Sideboard Buying Guide for Indian Homes: The Underrated Piece That Makes the Room

The accent chair is the one piece of furniture in your home that is entirely about joy. Not necessity. Not storage. Not seating capacity. Just the right person, in the right chair, in the right corner, reading or thinking or simply being still. It's also, practically speaking, the piece that transforms a living room or bedroom from "furnished" to "designed." The corner that had a plant and nothing else. The bedroom nook that finally has a reason to exist. The reading spot you've been meaning to create for three years. This guide tells you exactly how to find the right one. What Is an Accent Chair? An accent chair is a single-seat chair that serves a specific design or functional purpose within a room. It differs from a dining chair (which is part of a set, designed for table use) and from a sofa (which is the primary seating). An accent chair is: Standalone: It works independently, not as part of a set Distinctive: It should have a character of its own - different from the sofa Positioned deliberately: In a corner, beside a window, near a bookshelf, or at the foot of a bed Think of it as the chair you want to sit in, rather than the chair you have to sit in. Types of Accent Chairs for Indian Homes Wooden Armchair (Traditional / Heritage) A solid wood armchair with carved detailing, cushioned seat and back. The classic Indian drawing room chair. Works in traditional, heritage, and transitional interiors. The Induscraft accent chair collection includes multiple carved sheesham armchairs - from the Catherine Chair to the elaborate carved occasional chairs that work as statement pieces. Cane Back Chair A wooden frame with a cane woven backrest and/or seat. The most popular contemporary accent chair choice in Indian homes right now. Breathable in warm months, visually light, and works across multiple interior styles. The Ortho Cane Back Chair at Induscraft - sheesham frame, cane woven back - is this category. View the full collection. Rocking Chair A chair on curved runners that rocks gently. Deeply calming. Often associated with verandahs and elderly relatives, but genuinely one of the most enjoyable chairs to own. Makes a beautiful corner piece in a large living room, bedroom, or covered outdoor space. The rocking chairs at Induscraft range from traditional to contemporary styles. Upholstered Accent Chair A fully upholstered chair - fabric or leather - often with a solid wood frame. More comfort-forward than a wooden armchair. Wing chairs and tub chairs are common versions. Mid-Century Accent Chair Tapered wooden legs, simple upholstered seat and back. Minimal carving, clean silhouette. Works in Japandi, Scandinavian, and contemporary Indian interior styles. Where to Place an Accent Chair Placement is the most underrated part of the accent chair decision. The right chair in the wrong spot does nothing. The 3 Best Accent Chair Positions The Reading Corner: A chair positioned at 45 degrees to a corner, with a floor lamp behind the shoulder and a small side table within arm's reach. This creates a defined zone within a larger room - even without physical separation. Works in: Living room corners, large bedrooms, study rooms. The Bedroom End-of-Bed Spot: At the foot of the bed, on the wall opposite the wardrobe. Serves as a landing spot for clothes at the end of the day, a morning dressing seat, and a visual anchor for that end of the room. Works in: Any bedroom 150 sq ft and above. The Living Room Complement: Positioned to complete a conversation zone - typically at 90 degrees to one end of the sofa, creating a natural L-configuration that works for 3–4 people without requiring a full sofa set. Works in: Living rooms where a 3+1+1 configuration isn't necessary or doesn't fit. How to Choose the Right Size An accent chair that's too large overwhelms its spot. One that's too small disappears. Standard dimensions: Seat width: 55–70 cm Seat depth: 50–60 cm Total height (to top of back): 85–100 cm Seat height: 42–48 cm For a bedroom reading corner: A narrower chair (55–60 cm wide) with a higher back for support is ideal. For a living room: A slightly wider chair (65–70 cm) with a lower profile that doesn't compete with the sofa's visual height. Floor space needed: A chair + floor lamp + side table arrangement needs approximately 100 × 100 cm minimum. Plan for this before buying. Wood and Material: What to Look For Frame: Solid sheesham for maximum durability and termite resistance. All accent chairs in the Induscraft collection use solid sheesham frames. Seat cushion: Same principles as sofas - 35+ kg/m³ foam density for chairs you'll use daily. A thin cushion may feel fine initially and compress within a year. Cane panel: If choosing a cane back chair, check that the cane is properly mounted - not stapled, but woven around the frame. Run a finger across the weave - it should feel firm and consistent. Rocking mechanism: On rocking chairs, the runners should be seamlessly integrated with the frame joints. Rock it fully before buying - listen for any creak. Accent Chair and Side Table: The Pairing That Makes It Complete An accent chair without a side table is a torso without an arm. The side table holds your book, your drink, your phone. It completes the zone. Size rule: The side table should be within easy reach - 10–20 cm from the chair's armrest at approximately the same height as the armrest (60–70 cm). Browse Induscraft's bedside and side table collection for appropriate side tables to pair with accent chairs. Price Guide Type Price Range Basic wooden armchair ₹6,000–₹12,000 Cane back accent chair ₹9,000–₹18,000 Upholstered accent chair ₹12,000–₹28,000 Rocking chair, solid sheesham ₹10,000–₹22,000 Carved heritage armchair ₹18,000–₹45,000 The Bottom Line The accent chair is the most personal furniture purchase you'll make. It's the chair that's yours - your corner, your light, your book. Spend time choosing it. Sit in it if possible. Place it before deciding anything else goes in that corner. Browse: Accent Chairs at Induscraft - cane back, carved armchairs, rocking chairs, and more. All in solid sheesham. All handcrafted in Jodhpur. Frequently Asked Questions Q. What's the difference between an accent chair and an armchair? An armchair is any chair with armrests - it's a broad category. An accent chair is a specific role: a standalone, decorative-functional chair positioned deliberately within a room. All accent chairs are chairs, but not all chairs are accent chairs. Q. Can I use an accent chair as my primary living room seating? In a very small living room (under 180 sq ft), a pair of accent chairs can replace a sofa entirely. This is increasingly popular in studio apartments and compact 1BHKs where a sofa takes disproportionate space. Q. Do accent chairs need to match the sofa? No - and they shouldn't. The point of an accent chair is to add a different material, texture, or colour to the room. A cane back accent chair next to a wooden sofa set creates textural contrast. A carved wooden chair next to a fabric sofa creates material contrast. This tension is what makes rooms feel designed rather than just furnished. Q. What is the best accent chair for a reading corner? A high-back chair with armrests and a cushioned seat - either a wooden armchair with a thick seat cushion or an upholstered wingback. The high back supports the neck during extended reading sessions. A cane-back chair is a beautiful choice if the room has adequate warmth and you're not reading for marathon sessions. Q. Is a rocking chair practical indoors in India? Yes - modern rocking chairs on smooth runners work on marble, tile, and polished floor surfaces without scratching. They're excellent for verandahs, large bedrooms, and living room corners. Traditional cane/wood rockers work beautifully in Indian homes.

Some furniture decisions are purely functional. A bed, on one level, is not - it's also the most powerful visual element in any bedroom. And no bed makes a more deliberate visual statement than a canopy bed. But it's also a commitment. Wrong room, wrong ceiling height, wrong context - and a canopy bed becomes an obstacle rather than a centrepiece. This guide helps you decide. What Exactly Is a Canopy Bed? A canopy bed (also called a four-poster bed) has four vertical posts rising above the mattress level, often connected at the top by a frame. The posts can be fitted with fabric drapes, mosquito nets, or left bare as a purely architectural element. The Indian tradition of the "palang" with carved posts is the ancestral version of the canopy bed - richly carved teak or sheesham posts, a structural canopy overhead, often with carved or brass-inlaid headboards. Modern Indian canopy beds range from traditional Rajasthani carved pieces to clean minimalist four-post frames that make a statement without carved ornamentation. Canopy Bed vs Platform Bed vs Storage Bed Feature Canopy Bed Platform Bed Storage Bed  Visual impact Maximum Minimal-moderate Minimal Ceiling height needed 10 ft minimum 8 ft 8 ft Practical storage Usually none Sometimes Primary feature Best room size 200+ sq ft Any Any Primary reason to choose Aesthetics, presence Minimalism, versatility Storage, practicality Price range ₹55,000–₹1,50,000+ ₹18,000–₹60,000 ₹28,000–₹82,000 Is Your Bedroom Actually Right for a Canopy Bed? A canopy bed works beautifully in the right context and looks awkward in the wrong one. Before deciding, check these four things: 1. Ceiling Height This is non-negotiable. A canopy bed with posts rising 6–7 feet above the mattress needs at least 10 feet of ceiling clearance - ideally 11–12 feet for the drape to hang gracefully. Standard Indian apartment ceiling height: 9–10 feet. Tight but possible for a low-canopy design. Older bungalows and independent villas: 11–14 feet. Ideal. If your ceiling is 8.5 feet or below, skip the canopy bed. It will look cramped. 2. Room Size A king-size canopy bed needs a minimum 14 × 14 ft room to breathe properly - with walking clearance on all sides and space for a wardrobe without the room feeling overwhelmed by the bed. 3. The Drape Decision Canopy beds can be used with or without fabric drapes: Without drapes: The four posts become a sculptural, architectural element. Cleaner, more contemporary. Easier to maintain. With drapes: Creates intimacy, a sense of enclosure, and a dramatic aesthetic. Indian homes traditionally used cotton or silk drapes. Also practical - mosquito net integration in areas where this is relevant. 4. Room Style Consistency A carved sheesham canopy bed is a statement piece. Everything else in the room - wardrobe, dressing table, bedside tables - needs to be in conversation with it, not competing. Plan the full room before committing. Canopy Bed Designs at Induscraft Asteroid 4-Piece Canopy Bed Set (₹78,000–₹1,23,000): The flagship canopy bed at Induscraft - a full room set including the canopy bed, bedside tables, and matching pieces. Solid sheesham, available in multiple finishes. For bedrooms that mean business. Strowman Solid Wood Canopy Bed: A cleaner, more contemporary four-post design. Less carved ornamentation, stronger architectural presence. Works equally in traditional and transitional interiors. Both are available in the Induscraft beds collection. If your bedroom qualifies - right ceiling height, right room size, right design commitment - these are among the most distinctive pieces in the Indian solid wood category. How to Style a Canopy Bed Bedding: Rich, layered. A canopy bed invites generous bedding - a proper base sheet, a duvet or quilt, multiple cushions, and a throw. Spare, minimal bedding looks underwhelming against the drama of the frame. Colour: Deep, rich tones work best with a carved dark-walnut canopy frame - navy, deep green, burgundy, gold. Lighter frames (honey sheesham) work with softer palettes. Side tables: Should be substantial enough to balance the bed's visual weight. Thin wire or glass tables look incongruous. Solid wood bedside tables that coordinate with the bed frame are the right choice. Lighting: Pendant lights on either side of the bed (rather than table lamps) work better with a canopy bed - they don't compete visually with the posts. What Are the Practical Drawbacks? Dust accumulation: The canopy frame and drapes trap dust. Regular dusting of the posts and periodic washing of fabric drapes is required. Moving difficulty: A full canopy bed frame disassembles but is significantly larger to move than a platform or storage bed. If you move frequently, factor this in. Children and safety: The posts are sturdy but the drapes can be a hazard for very young children who may pull on them. If you have toddlers, either skip the drapes or choose a canopy bed with a secure, high frame. The Bottom Line A canopy bed is a once-in-a-lifetime piece for most Indian homeowners. It works in the right room - generous ceiling height, large footprint, design-committed aesthetic. If your bedroom qualifies, it becomes the room's entire identity. If it doesn't, a well-chosen platform or storage bed is the smarter choice. Explore both: Beds collection at Induscraft - canopy beds, storage beds, platform beds, and everything in between. Frequently Asked Questions Q. What ceiling height is needed for a canopy bed in India? Minimum 10 feet for a standard canopy frame. 11–12 feet is ideal if you plan to hang fabric drapes. Q. Can a canopy bed be used without the canopy/drapes? Absolutely - four-poster beds look excellent with bare posts. This is the more contemporary interpretation and requires less maintenance. Q. Is a canopy bed practical with AC? Yes, but with drapes, the fabric slightly reduces airflow around the bed. Use lighter, breathable fabric (cotton muslin) if the room is warm. Q. Are canopy beds available with storage? Some models are. However, the storage mechanism on a canopy bed is less common and typically limited to a box storage base. Hydraulic storage mechanisms are rare on canopy frame beds.

There are very few pieces of furniture that are distinctly, unmistakably Indian. The diwan is one of them. In Mughal courts, the diwan was where nobles reclined to receive guests. In traditional Indian homes, it's where the elder of the family sits - commanding presence, comfortable position. In modern urban apartments, it's the sofa-that-isn't-a-sofa, the day bed that doesn't look like one, the guest bed that actually looks intentional. If you've been looking at living room furniture and feeling like something is missing - the diwan might be exactly what your space needs. What Is a Diwan? A diwan (also spelled divan, derived from Persian) is a wide, low, backless or low-backed platform typically used for seating and reclining. Unlike a sofa, it doesn't have a defined back - it's designed for a variety of postures: sitting upright, reclining against bolsters, or lying flat. Dimensions (typical): Length: 180-220 cm (6–7.2 feet) Width: 75-100 cm (2.5–3.3 feet) Height: 30--45 cm (seat height from floor) The wide width is what distinguishes it from a bench or a sofa. It accommodates comfortable cross-legged sitting (standard in many Indian households), reclining with bolster pillows, and occasional sleeping. Diwan vs Sofa Cum Bed - Which One Do You Actually Need? This is the comparison most buyers get confused about. Diwan Sofa Cum Bed Mechanism None - it simply is a wide platform Has a conversion mechanism (fold-out, extension, or pull-out) Sleeping surface Fixed width - may be narrower than a single bed Extends to a full sleeping width Seating posture Multi-posture (upright, reclined, cross-legged) Primarily upright seating Durability Extremely high - no mechanism to fail Medium - mechanism is the wear point Aesthetic Architectural, traditional, or contemporary More "sofa-like" Storage Often available with under-frame storage Sometimes, depending on model Choose a diwan if: You want a versatile day-use piece for seating and napping that becomes occasional guest sleeping. Form, aesthetics, and longevity matter more than a full sleeping surface. Choose a sofa cum bed if: You need a full single/double sleeping surface for regular guest use that converts to a normal-looking sofa. Browse both at Induscraft: Diwans and Sofa Cum Beds. Types of Diwan Designs Traditional/Heritage Carved Diwan Ornate carved wooden frame - florals, geometric patterns, or architectural motifs. Often in dark walnut or rosewood finish. Makes a strong visual statement. The Princely Diaries hand-carved diwan at Induscraft is this category - a piece with genuine artisan craftsmanship. View it here. Contemporary Diwan Clean lines, minimal or no carving, lower profile. Works in modern and transitional Indian apartments. Pairs well with upholstered sofas and a contemporary aesthetic. Day Bed with Storage A diwan-style piece with drawers or a lift-top storage base. Excellent for small bedrooms where the diwan also serves as a day bed for the second occupant. The Antilia Divan with diamond design and storage at Induscraft is exactly this. See it here. Where to Place a Diwan Living room: Along a side wall, perpendicular to the main sofa. Creates a secondary seating zone and makes the room feel more layered and considered. Master bedroom: At the foot of the bed or along a side wall as a reading/reclining spot. Second bedroom/guest room: As the primary sleeping surface with a good-quality mattress topper. Balcony or enclosed verandah: A diwan on a large balcony creates an outdoor relaxation zone that's unmistakably Indian in character. Cushions and Styling: Getting the Diwan Aesthetic Right A diwan without the right cushions is just a wooden platform. The cushions and bolsters are what transform it into the inviting, multi-functional piece it's supposed to be. The standard setup: Base cushion/mattress: 3-4 inches thick, covering the full platform. Cotton-filled or foam. Firm enough for seating, comfortable enough for sleeping. Bolster pillows: Long cylindrical pillows placed at each end as armrests when reclining. Typically 2 per diwan. Back cushions: 2-4 cushions leaned against the wall behind the diwan for back support in upright sitting position. Fabric guide: Cotton: Most practical for Indian conditions. Breathable, washable, durable. Silk or brocade: Beautiful for a formal aesthetic but requires dry cleaning. Velvet: Rich look, works in cooler, air-conditioned rooms. Ikat or block print: Classic Indian textile that pairs naturally with a carved sheesham diwan. What to Check Before Buying Frame construction: Mortise-and-tenon joints at all connection points. No wobble in any direction when fully loaded. Carving quality: If buying a carved diwan, look at the back of the carving - clean cuts and consistent depth indicate quality work. Shallow or inconsistent carving suggests machine shortcuts. Platform surface: Should be flat, level, and smooth. Check that the base cushion will sit flat without rocking. Storage mechanism (if applicable): Lift the storage panel. It should operate smoothly and stay open without being held. Finish consistency: Check all faces - including sides and back. A quality piece is finished consistently on all visible surfaces, not just the front. Price Guide Type Price Range  Basic solid wood, no carving ₹18,000–₹28,000 Mid-range with storage ₹25,000–₹38,000 Hand-carved heritage diwan ₹35,000–₹60,000 Premium artisan carved piece ₹55,000–₹90,000 Frequently Asked Questions Q. Can a diwan be used as a regular bed?For occasional sleeping (guests 1–2 nights), yes. For regular nightly sleeping, the width (75–90 cm) may feel narrow compared to a standard single bed (90–100 cm). Adding a 4-inch mattress topper significantly improves comfort. Q. What's the standard diwan size in Indian homes?Most diwans are 180–200 cm long and 75–90 cm wide. Larger versions (up to 220 cm long, 100 cm wide) function more comfortably as sleeping surfaces. Q. Can a diwan replace a sofa in a small living room?Yes - in small apartments (under 500 sq ft), a diwan with back cushions against a wall can function as the primary seating piece and eliminate the need for a full sofa set. Q. Is a carved diwan high maintenance? The carved wood frame requires the same maintenance as any sheesham piece - annual oiling and regular dusting. The carving itself doesn't require special maintenance beyond keeping dust from accumulating in the grooves.