Software
Houzz Logo Print
visionaire1

Should I save these chairs?

13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
We are demolishing my parent's house which is very tired and outdated (don't look at the carpet!!). They have had their dining setting forever and it's solid as a rock so we've decided to keep the table for the new house and get it re-stained, however, I'm not sold on the chairs. Do you think these chairs are worth saving? The other chairs are the same but have no arms and the 2 end chairs have arms (pictured). I was considering getting these end chairs re-upholstered and buying new ones for the rest of the chairs around the table. Is it possible to make these chairs look good?

Any help is much appreciated!

Comments (30)

  • 13 years ago
    If you upholster them in linen they will look very Restoration Hardware
  • 13 years ago
    They look very dated. I would change to a high back wing chair, in fabric, a small print of colors you are doing rm. stain table dark. Think black coffee. Then side chairs, can be the ones you have without arms. Recover and stain legs n back to match table. Take a color of wing chairs print and put a solid color on side chairs. Would bring it up to date. Walls should be painted a color from print also.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Wondering if the chairs would look good done a soft white?
    Antique Louis XV Dining Chair · More Info
  • 13 years ago
    Save the chairs! I would reupholster in an ikat fabric and paint the wood a laquer color that compliment the fabric you choose
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Here is what a star designer in the UK is doing with these types of chairs. It is such fun but really an acquired taste! I think it shows you possibilities at the very least (Jimmie Martin)
  • 13 years ago
    I wasn't to clear on wing chairs those will go at each end of table. I've used this look so many times, it's beautiful. Also these sets usually come with china cabinets. Don't use too outdated. Just a Buffett in same stain will work with a big mirror over it. If you have wood floors. A area rug big must cover whole floor under table all furn on rug even when chairs pulled out.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I wouldn't, this cut velvet fabric is beautiful and seems to be in perfect shape. You can have the chairs restained or painted to go with the table or if you must, reupholster them. Trust me when I say if you get rid of them you will regret it- furniture isn't as rock solid as they use to be or as inexpensive as they use to be. These chairs aren't damaged just repurpose them. If they been around so long- they are classic and honeslty they are timeless.
  • 13 years ago
    Of course that wood paneling is going ? Ha ha it will look great.
  • 13 years ago
    I agree with Amelia , change the fabric on them .
  • 13 years ago
    I think these chairs are gorgeous!! Personally, I love the velvet fabric, but if you're not a huge fan, definitely save the chairs and just get them reupholstered.
  • 13 years ago
    Paint them and re-upholster...it'll make a world of difference. You cant find chairs like that anymore.
  • 13 years ago
    IMO - keep the chairs & remove the finials. If you don't want to paint the chairs, you could find little wooden lozenges or even decorative tacks to cover the holes.. One potential thought - keep the velvet on the backs (if you like it) & reupholster the fronts in a solid.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Thank you all for the advice! I think it would be a wise choice to keep the chairs. As some of you have pointed out they're probably much better made than most on the market today and they are very comfortable too! Do you think they would look nice if I painted the frames black and reupholstered them in a white and taupe thick vertical stripe fabric? I'd get rid of the little finials too. I don't mind the velvet but we're doing a taupe color scheme in the new house and I'm thinking the gold may clash.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I thnk that would give you the LIFE I think you are looking for. Great Idea. Try with the finials you may like how a traditional chair looks modern just because of the color.
  • 13 years ago
    No gold.if using taupe, I like the chocolate, teals, gray blues. They are chairs you can use color. Otherwise it's boring. Change it up.
  • 13 years ago
    I think these chairs are great! Don't get rid of them, just change the fabric to something that suits your style more. I would stain the chair black and add an off white upholstery or an off white with a subtle pattern.
  • 13 years ago
    Save them - they have a graceful shape, and you can as someone indicated remove the finials for a sleeker look. I would also be inclined to go with a linen. I'm sure that a white and taupe stripe would be elegant. You could also pick an accent color depending on what you are planning, like a teal or coral. Anything but fusty!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    If you are not sure, I would say keep them. They do strike me as a bit dated perhaps, but they have some interesting features and they appear to be in good condition. I am designing and building a chair right now and am realizing that consumers can be ruthless and fickle about taste. As we know, many styles come back in fashion. Meanwhile, the pursuit of contemporary design can be extremely costly.
  • 13 years ago
    The chair is gorgeous just needs reupholstering to run away from its former surroundings. You've been looking at them for many years in a severely dated setting. They are treasures. I wouldn't touch the wood myself.
  • 13 years ago
    If you are painting them black, the finials will look smashing. If you want to give them an extra bump, consider tipping w a little antiqued silver leaf to meld with your taupe stripes.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    What did you end up doing?
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Keep the chairs and give them a second chance ,they will look great and you will have something that belonged to your parents.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    If you don't like them, sell them on Etsy or Craigslist... get chairs that you love.
  • 13 years ago
    People- this is a 4 month old post, someone just asked the poster what they ended up doing.
  • 13 years ago
    Sell them to me! They are gorgeous
  • 13 years ago
    Hi everyone. I appreciate all your new suggestions and they are still relevant as I haven't touched the chairs yet. The old house is scheduled for demolition in a few weeks (takes a long time to organise all the approvals etc!) so the chairs have not been moved out yet. I still have lots of ideas but I will definitely show you all the finished result whenever that may be! Stay posted!