With fall being a time of gathering, these tips for creating the perfect accent chair and side table pairings will help you get your home guest-ready for the upcoming season while creating charming spaces made for conversation.

Why create a conversation space?

Autumn is all about inviting relaxation, comfort, and company back into your home following the hectic summer months, and there is no better way to make your space feel warm and welcoming than with a set of perfectly paired accent chairs and side tables. 

As the holiday season quickly approaches, these pieces create a designated area for you and your guests to sit down, settle in, and catch up in style.

Choosing Accent Chairs and Side tables to Fit Your Look

It’s important for your home to express your beautiful, unique personality — whatever your individual style may be — and your conversation spaces are no exception.

Selecting pieces that are cohesive and consistent with the rest of your home's design helps impart a holistic and welcoming feeling while also showcasing your impeccable style.

If you prefer something Modern…

Modern interior design is all about clean lines, natural materials, and minimalism; perfect for those who favor stylish simplicity in their homes.

When creating a modern conversation space, look to armless accent chairs with sleek, plain legs using materials like leather and natural wood. Modern side tables generally adopt a similar look through simple curves, geometric shapes, and materials like metal, marble, and concrete.

If you prefer something Transitional…

Transitional interior design falls somewhere in between modern and traditional design styles and is great for using throughout your home if you want to explore other furniture arrangements in other spaces.

When creating a transitional conversation space, focus on updating classic pieces with a modern, balanced feel. If you are combining modern and traditional styles with your accent chair and side table choices, create contrast by pairing more modern, textural fabrics like suede, chenille, and bouclé with more traditional, decorative wood accents.

If you prefer something Traditional…

Traditional interior design centers around achieving a timeless, classic look that appears both formal and homey; think upholstered furniture, symmetry, and rich, ornate decor reminiscent of various time periods. 

When creating a traditional conversation space, seek out larger accent chairs with carved or turned legs using high-end materials like leather, velvet, and tufted upholstery. Traditional side tables often emulate the style’s classic look through dark wood tones, decorative carvings, and scroll-shaped legs with ball or claw feet.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Pieces

Each home has its own set of unique wants and needs, which is why it’s so important to find the right furniture for YOUR space. Perfectly placed and coordinated pieces make your space feel more inviting while ensuring your guests feel comfortable and at ease.

Placement

There are an endless amount of placement possibilities for accent chairs and side tables in your home. Whether in a welcoming entryway or a cozy reading nook, or simply as extra gathering space for your guests, a chair and table pairing is a classic way to spice up any space.

Whether you’re placing a side table with a single accent chair, or maybe a single side table between two accent chairs, placement is all about finding a balance between the visual weights of the pieces. Consider mixing a chunky accent chair with a thin-legged side table, or an open, armless accent chair with a drum side table.

BONUS — Weight can also play a functional role; lighter furniture opens up and expands smaller spaces, while heavier furniture adds stability and safety in homes with small children or pets.

Also, make sure the depth of your side table is not deeper than that of your chair. The height of your table should be roughly in line with the arm of your chair, give or take an inch or two, for a height that’s comfortable to reach while you’re sitting and relaxing.

Materials

Different materials serve different purposes when used alongside other furniture pieces. A velvet or bouclé accent chair adds texture to your space, while a leather or wood chair can bring softness into a heavily-textured area. The same goes with side tables; a gold or bronze metal table can add a burst of warmth, while a marble or wood table can bring an organic feel to your space. 

Mixing contrasting materials is also a great way to up the visual interest in your home. For example, pair an upholstered accent chair with a metal side table to create a balanced, modern space. Or, try mixing different wood tones, as long as they have the same undertone, to make your space interesting and cohesive.

DESIGNER TIP — Function can play a large role when considering what material to choose. Leather is durable and easy to clean and maintain, while upholstery brings added softness and texture.

What impact can a conversation space have in your home?

Reconnecting with those you love is more important now than ever, and where better to come together with friends and family than in the place closest to your heart? 

Your home should be a place to gather and celebrate, and creating a conversation space to welcome guests with open arms is the perfect way to promote happiness, comfort, and joy in your life and embrace the gathering season.

Other accent chair and side table posts that might interest you:

• 10 Tips on Picking and Styling Small Accent Chairs

• 6 Things to Consider When Choosing Side Tables

• Best-Selling Products for Every Room