Well friends, today marks one week in the new house, our seventh house! The unpacking progress has been slow but steady. And in the moments I’ve had between unpacking and organizing, I’ve been on the hunt for some new dining room chairs. And I’d love your opinions!
I’m a firm believer in inviting people over to your home right from the start. I’m not someone who waits to entertain or host guests until my house to-do list has been completed. I might never have people over I did. 😉 (We had friends over just last night for wine and charcuterie! Pull up a box and make yourself comfortable. 😉 )
I think the thing that makes a house feel like home is filling it with your people, inviting your friends over and gathering around the table. That’s the stuff that makes a home feel…..like home, you know?
SO my first order of new house business is to get some dining room chairs up in here.
I’m not one to buy all new furniture every time we move into a new house. In fact, my favorite part of moving into a new home is playing a game of musical furniture. Nothing gives an old piece of furniture new life like using it in a totally different space in your new abode.
Case in point, my “new” dining room table is my “old” office desk. When I was on the hunt for a desk for my office at our sixth house I purposefully opted to look for a dining table instead of a traditional desk. Because I wanted to have options. And I’m so glad I made that decision because I am loving this burl wood table in our new dining space! It was dreary outside when I snapped these photos, so this picture hardly does this table justice.
Our “old” dining room table and metal chairs now live out on our screen porch (I’ll share more about that space very soon!). So the only things in my new dining room that used to live in my old dining room are the slipcovered wingback dining chairs.
I want to bring in 4 side chairs, so we can start having dinners around our table. Design wise, my plan is to keep this space fairly neutral. The room is wrapped with windows, and I love all the lush green outside. I think keeping with a neutral, simple vibe in here will really allow the outdoor view to feel like part of the design.
I will most likely stay with white walls in here because this space is open to both the kitchen and living room. And I like that it all feels really open, airy and cohesive with the walls all painted the same white color – Pure White by Sherwin Williams.
I may bring in a color for the ceiling or possibly a patterned wallpaper to punch this space up a bit, but for now, I’m focusing on bringing in side chairs. So we can start using this space right away.
With the traditional crystal chandelier and classic shape of the wingback chairs, I’d like to bring in side chairs with more of a modern bent. I love mixing contrasting styles, especially in a neutral space. It just adds so much interest.
I’ve narrowed it down to 5 options, and I’d love your input!
#1 – Upholstered Seat with Cane Back
This chair is a beaut! I love this glam, modern take on a traditional cane back chair. It’s a newer item though with only one online review that isn’t very positive. Plus it’s not available to ship until December. And while I could wait, I’m not sure I love it more than these other options anyway.
#2 – Caned Back Chair with Arms
I love the look of this caned back dining chair with arms, but I’m worried about how comfortable the cane seating will be.
#3 – Cane Back Bentwood
This cane back bentwood is so pretty, and I think this tighter weave on the seat cushion will be more comfortable than the cane seating of my #2 option. But I wonder if this style might be too casual for what I want in here. It feels a little more bistro than dining room, right?
#4 – Faux Leather Dining Chair
These modern faux leather dining chairs are definitely the wild card option here as compared to all the other styles I’m considering. But I do love the curves of this chair which would play really nicely with the curves of my slipcovered end chairs. My only concern with these is that sometimes faux leather can look really cheap, and ordering online is a risk. Have any of you seen these CB2 chairs in person? We don’t have a store here in Charleston.
#5 – Leather & Cane Back
These Bobby Berk chairs are probably my number 1 right now. I am obsessed! I love this leather and cane back combo. These chairs feel like a modern classic. And they look like they are probably really comfortable too!
What are your thoughts friends? Which chair option do you like best?
My 2cents. If you looking for contrast with a modern bent definitely #4. It marries well with the curves of wingbacks and pulls the punch of the window frame. I think you could also choose a warm caramel color if you wants softer look. #5 is a distant second if you really have your heart set on cane back. I think cane is very uncomfortable and #1 looks like a doctor’s office chair, # 2 & #3 seems too traditional and uncomfortable Whatever you choose i want to come to dinner.