Yesterday on the airplane ride home I was feeling rested and inspired. Taking a vacation has that effect :) I came up with a long To Do list of things I want to accomplish around the house this fall. Funny how when you live with so little while traveling you realize you really don’t need so much stuff in your home, just a few favorite functional and pretty pieces to make it feel comfortable and happy.
Some of my rugs and furnishings are a little worn, so I’ll be replacing them with a few new things this season. My dining room chair slipcovers are the perfect example, I have four of the Ballard Designs parsons style chairs in my dining room. They’ve worked so well for our family for years I’m sticking with that style, just replacing the slipcovers with new fabric.
It brought to mind a few favorite styles of dining room chairs that always look chic in a space. Here are five no fail options for casual dining chairs that will always look great!
Parsons
Simple and streamlined, a parsons style dining chair is a classic. Whether slipcovered or upholstered, the look is tailored and timeless.
Wishbone
I also have two wishbone chairs in my home, they live in corners as accents but come in handy when I need extra seating when people visit. Wishbone chairs have a unique look with their smooth rounded back support and rattan seat, they are simple and modern.
Windsor
These all wood classics have long spindled backs, they can be stained or painted. Airy and elongated, they’re always a good looking choice.
Café
Maybe I am under the influence of a recent trip to Paris, but this style has always been a favorite. The woven pattern coupled with the natural legs add oh so much charm to any dining space.
Chinese Chippendale
Known for their fretwork backs, these iconic chairs add geometric pattern and exotic flair. Find vintage pieces in natural rattan or more modern version lacquered in vivid hues.
Related: Style Mix: Wood Tables & White Chairs
Of course you never need to match all of your dining chairs, a mixed group always looks chic and inviting! What style of chair do you have in your dining room? Do you love the style, or would you trade them in for something different?
A few years ago, when I was looking for new chairs for my breakfast room, I found 6 bentwood and woven cane Thonet style chairs at a used furniture store. They’re definitely my all-time favorite dining chairs. They’re light weight, so easy to move around. They’re comfortable to sit on (I made custom seat pads), and I love the look of them.
I had a set of those chairs back in the late 70’s. I’m kicking myself that I got rid of them 30 years ago.
Lucky you Peggy!! :)
I just sold my dining table and chairs that I had for years as I was ready for a chairs. Thanks for the inspiration with this post. I think I am going to go with the Paige chairs at World Market and I’m still deciding on a table.
Both sets of blue Chinese Chippendale are beautiful. I can imagine them in both casual and more formal settings, and being able to see through them helps a space to feel open and airy. Inserting a different chair at either end of the table as in the last image is visually interesting, and somewhat unexpected in a space that hasn’t been professionally designed. I would love the banquet with the Saarinen oval dining table paired with Bertoia chairs. Swoon! Thank you for the beautiful AND interesting images!
I so want to do slipcovers for my chairs just like the photos but where without it costing as much as buying new ones.
Is it bad that my favorites are the ones from Target!? :-)