You can add holiday seating without replacing your sofa by bringing in one or two accent chairs about 28 to 32 inches wide, a swivel chair for rooms that face two ways, and an ottoman or two that tuck away after the visit. Keep main walkways about 30 to 36 inches clear, set chairs within about 6 to 8 feet of the sofa so everyone can talk, and sit in each chair in a showroom for a few minutes before you buy to check the seat height, depth, and how easy it is to get up.
This guide is for Calgary families who are expecting a fuller living room this season, whether that means grandparents for a week, cousins for Christmas Eve, or friends dropping by on a snowy weekend. It walks through counting the seats you need, measuring the room and walkways, choosing chair sizes that fit beside a sofa, where to place extra chairs, swivel chairs and ottomans, borrowing seats from other rooms, comfort for older guests, fabrics for a busy season, side tables, sightlines, and a simple showroom seat test. If you want to create a quiet spot for two people to talk, our companion guide on a two-chair conversation spot covers that layout in detail.
Why Add Chairs Instead of Another Sofa
When the family grows for the holidays, the first idea is often a bigger sofa or a sectional. For many Calgary living rooms, that is more change than the room needs. A new sofa takes up the same wall, needs the same walkway, and usually seats only one or two more people. Adding accent chairs in Calgary homes puts seats exactly where you need them, in corners, beside the sofa, or across the room, and the chairs can move when the visit is over.
Chairs also make conversation easier. People sitting in a row on a long sofa have to lean forward to see each other, while a chair set at an angle faces the group naturally. A mix of seat types suits a mix of guests too. Grandparents may prefer a firm chair with arms, kids happily take an ottoman, and a teenager will claim a swivel chair in the corner. Adding one or two well-chosen pieces of living room furniture Calgary families already own or can easily add turns an everyday living room into a gathering space for the season, and the same chairs give you a reading spot or a second seat by the window for the rest of the year.
Count the Seats You Need for Holiday Visits
Before you shop, count. Write down how many people usually sit in the living room on a normal evening, then how many will be there during your biggest holiday gathering. Note who they are, too, since a room full of young cousins needs different seats than a visit from older relatives. Most sofas seat about three adults comfortably, and a loveseat about two, so the gap between your everyday number and your holiday number is the number of extra seats you need.
Not every extra seat needs to be a chair. Kids are often happiest on an ottoman, a floor cushion, or the arm of the sofa for a short while. Teenagers may drift to the kitchen island. For a big dinner, many guests will be at the table, not in the living room. Plan for the moments when most people gather in one room, such as opening gifts, watching a game, or having dessert by the fireplace. A good starting point is one or two accent chairs plus one or two ottomans, which together can add three or four seats without changing the main sofa at all.
Measure the Room and the Walkways First
The biggest risk when adding accent chairs in Calgary living rooms is blocking the paths people use. As a general guide, keep main walkways about 30 to 36 inches wide, and closer to 36 inches where guests will carry plates, drinks, or gifts. Secondary paths, such as the space between a chair and a side table, can be a little narrower, about 24 to 30 inches. Measure from the furthest point of each piece, such as the front of a chair arm or the edge of an ottoman.
Sketch the room or mark it with painter's tape before you buy. Mark where the sofa, coffee table, TV, fireplace, and doorways are, then tape the footprint of each chair you are considering. Walk through the room as if you were carrying a tray of drinks from the kitchen to the sofa, and as if you were a guest heading for the front door with a coat. Check that doors, closets, and the path to the patio or stairs still open freely. In winter, leave room near the entry for boots and coats, since Calgary visitors arrive bundled up. If a chair blocks a path, try a smaller size or a different spot before deciding it will not fit.
Accent Chairs in Calgary Living Rooms: Sizes That Fit Beside a Sofa
Accent chairs come in a wide range of sizes, and choosing the right scale is the key to adding seats without crowding. Compact chairs are often about 25 to 30 inches wide and about 30 to 34 inches deep, which suits most living rooms and condos. Larger lounge chairs, club chairs, and armchairs can be 34 to 40 inches wide and deep, which feels generous in a big family room but can take over a small space. Many accent chairs in Calgary showrooms fall in the middle, at about 28 to 32 inches wide.
At Showhome, for example, the Junior arm chair is about 28 inches wide and 35 inches deep, the 2443 swivel chair is about 28 inches wide and 33 inches deep, and the Oscy swivel chair is about 31 inches square with a lower 28 inch back. The Baltimo swivel glider is larger, at about 34 inches wide and 36 inches deep. When choosing accent chairs in Calgary for a room that already holds a sofa, compare the chair's depth with the space in front of it, since depth is what most often pushes a chair into the walkway. A chair that is slightly smaller than you first imagined usually fits the room better.
Where to Put an Extra Chair: Corners, Sofa Ends, and Across the Room
There are a few reliable spots for extra chairs. Placing a chair at the end of the sofa, angled slightly toward the room, extends the seating group without blocking anything. Leave about 6 to 12 inches between the sofa arm and the chair, so the pieces look separate and there is room for a small table. Corners are another good spot, especially for a swivel chair or a nest chair that can turn toward the group or toward a window.
Across from the sofa, a chair or two creates a natural conversation area. Keep seats within about 6 to 8 feet of each other so people can talk without raising their voices, and leave about 18 to 24 inches between the front of each chair and the coffee table. If a chair sits with its back to a walkway, keep at least 30 to 36 inches clear behind it. Angling chairs about 20 to 30 degrees toward the centre of the room makes them feel more welcoming than lining them up against the wall. Try a few spots with a dining chair as a stand-in before you buy, so you can see which placement works best for your room and your guests.
Swivel Chairs for Rooms With Two Directions
Many Calgary homes have open main floors where the living room faces the TV on one side and the kitchen, dining table, or a view on the other. A swivel chair suits these rooms well, since a guest can turn to watch the game, then swing around to talk with someone at the island. Swivel chairs also work in corners, where they can face the room or the window, and in rooms where the focal point changes between the fireplace and the TV.
Swivel chairs need a little more clearance than fixed chairs, since the back and arms sweep a wider circle as the chair turns. Check the space behind and beside the chair before you buy, and keep side tables and lamps just outside the turning area. Swivel gliders add a gentle rocking motion that many guests find relaxing. Among the swivel chairs Calgary shoppers can see at Showhome are the Oscy, with a seat height of about 17 inches, and the 2050 and 2443 swivel chairs, with seat heights of about 18 inches and seat depths of about 21 inches. If you are comparing swivel chairs Calgary stores have on the floor, turn each one fully while seated to check that the motion is smooth and quiet.
Ottomans and Poufs: Seats That Tuck Away
Ottomans are one of the easiest ways to add holiday seating. A firm ottoman becomes a seat for a child or an extra guest, a footrest for someone relaxing after dinner, or a surface for a tray of drinks. When the visit is over, it slides under a console, tucks beside the sofa, or moves to a bedroom. Poufs and small cubes are light enough for kids to move themselves, which makes them handy on busy days.
Choose ottomans with a firm, flat top if they will be used as seats, since very soft or rounded tops are hard to sit on for long. A height of about 16 to 18 inches is close to a standard seat height. Storage ottomans add another benefit, since they can hold blankets, board games, or gift wrap during the season. Showhome carries ottomans such as the Megginson ottoman with storage. When you look at ottomans Calgary families use for extra seating, sit on each one and check that it feels stable and does not tip when you lean to one side. Two smaller ottomans are often more flexible than one large one, since they can move to different spots as guests arrive.
Borrowing Chairs From Other Rooms for Big Days
For the biggest gatherings, you do not need to buy every extra seat. Dining chairs, a bench from the entry, a desk chair, or a chair from a bedroom can fill in for a few hours. Choose the most comfortable ones, and add a cushion or a folded throw to soften hard seats. Upholstered dining chairs with a moderate seat height work well in a living room for an evening.
Place borrowed chairs where they will not block paths, and move them back once the gathering is over so the room does not feel crowded day to day. This is also a good way to test where a new accent chair might go. If a borrowed dining chair keeps ending up in the same corner every time family visits, that is a clear sign the room could use a permanent chair there. Keep a note of which spots worked and which felt crowded, so when you shop for living room chairs Calgary showrooms carry, you already know the size and placement that suit your room.
Seat Height and Depth: Matching the Sofa
For accent chairs in Calgary living rooms to feel comfortable beside the sofa, the seats should sit at similar heights. As a general guide, most sofa and accent chair seats are about 17 to 19 inches high, and a chair within a few inches of the sofa seat height keeps everyone at the same eye level for conversation. A chair that is much lower can be hard to get out of, while one that is much higher makes the person sitting in it tower over the group.
Seat depth shapes how people sit. A depth of about 20 to 22 inches suits upright sitting and most adults, which makes it a good choice for guests who are visiting and talking. Deeper seats suit lounging and curling up, but they can be harder for shorter or older guests to use comfortably. At Showhome, one leather lounge chair with a solid ash frame has a seat height of about 19 inches and a seat depth of about 21 inches, and the Morisson leather occasional chair sits a little lower at about 17 inches with a similar depth. When you compare living room chairs Calgary shoppers might add for guests, check the seat height and depth on the product details, then sit in the chair to feel the difference.
Arms, Backs, and Comfort for Older Guests
Holiday visitors often include grandparents and older relatives, and their comfort matters most. Chairs with sturdy arms make it easier to sit down and stand up, since people can push off from the arms. A firm seat that does not sink too far is easier to rise from than a soft, deep cushion. A seat height of about 18 to 19 inches suits most adults, while a seat that is too low can be a real challenge.
A supportive back helps too. Chairs with a back that reaches at least the shoulder blades give better support for long conversations than low-back designs, and a slight recline feels relaxed without making it hard to get up. Place the most supportive chair close to the main seating group, with a side table nearby for a cup of tea, and away from cold drafts by the door. Swivel and glider chairs can be harder for some older guests to use, since the seat moves as they sit, so offer a fixed chair as well. Asking older family members to try a chair in the showroom with you is the best way to know it will work for them.
Fabric and Leather That Handle a Busy Season
Holiday gatherings bring food, drinks, kids, and pets into the living room, so choose upholstery that can handle a busy few weeks. Performance fabrics and tightly woven upholstery resist spills and are easier to clean than loose, textured weaves. Leather wipes clean easily and does not hold onto crumbs or pet hair, which makes it a practical choice for a well-used chair. Bouclé and velvet look warm and cozy for winter, but they can show marks and may need more careful cleaning.
Colour matters as well. Mid-tone colours and gentle patterns hide everyday marks better than very light or very dark solids. A chair in a contrasting colour or texture can add interest to the room without needing to match the sofa exactly. At Showhome, chairs come in fabrics, faux leather, and leather, including leather lounge chairs with solid ash frames, the Raeleigh chair in faux leather, and the Baltimo swivel glider in bouclé and other fabrics. Ask about the cleaning instructions for any chair you are considering, and keep a soft cloth handy during the holidays so small spills are wiped up right away.
A Table Within Reach of Every Seat
Every seat in a living room needs somewhere to set down a drink, a plate, or a phone. Guests in an extra chair without a table end up holding their cup all evening or setting it on the floor, where it is easy to knock over. Plan a surface within easy reach of each chair, ideally about 6 to 12 inches from the arm, at a height close to the chair arm, often about 22 to 28 inches.
Side tables, C-shaped tables that slide over the chair arm, small stools, and nesting tables all work well. Nesting tables are especially handy for the holidays, since you can spread them out when guests arrive and stack them away afterwards. A storage ottoman with a tray on top can serve as both a seat and a table. If a chair sits close to the coffee table, the coffee table may be enough, as long as the guest can reach it without leaning far forward. A small lamp on one of the tables adds warm light for evening visits, especially during Calgary's long December nights when it is dark before five.
Keeping Sightlines to the Tree, Fireplace, and TV
Extra chairs should help people enjoy the room, not block the view. During the holidays, many living rooms have three focal points: the TV for movies and games, the fireplace, and the Christmas tree. Before placing a chair, sit on the sofa and check that the chair back does not block the view of any of them. Low-back chairs and armless chairs keep sightlines open better than tall wingbacks.
Place chairs so they face into the group and toward the main focal point, rather than with their backs to it. If the tree takes up a corner where a chair usually sits, move the chair beside the sofa or across the room for the season. A swivel chair is helpful here too, since it can face the fireplace during conversation and the TV during the game. Check sightlines from the doorway as well, since a room that looks open from the entry feels more welcoming to arriving guests. Keeping views clear also helps the room feel larger and calmer, even when it is full of family.
A Real Seat Test in the Showroom
A chair can look lovely in a photo and still feel wrong when you sit in it. The only way to know is to try it. When you visit a showroom, sit in each chair for at least a few minutes, the way you and your guests will use it. Sit upright as if talking, lean back as if relaxing, and then stand up without using your hands if you can, to see how easy it is to get out.
Bring your measurements and a few photos of your room, including the sofa, so you can compare heights and sizes. Check how the seat height compares with your sofa, whether your feet rest flat on the floor, and whether the arms are at a comfortable height for resting your elbows. Try swivel and glider chairs through their full motion. Ask about the fabric or leather, the cleaning instructions, and the dimensions. If an older relative will use the chair often, bring them along. Trying several living room chairs Calgary showrooms have on display, side by side, helps you see which one fits your room and your guests best.
After the Holidays: Chairs That Earn Their Place All Year
The best holiday seating keeps working once the guests have gone home. An accent chair beside a window becomes a reading spot. A swivel chair in the corner becomes the favourite seat for watching the game or chatting while someone cooks. An ottoman becomes a footrest and a place for a tray on movie nights. Choosing accent chairs in Calgary showrooms that suit your everyday life as well as the busy season makes them a better investment.
Think about where each piece will live in January. If a chair will move to a bedroom or home office after the holidays, choose a size and style that suits that room too. If an ottoman will slide under a console, measure the space. Coordinating new chairs with your existing living room furniture Calgary homes already have, such as the sofa, rug, and coffee table, helps them blend in year round. When chosen well, a couple of accent chairs and ottomans make the room more flexible for every visit, from holiday dinners to summer barbecues and long winter weekends at home.
Accent Chairs in Calgary: A Holiday Seating Checklist
A few quick checks make holiday seating simple, even in a smaller living room. Use this checklist before you shop and again when you set up the room for guests, so every seat has a clear purpose and every path stays open for guests:
- Count your everyday and holiday seating numbers.
- Measure the room, the walkways, and the space beside the sofa.
- Keep main walkways about 30 to 36 inches wide.
- Choose chairs about 28 to 32 inches wide for most living rooms.
- Keep seat heights within a few inches of the sofa, about 17 to 19 inches.
- Place chairs within about 6 to 8 feet of each other for conversation.
- Add a swivel chair for rooms that face two directions.
- Add one or two firm ottomans that tuck away after the visit.
- Give every seat a table within reach.
- Sit in each chair in the showroom before you buy.
How Showhome Furniture Helps You Add Holiday Seating
At Showhome Furniture, we have helped Calgary families furnish their homes since 1987, and we know how much a few extra seats matter when the family comes home for the holidays. Our showroom has accent chairs, swivel chairs, lounge chairs, nest chairs, and ottomans in a range of sizes, fabrics, and leathers, so you can compare them side by side and find the right fit for your room. Our team can help you choose sizes that work beside your sofa and plan a layout that keeps walkways clear.
More than a third of what we carry is hand-made in Canada. Book a free design consultation, and bring a photo of your living room, the size of your sofa, and a note about how many guests you expect. One of our designers will help you plan where extra seats should go, which chairs suit your family, and how to keep the room open and welcoming. If you are also thinking about a new sofa or sectional, we can show you custom options for those pieces too.
Visit Showhome Furniture in Calgary
Showhome Furniture is located inside North Hill Centre at 1616 14th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, in a 70,000 square foot showroom where you can sit in accent chairs, turn swivel chairs, and try ottomans in person before you decide. We are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, closed Sundays, and our free design consultations run Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 5:30pm.
We offer delivery through a trusted third-party partner, including white glove service and removal of your old furniture, and in-store pickup is also available. Every purchase includes a one-year manufacturer warranty, with an optional Guardsman five-year protection plan, and financing is available through Fairstone. Our family-run team is proud of the more than 5,300 Google reviews and 4.9 star rating our customers have shared. Availability changes often, so if there is a specific chair you would like to try, call ahead and we will let you know what is on the floor. We look forward to helping you choose accent chairs in Calgary that make room for everyone this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accent chairs should I add for holiday guests?
One or two accent chairs plus one or two ottomans usually add three or four seats without crowding the room.
What size accent chair fits beside a sofa?
Most living rooms suit chairs about 28 to 32 inches wide. Compact chairs of about 25 to 30 inches work well in condos.
How much walkway space should I leave?
Keep main walkways about 30 to 36 inches wide, and secondary paths about 24 to 30 inches.
How far apart should seats be for conversation?
Keep seats within about 6 to 8 feet of each other so guests can talk comfortably.
What seat height is best for an accent chair?
Most accent chairs are about 17 to 19 inches high. Choose one within a few inches of your sofa seat height.
Are swivel chairs good for guests?
Yes. Swivel chairs suit open rooms that face two directions, but keep a fixed chair for guests who prefer a seat that does not move.
Can ottomans be used as seats?
Yes. Many ottomans Calgary families buy double as seats. Choose a firm, flat ottoman about 16 to 18 inches high. Storage ottomans can also hold blankets and games.
What chair is best for older guests?
A firm seat about 18 to 19 inches high, sturdy arms, and a supportive back make it easier to sit down and stand up.
Where should an extra chair go?
At the end of the sofa, in a corner, or across from the sofa, angled toward the group and clear of walkways.
How do I test an accent chair in a showroom?
Sit for a few minutes upright and relaxed, stand up without using your hands, and compare the seat height with your sofa.
Where is Showhome Furniture located in Calgary?
We are inside North Hill Centre at 1616 14th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB.
What are Showhome Furniture's store hours?
We are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and closed Sundays.
How do I book a free design consultation at Showhome Furniture?
Call us or visit the store to book a free design consultation, available Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 5:30pm. Bring a photo of your room.
Does Showhome Furniture sell accent chairs and ottomans?
Yes. We carry accent chairs, swivel chairs, lounge chairs, nest chairs, and ottomans. Availability changes, so check with our team.
Does Showhome Furniture deliver in Calgary?
Yes. We offer delivery through a trusted third-party partner, including white glove service and removal of your old furniture. In-store pickup is also available.
