apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

#1! Sleeker, simpler, sexier.

#3

3

NUMERO UNO

I like the bottom one best, but I'd say if any of them don't have a back that could face out in an open layout (like, the finish isn't the same stain, or it's not the same construction material), I'd consider getting rid of that one first. Makes it less versatile.

#3!

#1 cleaner, less busy

My first thought was keep number 3. It's a bit difficult to tell though as the pictures are really small, so it's impossible to make out details. But hey, lucky you!

can you post links to larger photos?

I like #1 - simple & sleek. They are all very nice though.

Team #3. Maybe it's the most pleasing bc of the 9 drawers. The odd number thing.

keep #s one and three. use the first as a dresser and the third as a credenza. get rid of what ever you're currently using as a dresser.

You said you've weighed the pros and cons... um, what are they?

The style is so nominally different, just pick one. Or let the non-style pros and cons make the decision for you.

While #1 is cleaner in line so would be my choice, it does look like perhaps a reissue of an earlier piece. If you are looking for a truer vintage look, options 2 & 3 look better.

#1.

I like the third one best. The front looks smooth and sleek.

1 or 3, depending on which size fits better.

#3 for looks, but I say go with what's more functional.

Which one fits your storage needs best?

"Have nothing in your that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

William Morris

Or, toss a coin, I think it was Freud who said that any reaction to that idea, along lines, "I might make the wrong choice" means you know the RIGHT choice! :o)

Nice pieces though, rehome the losers with care!

#3!! the wood looks the nicest and I love the 9 drawers. the lines in #1 look too harsh.

I can't really see them that well...can you post a link to a large photo?

number 3

It is hard for me to see the detail in the tiny pictures, but I'll jump on the bandwagon(s) for #1 and #3.

Three credenzas? Lucky you!

I like #1.

can we get an official poll?

I'm a fan of #1. The darker "lines" (the spaces between the drawers) balance the dark black seats of the chairs nicely. From far away (ie. small pics) the wood looks to be the nicest on this one as well.

You guys rock! Yes, I have more pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikaelamartin/sets/72157603933984204/. Maybe those will help with some of the questions :)

cakekick - That's an excellent point about the condition of the back! I will definitely examine tonight.
erinores - I would love to keep more than one, and I've considered it. I've tried to come up with another workable place, but with no luck. Bummer, right? :-/
patrick(too) - Pro of #1, simplest and most compact design; pro of #2, interesting inlay, grain and angle on drawer fronts; pro of #3, roomy nine drawers and no center line. I guess there's no real "con" of any of them, except that #3 *could* be a bit too long (see the photo album for better pics). This all supports your "nominally different" point, of course ;)
vibeke - The odd number thing had totally crossed my mind, too! And, it just so happens that nine is my favorite number. Uhm... I'm not the only non-third-grader with a favorite number, am I?

Thanks so much for your thoughts - I'm feeling more clarity already!

:) m.

Number 1!

I liked number one the best right away!

#1

definitely #1

#1

1 & 3 look a bit plain in contrast to the detail of #2 - That's the one I'd choose.

#2 or #3. They are more unique that #1.

IMHO - Sleek can be boring. I love the inlay and the angled drawers of #2. Unusual features that work for the piece and work in your room.

#3 - the carpentry/woodworking for the drawers and cabinet is a lot more interesting. I don't think the size is out of scale...

I liked #2 the least in the little pictures, but upon closer inspection in the larger photos, #2 is my favorite because of the nice details you mentioned.

#3 is also lovely. #1 is slightly dull by comparison.

I love your wall color.

#2 for sure... especially if the two chairs on the left and right are the ones in your dining room. #2 is the most interesting piece to look at because of the visual element of the darker vertical stains. the darker stains complement the vertical design of your chairs. the dresser/credenza looks vintage yet sleek and clean-lined.

all three have clean lines, but #1 and #3 are quite obviously dressers and there is nothing special about them. #1 looks too simple and clean compared to your vintage and traditional chairs. #3 looks too rustic and log-cabinish.

do they all have drawers or doors? its hard to see the specific differences in the pics...

#1 is my favorite, I would totally buy it.

#3. Can you sell me the other 2?

i like #3 because the three drawers parallel, sort of, the three pieces of art on the wall. maybe echo is a better word than parallel?

but i like #3.

#3

Number 3

#1 favorite. #3 second favorite.

#1 is too boxy and plain
#3 is too busy
#2 is just right...
now i feel like porridge.

Are they all the same length? #2 looks like it fits the room the best, but I like #3 the most I think.

I would keep #3 and eliminate one of the flanking chairs.

Can you tell us what your paint is?

I like #3 best.

they are all nice
could I buy one you don't keep?
Thanks,

oh- and you have my dream table too

Obviously in the minority, I like #2 the best.

# 3 would be my next favorite.

We have something similar (to all of those) in our bedroom and have the teevee
sitting on it. They are all
such good looks, I wouldn't get rid of any of them.

I like #1, but I want to tell you I like a different one, so that you put #1 in the classifieds and sell it to me :-)

Also regarding your decision see the nyt article today on how people hate to let a door close (or a final decision be made on something)

I like #3. There is something about it's legs that mirror the chairs.

#3 - I like long credenza's.

I've got a feeling you've got enough opinions to confuse you, but hey I'll go ahead and throw in my two cents as well. ;)

I like #1 the best. I liked it initially, and after looking at the larger pictures, I definitely like it the best. It's sleek, sophisticated, and very nice. I think it matches the rest of the room better than the others as well, especially the two chairs beside it. The others look alright with the room, but kind of stick out, IMO, rather than blending into and adding to the overall feel of the room.

after seeing the larger pictures, i definitely prefer #2

Numero uno

After seeing the Flickr set, i would have to agree with "erinsings" - #2 is perfect!

Numero tres

Three.

Thanks for the slideshow--it really helped. I liked the size of Three, plus the "lip" effect of the drawer pulls.

I love your wall color, the chairs, and the ant!!!

i'm a huge fan of #2.

when you sell, PUH-LEASE let everyone know. I'm itching to get my fingers on #1! I might not be able to, because we're in the middle of moving...

When I saw the small photos, I immediately thought #1, but after looking at your flickr group, I think #3 is the best choice. #1 is very 'static' and matches almost too well. Good if you want the 'matchy-matchy' look, but I think #3 has the most character and the wood looks beautiful with your table. I didn't really care for #2, although it does look better in the larger photographs. Good luck and enjoy your choice!

Mikaela, What a great post. Why can't I find a girl that is this conscientious of these things and looking to accomplish a similar type of look aesthetically? Oh wait this is NYC...nevermind.

Anyway, I say none. All three are ok. But they fit best in the bedroom. Kinda like me wearing or reusing someone else’s 42reg blazer when I really wear a 38S. Just doesn’t work. I noticed with the additional photos that #1 is worn a bit more? Anyhow, you could in theory part with all three to a dealer and purchase one proper dinning credenza/media unit or perhaps even do a swap. Probably a little unfinished for Modern link, but there are places in Williamsburg. For the dinning room I envision something a bit more consistent with doors that slide or open. Many beautiful pieces consistent to the style I suggested from the era.

On first glance, I loved loved #1. Still like those lines, but flickr showed #2 to be a more detailed, more unique version of #1. So I'd probably keep #2.

However, if you're really drawn to 9 and like the 3 by 3 thing, go for it. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these and I think they're perfectly suited to the dining room.

I love # 3!!!

But I also agree with cakekick - if there is a piece that is finished very nicely in the back, you should consider keeping that (also the finish inside the drawers!).

#2 -most interesting and love the way it works with the chairs and table nicely - a little bit more of a statement. #3 feels a little be busy and #1 is a little too plain.

#1 for sure

I'm also in the minority, but I vote for #2.

#1 looks a little too bedroom-y, and the details on #3 don't jive for me the way the details in #2 do. Also, #3 looks a bit large for the space.

Holy guacamole! I am *loving* everyone's thoughts and opinions. Clearly, I came to the right place :)

Like many have mentioned, number two has some unique elements that make it pop. They're almost totally unnoticeable in the original post, but can be seen clearer in the flick'r set. Actually, in the original post, they're not unnoticeable, they look detrimental. The perpendicular-grained inlay just kind of looks like stripes. In any case... Those details are making me sort of love it. And, although several of you love it too, way more of you have voted for one and three!

Without getting a pen and paper, It looks like a tie between one and three with number two getting about half as many votes. The nine-drawers on three are fab, aren't they? And number two is, as the first voter said, "simple, sleek and sexy."

I should also mention that I'm not necessarily married to the flanking chairs and artwork arrangement. They were placed before the credenza, while there was a hand-me-down in its spot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikaelamartin/2263025171). I can put the two extra dining chairs in the basement (along with the table leaf) and bring them upstairs, as needed. I'm thinking of placing a floor lamp on the left and plant/tree on the right. I'll probably keep white-framed original artwork (by my son) and maybe some photographs (by me), but I've been throwing around the idea of a six-piece arrangement. Who know what will go on top of the credenza. All of this, of course, is dependent on the winner, and probably belongs in another post. I'll stop rambling now :)

Sounds like the jury's still out - feel free to add more thoughts!

:) m.


* The grey wall is painted in Creek Bend by Behr.

* I'm happy to list the two dressers/credenzas (and one coordinating mirror) in the AT classifieds. Note that I'm in southeastern PA; only a couple hours from NYC, but that could make purchasing an issue for some of you :)

* briget - They are all drawers; you can see better in the flick'r set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikaelamartin/sets/72157603933984204/.

* clairepetrol - I will check out the article. A book recently came out that sounds as though shares the same premise; we have so many choices that it actually hampers decision-making.

* honoriag - I like the ant, too! My son made it a couple years ago for a class assignment. They read a book about a kid who killed ants, then were asked what they would do if they found an ant on the ground. He wrote on his ant, "I would pick it up and put it in the tree so no one would squish him." I guess he learned the moral of the story? :)

*michaelc - I hear what you're saying, and I promise that I will continue to look for a more dining-room-y piece after this whole mess is over. I plan on selling two of the three, and anything I make over the original investment, I will save for my next hunt. Right now though, I just can't let go of all three. I can't! :) I've been looking for a piece like these (mid-century, good condition, used, low-slung, affordable) since I moved in four years ago. Years of searching and I finally found what I was looking for. I REALLY want to keep one. Even if it's only temporary, one of these will make a better stand-in than what was there.

Edit to above: "And number two is, as the first voter said, "simple, sleek and sexy." I meant number one :)

#1...I like the horizntal lines the drawers give.

Number 2 - I like the wood detailing and the lines.

Like the angled drawers of #2, having now seen the larger pics, but with the darker stain detail on the drawer centers it looks a bit busy. Extra length of #3 might be better in a less crowded space. On the other hand, it might enhance the space by "lengthening" the room if the armoire were to be moved/removed. Would the extra drawer space be helpful? #1 has cleanest lines, which from the photos, appears to suit your taste.

How about adding some printed textiles to the room - a runner for the credenza or dining table, patterned window coverings, or colored fabric for the chair cushions? Your sons artwork is fun and could suggest some fabric color?

Good luck.

On looks, I'd go for #2.

Which works best for actually storing things in the drawers?

There's always the ol' "flip a coin" method. If you get the urge to go two-out-of-three, you know you want the other one.

wow. reading through the comments, I was afraid I was the oddball in choosing #2. But then I see after viewing your larger pics, some others came around. I like #3 as well, but feel it is too 'dresser-y' for use as a credenza. Number 2 is believable, and very interesting, and should suit your credenza needs, e.g., silverware, table linens, platters, etc. Good luck. Very nice finds, but to tell you the honest truth, i really HATE #1, its very icky. lol.

Love #2, like #1, don't care for #3 as much but I agree with some of the other posters that you probably already know what you like and are just not trusting yourself. Believe yourself and give me whichever you get rid of! ;p

I haven't read all the comments yet. I'm probably not saying anything that hasn't been said already.

I like #3. I like the looks of it and it appears to be the biggest... but then again that could end up being a liability if you're short on space. I also think the 3x3 configuration is pleasing to the eye.

#1 is also nice, and much more "streamlined" than the other two. It appears to have the largest drawers which might be helpful if you're storing wide objects.

#2 doesn't grab me for some reason.. but now that I look at it, it looks the least "dresser-y" of the bunch to me, and the most like a credenza. I think I'd just rather have fewer, larger drawers than several smaller ones.

For credenza use (vs. dresser use), I'd prefer #2. If they have doors vs. drawers, and you could handle the vertical, I'd be tempted to remove the legs of two and stack them atop the third.

My preference is #2.

Have you tried storing all your stuff in each of them? It might be a pain to load up each one, but then you'll know which really serves the purpose.

2

i like #1 best. don't like #2 at all. #3 is cool, but too big (could work with a furniture rearrange, but why? #1 is perfect)

1 or 2, with a bit more of an emphasis on 1.