Your couch will always be the center of your living room, of course, but things don’t have to stop there. In addition to providing comfort for guests or children, accent furniture such as armchairs and corner seating can serve to bring a room together. If you’re looking for the perfect finishing touch for your modern living room that’s both stylish and functional, a contemporary armchair might be your perfect choice.
What seating styles are there?
The first step to picking an accent is to choose what kind you need. Armchairs are the most obvious, but there are a range of other seating styles, from smaller armchairs to luxurious chaise lounges. Here’s a simple guide to help you figure out what you might need:
- Armchairs are, perhaps, the most traditional compliment. A comfortable armchair can be the perfect place to relax and read, or a great place for guests to get a chance to rest in. Many armchairs come with features like swiveling bases to allow for even more convenience and relaxation. Whether you’re watching television with your family, having a deep conversation, or just reading, there are few better choices.
- Loveseats are similar to armchairs, just designed for two. If you’re trying to draw a special someone closer, they can be a fine choice, and of course if you have a couple as guests they’re absolutely perfect. With enough space to stretch out and relax, without taking up as much room as a sofa, a loveseat can provide the perfect accent seating solution.
- Ottomans, in addition to being a great footrest, provide a quick, mobile seating option for when things are just too overcrowded. Bring one out and add seating room without sacrificing space.
- Sectional seating can take the place of a sofa or compliment one. Many sectional seating options are meant to fit into a corner, providing a space away from the main room to relax and talk. If you have a corner you don’t know what to do with, why not provide people with a place to relax?
- The feeling of relaxing in a chaise lounge is decidedly glamorous, and if you need somewhere to take a quick midday nap, one can be ideal. It’s also well-suited for reading in a more casual, relaxed way.
Why not just a sofa?
For those who only have a few guests over at a time or who have smaller families, it might be difficult to figure out why to not just stick with a sofa. The most obvious reason, of course, is the fact that a sofa provides room for four or so at the absolute most – and even then, conversation and relaxation are stifled by the fact you’re forced into a straight line, making conversation difficult. Even for a smaller group, the convenience of accent seating can be invaluable. The modularity of accent seating allows you to arrange things to maximize the chances for communication.
In addition, accent seating can pair with a sofa to bring a room together. Add a splash of color with a brightly-colored modern loveseat, or harmonize with a warm-toned room with a fine dark leather armchair. No matter what your room needs, accent seating can form an anchor along with your sofa and coffee table.
In short, accent seating provides form and function all in one, without taking too much space or cluttering up a room. For those of you who need both practicality and style, the perfect armchair can be the ideal solution.