Shop Occasional Chairs

Shop our curated occasional chair collection — accent chairs, reading chairs, and statement armchairs in a range of fabrics, materials, and styles. Ready-to-ship pieces to suit every interior. Nationwide delivery across South Africa, with local delivery in Ballito and the KZN North Coast.

Shop Occasional Chairs

15 products

How to Choose the Perfect Occasional Chair

An occasional chair is one of the most rewarding purchases you can make for your home — it adds personality, comfort, and a finishing layer to any room. Here's how to choose well.

1. Define the Purpose

  • Reading chair — prioritise deep comfort; look for a generous seat depth (55cm+), good back support, and the right height for a side table and lamp alongside it
  • Accent chair — can prioritise style over extended comfort; used to add visual interest to a corner or living area
  • Extra seating — needs to be moveable and versatile; consider a lighter frame that's easy to pull into a conversation area

2. Get the Scale Right

An occasional chair should feel like an accent — not compete with the sofa. In a smaller room, a slimmer, higher-legged chair feels lighter and less imposing. In a larger room, a more generous, low-profile chair adds substance without overwhelming the space.

3. Choose Your Fabric

  • Boucle — the most popular choice right now; textural, warm, and surprisingly durable
  • Velvet — rich and luxurious; best in lower-traffic areas or adult spaces
  • Linen or cotton — relaxed and breathable; suits coastal and natural interiors
  • Leather — timeless and easy to clean; develops beautiful character with age
  • Performance fabric — the practical choice for busy households; stain-resistant and easy to maintain

4. Consider the Legs

Leg style has a significant impact on the overall feel of a chair:

  • Tapered wooden legs — warm, Scandinavian, timeless
  • Metal legs — contemporary and sleek; often lighter in feel
  • No legs / fully upholstered base — more substantial and grounded; suits maximalist or traditional interiors
  • Swivel base — practical and fun; great in a home office or reading nook

5. Placement Ideas

  • A pair flanking a fireplace or console — classic and symmetrical
  • A single chair in a bedroom corner with a floor lamp and small side table — a perfect reading nook
  • Opposite the sofa — defines a conversation area and adds visual balance
  • In a home office — adds warmth and a non-desk seating option