It’s often the smallest pieces that have the greatest impact on interior design and one such piece is the accent chair. The perfect choice if you want to add a dash of colour, introduce a new texture, or simply elevate a room’s aesthetic appeal. These luxury chairs are designed to stand out but they’re about more than just looks – they add functionality to a room.

Today, we’ll look at 10 iconic accent chairs, along with expert advice on how to choose and use the perfect accent chair for your home.

Closer view of elegant royal blue accent chair with plush cushions  bringing a bold, vibrant pop of color to your living room.

What is an Accent Chair?

An accent chair is more than an extra seat or a regular dining chair. It’s a statement piece that can complement or contrast with your existing decor. Positioned to catch the eye, it adds a touch of individuality and style to any room.

The versatility of such chairs means they can be functional, decorative, or a lovely mix of both. And since they come in all shapes, sizes and materials, you can tailor your selection to perfectly enhance your home’s aesthetic.

Customisation is perhaps the best option when you wish to tailor a chair to your interiors perfectly and with the presence of ace interior designers it has become easier than ever. The discerning and sophisticated customer is now more inclined to opt for customised options over standard accent chairs.

The ultimate aim of such a chair, regardless of size, is to add a dash of understated elegance, class and luxury to your residence.

Stunning cream velvet accent chair adding timeless elegance to a luxurious, contemporary room.

Why Accent Chairs Are So Popular

The answer lies in their many uses. Unlike bulkier furniture, chairs are easy to move so they can adapt to just about any space or situation. Need extra seating in the living room for a gathering? Simply pull in your accent chair. Want to change the look of your bedroom? These chairs can instantly add elegance and character.

Their aesthetic value is another reason for their popularity. Well-designed leather accent chairs can introduce a pop of colour or a striking silhouette – an easy way to instantly take a room from ordinary to extraordinary. They also allow you to experiment with styles, colours and textures without committing to a complete decor overhaul.

The key feature of any accent chair, whether small or large, is its ability to add uniqueness to a space without overwhelming it. They’re often placed in living rooms, bedrooms, or even hallways and they’re designed to serve as focal points while blending into the room’s overall theme.

A brown haired asian lady with a black jacket sitting on a leather sofa

Accent Chairs that our Interior Designers Love

At FCI London, we understand just how important it is to find the right furniture to elevate your space. While our expert designers with many decades of experience between them are always eager to help guide your decisions, we’ve curated a list of 10 iconic accent chairs that are beloved by our interior designers, each offering a unique blend of comfort, craftsmanship and style. Based on the variety of chairs, we’re sure you will find exactly what you’re looking for, or be inspired to reimagine your interior in new and exciting ways.

Luxury white upholstered accent chair with the metal swivel base place alongside a cozy sofa and the elegant black coffee table in a modern living room

1. Dean by Gamma & Dandy

The Dean Armchair is a testament to Italian craftsmanship. With its sleek silhouette and plush leather upholstery, this chair personifies modern luxury. Its refined lines make it an excellent choice for contemporary homes, while its generous cushioning guarantees comfort and stylishness. The Dean Armchair is available in a choice of fabrics and our experts are always on hand to help you make the perfect choice. If your style leans towards unusual shapes and interior innovation, you’ll love the gravity-defying form of this chair, along with its impeccable stitching and exquisite craftsmanship.

Dean Fabric Armchair by Gamma & Dandy

2. Felix by Italforma

With its sculptural design, the Felix Armchair stands out as a piece of art in any room. Its bold structure and minimalist aesthetic make it perfect for those looking to add an artistic flair to their interior. The high-quality materials make this a durable and classy option for the discerning homeowner. The base of the Felix Armchair has a choice of three wood finishes: Canaletto Walnut Stained Ash, Black Stained Ash and Dark Brown Stained Ash to fit perfectly into your home. You also have a choice of leather upholstery and whether you’d prefer arm extensions or the simplicity of a gently curving back.

Leather Upholstered Armchair from Felix Collection by Italforma

3. Spider by Gamma & Dandy

As striking as its name suggests, the Spider Occasional Chair has an angular, web-like design that makes it a true statement piece. Crafted from luxurious materials, this chair can serve as the centrepiece of any living room or hallway through its eye-catching presence. With your choice of fabric or leather upholstery that seems to melt over its sculptural metal base and impeccable feature stitching, you can’t go wrong with the Spider Chair as the most comfortable of seats and an interesting talking point. Pair with a low-slung ottoman or footstool in matching upholstery to create the cosiest reading nook.

Broad seater leather upholstered armchair Spider by Gamma & Dandy

4. Wood-Oo 012 by al2

The Wood-Oo 012 Armchair offers a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. Made from fine wood and soft fabric, it’s ideal for those who appreciate natural materials and clean lines. Its versatile design means it can easily transition between different decor styles, from rustic to modern. Choose the timelessness of Solid Oak, the elegance of Ash Grey Lacquer, or the clean palette of Powder Lacquer. These are beautiful chairs for any room in the house, in particular, an excellent choice for the sophisticated home office that values a unique touch in form and finish.

Stylish seater armchair from Wood-Oo 012 by al2

5. Bombe X Chair by Cattelan Italia

If you’re looking for something truly luxurious, the Bombe by Cattelan Italia delivers in spades. With its opulent design and exceptional craftsmanship, this chair is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement. Its intricate detailing and luxurious materials set it apart from the ordinary. The Bombe is available in three different metal bases: Titanium Embossed, Bronze and Graphite Embossed and you have a choice of fabric or synthetic leather finishes to match your interior perfectly. This modern, ergonomically designed swivel chair with a hint of nostalgic retro, is the perfect luxurious addition to the kitchen or the office.

Fabric Upholstered Swivel base Bombe X Chair by Cattelan Italia

6. Lyz 918-Pgc by Potocco

The Lyz 918-Pgc Armchair brings a touch of sophistication to any space. Its sleek lines and high-quality finish make it an excellent choice for modern interiors. Available in a range of colours, this chair can be customised to suit your personal taste. Its designers set out to showcase wood as a live material working in perfect harmony with other materials and they have done this to perfection. The relationship of solid ash wood or Canaletto walnut, which forms the central swivel cone base in embossed anthracite or black painted metal, melds seamlessly with a variety of padded seat and backrest finishes.

Upholstered Lyz 918-Pgc by Potocco

7. Overdrive by Arketipo

The Overdrive Armchair is for those who appreciate cutting-edge design. Its bold, geometric form makes it a striking addition to any room. Paired with its ergonomic construction, this chair offers a perfect blend of comfort and style. The Overdrive Armchair was never designed to be a quiet chair. This marvel of furniture is without any doubt, a statement piece. As its designers will tell you, it was created to provoke, to move between “the nuances of the contemporary world and that of fantasy”. And yet it is supremely comfortable and seems perfectly in place in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Stylish fabric armchair from Overdrive Collection by Arketipo

8. Oscar by Meridiani

With its classic design and elegant upholstery, the Oscar Armchair is a timeless piece that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings. Its plush cushions and sturdy frame ensure that it’s not only beautiful but also incredibly comfortable. If you like to mix things up from time to time and change the look of a room, the modular nature of these chairs means you can create to your heart’s content. You can customise and adapt; pairing colours - Saddle Leather Black with Olive, or geometric fabric with plain - to create your very own statement look. You can also place two chairs side-by-side for a comfortable sofa to put up your feet.

Saddle Back Oscar Armchair by Meridiani

9. Aland by Marac

If you favour minimalism, the Aland Armchair by Marac offers sleek simplicity without sacrificing comfort. Its understated design makes it a versatile addition to a variety of spaces, while its luxurious materials are sure to stand the test of time. The gentle rolling curves of this chair make it a highly desired addition to children’s bedrooms while it’s equally at home in a cosy corner of your bedroom, coupled with an ottoman, or for extra seating in the living room. The Aland Armchair is the best of all worlds, ticking all the boxes with its contemporary design, a seat that boasts expanded polyurethane with memory foam and covered in 200 g/m2 resin-coated polyester.

Fabric Upholstered Armchair from Aland Collection by Marac

10. Pacific by Ditre Italia

The Pacific Armchair is the perfect blend of style and substance. Its rounded form and sumptuous upholstery make it ideal for lounging, while its contemporary design adds a touch of sophistication to any room. We love this piece for its effortlessly organic form and overlapping volumes. This chair is unapologetically plush. Designed to hug the human form, it invites you for precious moments of relaxation and comfort after a long day. You have dozens of colours and textures to choose from, making this item a truly personal statement of your taste, lifestyle and home aesthetic.

Fabric Upholstered Armchair by Pacific Armchair by Ditre Italia

Which Rooms Do You Place Accent Chairs In?

Whether you're furnishing a cosy nook or making a grand design statement in an entrance hall, accent chairs can serve as the perfect addition.

In the living space, a carefully chosen boucle chair can be a stylish addition to your seating area. Placed beside a sofa or coffee table, a tub chair can be the focal point that brings balance and sophistication. It can also easily be brought into use for additional seating when you have guests over.

In the bedroom, a modern armchair in a corner or by the window is the perfect way to create a cosy reading nook that also serves as a design feature that enhances the room’s atmosphere. And it’s a handy perch when putting on your shoes or fixing the finishing touches to an outfit.

In hallways, entryways, or even dressing rooms, a small armchair in a geometric pattern printed fabric adds function and a luxurious feel without taking up too much space.

Elegant white accent chair paired with  black ceramic coffee table creating stylisg look in a spacious show room

Tips on Choosing the Right Chair

Here are some tips from our experts on selecting the perfect accent chair:

1. Size and proportion

Make sure the chair is the right size for the room. A large chair in a small space can feel overwhelming, while a small accent chair in a spacious room will seem out of place. When thinking about the proportions of your room and the ideal fit, take into account whether you’d like a single perfect accent chair or a pair. In a smaller room, you may opt for just one chair, while a larger room can easily accommodate a pair of accent chairs.

2. Style and material

Your chair should be in harmony with your existing décor and reflect your taste – whether you prefer mid-century modern, contemporary, or traditional. The chair can be made from both wood or metal and the final choice should depend entirely on your aesthetic choice. A word with an expert could be in order before choosing the material.

3. Functionality

If you plan to use the chair often, take into account comfort and durability. Choose plush materials and ergonomic designs for maximum relaxation. Keep in mind how you intend to use the chair and whether this will include pairing it with an ottoman or pouffe. Do you want to relax in the plush embrace of a comfy armchair or warm an entrance hall with a pair of slipper chairs that introduce colour and texture? Also, keep in mind how much time you’re likely to spend in that chair. Do you intend curling up for hours with a book or sitting for just a minute or two to slip on a pair of shoes?

4. Colour

Bold colours make a statement, while neutral tones blend more subtly into the background. This is why we highly recommend personalisation so you can choose a combination that truly complements the rest of the room.

5. Texture

Mixing textures can add drama and depth to a room’s design – a leather chair for a sleek, modern look or a velvet one for something softer and more luxurious.

Luxury white and wine colored accent chair placed  with a white ceramic coffee table adding a touch of elegance to modern living room

How FCI London Can Help You Find the Perfect Accent Chair

Choosing the right accent chair is an art and at FCI London, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With our wide range of luxurious accent chairs, you can find the perfect piece to complement your home’s design while adding a touch of elegance and individuality. Remember, too, that if you have something specific in mind, we can source any product on the market efficiently and at the best prices in as little time as possible so you are completely satisfied with your chair choices.

From bold statement pieces to understated classics, we offer a diverse range of designs to suit every taste and space and this is evident in our stunning, 30,000 sq. ft showroom. Arrange a visit to our showroom or chat with us today about how we can help you discover the perfect accent chair for your home.

Book an Appointment with an FCI Expert

Whether you’re interested in armchairs, recliners, outdoor offerings or the perfect match for your dining room, our skilled team will help you make a selection that will elevate your home.

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