What Is a Slipper Chair?
Everything you need to know about this simply beautiful accent chair.
Your search for the perfect accent chair for any room ends here. Sleek, effortless, and comfortable, the slipper chair has everything you need in a piece of accent furniture. Keep reading for an introduction to the slipper chair, from what a slipper chair is to how you can use it to upgrade your home's functional decor.
What Is a Slipper Chair?
Slipper Chair Decorating Ideas
What Is a Slipper Chair?
A slipper chair is a medium to large upholstered occasional chair that lacks arms and sits low to the ground. These high-back chairs got their name during the Victorian era, when they were used to comfortably seat high-class women while they put on their shoes or slippers. Nowadays, slipper chairs aren't used to serve such a specific function. Instead, they are used as accent furniture pieces that double as comfy additional seating.
Versatile in design, slipper chairs are the chameleons of the decor world – they can be farmhouse or industrial, modern or traditional, simple or sophisticated. While the general streamlined and armless shape is consistent across all models, ornate details (tufting, turned legs, luxe fabric) can give a slipper chair some additional flair.
Tip!
Already familiar with a slipper chair? Test yourself to see how many chairs you already know in our guide: Types of Chairs to Know for Your Home
Slipper Chair Decorating Ideas
Styleby Windows as Comfortable Space-fillers
Corners with windows are the perfect spaces for slipper chairs. They can transform once unused areas into attractive, relaxing sitting spots. Pair them with simple side tables to increase their functionality.
Create an eclectic dining room
Place a slipper chair at each end of a long dining table and flank the sides with simpler dining chairs. They don't have to match – the mix-and-match look is perfect for farmhouse dining rooms.
Warm up a glam bathroom
Dominated by tile, stone, mirrors, glass, or metal, many bathrooms can feel cold. Add warmth, softness, and subtle glamour by placing a cushy slipper chair in an open corner. They also make for lovely vanity seating.
Decorate with throw pillows and blankets for a cozy reading spot in your living room
Slipper chairs are amazing seats on which to curl up and read a good book. Add coziness by adorning one with stylish throw pillows and throw blankets. Sit a slipper chair next to a vintage lamp to emphasize the classic, bookish look.
Embrace bold patterns
Because of their design simplicity, slipper chairs display bold patterns and bright colors beautifully. If your living room, dining room, or bedroom has a more neutral color palette and you're looking for a way to step it up, consider a striking slipper chair.
Embrace their Victorian era utility
Narrow entryways and busy mudrooms may not have enough space for large accent chairs or benches. Because of their minimal profile, slipper chairs will fit right in. Use one as the Victorian ladies did – sit on a slipper chair while you put on your shoes!
Style Next to a Side Table
Relaxing with a book, beverage, or drink? Have a place to sit these items thanks to a side table next to your slipper chair.
Put Your Feet Up With an Ottoman
Prop your feet up to maximize your comfort without compromising your style. Opt for a slipper chair with a matching ottoman you can rest your feet on, or style with an elegant tray to house your decorative objects.
Tip!
For more accent chair inspiration, check out this guide: Your Guide to the Best Accent Chairs
Now that you know what a slipper chair is, it’s time to find the right accent addition to your home!


