Mixed Company
Why just pull up identical chairs to a table? Mix it up by selecting two or more styles of chairs and begin inviting the guests. Including a bench in the mix is also a great way to achieve this unexpected and often eclectic look. Though as you'll see, this design trend can also be used with success in more understated spaces.
by Michael Richman
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What a fun example of mixed seating at a dining room table. Blue, yellow and orange fabric, along with a stripe, cover chairs in varying styles. The unique collection is pushed up to a Lucite based table, sitting under a modern glass chandelier. It is somewhat surprising how this arrangement is placed in a room featuring classic architecture and a subdued color palette. Maybe this is why these selections work.
Here the opposite approach is taken, with an equally successful result. Deep gray walls are a strong backdrop for the worn pale wood present on both the table and all the seating, with the exception of the dark wood stool. The inclusion of the Louis XV settee clearly defines the space.
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by FORMA Design
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| Often mixing seating styles at a table results in a very eclectic look, but here it becomes a successful element in a modern, understated dining room. The coordinating white bench and chairs create a sophisticated mix paired with the sculptural stools placed at each end of the table. I love how these stools are in the same design as the table base. It all adds up to a very cohesive design that still has an element of surprise. |
This is one delightful space, with the globe fixture hung above a unique table surrounded by mixed seating. A lovely upholstered bench in a pale hue is placed below graphic roman shades, which introduce pattern into the design. The two chairs, showcasing a pop of orange, are the exclamation marks of the room!
In this nook slipcovered slipper chairs are pulled up to a pale green table. To mix it up, a built-in bench covered with a colorful cushion and bright pillows complete the seating arrangement. The pale wood paneling, worn finish on the lighting and casual seating all add up to a very inviting and cheerful spot.
The octagon table is a centerpiece all on its own. However, placing a curved love seat, upholstered in a fresh wide striped fabric of yellow and white, allows a whimsical design to begin to take shape. The dark chairs add depth and the drapery panels falling behind the vignette encases the space for a cozy feel.
Mixing chair styles at a table tends to bring an energetic quality to a room, but here the result is a space that feels quite peaceful. The carefully chosen seating is varied and yet similar, each style a variation on a theme, creating a sophisticated design that has a sense of order.
This room is quite the opposite. The built-in bench and cabinetry reaching to the ceiling, with a small table placed in front, is full of lively energy. The simple plywood chairs pulled up to the tulip table are in contrast to the more lively chevron rug they sit on, the filled message board lining the wall above the bench, and the fun pillows and multiple accessories filling the shelves. This is a space that looks to be filled to the brim with creativity.
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by Chad Cooper
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| Simple and successful, a white plank table is surrounded by a long bench and turquoise chairs, fitting into the casual and up to date design of the space perfectly. |
Could this mix of chairs, pulled up to a sculptural table, be more creative? It creates an artistic arrangement, with its wide range of styles, from a Eames Molded Rocker to a pink plywood chair and a traditional Windsor chair painted black.
Mixing seating styles can also add character to a more traditional space. Here several slipper chairs, slipcovered in white fabric, surround a dark and heavy table. One could have easily continued on this path, but the addition of the drastically different side chair, upholstered in a wide gray and white striped fabric, was a choice that becomes the star of the room. (Along with the beautifully coved ceiling, that is!)
This photo intrigues me. The chairs are pulled up to the table in such a way that they seem to be deep in conversation. The wonderful collection of chairs and a stool rise to the challenge of complimenting a iconic Saarien table.
This collection of chairs, surrounding an oversized oval table, certainly have the sense of being collected over time. With eleven chairs pulled up to the table it is hard to believe even more sit along the wall. There are many stylistic influences in this space, but it all mixes quite well...just like the chairs...creating a comfortable and welcoming dining room.
Ideabook updated on Aug. 21, 2010.
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bes design for me
This image from Lonny came to mind.
AnNicole
http://oursuburbancottage.blogspot.com
I like it best when there is at least some connection among the styles in either shape or materials. I also like to assure equal comfort. Although that octagonal table with it's curved loveseat and shapely black chairs looks really cool -- I have to confess that I'd be disappointed to find my place card in front of the "skinny-not-all-that-comfortable-show-chair" instead of the deeply cushioned loveseat. :0}
One thing I really wish for: hydraulic barstools that lower ALL THE WAY DOWN to regular dining height so they can be pulled from the bar to the table when extra chairs are needed. In compact spaces, there isn't anyplace to store extra chairs.