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NY Good Questions: A Couch That Goes With These Chairs?

2.22chair.jpgHello AT,

My fiancée and I purchased a set of these Siesta chairs as our first big furniture purchase.

I was excited to purchase nice, used chairs as I am a firm believer that old items have a better history than newer ones.

I was also excited to find out that these chairs have some good design standing and are still an icon after 40 years of introduction to the furniture world...

 
 
(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.)

2.22chair2.jpg

Even though I love these chairs, I have however been struggling to choose other furniture to go with them.

We are looking to buy a couch and I'd like to get something durable, like leather.

Are there any options for me to choose from that won't clash with our already worn leather chairs?

Thanks! Macy

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seating - sofas & armchairs, Good Questions

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Comments (8)

Great classic chairs. To set them off, go for something that's NOT leather, to create contrast. (With too much brown leather, you risk your living room looking like a themepark version of a Texas ranch.)

NY designer Jefferey Bilhuber is a genius at combining classic and modern furniture for an elegant urbane look. His book Jeffery Bilhuber's Design Basics might be useful to you.

posted by Lisa Hunter on 2008-02-22 16:07:23
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If you're happy to go kind of '70's (I would be), I think you should look for a lighter color leather, probably a tan in a plain squarish shape. I don't have any better ideas than that right now, sorry!

posted by ARC on 2008-02-22 16:12:32
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in a way, thats the wrong question. those chairs aren't made to go with a couch in a classical couch/chair/coffeetable situation. what you need to do is look at what you want to do in those chairs and where they're going to go and create an environment for them that works - and that's most likely not with a couch, not in the usual way.

posted by Andreas on 2008-02-22 16:27:17
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I agree with Lisa, don't get more leather--it will look too much like a steakhouse or something. Fabric couches can be plenty durable, especially if they have stain-resistant qualities and if you vacuum them. I think these chairs are pretty versatile--they could go with a variety of types of couch, so I'd just look for something you love.

posted by Jenny in DC on 2008-02-22 16:47:36
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Y'all say Texas steakhouse like it's a bad thing! :-)

posted by ARC on 2008-02-22 17:15:00
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I agree with the others; a leather sofa - even in another color - is just too much.

I'd consider something with simple clean lines like Room and Board's Jasper sofa

posted by bepsf on 2008-02-22 17:57:54
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Hi Macy,

Having grown up in my family's scandinavian furniture store, (and logged many hours in my own Siesta chair) I can tell you that you will absolutely love your Siesta chairs! While they have that light, clean scandinavian look, they also have the amazing comfort of a big cozy chair.

As for your hunt for a new sofa, a fully upholstered sofa (one that is clean and not overstuffed) in a nice tan fabric will go beautifully with your chairs and will also present you with the perfect neutral canvas to add colorful home accents that will add your personality and bring your home to life.

Importantly, you mention that you are looking for a "durable" fabric. Be sure to inquire about the number of "rubs" that the fabric has achieved.

Upholstery fabrics are tested for durability in everyday use and rated by the "Martindale" test. The Martindale machine measures durability by applying a multi-directional rub to the fabric. Upholstery fabrics should achieve a minimum of 40,000 rubs to be classified for contract upholstery. Unfortunately most American-made fabrics only achieve 5,000 - 6,000 rubs. The scandinavian upholstered sofa in my family room is almost 30 years old and the fabric looks brand new....and... I have 3 children and 2 dogs!

Good luck, and if you have any questions you can always call our family store: http://www.bronsonbrodie.com. They are in MA, but deliver frequently to the NYC area.

Meryl - at the Nordic Loft - http://www.nordicloft.com

posted by Nordic Loft on 2008-02-23 10:47:19
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Try adding some turquoise/aqua to that mix, and some bright scarlet - they must be some comfy seating, but as I discovered just this day you can lift those earthy brown tones right up to heaven, by adding some of the highest and lowest colours in the rainbow.

Just a thought, and I don't know your decor/taste, so discard it like crazy if I'm off-track there!! ;o)

posted by PapaQuebec on 2008-02-24 19:34:56
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