Choosing the Best Occasional Chairs for Style & Comfort
A well-placed chair can do more than just fill a gap. Occasional chairs define a space, support daily routines, and bring harmony to your room. Whether you need a compact chair for a reading nook or a standout piece for your living room, choosing the right one means looking beyond looks. Here's how to make every seat count.
What to Look For?
Here’s what you’d be considering while selecting an armchair for your living room.
Find Your Style
Chairs with clean lines and a low profile usually suit minimalist living spaces. For a more classic look, consider wingback or tub chairs with curved backs and structured arms. Slipper chairs, with their armless design, are ideal for tight spaces. If you prefer a relaxed feel, lounge chairs with soft cushioning provide comfort. Statement chairs, like those with sculptural designs, can serve as focal points in a room. Modern armchairs work well when you're aiming for contemporary seating that fits seamlessly into updated interiors. When selecting, consider the chair's role, whether it's for reading, extra seating, or adding visual interest.
Comfort & Practical Use
Comfort is paramount. Look for supportive cushioning that offers posture support, especially if the chair will be used frequently. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the body's natural posture, reducing strain. Upholstered chairs with soft furnishings provide a cosy feel, ideal for creating a relaxation zone or personal nook. Consider the chair's size and shape to ensure it fits well in your space without overwhelming it.
Colours & Designs
Choosing the right shade and pattern sets the tone. Neutral tones like beige or grey blend easily with many interior styles. Richer tones like emerald or navy offer contrast. A black velvet armchair introduces both depth and texture, especially in rooms that rely on visual weight. Textured fabrics like boucle or linen can introduce tactile variety. Design cohesion matters, aligning colour and texture with your existing setup avoids mismatched aesthetics.
Right Materials & Finishes
Different materials serve different needs. Linen upholstery brings a breathable quality, perfect for warmer climates. Velvet upholstery can elevate the tactile appeal of a chair, but it needs routine upkeep. Boucle fabric adds a layer of interest without overwhelming the look. Opting for a fabric accent chair allows for a broader range of styles and colours, which can tie into various home themes. Leather options, though more rigid, are good for spots with regular
Where to Place Your Occasional Chair
Placement depends on the chair's purpose. In living rooms, position chairs to complement the seating arrangement, ensuring a balanced furniture layout. For reading nooks, place a chair near natural light sources. In bedrooms, a chair can serve as a decorative piece or a spot to relax. Ensure there's enough space around the chair for movement and that it doesn't obstruct pathways.
Long-Lasting Use
Maintenance habits affect lifespan. Chairs covered in velvet, for instance, benefit from regular brushing and quick spill response. For busier homes, go with materials known for wear resistance. High-traffic seating demands solid frames and reliable upholstery. When selecting velvet occasional chairs, consider whether the room's use aligns with that fabric's care requirements. Chairs built with attention to detail maintain their supportive structure over time.
How to Match with Your Current Decor
Balance matters in design. Boucle ottomans, for example, can echo the fabric of an adjacent chair, building continuity. Look at your existing setup, what colours dominate, which textures repeat? Harmonise materials to maintain a coordinated decor without appearing too uniform. Mixing elements like a leather chair and a textured ottoman introduces interest. Focus more on visual weight and symmetry without crowding the room.
Find the Best Occasional Chairs in Canberra
For those in Canberra seeking occasional armchairs, Marco Furniture offers a curated selection suitable for various styles and needs. Their range includes modern designs, classic pieces, and versatile seating options. Whether you're looking for a decorative chair to complement your living room or a supportive chair for daily use, their collection caters to diverse preferences. Visit our showroom in Canberra or explore our furniture collections online to find the perfect addition for your space.
FAQs
What does an occasional chair mean?
An occasional chair is a non-essential, movable chair used for extra seating. It adds style or function to a room without being part of a main furniture set. It is often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Its role depends on where it's placed and how it's styled.
What is the difference between an occasional chair and an armchair?
An occasional chair refers to any extra chair used occasionally, with or without arms. An armchair always includes arms and is designed for regular use and comfort. Occasional chairs focus on design versatility; armchairs offer consistent support.
Where do you put an occasional chair?
Place occasional chairs in areas that need flexible seating, like corners, entryways, or near a window. In living rooms, they can balance a seating arrangement. Use them to fill visual gaps or define a reading nook or relaxation zone.
What is the best armchair for back support?
Look for ergonomic armchairs with high backs, lumbar support, and firm cushioning. Wingback and structured lounge chairs are strong options. Choose models with supportive cushioning that maintain spinal alignment during extended sitting.
Should accent chairs match a sofa?
Accent chairs don’t need to match your sofa, but should coordinate in colour, texture, or style. Mixing materials like boucle or leather adds visual depth. Keeping a cohesive look ensures the space feels balanced without being overly uniform.
