What Is an Occasional Chair?

An occasional chair is typically wider and deeper than a standard dining chair. It’s designed with a strong focus on structure and style, rather than everyday comfort. In most cases, it serves as a decorative feature—adding form, texture, and personality to a room, while still functioning as extra seating when needed.

So, while it can be sat on, its main purpose is often to act as a sculptural or artistic element in a space.

Occasional Chair vs. Armchair vs. Accent Chair: What’s the Difference?

With so many overlapping terms, it’s easy to get confused. But here’s how they typically differ. In short, occasional chairs and accent chairs serve a similar decorative role, while armchairs tend to be more comfort-focused and functional. For example, a chair in the corner of a bedroom may be called an armchair if it has arms—but if it’s chosen primarily for looks and design impact, it’s better described as an occasional chair.

101/20 Queen of Colonies Parade, Moffat Beach, Qld 4551 styled by Blink Living

101/20 Queen of Colonies Parade, Moffat Beach, Qld 4551 – property styling by Blink Living

How to Choose the Right Occasional Chair

Now that the terminology is clear, let’s move on to the important part—how to choose the right occasional chair for your home. There are a few key things to consider: material, colour, and scale.

1. Material Matters—Sometimes

One of the great things about occasional chairs is that they’re used less frequently, so you can be more adventurous with materials. Unless you have pets or young kids, durability doesn’t need to be your top priority.

However, if you’re styling a high-traffic area or a home with little ones or cats, it’s worth considering stain-resistant or tightly woven fabrics.

Trending materials for occasional chairs in 2025 include:

  • Bouclé (now available in richer tones and chunkier textures)

  • Reclaimed woods like teak and whitewashed oak

  • Rattan & cane, especially for coastal or Queensland-style interiors

These materials not only add texture and dimension, but they also reflect broader trends in sustainability and natural design.

2. Get Creative with Colour

Next, let’s talk about colour. Occasional chairs are the perfect opportunity to introduce contrast or tie a colour story together. You can draw inspiration from nearby artwork, cushions, or decorative accessories, and amplify that tone in your chair choice.

Popular colours for occasional chairs in 2025 include:

  • Earthy neutrals: sand, mushroom, oatmeal, rust, and putty

  • Warm browns: rich leather tones are replacing cooler greys

  • Soft greens: sage and olive pair beautifully with brass or black fixtures

Choosing a bold or complementary colour can turn your occasional chair into a focal point that instantly elevates the room.

3. Scale Is Everything

While colour and material are important, scale can make or break how the chair works in your space. A larger chair (around 900mm wide) may feel luxurious in a master bedroom, but completely overwhelm a small guest room.

Conversely, choosing a chair that’s too small for a large space can make the area feel underdone or empty.

Pro tip: Before purchasing, map out the chair’s footprint with tape on the floor. This visual trick helps you understand how the piece will sit in the room and whether it fills the space appropriately.

Where to Use an Occasional Chair

Occasional chairs are incredibly versatile, which is part of what makes them such a popular design choice. They can bring balance, fill negative space, or highlight architectural features—all while adding style.

Here are Blink Living’s favourite placements for occasional chairs:

  • In a bedroom corner to add softness and depth

  • Opposite the main sofa in a living room to create conversation zones

  • In pairs, either side-by-side near the lounge

  • In the corner of a large at-home office

  • Under staircases, especially when styled with a side table or floor lamp

GlobeWest Kennedy Loft Occasional Chair at 4 Gosford Court, Buderim, Qld 4556 - property styling by Blink Living

GlobeWest Kennedy Loft Occasional Chair at 4 Gosford Court, Buderim, Qld 4556 – property styling by Blink Living

Where to Buy an Occasional Chair

Of course, you can find occasional chairs at major furniture retailers—but if you’re looking for a real design statement, investing in a designer occasional chair is well worth it.

Here are Blink Living’s favourite designer occasional chairs:

Since you’re typically buying just one for a space, it makes sense to splurge a little. High-end occasional chairs often serve as functional art, elevating a room’s look and feel.

156 Valley Drive, Doonan, Qld 4562 - property styling by Blink Living

156 Valley Drive, Doonan, Qld 4562 – property styling by Blink Living

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, an occasional chair is one of the best ways to inject personality, texture, and colour into your home. Whether you’re working with a bold, sculptural design or something simple and natural, it’s a piece that can transform the feel of a room.

So don’t be afraid to choose a chair that stands out. After all, it’s called “occasional” for a reason—it’s meant to make a moment.