Q: What style/brand of chairs would work in this small "dining" space in our living room? The table is a 30" round IKEA nighttable that my husband and I use for dining, studying,or even just relaxing. Since we only have a loveseat and bench for seating, this space needs to double as a *comfortable* seating area. The current chairs are not very comfortable or sturdy....




I also lived in an apartment where the livingroomdiningroomkitchen was 8-feet wide. The pedestal table is a must, as are armless chairs. My recommendation would to be to find an armless chair that is comfortable and buy three - two for use at the table, and one as an easy chair. When you want to watch movies or cozy up, you can fit the chairs right next to each other for a sofa. You might even be able to buy a fourth for a desk chair to bring out for company...!
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I've got two different thoughts. It is tough to have a relaxing, loungy feel in a small space without bringing in something larger like...one of those L shaped dining seats from the 50's (adding a retro look). Or a more modern look that you can make yourself: Something like this: http://www.outinhome.com/wp-content/uploads/interior-design/2009/07/Modern-Furniture-for-Interior-Design-7.jpg
You can study or relax on one of those for hours, but then there's the question of space and having that sort of thing look strange in the same space as your love seat and bench. So my other idea is a bit more radical, but I like it!
How about brining everything down. Adding some floor cushions and throw pillows on top of a space rug and cutting the table pedestal down to about two feet high.
Here is some inspiration for that look:
http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/192/1922794/26_2009/a7e2a384e2d47952_floorcushions.larger.jpg
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/chicago/10-8-08floorcushions1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/pillows-decorative-office-accessories/roundup-floor-cushions-065691&usg=__yX6_W10VdYKOadbHoH9zoINAGmo=&h=362&w=540&sz=33&hl=en&start=8&um=1&tbnid=xV7_d3ZZTRMAYM:&tbnh=88&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmodern%2Bfloor%2Bcushion%2Bdining%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1
http://www.modernests.com/2009/07/outdoor-furniture-and-outdoor-spaces.html
http://www.modernests.com/2009/05/poufs.html
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Rather than dining chairs - Why not consider a pair of vintage Wing Chairs or Lolling Chairs (also known as "Martha Washington Chairs") that could also be used as added seating for your living area?
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I'd move away from dining chairs and find two comfortable, slim-lined arm chairs--something you'd actually be comfortable sitting and reading in. But then, I almost never choose to sit in a chair without arms other than at the dinner table.
view kelleyk's profile
The chairs you have don't look right with that table, even if they are comfortable. I'd suggest some simple wooden kitchen chairs with straw seats and then plonk a big fat down cushion in a ticking stripe down on top of the seat. Instead of lounging, read, work at your laptop, play games, etc., around the table. I love round tables, they are so homey.
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