Software
Houzz Logo Print
reesepbuttercup

Did I make the wrong choice with these dining chairs?

8 years ago

I've been wanting to add host/hostess slipcovered wing back dining chairs for a while now. The pair I had my eye on sold out and I saw a different chair for a good price and went ahead and ordered them. They just arrived and now I'm not sure if they work.

For starters, they're not slipcovered. I don't know how I missed that. It's my fault for not catching it, but yikes. With two kids, a large ill-mannered dog and naughty cat, I'm not sure how the natural colored upholstery will hold up.

The real issue though is the size. I should have measured, but I figured my existing chairs had relatively high back and that these would be fine. The photos in the reviews all looked good. Do they dwarf my dining set and space? Do they look out of place?

I have two, but have only unpacked one at the moment

The chairs are in my dining space adjacent to my kitchen. I do not have a proper dining room, just this space. The current buffet is being replaced with something larger, that was my plan anyway.

Here's the website photo of the chair, which is accurate.


And the buffet I'm considering

Comments (36)

  • 8 years ago

    Yes, it is really out of proportion with the rest of the furniture.

  • 8 years ago
    Yes it dwarfs your table and doesn’t go
  • 8 years ago

    Ugh. I really wanted this to work. I just thought maybe the change was shocking to my eyes, perhaps that's not the case.

    FWIW, I am looking to mix it up a little and add something a bit more transitional. My decor was leaning too granny. Here's a photo from a review and I like how they look in that room. I now see that my dining chairs have significantly lower backs than the ones pictured

  • 8 years ago

    It looks like the seat of the new chair is a bit higher than those of the windsors. So that would put you not only in a throne-like chair but also elevated above your guests. Perhaps not the most welcoming feeling!

    They are way too large, proportionally and visually.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    The seat is only slightly higher than other chairs.

    I did some perusing online about the concept of mixing dining chairs, specifically wingbacks as host/hostess. I have found plenty of examples where the wingbacks are similar in height, and also quite a few where there is a major difference.

    So I'm not saying my chairs work, I'm still undecided. I just think that it can be done.

    Also, in my living room which is just steps away I plan on getting a leather wingback arm chair (high back) and a slipcovered sofa that has similar looking arms to the wingback dining chairs.

    I wonder if there's anything I can do to make the chairs work? I know the room looks sparse and I feel like the sparseness is amplified in my photos. I do plan on putting up new window treatments and wall decor. I can add more leaves to the table if that would help.

  • 8 years ago

    Notice how in the pic with the dark bow-back chairs how much higher they are are than your wooden chairs. In the pic with the beige and blue floral version, the table is much larger than yours, with three chairs on each side, which makes the taller chairs appear more in scale in that setting.

    But, you should absolutely do what you want, since it's your house! :-)

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    How comfortable are they for eating? They seem to lean quite a bit backwards. Also, when you sit in them, does your head still lean against the back? IMO, they are too big.

    Also, I'd be very concerned that they're white and not slip covered. Seems like a cleaning nightmare.

    Have you checked out World Market or IKEA Henriksdal?

    https://www.worldmarket.com/search.do?query=slip+covered+dining+chairs

    I find my IKEA Henriksdal very comfortable and like switching out slip covers, e.g. long covers, short covers, velvet, linen, etc.

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09862179/

  • 8 years ago

    I'm just going to have to live with it for a little while. I did add one leaf and it makes a difference.

    The chairs do lean back quite a bit. I plan to add a pillow. I do find them to be comfortable actually.

    I should have just ordered the restoration hardware slipcovered wingback which is three inches lower and slipcovered (and nearly 3x the price).

    I don't think I can return them as return shipping fees would probably be nearly half the price. I may try to sell them locally or something. I'm just bummed.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    If you bought them from Joss and Main, I think return shipping is free if you select store credit.

  • 8 years ago

    Sorry, those really don't work. It sounds like you didn't want that feedback, but the scale is off too much and the chair is too high for the table. I have one chair with similar fabric..... I regret the decision, as it can't be cleaned.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    They just don't work! The way the back leans looks so odd in addition to them dwarfing the rest of your furniture. No, wait, it dwarfs the rest of your room.

  • 8 years ago

    I have never understood the idea of the host/hostess sitting in the best seats at the table. Wouldn't you want your guests to have the best you can offer?

  • 8 years ago

    IMO they don't work -- I'm sorry. I'd see about returning them and getting something different.

  • 8 years ago

    Sorry to say this, but there is nothing about those chairs that work. Scale and style are off.

  • 8 years ago

    You probably don't want to see another negative vote, but these chairs are not only too large but very odd-looking. The fact that there is no pattern makes it even worse. I really hope you can return them without a huge cost factor. You'll regret these chairs always, but whatever you have to do to fix the problem will be a hassle for only a while.

  • 8 years ago

    Too bad they just do not go together; the disproportion is so pronounced, it makes me think of Papa Bear and 3 Baby bears.

    The Windsor chairs are lovely and rather delicate, the wingback is graceful, but waaay too big. I think you could comfortably lop 12 inches off the back, height-wise, and I also think exposed legs might look better - like in some of the photos posted above.



  • 8 years ago

    They look extremely odd. Sorry.

  • 8 years ago

    In my area, you can buy wing back chairs at the local antique and recycled furniture shops for as little as $50-75 each. I’d pick up a couple that are smaller in scale and have them slipcovered in a washable fabric. They don’t have to be identical, but I’ve seen them in pairs as well. Just an idea.

    I think with your table and chairs, and the adjacent kitchen, something with a more cottage look would be nice. These are more contemporary in style and definitely over-scaled.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Okay, so I've decided to send them back. Thankfully I only have one to rebox. As someone was kind enough to look up, I can get the full value back with a store credit.

    They are just too tall. I like the wingback style and the slipcovered look, but the height is just too much. I don't mind the color or plainness, but I need a slipcover for practicality.

    So back to the drawing board. Looking for something that's more modern or transitional but still works with the existing Windsor chairs.

    RH has this which is 3" shorter (still may be too tall) and it's not returnable and only available in the indigo color

    or there this which is 6" shorter

    The only wingback option at RH is the same height as the joss and main chair.

    Not sure I'm crazy about anything I'm seeing, I may just wait. I really want to add some fabric to the dining space though.

  • 8 years ago

    I really like the leaf added to the table. It's so disheartening to finally pull the plug to purchase & be disappointed- I totally understand.

    I have been thinking about these & I believe Mtnrd said she's had some for years with good results.

    Ballard Designs

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I think your table and chairs are beautiful and appear to be in excellent condition. If you are looking to add in some soft lines in a space with lots of hard surfaces, consider adding an area rug under the table instead of the chairs. (which definitely did not work). A sisal rug, or muted pattern would look gorgeous in your classic space.

    Also, there appears to be some extra wall space to the left of your window. Maybe you could add a small bench there with some textured pillows against the wall, to add some softness to the room? It would also serve as great overflow seating when you're socializing around the table.

    (ETA, I think your existing chairs are beautiful. Not the new ones. Those are weird.)

  • 8 years ago

    Sorry, I am not loving the new chair. IMO leans way to far back while at a table

  • 8 years ago

    Whew! Glad you're returning them. Carolb mentioned exposed legs might look better and I wholeheartedly agree, especially in a kitchen and Anglophilia is correct that those styles don't mix well. Is your current table and chairs related to other furniture in your home, or is it an anomaly?

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I like your room as is but I understand wanting to make changes. If you want to modernize and warm up the space, I would consider getting a stylish rug, some art, updated curtain panels or a more substantial lantern light fixture. Polypropylene rugs are basically bullet proof and I have cleaned mine by taking them outside and hosing them off.

    Trying to find chairs online that have the right scale to work with your current set is going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

  • 8 years ago

    Check out Carrington Court. Their chairs are smaller scale, their prices are good, and the chairs are comfortable. I purchased 2 of their upholstered Parsons chairs years ago, and repurposed them in our lake house with some impeccably tailored slipcovers, also from Carrington.

  • 8 years ago

    I am in the crowd that questions the entire idea of these captains chairs. How would they EVER be correct for eating at a table? They are not built to keep you sitting up straight. It is just not REAL that you can turn any old accent chair from a living space into something that works at a table!!!! Your style of table and preset chairs has its own head of the table chairs, look for those and in the long run, you will be much happier. Having said that armed chairs at a table area a PITB to get in and out of.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    As far as other changes: a rug won't work in the dining area as there isn't enough space. Any rug that is large enough goes too far into the walkway between the kitchen island. I will be changing the window treatments when I get new furniture and decor.

    I don't have that much other furniture (my house is small- downstairs is around 700 sq feet). I plan on getting new furniture this spring. A new sofa, leather armchair, rug, sofa table and end table. I want to get away from red and have more blue and creams. New/additional window treatments as well. The kitchen cabinets are in the process of being painted a linen color. Then this summer I hope to tackle the fireplace project , getting rid of the tv stand and including built in shelving.

    My old plan, with the joss and main chairs, was below. Of course, now that I'm not keeping the chairs it will change.

    I quite like my Ethan Allen early American dining set, I just wanted to freshen up the rest of my stuff. Incorporating more trasitional pieces.

    ETA: I know captains chairs exist for my set, but I really don't want more of the same. I do think a slipcovered dining chair, even a wingback, can work if the scale is right.

  • 8 years ago

    The upholstered chair looks humongous compared to your wooden pieces. Perhaps they would work in the living room? They really are huge!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    To be honest, if you look at your inspiration photos, (at least the ones that look good) the spaces are larger and so are the tables. You might be able to find an upholstered chair small enough for your space but don't buy or settle until you do. I don't like the look of really tall end chairs and low middle chairs. Its not harmonious. Some thoughts on softening and freshening your look in the meantime-- a tablecloth and/or chair cushions. If you are ready for a whole new look, maybe sell your old set and get a new one. I think you'll always be futzing to try and take your current set in such a radically different direction. I inherited a dining room set I always hated. But after pricing a new set and figuring out all the cool other things I can do with that money, I embraced my old set and now quite enjoy my dining room. You don't have to always be "on trend" to enjoy your living space. Work with the vibe the set already has - you can still go eclectic with the room.

  • 8 years ago

    Any chance you can hold off on buying the distressed buffet for a while? IT doesn't seem like you quite have a solidified idea as to the direction you want to go in. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but the buffet has a very distinct look and may lock you into a direction you hadn't planned.

    And it doesn't work with your table and chairs. Have you tried furniture consignment stores for a buffet. With so many people downsizing there are a lot of them available.

  • 8 years ago

    If you must have an upholstered chair at each end, I’d get something like these




  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago



    I'm not sold on the wayfair buffet. The distressed finish may look off. The space is 85" and I'd like to fill that as much as possible. Due to the flooring and stained wood table/chairs, I think the buffet should have a painted finish RH has this one


    In terms of the chairs I will be holding off purchasing anything for a little while. I'm leaning towards slipcovered camelback parsons chairs.


  • 8 years ago

    Just an FYI-k9arlene's chair is from Pier One. I think that might work, although I do agree that you may want to change your table at some point. Check out your local Craig's List!


  • 8 years ago

    I just saw this chair at Ikea. I think they would be great with your set, and they are very affordable!