You get a hint from the name when it comes to “accent chairs”. These (double-duty) pieces are made for relaxing, all while holding the fort as a stand-out piece of furniture. But because it’s a chair, you obviously can’t use it on its own in your living room. Instead, you’d have to pair it with a sofa—and perhaps, an ottoman. That, my friends, is the tricky part.
Pairing furniture can be hard. You have to consider colors, styles, fabrics, etc., which can be super overwhelming. (Also why so many people throw their hands up in the air when finding the perfect combo—and just resorting to pre-made sets).
Pre-made sets are great for convenience, but they’re just not special enough. Besides, there are about as many sofas and accent chairs out there as there are people. This means there are A LOT of unique combos waiting to be made—just with a little effort.
Keep reading to learn how to pair an accent chair with a sofa and an ottoman 🤍
Understanding the Roles
Before you begin matching, we recommend understanding the role(s) of each piece. Your sofa is the anchor. It sets the stage—and has a significant say in defining the space. The accent chair is where things get interesting (think of it as a conversation starter). Then, there’s the ottoman—the jack-of-all-trades. A footrest, extra seat, coffee table, and sometimes just a stylish piece of decor.
Choose Complementary Styles
We’ve all agreed that furniture doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy—especially if you’re after a unique look. Contrasting colors is one aspect to this (see more in the next section); we also love playing around with differing styles.
Let’s picture it this way: Maybe your sofa has a comfy, plush modern design—like the Scandi-style Topa Topa Sofa—and your accent chair has a cool mid-century vibe—like the Homrest Swivel Accent Chair. They can totally hang out as long as they speak the same design language. (“Design language” can be anything from similar-hued cushions to a rug that anchors them together).
Colors: Match, Clash, or Compliment?
The answer is… whatever you prefer 😁
Maybe your sofa is a soft gray and your accent chair is emerald green—bam, instant style points. But if you’re not into bold contrasts, you can always stick with complementary colors that gently whisper to each other rather than shout. For example: a blue sofa with a dusty rose accent chair and a cream-colored ottoman for a soft look.
In such a setting, soft furnishings will be your best friends. They’ll help tie the whole scene together (plus, it’s not a big commitment).
Blend Different Textures
If your sofa is a smooth leather number (we especially love a brown leather piece—and have got a whole guide on these), try something soft for your accent chair, like a cool gray swivel accent chair in linen. The ottoman? Maybe it’s upholstered in a textured fabric. Or even made of rattan for a natural vibe—like the boho rattan storage ottoman.
You want to make sure you blend materials without making the room feel like a furniture store sample floor 😉 And, in that regard, keeping balance will be your best bet.
Make Sure Everything’s Functional
That accent chair should be comfy for sitting and chatting—not just something you stare at from across the room. The ottoman should be at a comfortable height to prop your feet on (while also looking chic enough to use as a coffee table). And, of course, your sofa should set the tone of your living room. And one that invites you to sink in at the end of the day!
Pull Things Together with Decor
When we have a space with mismatched pieces, it’s easy for things to look… well, all over the place. And that’s when we need to pull the vibe together. For this purpose, decorative accessories are your weapon. Those throw pillows, blankets, rugs, etc. can add some much-needed coherence to the space.
For example, if your accent chair has a bold, floral pattern (and your sofa is rather laid-back), you’d want floral-printed cushions for the sofa. Likewise for the ottoman. If it’s plain, a textured throw blanket draped over it can add some interest. With these little details, you can make everything feel more put together.
Some of Our Favorite Trio’s
We love to surf around and put together pieces that work well together; we’ll share our top picks below.
Trio #01
Sofa: Marshmallow Luxe Sofa, Chair: Bissonet Chair, Posh Bouch, Ottoman:Coyard Stool
If you love a gentle vibe in interior design, we can’t recommend this trio enough. The white velvet couch sets a laid-back base. This is complemented by a dusty pink accent chair adding warmth to the space. And, finally, the ottoman stool is factoring in textures (lots of them).
Trio #02
Sofa: Orange Velvet Sofa, Chair: Pumpkin Swivel Accent Chair, Ottoman: Dia Pouf Ottoman
Folks who love color can make a statement with this combo. The rust-orange sofa is toned done with the beige (suuuper plush) armchair. Simultaneously, the leather pouf ottoman beautifully complements the velvety sofa. Together, these add neutral and bold colors with a beautiful balance.
Trio #03
Sofa: The Citizenry Helm Sofa, Chair: Eliana Chair, Dotty Blue, Ottoman: Tufted Ottoman
We’re always down for a nice white and blue combo. Talk about adding nautical vibes—the subtle way. If you’ve got a beach home (or dreaming of creating one in the city), this trio will work great in a white interior. You can also add some water-inspired prints as artwork.
Trio #04
Sofa: Timber 90" Sofa-Olio Green, Chair: Salo Leather Chair, Ottoman: Rebecca Ottoman
We couldn’t wind up furniture trios without satiating the nature lovers, could we? This set brings nature in, without bringing nature in. The olive green sofa is reminiscent of that rich foliage—and you can see actual foliage-inspired prints in the ottoman. The accent chair is a grounding feature. It adds a wooden accent (and some black for that touch of luxury).
FAQS
Does Accent Chair Have to Match Sofa?
We hope you got a comprehensive answer to that 😉 Your accent chair may match your sofa if that’s how you like it—but we always love playing around. (In fact, the accent chair gives you a fantastic opportunity to create contrast).