After a few years of searching for the perfect dining chairs on Facebook Marketplace, I’ve recently been hit with a stream of luck and now have one too many sets scattered about our home. The glorious ebb and flow of secondhand shopping.
Nobody asked, but if I had to choose a favorite dining chair style, it would be Louis XVI.
Here’s why:
x They’re classic, elegant, and refined
x The clean lines of a Louis XVI-style chair allow them to work with just about any dining table, no matter the size and style.
x I really believe they can be placed anywhere in a home and they’d make a statement. My favorite non-dining room setting for these chairs is on either side of the commode in our living room
x They have just the right amount of upholstery (not too much like a slipcover chair, not too little like a Chippendale chair)
A few weeks ago, I found a very on-brand set of Louis XVI chairs on FB MP:
After inspecting them, they seem to be well-made, but there are some areas of concern that make me wonder if they’ll last for a long time and most importantly, can be re-upholstered (i.e. not sturdy when sitting back, many obvious repaired cracks). It’s not a complete deal-breaker but definitely in the back of my mind.
*However*
This past week, I spotted another set of Louis XVI-style chairs on FB MP, and at first, I thought “ooh, pretty! But I totally don’t need another set of dining chairs. I really do enjoy being married.”
But as I browsed through the listing photos and marinated in my feelings, I decided to message the seller. The brand of these chairs was Weiman – a very good, long-established brand that makes quality furniture. The style/shape and how well they’re made are the most important things to me because I want to have the freedom to reupholster as I please with the peace of mind that they’ll last over time.
Anyway, I blacked out and when I woke up, the new chairs were in our driveway
(likely an unpopular opinion – I’m infatuated with the rich chocolate velvet fabric)
My main goal in life right now is keeping this extra set of dining chairs out of Angelo’s sight. ‘Til death or hoarding do us part.
Back to why you’re here…
Usually, when considering dining room chair and table combos, I feel like you can never go wrong with a modern table paired with classic chairs. Also, visually heavier chairs (like skirted parsons chairs) tend to pair well with a visually lighter dining table – it’s a nice balance.
As with most roundups in my Classic Design series – I’m linking all the products shown in case you’re interested in purchasing, but you can also use it as a guide when browsing secondhand sites. I encourage you to get creative and be resourceful!
One last thing, remember that if you find quality chairs but don’t like the fabric, you can always reupholster with your favorite fabric. Most dining chairs *typically* aren’t as pricey to reupholster because there’s less fabric/labor involved.
.01 CHAIRS | TABLE
.02 CHAIRS | TABLE
.03 PARSONS CHAIRS // CHIPPENDALE CHAIRS | TABLE
.04 CHAIRS | TABLE
.05 CHAIRS | TABLE
.06 LOUIS XVI CHAIRS // PARSONS CHAIRS | TABLE
.07 CHAIRS | TABLE
.08 CHAIRS | TABLE
.09 CHAIRS | TABLE
.10 CHAIRS | TABLE
11. CHAIRS | TABLE
12. CHAIRS | TABLE
13. CHIPPENDALE CHAIRS // PARSONS CHAIRS | TABLE
Beautiful combos, Alisa! That marble round with brass pedestal is calling me.
A set of 8 mauve fully upholstered parsons chairs came up on marketplace for $10 and I wondered if I could hide them In the attic or someplace without my husband noticing… since I already have a set of 4 70 year old chippendale chairs. One can never really have too many chairs, amiright or amiright?!?
HAHAHAH!! OMG that’s great. I really have been considering getting a storage unit LOL!
GURLLLL those brown velvet chairs are calling my name! What a find! But really tho If you sell the other set let me know I’m in NY and would absolutely be interested in buying them 😀
aren’t they so nice?! thanks Kate! I’ll keep you in mind 🙂
The rich brown velvet is killer!
right?! I can’t figure out which pair I like more ha!
You create the best roundups. thank you!
Hiiii im dying to find the chairs for 11 but your link is not working!
oh no! it looks like they’re sold out on Lulu and Georgia. I’m sorry! I think Williams Sonoma may have something similar
I LOVE these selections. The link for the table in 11 isn’t working if you can re-post please!!
Hi. Love your site, glad I stumbled upon it a few months back. Your house is beautiful. This dining room one really is my favorite since I have been looking for months for a new table. Lots of sleepless nights agonizing over this. I just gave my son that is moving out my dining set since it does not work in my new house. I haven’t seen one I like on Facebook or garage sales. I think I want a dark table round or oval that seats at least 8. Anyway, your #10 from Ballard Design has been high on my list. I was hoping you could make other suggestions on brand new chairs. I am sorry to say I am not crazy about the ones you suggested. My house is very light almost white gray walls and I have very dark wood floors. I picture a few slipcovered chairs. Any suggestions would be super helpful.. This is my chandelier which is very elegant. https://m.lightingnewyork.com/product/currey-and-company-crystal-light-chandeliers-9881.html?hcb=1
Gorgeous post!!! I’m wondering how would you style Bunny Williams round table, what chairs would you pair it?