The Best Occasional Chairs that will have you Sitting Pretty

Despite the label, occasional chairs have become a necessary decorative element in our homes. The right one can polish off your living area look, create a self-contained relaxation nook or fill that empty corner space in a bedroom. An occasional chair also presents a styling opportunity to reflect a facet of your decorating prowess, whether you want to make a bold statement or neatly tie into the rest of your home’s look. No matter which styling conundrum you find yourself in, there’s sure to be an option in this curated selection to suit your style and budget.

Muse Lounge Chair

For a solution to that tricky empty corner that needs a little something, the Muse Lounge Chair fits the bill with its simple, sensuous lines. The bold play on colour – our pick is the burnt orange, which embodies timeless retro fun – also makes it a vibrant occasional chair selection. The curved back envelopes a plush circular seat and is set to add a further dimension to squared-off corners or complete your living area sofa setting.

$850, Trit House

Mala Armchair

This solid teak and leather chair is a versatile occasional chair choice that combines the timeless elegance of mid-century design with a utilitarian appeal. The low-slung form encourages relaxed lounging, and the curved timber frame will complement many different looks, from modern Australian to contemporary Scandi. It would also be right at home in a living area, study or bedroom. An added bonus: the salt-and-pepper patina of the leather-upholstered seat and timber frame will only deepen and get better with age.

$599, Living By Design

C317 Chair by Yuzuru Yamakawa for Feelgood Designs

Your outdoor area also deserves an occasional chair to take in the sunshine to while away an afternoon in comfort. This quietly sculptural chair is an example of refined simplicity with a scooped woven rattan seat and a wire base. A modern take on outdoor furniture, the 1965 design highlights the contrast between natural rattan and a polished powder-coated frame for a sophisticated result. Even without anyone cocooned in its cupped seat, the C317 creates a restful moment to the eye.

$792, Project 82

Stockholm 2017 Armchair With Cushion

For another take on the versatility of rattan, this curved armchair shows the renewable material’s graphic possibilities. The open-weave pattern of this occasional chair is a nod to mid-century retro, but add in the seat cushions, and you have a contemporary seat that’ll be right at home in your living area. The generous proportions of this armchair also make it a worthy contender for a reading nook – just team it with a side table for your cup of tea or glass of wine. 

$349, IKEA

Slade Slipcover Armchair

Bring a crafted and bespoke touch to your occasional chair with this timeless choice, tailor-made for a coastal scheme if you go with a linen slipcover. This cushioned armchair’s slipcover finish lends a relaxed look to its clean-lined form backed by a solid wood frame. Best of all is that this piece is made-to-order and you can customise the size and fabric, from opulent velvet to beautifully rumpled linen, to create the best occasional chair to work perfectly in your space. 

From $1929, Crafted Furniture 

Coppell Accent Chair

If plush velvet is what you’re after, this upholstered piece is just the ticket. A classic shape, the Coppell accent chair features a generous back and supportive seat to sink into while the tapered dark timber legs with gold metal caps lend sophistication. Teamed with a forest-green velvet, this occasional chair has real presence and would look equally at home in a study or library as it would in a bedroom corner.

$399, Amart Furniture

Abbotts Occasional Chair

A rocking chair may seem a little naff to some, but this sturdy number proves these doubters wrong. Made for effortless relaxation, this rocker has a rattan backing, and the seat is bang on-trend. The head-wearing ash timber structure is also made to last while the open construction is visually light and would work within a contemporary coastal look. It’s also a brilliant occasional chair option for a nursery that’s flexible enough to use in different style contexts, too. 

$399, Freedom

Wayne Armchair

Blending the traditional look of walnut-stained bentwood timber with cushioned comfort, this plush seat mixes different styles with ease and confidence. Another style touch that works: the robust contoured metal legs that elevate the chair with contemporary flair. The light brown or stone grey cushions of this occasional chair aren’t just for show either, featuring pocket springs for added support.

$899, Castlery 

Cuba Armchair

Slinging into action is this statement occasional chair. Offering contemporary Scandi lines, the slender teak frame snugly holds the hanging nude-toned leather seat in place. Quality full-grain tanned leather has been used for its ability to patina with age. This smart chair has a modern classic appeal and would suit both coastal or minimalist interior schemes.   

$699, Loungelovers

Upholstered Timber Chair

A solid favourite of Kmart shoppers, this seat is a budget-savvy choice. This occasional chair is simple in form and appeal, made from rubber wood with an upholstered back and seat, reflecting mid-century furniture pieces. The different fabric colour options also allow you to pick one that will complement your space’s tonal palette, whether you want one for your bedroom, study or living area. 

$69, Kmart

There’s always an occasion for an occasional chair, no matter if it’s a seat for the bedroom, study, living area or reading nook. An occasional chair is also a great chance to further reflect your personal style with a statement seat or a piece that completes a whole room look. To create a little reading corner, have a look at our selection of lamp options.