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Plaster & Disaster

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New Dining Room Chairs – And Table Advice Please!

Ha!  You thought you knew me, and so you thought that after I posted about the plan for finishing up my dining room a couple of weeks ago, you wouldn’t hear about the project for months.  To prove you wrong, I am back already with updates!

We’re picking up the story when the room looked like this:

As I explained before, this is already a long, long way from where it actually started… but it is also a long way from where it should be.  One of the biggest unresolved issues is sitting right in the middle of the room: the dining room table and chairs.

Its pretty crazy that those are still featured so prominently in my house.  All were free from different sources, and obviously weren’t intended to form a set.  For example, the dining room table is with me because when I moved into my first apartment after college, the people who had just left didn’t bother to move it out!  The chairs were free, and while I love them individually, they don’t go well together.

My New Chairs

To finish this room, I need to make three new furniture purchases: a table, chairs, and a china cabinet. With the built-in painted white and my cabinet painted yellow, I am not looking to introduce a new paint color, so these pieces need to be wood (and possibly metal and/or white if adding three all-wood components ends up being too heavy).

Most people into decor have a few housing items that they are really into, and for me it is lighting, small cabinets, and chairs.  Just ask Sage how many times I stop her in flea markets for these things.  (The answer is every. Every time.)  So I knew that I wanted to start with the chairs to get ones that I really loved, and then pick the other pieces around those.

I was looking for chairs with a low profile so they wouldn’t fight against my already-statement-making chandelier.  After much searching and soul-searching, I picked out the John Vogel Chair from West Elm in Acorn/Charcoal.  They were definitely a splurge, and I credit my parents for putting them within reach by buying some of the set for me as a birthday gift 🙂

I love the low back, dark wood, woven seat, and gentle taper of the legs.  They are sturdy and comfortable.

They definitely make a huge difference, and it shows that 6 can be seated comfortably in that space!

Yeah, I’m really into them.

Of course, there is still something wrong with those images, which bring us to…

Dining Room Table Advice

This table has been a trooper.  It is sturdy, and I do love that the top is tiled, which means that I was able to do messy crafts and set hot dishes right on it throughout my careless youth.  But I am a grown-up now, and blond wood, peach tile, and farmhouse legs just aren’t my style.

It is time for a new one.

The chairs I got are mostly wood, and I plan to get a wood china cabinet, so I am starting to think that an all wood table will be a little much for the room.  I am not looking for something painted, but glass, metal, white enamel, or one of those combined with wood, all sound like a good idea.

With that in mind, I’ve been looking at a handful of options – and I’d love your thoughts on which would work best!

First up is the simplest, but I really love it – this very basic all white Parsons Table from West Elm.  I think it would brighten the room without fighting the other pieces in there for attention.  And is it too-blogger to be excited for such an easy all white photography surface?  Plus, the price is great ($499, and on sale now for $399).

Since we don’t have marble counters in our kitchen, I am really drawn to this marble and iron table from CB2.  It would add a different note to the room, and isn’t crazy expensive for what it is (currently listed at $999).  But do we want such sharp metal edges, and will we stain the marble?

But then take a look at this wood and lacquer table from West Elm, which seems to combine the best of the last two options (hello pretty photography surface that also looks easy to clean).  It is the exact same dimensions as our current table which fits great.  I love the look and it is reasonably priced ($699 and currently on sale for $559).

Similar is this one from Rove Concepts.  I love the simple silhouette, but I do wonder if the shape is too similar to the chairs I already have?  Plus, it is more expensive ($995).

It’s variations on a theme here 🙂  Here is a parsons style wood and white top table from Crate and Barrel that I also really like.  The one that is the right size for my space is $839.  But does it look more kitchen than dining room?

Finally, a totally different look from this metal and wood one from CB2 for $799.  It is a more modern/artsy look, but I think its really fun.  I just worry that my chairs are so busy that the cool legs won’t really come through.

I love them all, so I could use some advice.  Do you think I need a not-all-wood table?  Which of these do you like best?  How would you pick?

 

Comments

  1. 1

    Stacy G. says

    I vote the wood and lacquer from West Elm. I love the simple design and easy care lacquer. It will look great with your new chairs.

    I love the marble top the best, but honestly, life changes. Children and messy people may visit or come into your life permanently. Life is too short to worry about staining the marble. 🙂

  2. 3

    Stephanie G. says

    Wood and lacquer from West Elm and the Crate and Barrell options are my favorite. Those chairs steal the show though so don’t sweat it – anything you get will be amazing.

  3. 5

    Bonnie says

    The chairs are gorgeous and the chandelier is a showstopper!

    I don’t think the Parsons shape would work. It seems awfully stark and boxy. I like the wood and lacquer table.

    Your dining room is looking really nice. I don’t think I’ve seen a photo from this angle before; it’s the first time I noticed the chandelier. I wonder if I’ve missed a post.

    • 6

      Naomi says

      Haha, no I just haven’t shared it in a while 🙂 The chandelier was a while back and I’ve been just ignoring the room ever since!

      You might be right on the boxy shape…

  5. 9

    Lora says

    I would copy and paste each of them into MS Word. Then copy and past the chair. Drop out the background on the chair, then position the image “in front of” so you can move it around. Position the chair with each table, print and live with the pics for a coupl of days to see which you like.

    I am reno-ing my bedroom right now and this approach has really helped.

    If this seems too complicated, e-mail me and I be happy to do it for you and send it!

    -Lora

    • 10

      Naomi says

      Good tip Lora! I usually use Serif (the strange, free graphic design program that I use) to mock up things like that, so I’ll try it out for the tables.

  6. 11

    Shelby says

    I LOVE your new chairs! My vote is for the West Elm lacquer! Simple, modern, clean + great for blog photos? What could be better? I love the metal legs too but I wonder which will end up being more timeless? I lean towards wood.

  7. 13

    Rove Concepts says

    Thanks so much for choosing our Marcus Dining Table as an option in your beautiful home! The Marcus is actually a top seller from Rove Concepts because of it’s simple, easy-to-clean, non-toxic white powder coated top (super practical for everyday use). There is also a removable wood leaf – with the leaf, you can seat up to 8 people around the table, plus it adds texture and variety to the overall look. Check out this designer blog with some ideas on styling with this table: http://beckiowens.com/amber-fillerup-clark-nyc-living-room/ We hope this was helpful in your search for the perfect table. All the best with your room makeover 🙂

    • 14

      Naomi says

      Wow, thanks for noticing! And thanks for that link – what a pretty room and so cool to see the table in action! It is really gorgeous, I love the legs and the wood-and-white look, and the leaf. Thanks so much!

  8. 15

    Ana says

    First things first: I am a big fan of your blog! Also love the look of your dinig room as it is, but I understand you wish to change the dining table. Not sure if I like the choices so far, hope you don´t mind my being so blunt. The white table is nice and simple, but the legs seem a bit too chunky/ blockish, especially in comparison to the elegance of you chairs´legs.
    Marble is all the rage right now but, as writers before have mentioned, could be too delicate for a non-solely-instagram household. 🙂 Same goes for the mid-century-styled tables with wooden bases and different tops. I thought of something like that for myself and opted against it because, sooner than you think or wish, you might get tired of the look. The chairs do the mc-job credibly, so I belive the rest can step back. I don´t know, maybe look for something similar to the white table but with more intricate legs? Just my humble opinion…

    • 16

      Naomi says

      Thanks for your comment, and please do be blunt! That is why I ask for advice! We are definitely not a soley-instagram household – ha, on most days we are not a blog household in the least! I’ll take a look at some other all-white table options. I am LOVING the wood and white look (obviously, based on my choices here!) but worth thinking about whether it will grow old. I am definitely worried about and trying to not have this room be “all MCM” so that is helpful feedback. Thanks for reading and giving your input!

  9. 17

    Marsha says

    I think the wood and lacquer table from West Elm looks the best. It’s beautiful.
    Good luck.

  11. 21

    Stacey W says

    I like the wood and lacquer table from West Elm. That would look so good with your chairs! Easy-care is a must, as well.

  12. 23

    alice says

    Hi
    Well, you obviously want legs and not a pedestal, all those tables look great but may I make a couple of suggestions as I sell tables n chairs and I always advise my customers of these things…make sure the table height and the chair height work together. When they are not a set and most of us are NOT buying sets these days its super important to make sure that when you are sitting in the chair that the table height hits you correctly so you don’t feel like a little kid sitting at the grownups table..I had this happen to me years ago and am now very conscious of this. When we bought chairs a couple of years ago to go with an existing table I had the tape measure out..I will link you my blog on this as I cite measurements. Even an inch or two can make a difference, size always matters.

    Also, the top of your table…how do you truly use this table, will you protect it when crafting, do you spill?Do you guests?Do you want to be able to use this reckless abandon or are you ready to commit to a more delicate top? Also, make sure your chairs fit between the legs…seems obvious but you would be surprised…Great choices and super chairs!!
    http://modernwow.com/mixing-n-matching-tables-n-chairs-height-matters/

    • 24

      Naomi says

      Ha – I hadn’t really considered a pedestal! I guess I really like legs 🙂

      Great tip on the table height question! These chairs actually work really well size-wise with our current table, so I’ll compare to that. Great link!

  13. 25

    Trollopian says

    I’m going to be the contrarian here, but have you considered a round or oval table, perhaps with a leaf? And ideally with a pedestal support? This dining room is full of rectangles, and I think a round table would add welcome variety; and round tables somehow encourage conversation.

    My sister got the family’s old ball and claw table, which looks fabulous in an eclectic setting, and has hosted up to 9 (okay, that was a squeeze) at holidays.

    I like a pedestal because you don’t see, or bump into, a thicket of legs.

    Just an idea.

  14. 31

    Cassie says

    First, I have the Vogel counter height chairs at my island and the CB2 leggy table is sitting 8ft away in my dining room. Yay!
    I vote for the West Elm lacquer table, second would be the crate and barrel table. The white parsons table is too white and will distract from the beautiful chairs. Marble is too high maintenance.
    FYI, I matched vintage mid-century modern chairs (very similar to the vogel chair except with a padded seat) with my cb2 table and it is a bit leggy especially since the chairs have crossbars. Plus a leggy (arm-y?) chandelier. Apparently I like legs.

    • 32

      Naomi says

      Ha – sounds like I’d like your house! Do you have photos??

      Thanks for the backup on the whole legs issue 🙂 I think I just like detail and “special” touches and, for functional furniture, that is often in the legs…

  15. 33

    Hil says

    I agree with most of the comments – I really like the wood and lacquer table from West Elm. It goes really well with the chairs and your style in general.

    I think you are right that the marble is beautiful, but might be super stressful to try to keep it from getting stained 😉

    Then again, as Trollopian said, perhaps going a completely different direction could be interesting too… Perhaps do an image search to see how your chairs look w/ various tables that folks have paired them with. Can’t wait to see what you pick – good luck!

  16. 35

    Molly says

    I do NOT like the white West Elm parson’s table. To me, it says “large cheap plastic table that’s about to fall apart” even though it isn’t. The last one also looks like a recipe for no leg room. My favorite is the other West Elm table – wood and lacquer. Next up would be the Crate and barrel white top parson’s table. I like the idea of contrast with the chairs, but be sure to check that the wood tone of the chairs looks nice next to the wood tone of any wood parts of the table.
    As for the delicacy of marble – your other option seems mainly to be lacquer, which is really just more resilient paint. It is also susceptible to stain and scratching. So is wood. Unless you go for metal or glass, it is unlikely that any of your choices will hold up better than marble.

    • 36

      Naomi says

      Hmm, that doesn’t bode well for my table top then!

      Good to hear that is the way the parsons table comes off.. cheap plastic isn’t the aesthetic that I am going for!

  17. 37

    Molly says

    LOVE the new chairs! I think they would be amazing with the last table – wood top and iron legs. I like that the iron legs would sort of go with the black on the chairs seats, or at least would not compete with the chairs. I also like the cb2 iron and marble table. I guess I’m liking the idea of bringing in metal to the room. I can’t picture the all white Parsons table. It may look great, but my visioning powers are too limited to make that leap!

  18. 39

    Trollopian says

    Remember, too: Anything with white legs is going to get visible scuff marks. And yes, that’s true of several of the round/oval options I listed too!

  19. 41

    Pam says

    The wood and lacquer table is beautiful and the chairs will look awesome with it. Go with your gut and it will never fail you.

  20. 43

    Ananda says

    I like the wood & lacquer table from West Elm but then again would the angle of the table legs be too matchy matchy with the angle of the chair legs?? So that being said, I like the C&B parsons table. Thanks for letting us weigh in, it’s fun!

    • 44

      Naomi says

      It’s fun for me too – and I get so much awesome advice/feedback! Thanks, I will give some thought to the leg angle question. I feel like the shape is different, but I definitely don’t want it to feel like a matching set…

  21. 45

    marie says

    I would google search ‘west elm table reviews’. There is a reason west elm doesn’t allow reviews on its site 😉
    Crate and Barrel (CB2) is known for their quality. I like the suggestions of photoshopping and also trying
    a tulip table just to have a look-see.

  22. 47

    jess says

    I like the west elm laquer table the best, but I also like the idea of a white table, I just wasn’t a fan of the blocky look of parson’s table. and the only downside to the west elm wood and laquer table is that it does seem really similar to your chairs, which are amazing, but if you don’t want matchy-matchy I could see that being an issue. I like the size and shape of your existing table, and if its sturdy and in otherwise good condition, have you considered painting it and replacing the tiles with a different material or making a new top?

    • 48

      jess says

      I forgot to mention, I could also totally see your table painted yellow…… minus the tiles.

    • 49

      Naomi says

      Agreed on the size of the table, and I did give some thought to whether I could DIY it into something I’d like. My issue is that I don’t like anything about it 🙂 I don’t like the top with the tiles, or the farm-house style legs. By the end, I’m making a whole new table, which just isn’t something I have time for right now!

  24. 52

    Mary Anne in Kentucky says

    Yes, you will stain the marble unless you never use the table.

    I’ll be the odd one here and favor the Parsons table. I love the way the simplicity would show off the chairs (which are totally fabulous!) and it’s white. I love white. But if you want something that won’t show damage, get all wood. Wood, of course, will take damage, but if it gets bad enough it can be refinished. Says the woman sleeping in a bed built by my great-great-grandfather, that my father refinished in 1949.

    • 53

      Naomi says

      Yeah, I think the Parsons is getting unfair treatment here 🙂 I think it would look cool and be graphic and fun, especially against all of the other elements in the room. But I do like my other options, too…. and you make a GREAT point about the damage.

  27. 58

    Joanna says

    Another vote for the tapered leg shape. I think the parsons would be too boxy for your room.

    The marble and metal is to die for but I think I’d choose the West Elm wood and lacquer option.

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