apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The table is beautiful!

Ashley
rainycitystyle.blogspot.com

mixed. though that doesn't mean each chair has to be different from each of the other 13. A couple of pairs, a threesome, and perhaps a traditional set of four might help anchor things.

I think 14 matching chairs will make it look way too formal and take away from the eclectic feel of the room.

I wouldn't get chairs that are completely random rather,chairs that have some similar style/characteristics.

Beautiful room and gorgeous table!

I'd start trolling the local estate sales, auctions and fleamarkets and find a set of 8 vintage Traditional/Shaker/Federal/Colonial dining chairs - and at the ends of the table I'd place a pair of upholstered Chippendale Wing Chairs.

i like the bench idea, with traditional farmhouse style chairs on the other sides. matched. 14 is too many styles to mix!

considering how huge this table is, i think 14 matching chairs would look a bit boring. also, this space's decor looks sort of ecclectic and non-matchy(huge elegant chandelier, contemporary and clean white cupboards, country table finish, modern sculpted plants over the fireplace), and i think that some carefully unmatched chairs would make all those elements seem more cohesive, where all matched chairs may make them look out of place.

agree with jonathanB

and man, the floor and table are beautiful

I'm with JonathanB. Gorgeous table, where did you find the legs/base?

I'm not really a big fan of mixed chairs, although it doesn't bother me too much. I think mixing can look a little contrived, and this room is too beautiful to take the focus away. It would be that one detail too much. God, what a beautiful table. I can see the other argument might be 14 of the same chair would look so repetitive, but come on, it's class. No on the benches. They might look "just so" and darling, but nobody really likes them when it's time to gather around the table.

it might be nice to see the same style chairs, but perhaps with different stains or different fabric colors for the seat cushions. I like looking at pottery barn for inspiration, but then fixing up similar chairs that were purchased elsewhere.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p7803/index.cfm?pkey=cchairs

Wow. I am so impressed. That is a GORGEOUS table, and I love the rest of the room, too. Beautiful floors. Okay, I love everything and I won't point out each thing in particular. But it's lovely!

I'd mix it up, but I wouldn't have 14 different chairs. Maybe 2 or 3 different types, with some sort of similar patern, color, or style to tie them all together.

Of course, you don't HAVE to put all 14 around the table all the time. I'd probably leave ten chairs there permanantly, at the most. Four on each side and one at either end, and then store the others somewhere else for when you have a big crowd.

I'd flea market them to find good deals and fun styles.

Good luck!

What a beautiful table! I said match it up in the survey, mainly because I think going to mix-y would take attention away from the beautiful table. I agree with the call for shaker chairs with chippendales at the head and foot, but I wouldnt mix it up any more than that.

definitely mixed antiques/vintage, but keep the wood tones and styles similar. I agree, though, that 14 different styles would be too many. try to find some pairs/sets to mix in there with a few singles.

and I'm glad you can't afford mid century, I wouldn't like it here. but what a lovely room!!!

Do what makes you happy! Make them all hot pink if you like... Decorate to your hearts content! By the by...LOVE THE ROOM!

Thank you for letting me Post a Comment,
Melissa with Yourfurniturelink and Mortise & Tenon LA

What a gorgeous room!! I hope you're ready to host the whole family at Thanksgiving! I'd suggest going for a few parsons chairs like these:

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/comShop/customProdAction.do%3Faction%3DinitCustom?ruleID=2357&itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=1884&path=1%2C2%2C1443%2C1475%2C1689&iProductID=1884

and then using the same fabric to upholster the seats of, say, 4 Queen Anne style chairs. You can easily find cheapish repros of them. Even Pottery Barn sells a version. The fabric will keep the look coordinated without getting too matchy matchy.

oh, dont match for sure! 14 matching chairs would be too be toooo serious. if you're worried about them looking too mish-mashed, you could get 14 different chairs and paint all the same (intersting color). maybe a deeper shade of your wall color or something? you can see a sample of it here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/dining-room/mix-it-up-dining-chairs-073028

I love everything uniform always have. But when I look at that table Mixed jump out at me. I agree with "jonathanB" 3 of the same here and 4 of the same there. If upholstered (sp?) same fabric...yeah that's the ticket. That would be so cool.

Cannot come up with a specific chair but something understated, clean lines, bent wood, vintage Thonet style cain chairs. Nothing that overwhelms that beautiful table.

Or
Two benches on each side and two chairs one at each end-
School house chair- http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/1026861821.html

Maybe modern country style-
http://www.oliverfurniture.dk/uk/index.htm

Beautiful room

P.S. I think mcm chairs in this space would look out of place. I'd go for more old-school options.

What about some metal chairs, folding or metal trimmed with upholstered seats in any color..

I would do similar shaped chairs painted all white with 2 matching armchairs and the heads of the table. Its lovely and so nice you have room for 14! Thanksgiving at your house!

If you are looking for mcm style chairs on a budget (although it doesn't seem like they fit in your more cottage-style space), then you might want to consider these chairs from westelm.

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODf886&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1FRNCOT&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1FRNCOT

Personally, I think simple ladder back-style chairs would look great in similar stain or black stain. Same chairs all around the table. I've never been for mixing and matching chairs. Too chaotic looking for me. It would detract from the beautiful table.

Whatever you decide, please give us an update!

As lovely as Parsons chairs would look with that gorgeous table, if you are going to take PhillyLass's advice, please do yourself a favor and avoid Ballard Design's Parsons chairs. I own six and the quality is dreadful. And so is their customer service.

I like the idea of having 8 chairs permanently at the table and the other six chairs/benches hiding out until you need them. You've already got two chairs next to the hutch. Do you have space to stash a few more?

Mixes of a few pairs, threesomes, foursomes. If nothing else, for practicality. I just bought 4 new chairs (on sale) and it nearly bankrupt me.

I think mixed styles (from the same farmhouse/ladderback look) would be fine. To match the bones of your room they can be painted the exact same color.

I think the thing that might be annoying is varying seat heights when you buy mismatched chairs.

It of course depends on your style. Personally I would do something modern that would pop. On the lower budget end, some bright red "ant" chairs from room and board maybe. I have those in the kitchen of my 1700's farmhouse with a big farmhouse table and I love the mix.

this table is beautiful!!!!

i agree with aaron who suggested a combo of chairs and benches. i love the way a farm table looks with eames shell chairs....just a thought...

LOL! I guess I'm in the minority: I think matching chairs would be fine and a much more "sane" direction, unless, of course, you think any chair would look good next to each other chair. Personally, I think the "idea" of having 14 mismatched chairs is a lot more romantic than the "reality" of finding 14 chairs that will complement each other.

If midcentury modern is of interest, here's a great resource: whiteonwhite.com.

When you're done, repost! I'd love to see what you decide on, especially if you prove me wrong!

Lots of luck!

Awesome table! I say it calls for mixed chairs of the same style. As long as they relate in terms of basic style (bow back, ladder-back, splat, etc...) then mix them up. For the ends, get a pair of something, upholstered or non. Watch how low the seat height is. One thing I hate about mixed chairs at a dining table is that you may be sitting 3 inches lower than your dining partner! As well as caw261 and others, stash more than 8 or 10 chairs elsewhere in the home.

Mixed would make it looks less formal.
Matching would make it look more formal.
Mixed from different eras or antiques would keep it looking more "period"
Matching modern would modernize the space.
Matching antiques might make it look too museum like.

That table is fantastic! If you have any more barn boards left I'd make a matching bench, and then some rustic older chairs for the other side. Or i like the idea of mixing it up. But 14 chairs is a lot of chairs!

I think when you have a table big enough for FOURTEEN chairs, that's a serious statement. if you had 14 of those chairs i see in the background i think it would be great, and not too formal at all.

go for all the same. the mixie mixie thing is way over used now.

Mixed!! but all painted the same color.

wow...i am jealous. beautiful room! i like the idea of matching side chairs and then a different pair of chairs for the ends. perhaps wood for the side chairs and upholstery for the ends. i think mismatched side chairs would distract from the beauty of the table.

I have an antique loveseat at my table and that's where everyone chooses first.

Bench and chair combo.
I also think the chairs should not be 14 different chairs but in pairs, threesome, foursome, and a med size bench added into the mix.

Painted chairs. If you introduce any more wood to the room, it'll be too much. So unless you want to cover the table with a cloth, go for some other surface.

Also, you've probably noticed that in the 1700s, most chairs were placed against the walls. The convention of all chairs always being pulled up to the table is more Victorian. So don't feel obligated to have a full set gathered round.

"the mixie mixie thing is way over used now."

I disagree. It' like saying collecting is over used.

I guess you're not a collector. That is what a collection of things you love looks like in a home.

Matching shaker side chairs, but with different color combos of chair tape to keep it a little eclectic: http://www.shakerworkshops.com/catalog/view/shaker-dining-chairs/No.-5-Slat-Back-Shaker-Side-Chair/F531 (note the build-it-yourself kit option)

Use the chairs in the background of the photo as your endchairs. Also agree strongly with Lisa Hunter that not all the chairs should be kept pulled up to the table. At least some of them should be kept against the walls. That will also help keep it from feeling too banquet-y.

A few of these look like they belong in your space.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=860083&navAction=jump&search=true&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS

I also love the loveseat idea.

I'm a designer and actually just helped a client with a similar situation. Very beautiful rustic table that she wanted mixed/matched chairs. I want to suggest two options that are spectacular with that table. First would be the new Herman Miller Eames Plastic Side Chairs (Eiffel Chairs), which are $249 from Design Within Reach and do them in say white and then one other color, you could also throw in an armchair or two. Your other option would be to go through Modernica and get fiberglass side chairs also $249 and choose some colors you like. If you love this idea you can also find knock-offs of the chairs for around $99 a piece. If you have any questions I'd be more than happy to send you in the right direction. Good Luck!

amazing....

oh, i agree with kimg924:

"Mixed!! but all painted the same color."
posted by kimg924 on February 10th 2009 at 4:52pm
view kimg924's profile

Mixed, 3-4 differnt styles, painted white, matching seat height if you can manage and matching seat covers where needed. I like the chairs you already have off to the side, and when all chairs are at the table you could use that space as an aux sideboard area if you run out of room.... or dare i say, a kids table?
I'd pick a mod print with your wall color incorporated for the seats.

Mixed definitely, what paint colour is on your walls? It is superb!

I'd do 4 luxuriously upholstered benches, so they're comfy and maneuverable. Barn benches would be too much rustic and take away from the impact of that one wonderful piece. I think all those chair backs, whether mixed or matched, will add too much visual clutter.

Pretty! We have a similar table and room and we mixed it up (albeit with a few pairs):
http://flickr.com/photos/marstin/704803677/in/set-72157600003310441/
(although we now have more)

Everything from ladderback to Chippendale to industrial. They're all (more or less) antique medium-colored wood and it looks great. Fun to gradually collect them too.

i'd go with different chairs but all painted black in a high gloss finish. i also like the bench idea

love that table - great work.

love the flooring in the kitchen and so jealous you can entertain with 14 people - fantastic!

pls post some after photos.

marfa well done those style chairs are perfect for that table. I don't like mixing it up only with a smaller table but you did a great job and the poster could do exaclty that.

I do not see anything overly done or MCM or any chrome but more simple honest puritan style or industrial like the ones from Sundance. I am sure there are plenty on Ebay.

Please don't do benches. Invariably, one person wants to sit closer than the other person.

I think it's important that dining chairs be comfortable. People will linger at the table if their chairs are comfortable. You need to try them out to make sure.

Having said that, I think the same chair in lots of different colors would be fun. See Maine Cottage for an example of this:

http://www.mainecottage.com/ProductBrowseCustomize.aspx?prodType=1&cat=2&prod=278&prodItem=1326&step=PRODUCT_CUSTOMIZE

BTW, your table is beautiful.

Benches.

each chair different but black.

"Personally, I think the "idea" of having 14 mismatched chairs is a lot more romantic than the "reality" of finding 14 chairs that will complement each other."

What modtramp said. It usually seems to come together when someone else does it in a magazine, but it's my idea it will take a ton of scouting to get just the right mix or lucky to live where there are just a lot of sources for the right kinds of chairs. I don't think you're going to find a whole set of 14 in thrift venues, but you may luck out and get 8 of one kind, and if it's a good kind, get them.

I guess my usual opinion of these things being mismatched is they often look like you couldn't find more than one, but if you had 8 and mismatched the other 6, it would look like you had a complete table's worth of chairs but had to bring in other chairs to seat all your extra guests. I mean, I think that would look more "natural" than coming up with 14 distinct chairs and making that look .... I don't know if that's supposed to look unintentional, but 14 would just stretch realism a little too far. Having 8 match and 6 mismatch or alternately match each other, and be harmonious, is about what I'd expect to see before it looked a bit strained to capture a "look."

Though I'm a big fan of MCM, in this room I'd rustle up 14 ladderback and pressback chairs in a mix of patterns. Relatively easy to get ahold of, rather complimentary if they're in a similar stain or paint, but without looking too matchy-matchy.

wow.

I'm a big fan of the metal french bistro chairs, but that could take you years to source. Painted wood chairs of similar height are probably your best, and most economical, option - so craig's list and second hand stores I suppose.

Matt here.- Thanks AT for posting my question and thank you all for the great suggestions and kind comments.

For wally3 the base kit came from a New Yankee Workshop link,www.classicdesigns.com, (I don't have enough disability insurance to attempt a large lathe project) the legs were stock and the aprons were custom, square peg tenon joinery was a kit. They have excellent selection,quality and very reasonable prices, with fast shipping and customer service. I asked for a discount and they cut 15% that made shipping free. Finish was just boiled linseed oil (no fumes).

SDNYC the paint in the room was there from a previous owner.

Marfa...your cottage is wonderful!

that floor slays me! i am pea green with envy

Mix them up...maybe buy sets of two chairs so only two match. For the love of God, please do not buy benches - they are not comfortable for dining and do not look that pleasing to the eye. Think about the person (people) that have to sit in the middle and climb over it to sit down.

Fantastic table, and floor too.
To underline the eclectic look of the room I'd go for sometking rather modern - and matching.
I'm thinking about light, black chairs, preferably plastic or metal, with different cushions.
Also, Philip Starck's Ghosts could look good in here - athough they are quite pricey.
I don't know about American Ikea, but in Poland they used to have very nice shaped garden (!!) chairs in black metal - this connected with vivid colours of the sitting cushions would look very interesting.

Thanks Matt! That's pretty much my dream table and I was just looking at that site a couple of days ago! It's great to see what the assembled base looks like.

Agree with what one of the replies eariler in that a true mixture of chairs will look like one detail too much. The room is eclectic and it's not like whatever chairs you choose will exactly match the table anyways. I do like the idea of the benches and a few chairs as another alternative.

Definitely NOT black chairs. Whoever said that above. Black is too harsh for what you've already got going on there.

And by the way...the room is stunning, as is the table.

Use a settee. I'm dying to put this one at a table: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=934&f=28608&q=settee&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1

LOVE the floor! Wow!

Nice table too!

6 matching chairs style A. Alternate with:
6 matching chairs style B.
2 related style arm chairs at the head and foot (so 3 styles in all)

(I'd envision Shaker or something similar, delicate lines, wood, comfortable seats either woven or upholstered.)

No benches. Nobody likes to sit on benches.

And all this is predicated on the idea that you think you will actually have 14 people sitting at that table often enough to warrant it. If not, I'd just get maybe 6 side chairs and 2 end chairs and 6 nice looking folding chairs, stored unless needed.

Nice job, love the table.
10 chairs total around the table. Groups of 2 between the center legs and the ends. Arm chairs on the ends.
All Windsors. Various styles and colors.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Irkne5yCPPSO_IWhFWkoJQ?feat=directlink

I have a large farm table with benches. I recommend benches...they are different, beautiful and functional. They will help you keep a lot of you walking space free. My advice...4 benches or old pews and two matching informal wing chairs for the heads of the table.

Awesome room! Be sure to post the outcome!

Its easy to say mix em but you need to see it first. Here's apicture that uses a rustic table and different chairs It seats 10. I would like to see a more modern take clear plexi chairs going all around the table.

I also like to settee idea.

http://emmas.blogg.se/2008/january/white-french-loft.html

I have to admit I'm agreeing with those above. Unless you really need the seating, maybe only 10 chairs around the table. You can always find four nice folding chairs (or four chairs you are using elsewhere in the houe) for times you need them. I like the idea of ten because that's one on each end and four down the sides. Fourteen chairs all the time would take the focus off the table.

- fabric arm chairs at the end
- different chairs (2 max) for the rest of the table