Difficult to quantify because of the number of pieces and the propensity of furniture manufacturers to call this category occasional, the products still represent the second largest category with 2005 sales of $13.9 billion and estimated growth in 2006 to $14.5 billion, a 4.5% increase.

Several mainline furniture companies including Pulaski and Magnussen have introduced lines of accent furniture in the last few years that help traditional furniture stores own this category with sales of $3.8 billion in 2005 and an estimated $3.9 billion in 2006. Small accent pieces are often what consumers can impulse-buy and take home the same day.

Estimated to grow much faster than the category as a whole (4.5%) are discount department stores/off-price retailers and direct-to-consumer with year-over-year growth estimated at 7.3% each. Target executives' recent statement to analysts that they think their home departments have turned the corner and Wal-Mart's increased emphasis on home are proof that category is in a strong growth pattern.

Stores like T.J. Maxx and its Home Goods division, Tuesday Morning and Big Lots are off-price retailers building inventory in accent furniture.

Lifestyle stores like Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, Crate & Barrel, and Restoration Hardware help keep that channel important at $1.8 billion for 2005, but the weakness of stores like Pier 1 keep the increase for the category to an estimated $80 million for 2006.