How to Choose Living Room Chair Manufacturer?

Accent chairs are a great way to create a colour scheme or decorating aesthetic in your room. Should accent chairs match? Don’t make this common mistake when choosing an accent chair. 

This post is written by my Senior Colour Designer, Tricia Firmaniuk while I sit by the pool in Positano!

Cobalt blue accent chairs bring this room by Miles Redd to life

Don’t make this common mistake when choosing an accent chair.

My pet peeve about accent chairs is always the fabric they are covered in when you buy a set in a big box store. Always some weird swirly, modern fabric that cannot be coordinated with ANYTHING.

Left a bossy generic pattern, Right a timeless, versatile print from Ballard Designs

My advice is DON’T DO IT.

>> Want to make your living room the star? Check out my new eDesign add ons here.

Read on to find out what Tricia has to say:

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The first step in choosing an accent chair starts with colour.

The word “Accent” according to Oxforddictionaires.com, is “A feature which gives a distinctive visual emphasis to something”.

And in my mind, an “accent chair” is a piece that draws attention in a room, an emphatic expression of the colour scheme or aesthetic of the space. Makes sense right?

Pink accent chair in Natane Boudreau’s NYC Apartment

Was I ever shocked and dismayed when I had to go to a half dozen home decorating stores recently in search of a fun, colourful accent chair for a vignette I wanted to create.

Let me just tell you that I was met with a bland wash of shades of taupe, gray and linen chairs on offer everywhere.

Now of course, if I was shopping online, and I had some time to order something custom, I would have had options, but I wanted to buy it, toss it in my truck and create my vignette. I was on a mission. I know there is much to be said for patience and planning, but you know, sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way 😉

The image I held in my mind was of a pretty print of some kind, maybe in blue or green, pink or coral, something with some colour and interest that I could base my image on like this fun chair below.

Ok, this is probably too fabulous to find off the shelf but one can dream. Giant Peony by GP & J Baker

But by the third or fourth store I was becoming despondent. The best I could find was a grayed teal.

Here’s the vignette I came up with which was much more demure in colour than I had hoped (below).

My favorite sculpture by artist Susan Owen Kagan, modern brass pharmacy lamp here. Chair from Homesense

It took my mind reluctantly back to Economics 101, you know, basic supply and demand? And I got all contemplative and thought, people must just not be buying colour and prints, otherwise, surely, the stores would be offering them?

Just a theory guys, tell me it’s not true?

Yalani Stripe Angelina Chair Anthropologie

How to choose the right accent chairs.

So here’s the thing, let’s say you decided to go with a safe, neutral sofa, (I admit I have a big space in my heart for a classic light canvas colour sofa, and warm cognac leather ones too), and now you need a pair of chairs to go with it (because we all know better than buying the matching loveseat right?)

What do you do? It looks like a good lot of people (according to my hackneyed interpretation of a highly oversimplified theory of economics) must be deciding, “I know, I’ll get pair of gray/linen/taupe accent chairs”, and I assume it’s because committing to blue/green/pink ones seems terrifying right? But this is false logic (according to my patchy recollection of Logic 101), because gray/linen/taupe is a colour too!

And you’ve just committed to it. And what’s worse, you now have diminished opportunities to introduce a more interesting and happy colour into your room! Ack, that wasn’t the idea!

If you’re still with me, here’s the thing my colour designer heart wants to share to save us all from too much gray and taupe: before  you buy your main pieces for your room, it’s a good idea to dream up some idea of the colours you would like to use, not after you buy the bulkiest pieces that will take up the most visual space.

And this is because when I see a gray “accent” chair, I see a missed opportunity for delicious colour or pattern.

These blue chairs make this room by Jeffery Bilhuber

Can a neutral sofa and neutral chairs work? Of course they can, but it’s harder to pull off and it’s much more fun to make a statement, ahem, create an accent with some colour or pattern I think 🙂

How to decorate with all neutral furniture.

If your heart is sinking reading this, because you’ve just bought all neutral furniture, don’t despair! You can still get some large scale colourful art or a nice area rug in colour, all is not lost. However, it’s not likely that you will get enough colour to make your room feel pulled together out of a few pillows and vases.

Source

How to introduce accent colour.

Maria has said this many times on the blog, and that is to introduce an accent colour successfully, you will need to add it in large, medium and small gradations.

The drapes give a large dose of green in this otherwise neutral room Source

What qualifies as large? Your sofa, drapes, an area rug, a piece of art that is almost as tall as you, or yes, a pair of fabulous accent chairs!

Medium? A piece of art the size of my dog Mabel, a decent sized collection of vases (like 5 or 7), an ottoman, an accent table, a set of toss pillows.

My sweet Mabel

And items you can call on to represent your accent colour in small doses are smaller artworks, single vases or vessels, a lamp etc.

But if you ask a bunch of small and even medium pieces to add colour to a room, you will end up with colour that looks bitty, and comes off tentative and uncommitted.

Colour is a commitment, once you walk through that door, there is no going back (at least for a few years), but it’s better to make a choice and open a door than to stand in the all gray lobby which really is nowhere yet.

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Thanks Tricia, I couldn’t have said it better myself!

There is much more of course to choosing an accent chair such as shape and scale, but first, it’s important to be thinking about colour.

If you would like help pulling together your room, check out our Get Me Started  eDesign decorting package here.

Related posts:

Do you Need an Accent Wall? Take this Test

How to Correctly Mix Furniture Arm Styles

How to Transform Your Charcoal Sofa with Colour; Before & After

 

 

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Assess Your Space:

Before diving into chair shopping, take stock of your living room's size, layout, and existing furniture. Consider the available space and identify areas where a chair would enhance seating arrangements without overcrowding the room. Measure the dimensions to ensure the chosen chair fits proportionally and allows for comfortable movement around it.

Determine Your Style:

Chairs come in a myriad of styles, ranging from traditional and classic to modern and eclectic. Consider the overall decor theme of your living room and choose a chair that complements it harmoniously. Whether you prefer the elegance of a tufted wingback chair or the minimalist appeal of a mid-century modern design, aligning the chair's style with your aesthetic vision is key to achieving a cohesive look.

Prioritize Comfort:

Comfort is paramount when selecting a chair for your living room, as it's a space for relaxation and socializing. Test out different chairs to assess factors such as seat depth, cushioning, and back support. Opt for high-quality upholstery materials like plush fabrics or genuine leather that offer durability and comfort. Additionally, consider ergonomic features such as lumbar support or adjustable reclining options for enhanced relaxation.

Consider Functionality:

Think about how you'll use the chair in your daily life. Will it primarily serve as a reading nook, a spot for watching TV, or additional seating for guests? Choose a chair that aligns with its intended function while providing versatility. Features like swivel bases, rocking mechanisms, or built-in storage can add functionality and convenience to your living room space.

Some of the best chairs available online:

Picking the right chair for your living room is a significant decision that can profoundly impact the comfort and aesthetics of your space. By carefully assessing your needs, considering style preferences, prioritizing comfort, and evaluating functionality within your budget, you can confidently choose a chair that enhances your living room's ambiance and serves as a stylish and inviting focal point for relaxation and gatherings. With this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to make an informed decision and create the living room of your dreams.

DISCLAIMER: At TOI, we keep you informed about the newest trends and products. The products listed have been well studied and researched, and are also in line with customer ratings. TOI is part of an affiliate partnership, meaning we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change, as per retailers' deals

Choosing the ideal chair for your living room goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's about creating a space that blends comfort, functionality, and style seamlessly. Whether you're curling up with a book or entertaining guests, the right chair can enhance the ambiance while providing essential support. From classic armchairs to modern recliners, navigating the myriad options can be daunting. In this guide, we'll delve into the key considerations, from size and material to ergonomic features, empowering you to make an informed decision that not only elevates the decor but also ensures a cozy retreat for relaxation and socializing in your living space.Before diving into chair shopping, take stock of your living room's size, layout, and existing furniture. Consider the available space and identify areas where a chair would enhance seating arrangements without overcrowding the room. Measure the dimensions to ensure the chosen chair fits proportionally and allows for comfortable movement around it.Chairs come in a myriad of styles, ranging from traditional and classic to modern and eclectic. Consider the overall decor theme of your living room and choose a chair that complements it harmoniously. Whether you prefer the elegance of a tufted wingback chair or the minimalist appeal of a mid-century modern design, aligning the chair's style with your aesthetic vision is key to achieving a cohesive look.Comfort is paramount when selecting a chair for your living room, as it's a space for relaxation and socializing. Test out different chairs to assess factors such as seat depth, cushioning, and back support. Opt for high-quality upholstery materials like plush fabrics or genuine leather that offer durability and comfort. Additionally, consider ergonomic features such as lumbar support or adjustable reclining options for enhanced relaxation.Think about how you'll use the chair in your daily life. Will it primarily serve as a reading nook, a spot for watching TV, or additional seating for guests? Choose a chair that aligns with its intended function while providing versatility. Features like swivel bases, rocking mechanisms, or built-in storage can add functionality and convenience to your living room space.Craftcity's Wood Wing Chair with Ottoman is the epitome of style and comfort, ideal for any living room. Its vibrant yellow hue adds a pop of color while the wingback design exudes elegance. With a matching footrest and cushion, it's perfect for relaxation. Crafted for durability and aesthetic appeal, this chair seamlessly aligns with your living room decor, making it a standout choice when following guidelines for selecting the perfect living room chair.Livshine's Nilkamal Compatible Crystal Chair Set of 2 is a modern and practical choice for any living room. Crafted from sturdy plastic in a sleek white finish, these chairs effortlessly blend style and functionality. Their lightweight design and stackable features make them versatile for various living room layouts. When considering how to pick the right chair for your living room, these chairs stand out for their affordability, durability, and contemporary aesthetic, making them an excellent addition to any home seeking a minimalist yet chic seating solution.BAWARI's Velvet Armchair in Pink is a luxurious addition to any living room, embodying elegance and comfort. With its golden legs and plush velvet upholstery, it exudes sophistication while providing ample support. When considering how to pick the right chair for your living room, this accent chair stands out for its statement-making design and versatility. Perfect for adding a pop of color and style to your space, it's an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of aesthetics and functionality in their seating arrangement.Picking the right chair for your living room is a significant decision that can profoundly impact the comfort and aesthetics of your space. By carefully assessing your needs, considering style preferences, prioritizing comfort, and evaluating functionality within your budget, you can confidently choose a chair that enhances your living room's ambiance and serves as a stylish and inviting focal point for relaxation and gatherings. With this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to make an informed decision and create the living room of your dreams.