And Now...Where Do I Find A Dozen Chairs?Well, maybe not quite a dozen, but several.
I love the look of mixing chair styles at a table. The above dining area is a creative example included in an Ideabook written for Houzz recently, entitled Mixed Company.
But for a table as large as I now have, keeping it simple might be the better route to go. Perhaps two styles?
I have a couple of chairs, similar to these above, that will be slipcovered and placed at the table ends. But what about the others?
This collection of chairs is very intriguing! I think they work together largely because the chairs and table share a similar finish.
The trend to bring in chairs not specifically designed to go with the table certainly allows for creativity and individuality.
Ken Levenson Architect P.C.
The dining room in this stunning townhouse is a great example.
Vanessa De Vargas
It's an approach that is effective whether using a large number of chairs or just a pair.
I think it might be time to scour Craigslist or hit some thrift stores in search of a collection to refinish!
How about you? Are you liking the mixed company look these days, or do you prefer to stay coordinated?
images from Houzz
48 comments:
I love using a settee at my new harvest table.
Table of Content
I'm for the mix!
if you didn't need them all at once, you may be able to find the perfect sets over time..or buy as many as you can through craigs and even if you don't like them, paint them or whatever, but trade up as better ones show up..continually replacing the older ones with the new finds..
either way, you are so resourceful, Janell, you will come up with a great idea and we will continue to be amazed!!
maureen
I definitely love the look of mixed chairs. If my husband wasn't so against me replacing things, I would get rid of 2 of my 4 chairs and add 2 vintage chairs that I would refurbish.
My husband is always cramping my style.
How fun!! I love chairs :) I also love your table.. it turned out great Janell! I love the idea of a great mix of chairs.
I love the look of mixed chairs. I tend to favor two styles together rather than every chair being different.
I love the look of different chairs although they all need to have something in common for it to work i.e colour.
Otherwise two bench seats would look great with your two chairs on either side would look fantastic!
Rhiannan xxx
I love the idea, especially with your table.
I like 2 different captain's chairs and all the rest the same. good luck!
I really like the mix.. as long as they are all wood... I'm not a big fan of the mixes that includes metal chairs, painted, lawn.. I don't get that..
I always find cheap chairs at thift stores.
Good Luck!
I´m sure you´ll find the perfect chairs for your new dining table. I would mix at least 2 different ones, having such large and beautiful piece!
Happy weekend!
I really like the look of non traditional dining chairs at the table. Can't wait to see what you find. Hugs, Marty
With a table that long I like the use of a bench mixed in. I usually like the side chairs to match and the ends to say Look at me when using a rectangle table. I know you will pick something wonderful you always do. It will be fun following along. Kathysue
i love having unique captains chairs.
btw- i saw your front entry in the new issue of laura u mag, very cool!
I like a mix...and a bench is nice...maybe instead of one long bench 2 benches.....upholstered tops with some nail heads??? Whew...the world is your oyster and so many choices :)
so I've been in style all this time? Who knew? I've always had dining chairs. I do believe it's a style called 'broke chic', lol!
I really like the look of two matching chairs at the heads of the table and then all the others the same. It's hard to follow the flow of the table when every chair is different - makes my head spin!
I am definitely in favor of mixing. But two or three styles so it doesn't seem busy. I have also realized, though, that they all need to be comfy so people linger and talk. Nothing like a great dinner party where people don't want to leave the table.
I think it depends on your space. If you have a funky loft like space, the variety of chairs would just add to the cool space. In a more traditional home, probably mixing a couple different styles would work better.
Your table turned out great Janell! I'm really into the mix of chairs. Can't wait to see what you go with!
x
And I spied your entry on the cover of Laura U!
I love both mixed, and matched. I have four of the same chairs at my table right now and two at the head of the table that are different. I really like wingback chairs at the table!
Hey Janell! I am loving these rooms of inspiration. I also love the idea of mixed chairs.
I hope you'll stop by my Countdown Giveaway: {Six sisters gifts} as a tribute to my studio/showroom opening on Valentines day.
Looks like your energy and motor is rolling as fast as ever! Can't wait to see what you're always coming up with.
xo
sharon
Your table turned out great! I too am in the search of dining room chairs. I have a long bench on one side and wold love some Jonathan Adler Regency Chippendale looking chairs that I can paint and add some fun fabric. I continue to check out my thrift stores and consignment shops. Good luck in your search.
I love the table. I think that you should find a ton of different dining chairs, paint them the same and use the same fabric. It totally give it a unique look. Check out this dining set that did that: http://refinddesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/custom-dining.html
i love a mix! i prefer it when it ot wither totally random, or two kinds of chairs are mixed with another piece, like a bench or a settee.
Mixed company, but within reason:) How about a bench???
I like a mix but like anything that looks beautifully haphazard there is a lot of work to pull it off. Otherwise it can look like a garage sale of chairs. I have no doubt you can pull it off.
In my kitchen my head chairs are different than the side chairs and I've had it that way for at least 10 years. I love the mix and match look.
Did you see how they used swivel desk chairs for the HGTV Dream Home this year? I thought the idea was brilliant. They were comfortable (looking), easy to move, sleek profile, and you can adjust them up and down for kids. I thought that last one was genius. Happy Hunting!
I am a huge fan of the eclectic look. I think the right colors can send it modern or traditional. Let us know when you find some great chairs!
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
I love the idea of mixed chairs and also a bench. My hubby was aghast when I suggested it. He couldn't believe that people actually did that! When I showed him some pictures and he saw that it could look good he became a little more on board with the idea. I haven't done it yet though. Can't wait to see what you do!
* Janell, may I chime in here? First of all, LOVE the YUMMMMMY table (it really IS "you"!)...
OK, so benches LOOK nice/great/"whatever", but they are NOT very comfy for obvious reasons...
I feel pretty confident I "know" your style "pretty well" (cuz it's my FAVE of all!), and mixing n' matching just doesn't SEEM like you!
Two FAB chairs, one at each end of the table, with the remaining chairs all being the same, IMHO would not only look BEST in your oh-so-beauuutiful home, BUT, I suspect you'd be MUCH HAPPIER as time went by that you DIDN'T mix them all up........... I've recently seen some UBER GREAT chairs that were heavily woven wicker & actually would LOVE to have them INSTEAD of the $$$, custom made chairs we have (and I imagine I will have to be BURIED in one of them too, if my hubby had his way!)...
Lush chairs at the ends, and super-yummy ones for the REST just SOUND like you, dear friend! What a DELIGHTFUL DILEMA you have, huh?!?!?!
Biiiig hugs & belated Happy BD to Max!!!
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
Linda, you are the best, and crack me up! Now, do share where you saw those great heavily woven chairs!
Janell
I love the mix of chairs idea! Or even if you just have 2 end chairs in a different style than the rest. The options are endless and your table will go with so many different styles! How exciting! have a great weekend xo
I like the idea of the two end chairs being different from the rest. I'm sure you're going to amaze me with a beautiful find.
I have a dark rectangular table that seats six. I placed four distressed white chairs with flax linen chair slips around most of the table but on one side did a long dark bench. Really a nice look. I also have two verner panton chairs that I move all around my house. Cannot wait to see what you come up with!
I am recently a new follower and love your blog! I just awarded you with the Stylish Blogger Award!!! You can go to my blog for the details!!
Erica @ http://bigsislilsislove.blogspot.com/2011/02/stylish-blogger-award.html
im all for the mixed look, if you can pull it off go for it. I just bought a large 104" from crate and barrel , because my current zgallerie one has a defect...so i opted to get REAL WOOD this time around...and $400 more later...will take pics of after Vday!
Where's your table from????
I love the look of the mix chairs! You are very stylish blogger. I admire you.
Sherman Unkefer
I'm all about mixing chairs. Having all the same chairs is just too matchy-matchy. Having different chairs makes the dining room special. Having all the same chairs makes it look like a furniture store.
Hi, Janell--
First, I think you need to consider how you and your guests will use your table/chairs:
Do you like to spend a lot of time there over great food and wine and conversation? In that case, I think it's nice for guests to have chairs with arms as they're much more comfortable for extended periods of time.
Or do you like to get up from the table and retire to another room for coffee and dessert?
From first glance, your host and hostess chairs may need to be larger in scale and more visually distinctive. The following frames from Calico Corners kind of echo the curvy lines of your table legs (links follow):
ANTHONY'S CHAIR
http://www.calicocorners.com/product/custom+upholstered+furniture/custom+upholstered+chairs+and+chaises/dining+and+wood+frame+chairs/anthony%27s+chair.do?search=basic&keyword=Anthony%27s+&sortby=priceAscend&page=1
Or an alternative, Annie Selke's CIRCLE BACK CHAIR WITH ARMS:
http://www.calicocorners.com/product/custom+upholstered+furniture/custom+upholstered+chairs+and+chaises/dining+and+wood+frame+chairs/circle+back+chair+%28arms%29+-+annie+selke+collection.do?search=basic&keyword=Circle+back&sortby=priceAscend&page=1
Both chairs also come without arms and in many finishes, including a French Gray.
Long settees with lots of pillows for support might also be interesting for the sides of the table. Happy chair hunting!
Jan
I love the look of the mixed chairs however knowing what I know about myself and my house and my boys I'm sure I would come to hate the "out of order" feeling. Living in a small house doesn't lend itself to mix-matched furnishings especially when other aspects of our lives are so disorganized!
I like both ways! Sometimes coordinated, sometimes mixed. But I got to say that mixed chairs make a table more relaxed!
We have very similar taste my friend. I love that!
oxox, Mon
http://www.splendidwillow.com
mixing it up to me states a Bohemian feel, free spirited which I'm for. But I'll probably do it for a smaller table, breakfast maybe? And leave the formal dining ones cohesive.
We have a 13 foot long dining table and over the last year I've rescued chairs from some of the most unlikely of places. Garage Sales, Curb side, family members, Antique Shops, Auctions, you name it. Some I had to refinish or recover, but now we have seating enough for 18! There's just something wonderful that happens when you can fit the whole crowd around a table. Besides, I have a Bohemian Heart and this suits my style to a T! Good luck with the search! - Lori S. "Serial Room Arranger"
I love modern chairs with a vintage table. Mmmm. :)
Shannon
{aka}|design
I can't wait to see what you go with. The table is beautiful. Ours is hand waxed too but we didn't DIY. We have a reclaimed barnwood trestle table and I had such a hard time deciding what to go with and compromising with what my husband would agree to. We mixed a little (the end chairs are different from the other 6) and went with a distressed cream-color.
R
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