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sis2two

Dining chair question for a farmhouse style dining room

10 years ago

I have ordered two slipcovered parsons chairs for my dining room which will be at each end of my pine farm table. I have a long pine bench on one side and two black Windsor chairs on the other side. My dining room is red with black accents found in my frames and artwork.

My question is whether the three types of seating will work or if I should go with the bench (which is staying for sure) and four slipcovered chairs. Would take pictures but my slipcovered chairs have not arrived yet. Thanks so much.

Comments (42)

  • 10 years ago

    If the bench is staying, I vote for all the same chairs. Just a gut reaction since there's no pictures. But I've seen three different types of seating before in other kitchens (on line, not in real life) and they look good in most cases. But all the other elements have to be in place to work, I think.

    sis2two thanked anitamo
  • 10 years ago

    When I think of parson's chairs, I think of a more formal setting and it doesn't seem to fit with a farmhouse look. Just to be sure I understood what you were talking about I googled parson's chairs with farm tables and when I saw pictures, I still had the same reaction. I think if you kept the bench and windsor chairs, slat back chairs might be a better option for each end but that's just my two cents.

    sis2two thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    Ladder back chairs are the first thing that come to mind. And a bench is always nice.

    sis2two thanked patty_cakes42
  • 10 years ago

    Thanks you two who have weighed in. My reasoning behind getting the parsons chairs was that I am trying to soften the look of the room. I have seen parsons chairs with the farm tables and really liked the contrast of the two elements together. The fabric I chose is a Belgian Linen in Natural. I am slowly seeing that the bench is not really working for me, and I may just have to move it out. Thinking about using Black Windsor armchairs on the ends and two Parsons chairs on either side. Then I would need to order two more. But in taking the bench away, I will need to order two more of either the black or slipcovered chairs.

  • 10 years ago

    Just saw your post patty cakes. I already have the black Windsor chairs so wouldn't want to do the ladderback. Right now I will need to purchase only two of something after deciding which of the two options it will be, Windsor or slipcovered.

  • 10 years ago

    I like the idea of the bench though. Maybe a bench with a soft cushion on it. Kind of depends how it sits in the room too though. Can you post a picture of the table?

    sis2two thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    luckiirish- my chairs are arriving on Thursday so I will try to post pictures then.

  • 10 years ago

    I think slip covered parsons chairs go very well with a farm table and Windsor chairs. I'm not 100% sure about a bench, but why not?




    sis2two thanked nosoccermom
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Yeah, I saw some of those in my search to get a feel for what she was describing and to my minds eye, they don't work at all. Love those tables though especially the last one.

    sis2two thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    I would do 4 Windsor chairs and no bench. I would not want to sit on the bench personally. I just redid a Duncan phyfe table and have two black chairs and two fabric covered chairs and am going to look for 4 matching chairs to replace the two black


    sis2two thanked Kippy
  • 10 years ago

    Kippy-do you mean use four Windsor chairs along with the two slipcovered chairs?

  • 10 years ago

    I'm having a hard time visualizing Windsor arm chairs and Parson chairs together. Depending on the style of the bench, I can see it going with either, but not a combo of all three. Waiting to see photos for my final answer.

    sis2two thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    What about pressback chairs? They have a nice farmhouse feel to them, too.

    sis2two thanked nan-nan
  • 10 years ago

    Since I have the black Windsor chairs, bench, and two slipcovered chairs on the way, I'm really trying to decide on the best combination: bench ( which is the same reclaimed pine as the trestle table) with four slipcovered chairs, four slipcovered chairs with two black Windsor chairs or two slipcovered chairs and four black Windsor chairs.

  • 10 years ago

    I meant that I would do the two parsons at the ends and then 2 on each side of the black chairs. If you are trying to fit a bunch of kids on the bench, I can see using it, but if it was for adults...I think I would be wrestling someone for a real chair

    sis2two thanked Kippy
  • 10 years ago

    We use the dining room very seldom- primarily Christmas. Hoping to one day have grandchildren at which time time the bench would be great.

  • 10 years ago

    I would save the bench for when those grandchildren are there and you need more seating around the table. Is there a wall it can live by?

    sis2two thanked Kippy
  • 10 years ago

    May can use it upstairs somewhere. Would definitely hold on to it.

  • 10 years ago

    The real issue with the bench is that my dh loves it. We had it made out of reclaimed pine to match our trestle table.

  • 10 years ago

    Then I would probably leave it and make sure I have some folding chairs in case some one needs them. My guy cut me live edge wood for some outdoor tables that he keeps suggesting would be wonderful as mantles, cabinet tops etc....only it is a 1890's cottage with a lot of white painted wood work. I am hoping they will make good party tables instead.

    sis2two thanked Kippy
  • 10 years ago

    We had a vintage table with bench seating that we happily sold after years of people of all ages just couldn't move the bench in coordinated fashion, kids who needed to help to get in and out, lack of comfort, yada yada yada...looks nice, but didn't function well for our extended family at all.

    sis2two thanked Jubilante
  • 10 years ago

    I think the parsons chairs go just fine with a farmhouse table and certainly add some pretty texture with the fabric. I like mixing chairs; it adds a lot of interest to the room. However, I think I'd go with the parsons at the ends and two benches, or two sets of Windsors on both sides.

    sis2two thanked girlwithponytail
  • 10 years ago

    I received my two Parsons chairs from RH today and have decided that I really like all three styles of seating in my dining room! I will try to post pictures later this evening.

  • 10 years ago

    Yes, please post! I'm eyeing my Windsor chairs and am seeing black or very dark navy.

  • 10 years ago

    Looking forward to seeing your pic. I think the very nature of a rustic farm table lends itself to having a "pieced together" or "collected over time" feel to the room.

    sis2two thanked MagdalenaLee
  • 10 years ago

    Here are pics taken by my phone. Not the greatest photos.

  • 10 years ago

    You are right- they all look great together! Lovely room. If it was mine, I would consider adding a little darker stain to the bench because the floor, bench and table all read the same color to me. Just a hint of a darker brown would help to break it up a little and tie in with some of the darker elements in the room. Kind of like the dark brown color of the tray on your table.

    sis2two thanked jesshs
  • 10 years ago

    Oh, that does look wonderful! Good call. I am glad you are pleased.


    sis2two thanked cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Thanks y'all! We probably won't restain the bench as its actually reclaimed pine in its natural color as well as the table. Irl it doesn't look bad being all the same color really. And at this time I'm not wanting a rug in there.

  • 10 years ago

    I love the way it all looks together!

    sis2two thanked Kippy
  • 10 years ago

    Looks great! Good call!

    How about some cushions on the bench with some black?

    sis2two thanked nosoccermom
  • 10 years ago

    Oh I like it! But I'm finding myself sort of drawn to the juxtaposition of a things that are a little rustic/distressed (farm table and bench) and things that are more refined/feminine (slipcovered chairs/windsor chairs). I think you've carried it off really well!

    sis2two thanked Butternut
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Thank you for your nice comments! One thing that you can't see in the photos is that I have two Windsor arm chairs on either side of a pine hutch to balance out the black chairs at the table.

    Butternut- I have always loved the contrast of rustic and refined too even before I could put it into words. It seems to give a freshness to the mix IMO. And I love different styles of decorating put together. I realize it's not for everyone but I like it.

  • 10 years ago

    It sounds perfect!

  • 10 years ago

    Beautiful room! I love the combination seating you have but if you decide to not use the bench for some reason then I would suggest 2 more black Windsor side chairs and just use the parsons at the head and foot of the table.

    I have white upholstered chairs at the head and foot of my RH salvaged pine trestle table and wood side chairs with slips only on the seats. I love this look - the linen slips are a nice, soft contrast to the rustic table.

    I was also considering black Windsor side chairs for my table but wasn't sure and then found my chairs on sale at Shabby Chic. I fell in love with them because they're so pretty but DH is not a fan due to comfort. He would have preferred the Windsor chairs. Looking at your photos, I can see they would have looked great!

    Can you share where you found your sign and clock hanging on the walls? I need to find some interesting wall decor!

    sis2two thanked juddgirl2
  • 10 years ago

    I'm not usually a fan of red but it fits well in the room and I love the way you've accessorized, unfortunately, I'm still not a fan of the parson's chairs. :c( I'm glad that you are happy with them though cause that's what really matters!

    sis2two thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    Love the look!

    sis2two thanked 2pups4me
  • 10 years ago

    The different chairs along with the red adds a whimsical charm to your room. Great job!

    sis2two thanked MagdalenaLee
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Thank you all so much for taking the time to comment! I am really happy with it but then I really like an eclectic look.

    juddgirl2- I purchased the sign at Ethan Allen but it can also be purchased online. The sign is made by Charles Jerred I believe. Anyway my sister purchased hers online for a lot less. He may sell on eBay. The clock was ordered from Magnolia Farms shop affiliated with the Fixer Upper show. They have it in their online shop off and on as shipments come in.

  • 10 years ago

    What a pretty room. I love the black Windsor chairs with the parsons chairs. I am a fan of parsons chairs as they can be moved into any room for comfortable seating and really not take up a lot of room. I have a farmers table in an eating area that has a "L" shaped banquet on one side and one end and 3 parsons chairs on the other end and side, I think the main thing about your room was the fabric you choose.

    sis2two thanked cran
  • 10 years ago

    Thanks for the info. Off to do some online shopping!