Each room in your home has its main furniture pieces. A bedroom wouldn't be complete without a bed, dresser, and nightstand. Your living room needs a sofa, coffee table, and media console. These are the functional foundations of any space.
But alongside this core furniture, you'll also have accent pieces. Accent furniture includes items like bookcases, storage chests, side tables, and ottomans. These pieces aren't the stars of the show, but they pull the whole room together and provide additional storage, personality, and functionality.
So, what accent furniture should you choose for your space? Unlike beds or sofas, accent pieces vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Not everyone needs a bookcase or a bar cart. Choosing the perfect home accent furniture requires a thoughtful look at how you live and what will serve you best. Let's explore how to select the right pieces for your home.
Consider Your Lifestyle
What kind of life do you live? Different people will need different types of accent pieces in their homes to fit their routines and be functional for their day-to-day. For example, if you're a bookworm, investing in a bookcase that can hold your collection will make your nightly reading sessions better; you can easily find a title among the organized shelves and have a dedicated spot for your hobby. Or if you're a homebody who loves to host game nights, a storage ottoman offers a place to store board games and provides extra seating for guests. You want your space to work for you, which requires an understanding of who you are.
Evaluate Your Space
Take a good look at the room you're decorating. How much space do you have? A small apartment living room probably can't accommodate a large chaise lounge, but a sleek console table behind the sofa could add surface area without taking up too much floor space. On the other hand, a large, open-concept area might feel empty without substantial pieces like a wide credenza or a pair of matching armchairs to fill it out.
Measure your available space to determine the exact dimensions you're working with. Use a tape measure to find the length, width, and height of the area. Be sure to account for any obstacles like doors, windows, or radiators that might affect placement. It can be especially helpful to sketch a basic floor plan, jot down the measurements, and keep it handy to reference when shopping online or to take with you if you shop in person.
Define the Room's Function
Every piece of furniture, including accent pieces, should support the room's main purpose. A home office benefits from a file cabinet for organization or a small side table next to a reading chair. In a dining room, a bar cart can be a stylish and practical addition for serving drinks during dinner parties. Think about what activities happen in the room and what furniture could make those activities easier or more enjoyable.
Harmonize With Your Existing Decor
Your new accent furniture should feel like it belongs with what you already own. This doesn't mean everything has to match perfectly. Instead, look for pieces that complement your existing style. If your living room has a modern aesthetic with clean lines, a vintage, ornate end table might look out of place. Conversely, a minimalist metal bookshelf might clash with a rustic, farmhouse-style room. Look for common threads in color, material, or design to create a cohesive look.
Think About Color and Texture
Accent furniture is a fantastic way to introduce new colors and textures into a room. A brightly colored accent chair can add a pop of personality to a neutral living room. A velvet ottoman can bring a touch of luxury and softness to a space dominated by wood and metal. Don't be afraid to experiment. These smaller pieces are less of a commitment than a large sofa, so you can afford to be a bit more adventurous with your choices.
Don't Overlook Versatility
Multifunctional accent furniture is a smart choice, especially for smaller homes. A storage bench in an entryway offers a place to sit and take off your shoes, plus a spot to hide away winter hats and gloves. A C-shaped end table can slide around a sofa to become a convenient laptop desk. Pieces that can serve more than one purpose give you more flexibility and help you make the most of your space.
Reflect Your Personality
Your home is a reflection of you, so let your personality shine through your furniture choices! If you love unique, one-of-a-kind items, look for accent pieces from artisan markets or vintage shops. If you prefer a more curated, polished look, you might gravitate toward designer brands. Your accent furniture is an opportunity to tell your story and create a space that feels truly yours.
Plan Your Layout
Before you buy anything, map out where each piece will go. You can use painter's tape on the floor to mark the footprint of potential furniture or use an online room planner. This will help you visualize the flow of the room and confirm that there's enough space to move around comfortably. A beautiful accent chair isn't much use if it blocks a major walkway.
Transform Your Space With the Right Accents
With these tips, you'll find it much easier to select home accent furniture that fits your aesthetic preferences and your lifestyle. Book collectors might gravitate toward floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Entertainers may need bar carts and buffet tables. Parents could benefit from toy chests disguised as stylish benches.
Whatever you need, you can find it at Decor Market. We're a home decorating store carrying a wide selection from well-known brands like Safavieh, Ralph Lauren, SUNPAN, and more—all at affordable prices with free shipping site-wide. With a near-perfect Shopper Approved score of 4.8/5, you can trust that we'll provide the selection, quality, and customer service you deserve.
Shop our collection of bookcases, storage chests, and accent tables to find what you need to make your home yours. Need help deciding? We offer free interior design services! Our experienced team can help you pick out the right pieces for any space. Just send us an email with details such as your room size, preferred style, budget, and more, and we'll get back to you with personalized recommendations. We make home decorating easy.