Accent chairs are a great way to brighten up a room by tying in your favorite colors and patterns. Whilst most accent chairs are used in living rooms and hallways, most people wouldn’t consider using an accent chair as a dining chair.
We are here to tell you to break the non-existent interior design rules by using your accent chair as a dining chair.
Here is our guide on how to utilize an accent chair as a dining chair to turn your dining area into a fashionable and creative area!
What are accent chairs used for?
Accent chairs are somewhat different from regular chairs as they exist further beyond function. Sure, you can sit on whatever chair you like, but an accent chair is designed to enhance the room or area it resides in.
People will often opt for a large accent chair or accent armchair in their living room, hallway, or bedroom that ties in with another accent color in the room.
For example, a mustard yellow accent chair could be used to bring out the yellow in the artwork. A navy blue accent chair could be to tie in with the navy blue cushions.
Accent chairs are one of the easiest ways to complement the decor in a room. People can be as creative as they like with these chairs - whether you plan to use it as a functional chair or a surface to hold plants and books is up to you.
It could even be the designated “clothes” chair (we all have one).
Can you use an accent chair as a dining chair?
What some people don’t realize is that you can absolutely use an accent chair as a dining chair. Who said you have to use the same chair around your dining table?
If you want to utilize your accent chair - whether it’s an armchair or not - in your dining room, we recommend placing it at the head of the table.
The chairs at the head of the table are often referred to as the “captain’s chair”, so it only makes sense to keep up with this tradition by giving the head of the table the fanciest chair.
Not only can an accent chair at the head of a dining chair look regal and classy, but it also makes sense. It might look a bit odd to have one accent chair amongst regular chairs around a dining table if there is no specific theme.
This would make sense if every other chair was an accent chair, or if you have mismatched chairs, but it might look a bit random otherwise.
Of course, it does all come down to personal preference. It is your home, after all! We’re just giving our best tips on how to use your accent chair as a dining chair.
On the other hand, mismatching dining chairs with the odd armless accent chair could create a unique dining experience.
If you have ever been to one of those fancy restaurants where the dining chairs are all different but work cohesively, you could always replicate that in your own home.
What to consider for an accent chair as a dining chair
If you’re looking to enhance your dining room to make the dining experience in your home more unique and special, we have some top tips of what to consider when looking for an accent chair.
Color
Most importantly, you have to pick the right color. Accent chairs are designed to complement the rest of the room by bringing out your chosen colors.
We can all agree that a room without color is bland and monotonous, and even a splash of color in artwork or furniture provides a lot of character.
If you have a dark dining room with lots of browns, burgundies, navy blues, or even blacks - why not complement these colors by getting an accent chair in a bright yellow? This could go wonderfully with the golden frame on the wall.
Material
Most dining chairs tend to be wooden or plastic, not because of the simplicity and style, but because of the amount of food and liquid that is likely to be dropped onto the chair. Therefore, you must look for an accent chair that is made of a stain-resistant material that is easy to clean.
Dark leather is a good option for those who are worried about cleaning their accent-come-dining chair. This is a hardy material that is resistant to cracks and rips upon impact, and it’s super easy to wipe down.
However, nothing is stopping you from getting a light fabric accent chair. Just make sure to consider the food, drinks, and sauces that could accidentally stain the fabric.
Fortunately, most chairs nowadays are made from materials that are resistant to stains, but it’s always best to keep this in mind.
Style
Accent chairs come in a variety of styles and designs, so it’s up to you whether you want your accent chair to stand out or blend in.
You could opt for an armless accent chair that looks similar to your existing dining chairs if you want the accent chair to look subtle. On the other hand, you could choose an accent chair with arms that can act as the captain’s chair at the head of the table.
Luckily, there are no rules when it comes to sticking to a theme in your own home. If anything, mixing themes can be tasteful and unique.
Why not use a vintage velvet accent chair at the head of the dining table in your modern home? Nowadays, it’s hardly a crime to be experimentative with your interior design.
Conclusion
In short, you can definitely use an accent chair as a dining chair. It all depends on the style of your room, what colors you want to complement, and how much you want the accent chair to stand out.
You can opt for a chair that blends in subtly, or a chair that stands out fashionably. The choice is yours!
