Occasional chairs are simply stand-alone pieces of furniture that are not typically part of a complete set, meaning they don't match the sofa and love seat or the dining room set. They are used as additional seating or as an accent piece in a room.

Although they are not identical, occasional chairs do need to blend in with the existing furnishings, fabrics and general decor. An ultra-modern chair with metal accents will look out of place in a traditionally decorated home. Just as a grandiose occasional chair with a busy print and ornately turned legs, arms, and back would not work in a sleek, minimalist environment.

With that said, occasional chairs do present the opportunity to add a dash of color and pattern to any space.

Klaussner Lancaster Occasional Chair

How To Choose an Occasional Chair
As with any piece of furniture, form needs to follows function. Otherwise, the chair is just a useless object. It needs to be small enough to fit unobtrusively in a corner or against the wall, while providing a resting spot or extra seating. However, occasional chairs are often used more frequently and may be a bit larger and more sumptuous. These accent pieces are often done in matching sets or two chairs with a similar, yet different look. Maybe both have a green and silver fabric, but one is striped and the other is paisley, or the fabric is identical, but one chair has a straight back and the other an oval back. This creates a subtle effect that adds more interest. Two occasional chairs can also forge a more unified look, flanking the fireplace, on either side of a door in an office or in the corners of the dining room.

Other people enjoy an occasional chair that has somewhat of a variation from the rest of the space. They want that little pop of color from the fabric or the unexpected sight of a more formal chair in a casual room. There are even occasional chairs designed specifically for children that are perfect for their bedroom, playroom or in the family room. Not only will the little ones feel extra special, but they will also be more comfortable, since the furniture is designed for kids. Some designs look just like a miniature version of adult furniture, while others have a whimsical print or colorful paint job.

Because there are so many occasional chairs to choose from, people tend to get confused and overwhelmed when they begin shopping. What may look great in the showroom or online, might look abysmal once it is sitting in the room, next to the other furnishings and decorative accessories. There are several factors or elements that make up occasional chairs including the style, cover, material, cushion, arm, back, seat, leg, color and finish. To avoid head-scratching caused by complete confusion or being unable to decide because they all look great, it is best to narrow things down a bit. This will immediately eliminate many occasional chair choices.

The first thing to determine is which room it will be in and what is the purpose. An occasional chair in the tv room while undoubtably need to serve a different purpose than one that is in the dining room. It will be more casual and comfy than a chair that could be pulled up to the dining room table. The frame will need to be slim and the fabric taut. Personal preference will also play a large role in narrowing down the choices. Some people are inherently drawn to linear lines and streamlined forms, while others prefer curved, softer lines and intriguing profiles.