space?

Factor #3: Find The Ideal Feature

After deciding on the character of the room, evaluating your space, and narrowing your options, it is time to make your most important decision – deciding on the accent of your dreams. 

 

If space is a concern, why not consider a throw blanket or sofa cushion? Whether it is for a chair or sofa, it can provide excellent character to a room for little commitment. The best part? You can easily switch it out for a new one if you change your mind. 

 

Alternatively, if you want to add visual interest, consider an accent table or chair, which serves a decorative and functional purpose. This is where context matters, as you want to select a piece of furniture that complements the room while being a focal point itself.

 

2.2. Ideas For Adding Accent Furniture In Your Home

Styling Your Home With Accent Seating

Accent chairs to complement a living room

 

Accent seating is one of the most versatile categories of accent furniture. Whether you prefer a colourful ottoman, an elegant occasional chair nestled in a cosy corner, or a simple bench, accent seating provides an opportunity to introduce bold patterns and rich textures that seamlessly elevate your room’s ambience and décor.

 

Let us share a few stylist-approved tips and ideas for decorating with accent chairs to make the most of your living room space without compromising style.

Idea #1: Place The Chairs Around A Coffee Table

A coffee table often serves as the centre of the living space and a communal point to gather around, so seating is essential. For the ideal balance, we recommend placing two chairs on one side of the coffee table and a sofa on the other. Any more, and it will begin to feel crowded. 

Idea #2: Create A Cosy Nook At A Corner

Accent chairs need not always be centred around a coffee table. They can make for perfect nook fillers, too. So, if an empty corner in a room is sticking out like a sore thumb, why not include an accent chair and transform the space into a cosy reading spot? You can make this nook extra tempting with a cushioned designer armchair that is comfortable to spend hours sitting on.

Idea #3: Go Bold With The Colour

Accent chairs are great for adding a splash of colour to a neutral space or further saturating a bold room! In fact, if your sofa set is on the natural side, a bold chair may be the standout piece your living space needs. 

 

However, keep in mind that the accent piece still needs to match the tones in the room. If the room features deeper neutrals, go with richer colours like emerald, navy, or maroon. Conversely, rooms with paler neutrals pair better with softer colours such as dusty rose or slate blue.

Idea #4: Build On Your Current Aesthetic

Your accent chair should be more than a functional piece of furniture. After all, it is in the name. So, your priority should be to build on the aesthetic of your living space. Are you going for a modern décor? Then, choose blond woods or metals with a sleek silhouette. If you are going for a glam look, consider luxury furniture with gold metal accents and plush fabrics like velvet. 

Styling Your Home With Accent Tables

A slender console table with a flower vase and books stacked above

 

Like accent chairs, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your living space with accent tables. Are you looking for a centrepiece for your living room? Try a low coffee table. Alternatively, if you need a home for your carefully curated collection of mementoes or photos, look no further than a tasteful side table. Meanwhile, a slender console table can add convenience and style to your entryways or hallways.

 

Regardless of your decision, the key is to select a table that harmonises with your existing aesthetic while adding a distinct touch of charm. But that is just the first step. Elevate your accent table from sidekick to protagonist with our simple yet effective styling tips.

Idea #1: Play With Height And Texture When Decorating Your Accent Table

Things can end up looking bland if everything is the same height. By experimenting with contrasting heights and textures for your side table, you can add a bit of visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look. Implementing a heterogeneous layout in terms of height can also show off your presentation while keeping everything tidy.

Idea #2: Create Symmetry With Your Accent Table

When styling your living space, consider how you can create symmetry throughout the entire room to create a balanced look. This also extends to the decorations on the table. Create a sense of balance by placing items, such as lamps or candles, in pairs on either end of the furniture. The same applies to any miscellaneous objects you may have on the table.

Idea #3: Leave Negative Space

Negative space in interior design is essential when styling any surface, not least an accent table. The amount of negative space to leave depends on how spacious your living room is. So, feel free to experiment with a few ideas to see what works best. The aim is to ensure the display maintains a balanced look and doesn’t end up looking cluttered.

PART 3 – FURNITURE BUYING 101: HOW TO PURCHASE YOUR IDEAL ACCENT FURNITURE

3.1. How To Purchase Your Ideal Accent Chair

As we mentioned, accent chairs are extremely versatile, making them a suitable addition to any room in the home. Adding to that versatility is the variety of styles, materials, and finishes they come with. However, they don’t just serve to accentuate your décor and tie a theme together. They also provide an additional seating option for when you have guests over. 

 

If you are contemplating an accent chair, here are a few things to consider – the purpose of the chair, the style of the room, the chair’s colour and material, and the size of the space where the chair will be placed. 

 

There are also various styles to choose from, so be sure to find one that fits your interior. Here are some of our favourites.

Different types of accent chairs

 

How To Choose The Right Colour For Your Accent Chair

Feel free to experiment with different designs, as accent chairs need not be the same as each other. While they aren’t meant to be an exact copy of your sofa or other chairs in the room, they can be if you desire. You can also match multiple chairs together by covering them with matching throw blankets and sofa cushions to add similarity.

 

Regardless of your decision, the one thing you should ensure is that the colour of your chairs match and flow with the colours on display in the room. There are two approaches to this. You can decide to make a statement with a bold colour or choose a shade that complements your interior décor.

 

Those who prefer the former can assess their room’s colour palette to pick out a recurring, eye-catching colour. It could be a colour present in a piece of art, cushion, or luxury furniture. Since this hue already exists in the space, it can make an impact without looking out of place.

 

In contrast, those who want their accent chairs to match their interiors need to identify the primary colour of their interior scheme and pick a chair that is a shade darker or lighter for a cohesive look. Don’t want to introduce too much colour? Select a neutral shade, but ensure the chair features a unique shape.

 

Other Factors To Consider When Buying An Accent Chair

Factor #1: Size

The last thing you want is an accent chair that dominates the room. Instead, it should be proportional to the rest of the furniture. As a starting point, we recommend measuring the depth, height, and width of the space where the chair will be placed. The measurement can serve as an accurate gauge of the size you require.

Factor #2: Style

The beauty of an accent chair is that you can choose whatever style strikes your fancy. Do you want to make a statement? Go with a shape that contrasts your existing furniture. There is nothing wrong with opting for a neutral chair, either, so long as it enhances the décor.

Factor #3: Pattern

Accent chairs are a great way to incorporate patterns in your interiors. With numerous designs to choose from, you are sure to find one that fits your style. If you prefer something less adventurous, opt for a bold block colour and accessorise with patterned sofa cushions and throws.

Factor #4: Material

The material of your accent chairs will depend on how you plan to use them. You can easily clean materials like wood, plastic, and metal, making them suitable for those placed in kitchen areas that are used frequently. Meanwhile, leather is more durable for everyday use than more delicate materials such as velvet.

 

With that said, you should not neglect the style you want to achieve with your accent chair, and the material you choose can influence the overall feel of the furniture. Metal and plastic can feel a bit colder, whereas soft materials like fabric and leather feel warm and inviting.

3.2. How To Purchase Your Ideal Accent Table

When implemented correctly, an accent table can add much more to your living space than additional storage or surface space. It can transform the look and feel of any room within your home. However, there are various factors to consider when selecting the ideal accent table.

 

With various styles and functionalities to choose from, you must first decide the right type of accent table for your room. Here are the popular options.

Different types of accent tables including side tables

 

Popular Table Styles To Choose From

In addition to the type of accent table, selecting the right table style can provide a significant uplift to your living environment. Let us share the most popular styles to help you understand which fits your interior décor best.

Style #1: Traditional

Traditional accent tables excel at fostering a welcoming, stylish atmosphere in your home, giving it a warm and pleasant feel. Their designs often feature curved shapes with ornate detailing to give the tables a formal look, making them ideal for those who desire furniture that is both sophisticated and practical.

Style #2: Modern

Modern accent tables usually serve as the focal point of a room. As such, they tend to be eye-catching yet simple, featuring geometric designs with minimal decorative elements to not compete with the overall interior of the room.

Style #3: Transitional

Transitional accent tables are a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, making them suitable for various décor themes. In fact, this style works for almost any kind of home. Whether you prefer something timeless or modern, a transitional accent table adds an elegant touch, complementing the overall aesthetics of your living space. 

Style #4: Industrial

Industrial furnishings are ideal for loft-style living. So, if you seek to create a modern, chic look, consider introducing accent tables with industrial elements into your home. Adding a mix of these pieces can enhance your living space, making it feel stylish and contemporary.

Other Factors To Consider When Buying An Accent Table

Factor #1: Size

Accent tables come in different sizes and configurations, and the ideal size for your room will depend on your use of the furniture. Lower accent tables are perfect for placing decorative elements, like lamps and tall vases, but not so much food and beverages. For the latter, the table should ideally be taller than your sofa’s seat but shorter than its back.

 

As for the tabletop size, it depends on your allotted space and needs. You want to leave sufficient space between the table, sofa, and walls to prevent the room from looking cramped or crowded.

Factor #2: Table Shape

Square, round, oval, or freeform? With numerous options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to commit to one shape for your table, whether it is a coffee table or a side table.

 

However, curb the temptation to go for something outlandish. Remember, the best accent tables are the ones that suit the furniture around them. For example, round tables complement sectional sofas better due to their nook shape. Meanwhile, rectangular tables are ideal if you have a long sofa.

Factor #3: Material And Style

The perfect material for your accent table depends on the look you want to achieve. Wood is a popular option, as its versatility fits various aesthetics. Meanwhile, metals and glass are ideal for contemporary living spaces, whereas stone is great for those seeking a more rustic look.

 

When shopping for your table, you don’t have to ensure the piece matches the other furniture materials in your home, as long as you can create a balance within your mix and the style pairs well with the overall décor.

PART 4 – CONCLUSION

Accent furniture is the perfect opportunity to spruce up your living space and let your individuality shine. While they are often thought of last, they can be the final piece of the puzzle that you seek to bring the design of your living space to life.

 

If you are ready to begin your shopping spree, look no further than Snow Globe for your furniture needs. We have a broad range of luxurious accent pieces, from designer armchairs to coffee tables, to choose from. Visit our website to browse our comprehensive catalogue today.