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Art of the Accent Chair

by Magnolia
Published on August 25, 2022

Accent chairs are a practical and beautiful way to add extra seating while also complementing (or diversifying) a room’s overall design. Their textures, colors, and materials add a layer of visual interest, and they’re easy to move around whenever you need a little refresh—or have company coming over.

This season, we introduced a few new accent chairs to our collection. Featuring everything from exposed framing with laid-back, mid-century appeal to elegant tufting and upholstery, there’s an option for a standout seat in any space. They also inspired us to create a guide to our most-loved accent chairs—breaking them down by style, function, and where they look best. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to settle in for a movie night, a stylish addition to your home office, or simply a convenient place to put on shoes in the morning, we’ve got you covered.

01: Gerard Chair

Architectural, laid-back, and modern

Why we love it:

Inspired by mid-century design, this chair’s hand-shaped oak framing is left exposed for a bold, clean look. Deep cushions also offer plenty of comfort, covered with either long-lasting leather or performance-grade upholstery (now available in a new hue, too!).

Try it here:

  • home office 
  • living room 
  • bedroom

Best for:

Settling in with your morning coffee.

You may also like: Steven Chair, Bodie Sling Chair, Mason Chair

02: Bev Swivel Chair

Soft curved lines and a subtle swivel

Why we love it:

This chair rounds out your living space with a relaxed, curved design and soft-yet-durable texture. Rest easy with the gentle motion of its swivel base—and pair two seats together to comfortably connect with family and friends.

Try it here:

  • by the fireplace
  • living room 
  • bedroom

Best for:

Enjoying good company and good conversation.

You may also like: Valerie Swivel Chair, Marieta Swivel Chair, Justine Swivel Chair

03: Rowan Chair

A soft (and lovely) place to land

Why we love it:

With durable, stain-resistant fabric, cozy shelter arms, and pillow-inspired cushions, Rowan offers plenty of comfort to go around. Plus, this style is available as a sofa, sectional, chair, and a chair-and-a-half—so you can enjoy the full set.

Try it here:

  • living room 
  • bedroom 
  • tv room or den

Best for:

Cozying up for movie night.

You may also like: Rowan Chair and a Half, Linn Chair, Harris Swivel Chair

04: Drake Chair

Tried-and-true, timeless appeal

Why we love it:

Blending casual, modern, and traditional styles, this chair is both versatile and eye-catching. Plush, cotton-blend upholstery and exposed parawood framing make Drake an easy-to-love addition to any room.

Try it here:

  • empty nooks + corners 
  • larger dining room
  • living room

Best for:

Dressing up a spare corner.

You may also like: Chase Chair, Harrison Chair, Haven Chair

05: Willa Club Chair

A modern take on old-fashioned charm

Why we love it:

This chair has a stately presence with its squared silhouette and tailored tufting details. Find your fit with just-right upholstery in elegant hues that add a little personality and drama to the space. This chair’s deep cushions make it easy to settle in and linger as long as you’d like.

Try it here:

  • home office or library 
  • formal dining room 
  • living room

Best for:

Curling up in the evenings with a good book.

You may also like:

Bryant Leather Chair, Alonzo Chair, Anja Swivel Chair

Styling Tip:

Add a cozy, inviting layer with pillows and throws.

Once you find the chair that’s right for your space, take a moment to consider textiles like pillows and throws, too. Your additional seating will feel even more like home after you layer in these cozy elements.

We suggest adding pillows for deeper set chairs where you’ll lounge, read, watch movies, etc. And if your seat has structured arms or backing, gently drape a throw there, so whoever ends up in that spot will feel invited to stay a while. When styling pillows and throws, remember to play around with colors, patterns, and shapes. This is a great opportunity to lean into the design principles of contrast, balance, and flow—and decide what works best for your space.


From form to function, it’s easy to see why accent chairs are such a well-loved piece of furniture. And the art of choosing, placing, and styling them isn’t quite as intimidating as it may seem. Simply follow your instincts—what you’re drawn to and what you love most. We hope seeing a few options all in one place has helped you discover just that.

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