https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:11:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2316294 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:47:36 +0000 Jenni NZ 2316294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, I got back to this thread totally by mistake ( my phone did something funny)- but what happened? Or are you still renovating, I know you asked about lighting for the kitchen? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2241737 Sat, 04 Dec 2021 02:39:21 +0000 elpgal 2241737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My friend has a similar style table and she has the IKEA version of the ghost chairs plus a mismatched assortment that she painted with pastel milk paints. It looks surprisingly elegant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2241709 Sat, 04 Dec 2021 01:26:52 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I’m with you on the ghost chairs. Apartment Therapy went on a tear about them a few years ago, and transparent end tables and coffee tables, everything so transparent and see-through the space just felt so open, they said. I’m a curmudgeon. Sure, they let light through, but pairing them up with all the warm, cozy things they are usually paired up with doesn’t make the space look uncluttered to me. It’s not dark, but I still know there’s stuff in the way. To me, that’s maybe worse than clearly seeing specific forms. Using them to stage a home makes sense though. That’s my take anyway. YMMV. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2241681 Sat, 04 Dec 2021 00:05:28 +0000 Janet 2241681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw some ghost chairs in a shop last night and was reminded of my big peeve with them — tons of fingerprints! They look good in pictures from a distance though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2241672 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 23:14:54 +0000 Anonymous 2241672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn’t keep either the chairs or the table when we moved a few years ago , but this is how I staged my dining room with ghost chairs when the house was up for sale . I wish I had that rug too . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2241548 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 10:57:41 +0000 Anonymous 2241548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Robin's suggestion. They look comfortable and not so far off the style of the table to be chaotic. To me keeping similar lines or colors is most harmonious. The ghost chairs to me would pair best with metal I'd think- and or lots of black and white. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2241503 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 23:34:32 +0000 Helena 2241503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Missvee great tip on Mobilia, which I wasn't familiar with ... It's only about 15 mins down the highway from me so perfect for some browsing as those chairs look great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2241501 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 23:29:22 +0000 Helena 2241501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey checking back in and thank you all so much for the input!! Yes I totally agree with sturdy and comfy chairs to accommodate different ages, body types, bad backs etc, even if it's only for a couple of times a year ... I might end up mixing ... Some of the modern ones and then maybe parson chairs for either end so there is something a little sturdier and more substantial for anyone that might need. Thank you so much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please/page/2#post-2241302 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 16:35:35 +0000 JAileen 2241302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When we bought our dining table and chairs, I wanted a certain chair, a Windsor arm chair, where the back continues in one piece to form the arm. &nbsp;It’s a beautiful design. &nbsp;My husband sat in the chair and simply said no. &nbsp;It wasn’t comfortable for him. &nbsp;We ended up getting ladder-back chairs. &nbsp; &nbsp;For all wood chairs, they are surprisingly comfortable. &nbsp;However, they are big. &nbsp;My brother had Thonet style bentwood chairs. &nbsp;For comfort, they are not bad. &nbsp;But they are a lot smaller, so people can sit closer together. &nbsp;I hadn’t considered that. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241298 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 16:06:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, yeah, I’ve been wondering the same thing, if Helena’s space is less multi-purpose than some people assume, with actual desks and other tables elsewhere in the house. I made sure our kitchen has a spot where my son can hang out and chat while I cook, but we have other spots for games, desk- and craft work. Do you have any long, lanky nephews? Bring them up in conversations with the ILs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241282 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 15:17:44 +0000 Jules 2241282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, body proportions matter. I am currently "negotiating" new furniture choices for a shared vacation property with my in laws who are short and specifically, short in the legs from waist to knee. We have totally different perceptions of what makes a comfortable couch for example (I would defer to their comfort as seniors if they used this space, but they have their own cottage where they have full control of the furniture; this is a small outbuilding for us and other guests. So they are projecting their needs and I am projecting mine...). But I digress a bit, as it sounds like Helena has a "formal" dining room that isn't multipurpose and doesn't necessarily need to be super comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241259 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:41:25 +0000 Janet 2241259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to admit I’m super picky and demanding about any seating now that I am married to a man who is 6’6”. Low backs on anything are just awful for him, and most seats are too shallow. So I have come to be extremely practical about seating, LOL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241189 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 01:50:08 +0000 NancyW 2241189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Try to sit in the chairs! Even though you may not currently use the room often, that could change over time. And holiday/birthday/celebration dinners are often longer than the average Tuesday night supper! We have two ‘captain’s chairs’ with full arm rests; I give them to guests as neither of us likes to sit in a dining chair with arms. Our kitchen set is completely armless. I have long legs and so sit low. We dismissed many chair/table combinations because the distance from seat to table was too large. I’m with Jenni, you may know it when you see it, even if you have to see it online. Have fun looking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241182 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 01:13:43 +0000 missvee 2241182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We got the ‘Jennifer’ leather chair from Mobilia Canada to use with an old round oak pedestal table. &nbsp;I love them - the side profile has a slight curve which reads lighter somehow than a standard parsons chair, and seems to complement the table well. &nbsp;Sorry, no find.<br />I have to say though that the IKEA one that Jules linked is amazing value, especially if you’re hoping to add a dose of Modern to the room. &nbsp;<div>I think your table is great btw.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241098 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:40:46 +0000 RobinF 2241098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have an old pedestal table that was my in-laws.&nbsp;We use it for playing cards and such when we have guest&nbsp;so I wanted it to be cozy. We got these upholstered chairs instead of the straight side chairs we had. . Quite comfy now and I love the look. I could see something like that working for you. It would break up the expanse of wood (beautiful table!). Regardless of what you choose, you will want to be careful with seat height to make sure they don't sit too low.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241094 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:15:41 +0000 Jules 2241094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So as a result of this thread I almost ordered a thousand dollars' worth of Kartell Victoria ghost chairs on Cyber Monday sale last night, lol! Luckily my husband offered a "light" veto (as in, he's a firm NO but wouldn't actually stop me). I say luckily because it got me thinking about comfort and I think what we have, a clear plastic IKEA chair with a chrome frame, is relatively comfortable because the frame offers both support and some give (I can actively bounce in the chair). I actually sit in one all day as my work from home "office" chair, with just a cheap cushion on the seat for a bit of padding and warmth. And as a family we use the table for board games, crafts, homework etc.&nbsp;<br />Anyway, thought I'd share the actual chair here because it does check a lot of boxes. Ours are grey which they don't appear to offer anymore. I don't love the appearance overall, but keep in mind only the upper back of the chair really shows most of the time as the chairs are either pushed under a table cloth or people are sitting in them. I also have a small dining room rather than open concept so I'm not looking at the scene from a lot of perspectives if that makes sense. Quality wise, we have had these for 5+ years and they have held up very well.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/tobias-chair-transparent-chrome-plated-80349671/">https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/t.....-80349671/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241092 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:01:30 +0000 unfrumped 2241092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't have brilliant ideas, but am interested in this topic as I have a lot of traditional and "ancestor" furniture that I still like but am trying to be intentional about how to combine with a few modern pieces. Also, have a LOT of wood furniture in several different woods, plus medium-dark oak hardwood floors ( not sure of stain but something like Provencial or English chestnut, in that range),&nbsp; probably too many for the ideal mix, and have considered painting my golden oak dining chairs or getting new also.<br />I found a lot of good photos and some discussions on Houzz. However, it tends toward what "looks good" and less attention paid to comfort.<br />My dining room will be a mostly-dedicated dining room with at least 4-6 chairs in place at all times, so here are a few things I have been paying attention to:<br />How high do I want chairbacks to be? Do I want a lower-profile look so the table &amp; chairs are less visually blocking the other furniture and art, or do I like high-backs.<br />I really want pretty darn comfortable chairs--because I'd like for DH and me and any guests to actually go, wow, this is pretty darn comfortable for a dining chair and I'm not itching to get up and move to the sofa-but of course even different people might experience chair designs differently. So either comfortable as-is solid--and we've been okay with the oak chairs we have, though they're not "aahhh" -level, vs finding that cushioned seats and backs are needed. We're empty-nesters so have more options for light upholstery, but as a practical person, &amp; kitty owner, I am not going to get fragile or pristine white fabrics unless removable-washable.<br />It's hard to evaluate chair comfort since there are fewer showroom examples. And if it's a specific brand of a style, you don't know how the chair varies when done by different brands, different price points. Such as the Eames side chairs that are available in discount stores but feel "off" and wobbly to me. So I'm leery of online shopping for&nbsp; these items. Potentially works best if I could try a chair IRL but need a different color that's online.                               <br />Same for plastic ghost chairs, metal industrial chairs.<br />Also interested in mixing chairs--I don't really do well with a complete mish-mash because my other furniture is kind of that, but, host chairs, or extra chairs that can be pressed into service but are used elsewhere.<br />&nbsp;For searghing for inspiration photos, I've had luck with searching dininr room stuff but also, mixing traditional and modern, mixing woods, eclectic style, new- or neo-tradional style--these turn up interesting juxtapositions of styles and colors/finishes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241078 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 12:35:50 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JenniNZ, combining Art Deco and clean modern looks is definitely a thing. It’s a thing I like a lot </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241059 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:25:07 +0000 Jenni NZ 2241059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes good luck. I found my taste totally changed from the secondhand mid-century vaguely Art Deco style warm wood table and chairs I was so happy to find in 1991 and the modern white table I found in 2018 for the new house. I still own both though as we have family living in the old house with some of our old furniture!<br /> I think decide whether you want a total contrast or something still vaguely “toning in?” In the end in 2018 it was wandering through lots of furniture showrooms that helped us. When I found the white table I took Neil to see it and he immediately went “That’s the one” just like I had.<br /> I like all Nikki’s pics too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241036 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 02:50:28 +0000 Irina 2241036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it all depends on the function and proportions- if you only occasionally use your dining room and have more space around the table, I like chairs like in Janet’s photo. It would provide softness to a wood table and should be to the scale of the table.<br />We bought IKEA leather chairs some years ago, not that I like the look of leather but we use the table daily and have cats. Our dining table is a harvest kind of table with a bit of a distress finish, similar to a picture below but more solid and rugged. And these are exactly the chairs we have. But our home is more contemporary, inspired by Scandinavian interiors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241016 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:46:20 +0000 Janet 2241016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also wondered about the comfort factor, because our dining chairs are used every day, and we sit at the dining table a lot to work, chat, etc. We are planning on replacing the top of our table next year with a new top made of black walnut from our ranch. We like the existing base though. </p> <p>We had contemporary leather chairs for years but one broke and they got pretty beat up, so I replaced them with upholstered chairs from Arhaus. I like that they are comfortable and neutral, with clean lines and not too visibly heavy for the space. I wonder if a similar kind of chair would work for you to break up and soften all the wood. This is a bad pic but I think you get the idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241015 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:34:07 +0000 Carla 2241015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Before I read the comments my mind jumped to ‘ghost’ chairs or industrial look metal chairs. &nbsp;That said, you might want to determine how you are going to use the room, and if folks are going to sit in those chairs for any length of time! &nbsp;Comfort can become an issue.</p> <p> <div>Our ‘dining’ room gets considerable use as a games room - bridge, DnD, and board games. &nbsp;I also use it as a sewing/craft room. &nbsp;Comfort is a factor! &nbsp;After several years hunting, we found what we wanted - in IKEA no less! &nbsp;(We were prepared to pay more, but didn’t have too.) &nbsp;The slip covers can be laundered, and the chairs are super comfortable. &nbsp;I think it’s the BERGMUND chair. &nbsp;Selection of wood for the legs, and colours for the slip covers (including some prints).</div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/bergmund-chair-black-gunnared-medium-gray-s09471699/">https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/b.....s09471699/</a><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2241003 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 22:07:54 +0000 Jules 2241003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa’s suggestion of black hairpin leg chairs made me also think of black bentwood cafe chairs - similar to ghost chairs they are ‘light’ and make use of negative space, I think. I find Pinterest really helpful for finding images that combine different elements, as in I can search what I have in my head (‘mission table and bentwood chairs’) and see how it looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2240996 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 20:12:03 +0000 rachylou 2240996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of fully upholstered like above but probably would go ultra modern myself… chrome and leather. Depends a lot tho on the space… how big the room is, how high the ceilings are. I’m also thinking high backs. Or upholstered back mission chairs with a light fabric. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2240994 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 19:38:04 +0000 Sloper 2240994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous table - I'll take it if you don't want it ;-)</p> <p>We have mostly Mission furniture, but few contemporary elements.&nbsp; I like your idea of the upholstered Parsons style - a modern contrast yet keeping with the geometric straight lines of the table.</p> <p>Also <b>Nikki's </b>image #3 strikes my fancy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2240992 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:41:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2240992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ms Mary, I’ve had the same thought with medallion chairs, in one of umpteen plans for the home I’ve been wanting/planning since before we moved to Berlin. I figured different colors would be a fun way to emphasize the same/different vibe of secondhand chairs, all the same style, but not identical.</p> <p>Helena, I agree with you about slipcovers. That’s why I thought actual recovering, nailing the fabric onto the chair, so all the little tucks stay in place, might work better.</p> <p>Jules, no need to edit your comment—that catty dig wasn’t about you. She generally doesn’t think what I say has any merit, and makes a habit of following my comments with that”wink wink” snide remark. I ignore such rudeness, and suggest you do the same. Sadly, some people avoid my threads because of that nonsense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2240989 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:20:25 +0000 Helena 2240989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, I knew I'd get some great ideas - thanks so much!!</p> <p>Re: slipcovering or painting what I've got ... great ideas, but I don't think they would work for this project - the shape of the chairs has an slight curve that would make it really tough (and as Jules says, pricey I suspect!) to get a good fit with a slipcover. And I really would like to break up the wood surface a little.</p> <p>The ghost chairs are a great idea! Thank you so much! I would be okay with the fingerprint issue since it's not a frequently used dining space.</p> <p>Those mid-century style chairs are another great idea!&nbsp;</p> <p>I will keep an eye out for both *crosses fingers for January sales* ... thank you so much all! xoxo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2240988 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:19:48 +0000 Anonymous 2240988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found some inspiration pics </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2240981 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 17:48:33 +0000 MsMary 2240981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second the idea of ghost chairs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Alternatively, we have a lot of Craftsman pieces in our house and lately have been mixing them with midcentury pieces, which I think is fun. Maybe something like these? <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.westelm.com/products/mid-century-dining-chairs-h1361/?catalogId=71&amp;sku=2512368&amp;cm_ven=PLA&amp;cm_cat=Google&amp;cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Dining%20Chairs&amp;cm_ite=2512368&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAkZKNBhDiARIsAPsk0Wh3MtXg7jZVwfiBheUFTZr63HdEANya7Whc_3zrzkybbX3BfoAcs3YaAiIREALw_wcB">https://www.westelm.com/produc.....368&#038;c</a><br />(I always had a fantasy of getting solid color upholstered dining room chairs in multiple colors -- like maybe 8 chairs, 2 each of 4 different colors!)</p> <p>Finally, when I decorated my last house I painted the chairs from my 1980s dining set silver and it turned out very fun. (They look white in the photo but they're silver, trust me!)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-from-the-decorators-please#post-2240979 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 17:42:31 +0000 Jules 2240979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Post edited with apologies for unnecessary comment. Helena, have a great time refreshing your dining room, and maybe let us know how it turns out </p>