Nestled in the corner of your bedroom or paired perfectly with your living room sofa, small accent chairs can transform those empty spaces into something chic and swoon-worthy. More than additional seating, small accent chairs infuse a sense of home into any space.

What makes a chair a small accent chair?

Substantially smaller than a lounge chair or wing chair, small accent chairs are the most flexible piece of furniture and can be moved and rearranged at ease.

A typical small accent chair is under 30 by 30 inches and sits within four inches high of the surrounding furniture seating level. (For example, your sofa has a seat height of 16 inches, your small accent chair seat height should be between 12 to 20 inches).

When is it best to use a small accent chair?

Small accent chairs are versatile in style and function, working well as an alternative chair for your dining room table, a creative focal point in your home office, or as stylish seating in your living room or entryway. Here, we put together a couple of ways to incorporate small accent chairs into various spaces:

1. Mix and match dining table chairs.

Small accent chairs make exceptional captains’ chairs at the head of your dining table, mixing beautifully with simpler dining chair or bench styles to create a unique gathering experience.

2. Substitute a foyer bench for an entryway small accent chair.

You’ll often see benches used in entryways, but there may not be enough space for a full bench in your foyer area. A small accent chair doesn't take up as much space but still allows for seating so you can easily slip off your shoes or set down your purse to look for your keys.

3. Create a cozy reading nook.

Reading nooks are a great escape from busy spaces. Tucked away in a cozy corner, a small accent chair provides an ideal space to relax. Pair your small accent chair with an ottoman or nightstand to sit back and unwind.

4. Add a unique touch to your home office.

Just because it doesn’t swivel doesn’t mean it won’t make a good office chair. You can turn your bland office into a stylish space with the right small accent chair.

When shopping for a small accent chair that doubles as an office chair, be sure to consider the height of the chair compared to the bottom of the desk. You wouldn’t want a chair that doesn’t fit comfortably underneath. 

5. Provide extra seating for friends and family.

Need additional seating in the living room? Providing your friends and family a place to sit makes entertaining comfortable and casual. Pair one or two small accent chairs with a sofa, sectional, or loveseat to accommodate a large social gathering (and don’t forget a side table in between!).

How do I style my small accent chairs?

Accent chairs are meant to stand out without taking over the space.

The style of your room will be a determining factor in deciding the type of accent chair you choose. Small accent chairs tend to fit into a specific style and can easily be incorporated into your space. That said, a small accent chair that fits stylistically may fail functionally, so you’ll want to consider these two factors when searching for the best option.

Here are a few style elements that can elevate your space.

6. Exposed silhouettes create the illusion of more space.

A silhouette that emphasizes structure tricks your eye into seeing the chair as smaller than it actually is. In turn, your room appears less crowded.

7. Open arms and round curves create visually pleasing spaces.

• In small spaces, you want room to breathe. When choosing small accent chairs, keep the following in mind to maximize your design:

Armed chairs can impose visual boundaries that can overwhelm a space. 

Chairs with rounded corners take up the same space as any other accent chair, but because of its curves, they provide a visual effect that creates the illusion of a more spacious area. 

Armless chairs are welcoming and don’t block sightlines, making the room feel more open.

8. Set the tone of the space through color and upholstery.

When decorating with small accent chairs, focus on details such as pops of color and texture to add interest and charm to your space. A small accent chair may fit your stylistic and functionality needs, but if it doesn’t match the existing color palette, it’s likely not going to be a good fit. 

The fabric should pair nicely with the rest of your space. Think about complementary textures – if the other seat cushions and furniture pieces in the room are heavy in texture or shape, you might choose a small accent chair that has a smooth texture and slimmer or tapered legs, and vice versa.

9. Balance size and space when choosing your small accent chairs.

The size of your room and space availability is crucial when deciding which small accent chair suits the room or area best. Selecting too small or large of a chair for the space will make your area seem off-balance. 

10. Experiment with leg style. 

Aim for leg styles that reflect your own personal style. If you like modern or contemporary style, choose a sleek plain leg. For a more traditional style, consider a carved or turned leg.

BONUS TIP: Mix and match leg styles within a room. You don’t want too much of a “matchy-matchy” look, so feel free to play with different looks to find that winning style combination.

Make a big statement in small spaces.

Small accent chairs are an easy addition to your home that can make a huge impact on the look and feel of your home.  We hope these simple tips get you going in the right direction for finding that perfect piece for your small space.