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Dining room furniture - what do you think?

9 years ago

Good morning, all!

My husband and I are building a new home and it's almost ready for move in! Now, it's time for furnishings. The home is on the NJ coast, but it's our year-round home, not seasonal. I have aimed at a classic, Nantucket feel. There is a great room which includes the kitchen, dining & living area. Kitchen cabinetry is white, inset shaker. There are subtle separations of the spaces, mostly accomplished through ceiling treatments.

So here is what I'm thinking for the dining room, which I'd like to be able to take from casual, daily meals to formal occasions. The table & ladder back chairs would be in the same finish. I would only order 4 ladder back side chairs & use the upholstered wingbacks for the ends of the table.

I am so indecisive, I could really use your help. Do you think this works well together? Thanks in advance for giving your thoughts!


Comments (23)

  • 9 years ago

    I think your choices work well together, especially for the Nantucket feel. The wingback chair is beautiful. The wood of the ladder backs looks like a good match to the table.

    My only recommendation is that you decide it you want your side chair backs to be that high. If the table is quite large (width especially), the backs will be fine. If the table is completely surrounded by high backs, it may look caged in.

    What is the height of the ladder backs versus the wingback chairs? Personally, I'd want my end chairs to have higher backs than the side chairs.

    prepmom thanked DYH
  • 9 years ago

    Your choices are very pretty, especially the trestle table. I would consider if the height of the ladder back chairs hinder the view and flow of the open space and out through the windows. The Jersey shore is a lovely area for a home.

    prepmom thanked happy2b…gw
  • 9 years ago

    I like the table and have one very similar. However, it is not comfortable for the person on the end because the base gets in the way of your feet/legs. I would make sure to sit at the table (on all sides) with the chairs that you will use and make sure it's comfortable.

    prepmom thanked Rory (Zone 6b)
  • 9 years ago

    Love the table, not the chairs so much. The first chairs, that style is SO uncomfortable.

    The second...if it's a beach house, stay away from fabrics. For one thing, the dampness in the air will do a number on them. Second, you'll have a ton of visitors (I'm guessing) and they get very messy.

    Best, and most comfortable chairs for a beach house are heavy wood chairs, like old library and school chairs (believe it or not. They really are the most comfortable, easiest to clean - just wipe them down - and hold up the best).

    Like these: arm for the end chairs, none for the side chairs.

    If you can get the real thing, they are the absolute best chairs.

    prepmom thanked User
  • 9 years ago

    Thank you for all your responses so far!

    dyhgarden - The ladder backs are 43" high x 19" wide. The wingback is 46" x 22". I think that proportionally this will look good, as the wingbacks are slightly larger without overwhelming the space, but I am concerned about the balance of height too.

    tibbrix - you bring up excellent points & this is definitely part of my reservation on pulling the trigger. There is no denying that the ladder backs are not the most comfortable chair. AND The light colored fabric on the wingbacks might put this clean-crazed lady over the edge! I do like that at least it's a slipcover, so it can be washed. I truly hate when function trumps form!!

  • 9 years ago

    I have ladder back chairs for my casual dining room, very similar to the ones you posted. While I love the style, here are some caveats about this style of chair--they are not that sturdy, I have had to fix and re-make the legs and leg supports on all my chairs. This might be particularly problematic if you have rambunctious kids. And yes, they aren't particularly comfortable, although you can get cool cushions for them. But that brings up another point about this style of chair, for short people (and my late mom was short, 5 ft.) they are very uncomfortable because her feet barely touched the floor. Same with kids. So that's why I have never gotten cushions for mine.

    SO and I shopped for new chairs for his dining room table when his grandson was born, and he wanted something safe, sturdy and kid friendly with an eye towards the future. Tibbrix's post reminded me of the style he got, it was also called "schoolhouse" and you can get them through restaurant supply stores. They can be dressed up too. So far so good with them for durability.

    Click on the link to see a picture of the style or Google it. I'm posting from my tablet so can't easily cut and paste.http://www.restaurantfurniture4less.com/bfdh-7992mbk-tdr.html

    prepmom thanked l pinkmountain
  • 9 years ago

    Restaurant supply places are great places to get chairs because they are made to be very sturdy and withstand a lot of wear and tear. I personally love the look of the schoolhouse/library chairs as well. Also think they are far more comfortable than any dining chair with cushions/padding, but only if they are the "real" thing, solid hardwood. Those are expensive, but IMO they are worth investing in. You can get them in a myriad of colors too.

    These look good, $152 per for the armless, $203 for the armed


    http://www.kpetersen.com/schoolhousearmchair.htm

    prepmom thanked User
  • 9 years ago

    Trestle tables seem to be very popular right now; but I, too, second Rory's opinion that the end chairs just aren't comfortable to sit it with all that wood in front of your feet.

    prepmom thanked jab65
  • 9 years ago

    Prepmom, we have amazing similar taste and style. We have just moved to the west coast of FL. I am decorating with a "coastal" vibe rather than a beachy-beachy. I have the RH 72" x 42" trestle table, though in salvaged unstained wood. The table is almost exactly like yours except for the stain. I love ladder backs but didn't want the higher straight back ones which can be uncomforfortable and overwhelm the rectangular table. We purchased the 18th Century Louis XV side chairs. They are 37" high and 20" wide on the seat. The chairs have a slightly curved back and are very comfortable. The height is perfect for the table. Mine are distressed black, but they come in 5 different stains. Take a look on the RH site. I don't know how to post pictures or links, sorry.

    prepmom thanked peaches12345
  • 9 years ago

    You've all given me a lot to think about & I so appreciate your opinions! I've had the opportunity to sit at this exact table and the ends do not seem to hinder my ability to sit comfortably- probably because I'm rather short. My husband is only 5'7" so I think we'll be fine. Guests will set in the middle part of the table, so those blessed with longer legs should be comfortable.

    There seems to be a strong consensus that the ladder backs will not be comfortable. I greatly appreciate everyone's recommendations, however, if at all possible, I'd like to find a chair from Zimmerman Chair Co because they make the table & the finishes will then be exact. I know that's not necessary, however, if I go with upholstered end chairs, I'd like for the other pieces to match.

    How do you feel about the following? Any better? (again, the finish would match the table above)


  • 9 years ago

    I like these a lot from that company

    prepmom thanked User
  • 9 years ago

    Tibbrix, thanks for the link for the schoolhouse/library chairs. They're awesome! And I don't think they're *that* expensive, compared to what's offered at C&B and PB.

  • 9 years ago

    I agree, Linelle. So long as they're of the quality I'm thinking, that is a very good deal. These chairs should be pretty heavy. If not, skip 'em.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I like the second choice from your last post for side chairs. I like the concept of upholstered head and foot chairs, but recommend getting washable slipcovers.

    I have the same setup, with a trestle table, and love the look. Not much of an issue with foot room for the end chairs if you don't sit too close.

    Edited to add - I have the RH salvaged pine trestle table like peaches, but finished mine with Monocoat oil for protection. It's held up for several years now with no stains. My side chairs are from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic.

    prepmom thanked juddgirl2
  • 9 years ago

    I certainly understand your wanting the side chairs to match your table. I was using the RH Louis XV chair as a smaller ladder back with the graceful curved back. Zimmerman has many beautiful chairs. Love chair #2 and many others on their website.

    prepmom thanked peaches12345
  • 9 years ago

    Thanks again to all of you for your help! I'm going to give it some further thought, but it looks like chair #2 from my last post is a good contender as a winner.

    Tibbrix - the Zimmerman chair you posted is beautiful, however, it was not to DH's liking (since when does he even have an opinion on these things, lol).

    Tnfarmhouse - your dining room is lovely! Both elegant and warm. Just right. How difficult do you find it to keep the slipcovers so clean? They look brand new.

  • 9 years ago

    We have a similar table. No trouble for the ends. We really like it. Side chairs are pictured below.


    photo when moving in

    prepmom thanked User
  • 9 years ago

    Nightowl - thanks for sharing your photos. The last shot looks like it could be in a magazine! Beautiful.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Ha. Thanks. That was like 2 days after we moved in. Note all the stuff on the shelves and the dirty light shade things. 1.5 yrs later and we STILL don't know what light fixture to put there! Arrrggg

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thank you, prepmom. They do get a bit dirty but it's not really noticeable unless you're looking closely. Only 1 end chair gets regular use by DH, so I switch them out once in awhile. If he's particularly grungy from working outside I throw a sheet or towel over the chair if I'm around to catch him before he sits down!

    I take them to the dry cleaners every 6 months or so, but have them wet clean them because drycleaning didn't seem to help with some stains.

    I think I'm going to start cleaning them myself, starting with an Oxy soak in the bathtub, and maybe just take them in for pressing if needed. I hate ironing!

    Here's another view that shows the side chairs better. They have lines similar to one of your choices. Those slips wash easily in my washer and dryer and still look new after several years. All the fabric is ivory linen.

    prepmom thanked juddgirl2
  • 9 years ago

    OT - Rachel Ashwell. I have this chaise -- OMG just heaven http://www.shabbychic.com/furniture/slip-cover-furniture/chairs-chaise/grand-chaise.html#.VuuGkT8RskY

    And 2 squishy sofas in the TV room. It is hard to stay awake watching a movie!

    Big love

  • 9 years ago

    I would have never noticed the things you pointed out nightowl! I think your fixture is lovely, maybe something a little lighter would work well?

    tnfarmhouse- your slipcovers look brand new from here. So happy they seem rather easy to keep clean with a little attention. :)

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