The Fun Accent Piece That HGTV's Nate Berkus Loves In Any Space

With an eponymous interior design firm, several product collaborations, and a hit HGTV show with husband Jeremiah Brent under his belt, one thing's for sure: Nate Berkus knows how to make a home beautiful. While his speciality might be bringing his clients' visions to life, he also has a handful of simple yet genius tips for making your home look more put-together. One of our favorites? Adding an accent chair.

Think of an accent chair as the perfect finishing touch to almost any area of the house. Unlike the primary furniture pieces of a room — such as a sofa in your living room or bed frame in your primary suite — an accent seat isn't meant to be the center of attention. Rather, it's a tiny detail that will give your space a lived-in atmosphere (not to mention provide an extra seat when you have guests over).

An accent chair can also rack up some major style points. "A way to have fun with form, material, and sometimes pattern," Berkus captioned an Instagram carousel of his favorite arrangements. His post was packed with seats of all sizes, styles, and shades, proving it's possible to bring an accent chair to any home. Yes, even yours.

Admittedly, selecting one seat from thousands of options can be a tad overwhelming. Fortunately, you can simplify the process by following a few tips for choosing the perfect accent chair for your living room. Though, make no mistake, these pointers can apply to any space.

Narrow down your options by considering where your seat will be located and the vibe you're hoping to create. For example, anyone who wants to create a cozy, relaxed environment in their bedroom might prefer a chair covered in a soft velvet or bouclé. Meanwhile, a leather seat might look great in a pretty-yet-professional home office. Or, if you're placing an accent chair in a high-trafficked space like a living room, try a performance fabric. These durable textiles are designed to wick away water and repel stains, keeping mess to a minimum. 

You'll also want to consider your room's color palette. While an accent chair can introduce a new pattern or texture to an area, it should go with the rest of the space's shades. Translation: If your living room is filled with neutral colors, now's not the time to add a bright pink or blue accent chair.

Since an accent chair is meant to be enjoyed, it should be comfortable. If you can't give your contenders an in-person sit test, read reviews to help make your decision. Ultimately, you'll want to find that sweet spot between soft, sturdy, and supportive. For more help, check out these 20 accent chairs that will add a focal point to your living room.