How to Style Occasional Chairs for a Chic Living Room Look

Jul 11, 2025
How to Style Occasional Chairs for a Chic Living Room Look

Make your living room more inviting with occasional chairs. These versatile furniture pieces do much more than provide a place to sit. They can serve as a stylish accent or even create a cozy nook in your space. From a modern aesthetic to vintage designs, these chairs can fit any interior style. Let's learn how to style these beautiful statement pieces for a chic living room look.

What are occasional chairs used for?

Additional seating

Occasional armchairs are perfect for adding extra seating to your living room. Whether you're hosting guests or simply need a place to sit while relaxing, these chairs provide comfort without overwhelming your space.  

Living room accents

Besides offering additional seating, occasional accent chairs serve as standout pieces in your living room furniture arrangement. These chairs can be positioned in strategic places, such as in the corners or near windows, to create a stylish focal point.

Types of occasional accent chairs

Swivel accent chair

A swivel chair is a flexible piece that adds both comfort and style to your lounge area. The ability to rotate makes it an excellent choice for creating a dynamic, functional seating arrangement.  

Lazy lounge chair

A lazy lounge chair brings relaxation to your living room. Its soft cushioned seat allows you to relax for a long time. It can be paired with a footstool or an ottoman to create a cozy corner for reading, lounging or enjoying a cup of tea.

Club chair

For a more classic vibe, a club chair offers comfort and a timeless look. Its deep cushioning and armrests make it a perfect seating option for unwinding.  

Chesterfield chairs

Chesterfield chairs are a statement piece that never goes out of style. Known for their distinctive tufted upholstery and high armrests, they exude luxury.  

Choose the best materials

The material you choose for your occasional chairs plays a key role in both style and comfort. At Marco Furniture, we offer a range of premium materials to suit your unique tastes and living room decor. Leather, velvet, boucle, woven fabric and teddy fabric are all  our excellent choices for different looks. For instance, you can select a black velvet armchair to bring a rich texture to your space, while a boucle offers a soft and modern feel. When selecting fabric, consider how it complements your home decor and its durability for everyday use.

Where to place accent chairs

Pairing accent chairs with sofas

A modern occasional chair works well beside your sofa, offering both a complementary design and a functional piece of seating. You can place it on the left or right side of the sofa, creating a balanced arrangement that’s both stylish and practical.

Creating a cozy reading corner

A cozy reading corner can be easily made by placing an accent chair in a quiet corner of the living room. Opt for a fabric chair with deep cushioning to make it an inviting spot for a good book. Pair it with a small table for your coffee cup or reading glasses, and a floor lamp to illuminate the area.

Setting the scene by the fireplace

If you have a fireplace in your living room, an occasional chair can be the perfect addition. Position the chair just slightly off-center from the fireplace to create a comfortable, balanced seating area. A swivel chair or wingback chair works well in this space, offering a warm and welcoming spot for guests or family to relax by the fire.

Styling the space beside a window

Do you have a dead space beside your window? Consider placing a chair there. A wooden accent chair next to the window can create a stylish corner where you can enjoy natural light. Add some indoor plants or a floor lamp to complete the look, making it an inviting and cozy spot for reading or relaxation.

Additional seating with identical accent chairs

For an even, symmetrical look, place two identical chairs in the living room. Pair them with a small side table between them to create an additional seating area.  

Designing an entertainment area

To create a more functional entertainment area, consider placing two accent chairs near your TV. This setup allows for extra seating during movie nights or gatherings. Look for versatile chairs, such as a modern swivel chair, that are comfortable yet stylish. Add some colorful throw pillows or a blanket for extra comfort and visual interest.

Occasional chair and ottoman duo

Pairing an armchair with an ottoman is an effective way to create a cozy lounge area. A boucle ottoman can complement your chair, adding texture and style while providing a convenient spot for resting your feet. This pairing works well in both small spaces and larger living areas, offering both comfort and style.

Styling occasional chairs is all about creating functional, inviting spaces with a modern aesthetic. From the swivel chair to the lazy lounge chair, there’s a wide range of seating options to fit every need and room size. Whether you’re designing a cozy reading corner or adding extra seating for guests, these accent chairs provide versatility, comfort and style for your space.