Yesterday, we took a look at the new chandelier in the kitchen eating area and today, I’m going to share all about the new/antique chairs I found recently on Facebook Marketplace. As a reminder, here is how the space looked…
I actually love these chairs and they have been in our dining room in both the PA house and the MN house. The problem with these chairs is they really aren’t ideal for heavy, everyday use. They are antiques and are already starting to show wear from being used at our kitchen table for the past year while I looked for other chairs I liked. One of the chairs is also in need of repair, so it’s been sent to the garage so it didn’t collapse under an unsuspecting sitter!
So, I’ve been on the lookout for just the right chairs for our kitchen for over a year. It makes me wish I kept the chairs we had in our MN kitchen eating area, but we sold them with the house. I just didn’t think it would take so long for me to find a good replacement! I did buy some chairs last summer, but they turned out to be way too small, completely non-functional, and a total waste! I eventually gave them away and, last I saw, they were still making the rounds on Facebook Marketplace. You can read about that furniture escapade HERE.
I checked in on Facebook now and then to see if any new chairs popped up. I think it was so tough to find something because I needed four chairs, I had a specific style in mind, they needed to be in good condition, and I didn’t want to pay too much for them. I’ve learned over the years that our kitchen chairs take a beating and I don’t want them to be too precious.
When I spotted these antique chairs, I was immediately smitten. The style is so perfect and the price was right – $100 for a set of six chairs. In addition, they were only about 20 minutes away, so the pick-up would be quick and easy. As a bit of insurance, I brought Jeff along for this purchase so he could sit in them and give his approval.
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Being antique chairs, they are still more petite than modern chairs, but the scale is right for the antique pine table. I was able to find 2″ cushions to add height, make them more comfortable, and protect the rushed seats (mostly from the cats.) While the chairs are sturdy, they are creaky. Jeff said that was no problem. We would just glue up the loose joints causing the creaks. The best part is that we have six chairs, so we can swap them out if/when one wears out.
I love the backs of these chairs and the carved detail along the top. They are just perfect.
And I’ve always had a soft spot for rushed accents on furniture. The best part about these chairs is that the rushing is in excellent condition. I don’t think one piece is cut or frayed, which is unusual for antique chairs of this style.
On Instagram, someone commented that they thought the chair legs were too delicate in comparison to the chunky turned legs of the table, but I like that juxtaposition. I like that they don’t match, enforcing a look that’s been collected over time. I feel like this is a cobbled-together set you might find in an old English house with a thatched roof. If you love antiques and curating a look that is uniquely yours, you get it.
Here is the view from the living room looking into the kitchen eating area with the pantry and fridge as a backdrop. I kept this eating area very neutral as far as the color palette so nothing was competing with the beautiful green cabinetry. Of course, I can add pops of color with accessories and linens when I want, but I wanted the foundation pieces to be neutral.
Next week, I’ll share about restyling the shelves for a fresh look going into a new season…
You can find more posts about the kitchen renovation HERE.
22 Responses
The chairs are perfect! It’s a beautiful seating area. I find the shelves with all the pottery to be very busy.
The Pottery Barn Napoleon chairs with rush seats would probably have worked well for you too. I was saving up for them when they were discontinued but have bought eight on Craigslist and three matching barstools for the island from a consignment store. They are surprisingly very tough and sturdy. Made in Italy I believe.
It is so you! I also appreciate the tension of the table with the chairs, a gathered feel to this portion of your kitchen. The price made me gasp, lucky you.
Kim
These chairs are charming, and I too like the juxtaposition of them against the table. And I MUCH prefer this lighting fixture. Together, they seem to open up the space more; you can see beyond them all your other lovely things. It feels much more cohesive.
The chairs are beautiful. I don’t like things matching too much, so I think the table and chairs look adorable together. My house is decorated in found things-by the side of the road, in a thrift shop, online, from family and friends getting rid of things, etc. Sometimes I can’t explain exactly what I am looking for, but I know it when I see it. If I’m patient, then everything that I am looking for, shows up eventually. It doesn’t really matter what other people think–just me.
Beautiful chairs!
I am so in love with these chairs. There’s so many lovely chairs available, for example, when I look at a catalog like Ballard D where they do all their furniture together in one place, I would be hard pressed to pick out my favorite chair in the bunch.
But hands down, these would be my most favorite top choice.
Love, love, love those chairs!
Much improved! Especially the chandelier but also the very pretty chairs. Your results – as well as your method of working through design problems and challenges – continue to inspire.
Those chairs are wonderful, and I’m a big fan of the collected over time aesthetic! I don’t like matchy matchy, or predictable and think the more “delicate” legs on the chairs are a lovely juxtaposition with the chunky table
The chairs are beautiful. Perfect for your table.
Happy Easter
You did a wonderful job updating your breakfast nook. I really love the chairs & the chandy. I’m sorry, but when you look at the pictures, you see a warm cozy area & then your eyes halt & you see that wall of white shelves. I am not a designer by any means but maybe consider staining the wood for the shelving next time & find different corbels that will continue into a warm & cozy look.
I like the original chairs but these chairs are absolutely gorgeous! Amazing price for six chairs.
I love, love, love the chairs and table and the chandelier, but not a fan of the white shelves.
I love the chairs! You always have the best luck, along with finding great prices! That French carving motif with a basket and flowers is my favorite (as well as shells).
I agree with the poster yesterday who suggested adding a new electrical outlet (fixture?) in the ceiling for the chandy by “wiring” it from one of the pot lights. That swag thing ain’t cuttin’ it. It’s unsightly and distracting. After an electrical plate has been put over the electrical “thing” on the wall, scoot the hutch over 3-4 inches and hang another painting (or something else) so that it covers the electrical plate.
Beautiful chairs! And I can’t get over what a deal they were! It literally paid to be patient. I love the suggestions made by others to swap out the covered swag with a chain and to scoot the hutch over the electrical box. I love your collections and I know you love every piece of ironstone, but perhaps a little less would be more? I would remove the row of ironstone from the top of that gorgeous hutch and remove the white shelves and use that ironstone elsewhere. Maybe do a small grouping of some of your beautiful landscape paintings there instead? Some breathing room would give the eyes a place to rest in this beautiful space. Curating that collection down a bit would let each piece shine! Just my opinion.
This is so beautiful and cozy. The chairs are so sweet with the carving and the fabulous curved legs. And they are perfect with that wonderful chunky table. 🤗
Feels like walking into an English cottage ready to enjoy a spot of tea!
Perfection! What a steal on the chairs. I think that the chandelier and the chairs balance the table, and I can’t wait for your post on your shelving arrangement. Happy Easter!
I love the chairs! And I agree, the juxtaposition of them with the table is wonderful. Perfection!
I was looking at the white shelves. I can’t remember where I read you said people were saying they didn’t look right and that you were looking for something else. Maybe in your FB stories? Anyway, I think the problem isn’t with the shelves themselves, but with the shelf brackets. They’re very utilitarian-looking, like the ones my dad used to install shelves in his basement. (His were gray, but the same style.) If you got some different brackets that blended more with your antique, collected style, I think the shelves would look much more cohesive. Just an observation.
Chairs look GREAT with those chunky legs on that awesome table. Love them together.
I do get the chairs and table together. They are perfect! The carved detail is lovely! You have the best luck with great things on Marketplace. It could be where I live but great finds are rare on our Marketplace.
I love the chairs and think they look great with the table. Great buy!