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Dining Rooms
Help Malcolm Decide Which Dining Chairs To Get For His NEW LONDON FLAT
The art of starting over in a different country. Ahhhh (…a pleasant sigh, or a silent scream? YOU decide.) I’ve been living in London now for about six months, and I’m finally feeling quite settled into my new flat and the overall vibe of the city. To say I’ve found unexpected inspiration during my short time here would be an understatement. The history, gravitas, and culture of London is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. From vintage tiling in tube stations to the innumerable historical buildings I’ve walked through, it’s safe to say I’ve found my muse in the UK. After taking it all in, I’m feeling ready to start pulling some of that inspiration into my rental flat.
While I brought most of my furniture and belongings with me from the US to the UK, I decided not to bring any of my dining room furniture. I had a good sense of the floorplan and style of my new flat before I moved, and I knew that my existing dining room furniture wasn’t really going to fit—neither stylistically or functionally.
The new dining space is decidedly more modern than I’m used to. It’s connected directly to the kitchen, which is composed of cabinetry faced with glossy, off-white lacquer, which seems to be a recurring feature in newly built or renovated European kitchens (in my limited experience, anyway). As such, I’ve needed to pivot a bit from the American colonial design sensibilities I’d developed over the last few years in Virginia. The space also boasts beautiful high ceilings with traditional (and THICC) crown molding, a large window, and the cutest little radiator. This little space is a pretty telling snapshot of the entire flat: an interesting study of the relationship between modern and traditional.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I’ve been focusing so much on the dining space in my new flat. I last left you with a DIY-heavy dining room makeover in my Virginia home, which I promptly packed up and moved into storage before getting on a flight across the Atlantic. Sadly, I missed out on using that space to its full potential. So, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time thinking about how to make the best use of the dining area in the new spot.
First offfffff, the table. Look at this table. The table of my dreams.
After much deliberation, I settled on an Eames-inspired, marble-topped dining table for this space. For years, I had a cheap CB2 version of this type of table (I don’t recommend it… it did not fare well over the years), and I yearned for the day I’d be able to splurge on a higher-quality model. Today is the day, fine folks. Well…the day was like a month ago. When I bought it.
I love how the brightness of the marble top complements the medium value of the kitchen countertops, but also looks different enough to feel like an intentional pairing. Also, the iconic, lacquered texture and movement of the table base vibes with the kitchen cabinetry in a very cohesive way. With the table procured, I’ve naturally pivoted to picking out some dining chairs. BUT I CANNOT MAKE UP MY MIND. I’ve assembled a few options here and I’m hoping you can help me decide! Let’s dive right in…
OPTION 1: TRADITIONAL AND INSPIRED
I’ve been eyeing these Cesca-style chairs for a while, which feel both stylistically fitting and historically relevant to my new European environment. The original Cesca chair was designed by Marcel Breuer in the early 1900s, and I admire how it—and other pieces he designed—inspired an entire wave of modern and functional furniture that we still regard pretty highly today. The softness of the woven cane seat and back seems like a nice complement to not only the hardness of the marble table but also the dark wood furniture I have throughout the rest of my flat. Also, the chrome structure of the chair speaks to the chrome hardware used throughout the rest of the rental, which either feels very cohesive…or too on the nose. I can’t quite decide!
While I’ve found plenty of authentic vintage Cesca chairs online, I’d more likely buy a new reproduction instead. Mostly due to cost limits, but also because I’m not sure vintage caning would hold up very well to a lot of use.
OPTION 2: HANDSOMELY VINTAGE
Now, aesthetically, this chair just feels like me. It embodies everything I like: Classic lines. A tailored form. Collected by nature.
Built in the 1950s, these dining chairs boast a dramatic, metal red frame and a striking black seat and the back is made of Bakelite (a material I’m learning about as I type this). There are a couple of reasons I’m drawn to this chair. The dark seat would make for a nice contrast against the lighter elements in the kitchen and dining spaces: the floors, dining table, cabinets, and walls. I’m also really drawn to the interesting color of the metal frame. I’ve been thinking it would be really cool to incorporate a burgundy or oxblood tone into this space, and this could be the place to do it. However, there are potential cons with this option as well…the biggest one being a question of comfort. Might its age and material make for numb butts during long dinners? Moreover, would the metal legs scratch the floors in my rental into oblivion?
OPTION 3: BLUESY WILDCARD
So, I’m having quite a “blue period” at the moment. I’ve been drawn recently to adorn the new flat blue accents—like the huge IKEA area rug I purchased for my living room—and blue dining chairs could be a sensible way to introduce the color into the kitchen/dining room. These chairs in particular are decidedly more modern than my other two options, but I think I would grow to appreciate the touch of femininity they would bring to my otherwise masculine design choices in this flat. Also, if you know me…you know I LOVE a brassy moment, and these chairs would introduce a sleek, warm metal that would contrast nicely against the chrome accents seen elsewhere throughout the rental. However, are they tooooo different from many typical tastes? Would I regret it?!?
HONORABLE MENTION
To accommodate some extra seating, I’ve been eying these foldable chairs from Zara Home. They’d definitely go with the Cessca chairs, but I’m not so sure they’d fit as nicely with the other two options I’ve laid out.
I’ll never forget the positive and affirming reactions I received from Emily and her team when I told them about my upcoming move to London, and I feel grateful that I can continue to share my journey here on the blog! Design is universal, after all, and I feel lucky to be able to share my tiny slice of perspective with all of you.
What do you think of these options? Do you have any different ideas you think would suit the space or compliment the table any better than what I’ve picked? Sound off in the comments below and let me know.
*Photos by Malcolm Simmons
I think the handsomely vintage option would be STUNNING. They would pop in a really good way. I have chairs with a metal frame as well, and usually they have anti scratches blocks that are screwed on the frame.
And in my book they would totaly go with the Zara foldable chairs.
I like the “Handsomely Vintage”, too!
Theyseem to be your style.
So happy for you to have found your muse.
Keen to see what you do…
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I 100% agree about the handsomely vintage chairs! The contrast with the rest of the space, and I think practically they will fit under and around your table much better than the options with the arms. Can’t wait to see the finished space!
I do love the vintage look, but the Cesca chairs look far more comfortable. If you want to have friends linger for a while at the table, the slight bounce and softness of this style will definitely be appreciated. And they look cool, too!
As a UK dweller, I think you’re right – those high-gloss cabinets are really ubiquitous in rental flats and houses. I think it’s because they’re seen as very durable. I think the last 4 places I lived in London had some form of the same white, high gloss Ikea (or Ikea-esque) cabinets. You find them much less often in privately-owned homes though, where the fashion is much more for shaker and matte options. Anyway! In terms of chairs, I think 3! Because they look wildly the most comfortable and who wants to linger at a dinner table with a numb bum?
Yep, agree – this is the UK version of what I’ve seen referred to on this blog as ‘builder grade’ – inoffensive enough not to put people off renting out the flat, but definitely not stylish or cool. And usually as cheap as they can get away with.
Do not go with option 2, unless you’re going to invest in some serious cushioning. I have encountered those chairs in church halls, and they are not bum-friendly at all! I’m sure they will kill all your leisurely weekend brunch dreams.
I love the shade of blue on option 3, but also option 1 would bring a touch of warmth to the space, IMHO. I don’t know how big the table is – if it’s large enough, I’d go for 4x option 1, with two spares to keep for extra guests.
Oh I am so sad to hear this, the vintage chairs were my favorite by a long shot and I was going to plead for Malcom to go with #2!
I immediately loved them but then I thought “ would I like to hang out talking after a meal in that chair?” No.
Oh so cool! As another US->Londoner myself, I was excited to learn you moved here and looking forward to seeing what design work you did here. (And yeah, at a certain tier of rental, alllll the kitchens and bathrooms here are done in the same kind of ugly bland modern neutrals, huh? It’s a bummer but I’m sure you’ll put your spin on it.) My vote for dining chairs is always for something upholstered; as my body ages and my adult friendship time dwindles what with having kids, I really want to take advantage of being able to lounge comfortably for a long time when we do have grownup company. So a chair I can sit in for ages matters a ton. All of these are beautiful but wouldn’t be comfortable enough for me – even the blue one seems lovely but lacks sufficient back support I suspect. Just calling this out in case it sways your decision-making helpfully. I’m thankfully into some MCM furniture options and dining chairs are among them; this is great because I feel like there are a few more supportive upholstered things available out there. I’ve found that with smaller antique shops here, if you… Read more »
The other thing I dislike about many of the rentals I’ve seen here is that they all seem to use what I’d consider “floor tile” on the walls for kitchens and baths – really big modern but not in a cool way tiles, as opposed to something more classic and perhaps related to the architectural period of the home like subway tiles. Just an odd quirk! Now that we’ve started shopping to buy rather than rent I’m seeing more “classic” choices that make more sense – the builders here who slap things together to freshen up a rental all seem to belong to the same big mid wall tile style cabal, haha. Go figure!
Yes, they love it. I’m in London and my tiler complained that my chosen tile was really small. It was just regular size subway tile!! Pretty much the biggest tile I would want to use. He did admit it looked good when it was done.
My vote is for option one. Both comfortable and can lean both formal/informal. I’ve loved every room you’ve designed and know whatever you choose will look intentional and aesthetically pleasing. Can’t wait to see the finished room and other projects you’re working on. Continue to enjoy London!!
Welcome to the UK! We moved here from VA in 2021 :)
My vote is option 3!
I vote #1! I think they will bring in some warmth, look the best with the folding chairs, and look to be the most comfortable by far. I cannot wait to see the rest of your place and more about your adventures in London!
The best advice I got when I moved abroad was to only buy furniture that I love – so that’s my advice Malcolm, buy whatever makes your heart sing. I’m not sure I’d go with cesca (it’s having too much of a moment) and bakelite chairs will leave your butt numb but I love the idea of leaning into blue upholstery. Your design chops are on point and you have such a great eye, so either way your flat will be amazing.
As for me, a little chrome/leather combo would be just the thing. Something like… or .
#3 for sure, just based on the comfort factor alone. If you want to have nice dinner parties you have to have comfortable seats at the table so people will want to linger. Emily learned that lesson with her vintage Cherner chairs that no one wanted to sit on, so now she had to buy all new upholstered chairs for her sunroom dining room. Find chairs that are very comfortable to sit in and you will have a winner.
Love the chrome and leather ones here Elaine – gorgeous! Not exactly budget though. :)
(your posts are my favorites)
That’s a Saarinen table, not an Eames
Do’h! That’s definitely what I meant to say!
Love the blue. If you are worried about option 2 scratches, how about a rug?
also I’m at my 6 month mark too! 6 months in Brooklyn. Still ISO friends and trusting the process. Maybe that’s the design connection. Cheers!
Something luxurious and upholstered would be the perfect folly to the marble top and hard surfaces. There are so many easy-to-clean fabrics, and some color or pattern would totally make this space.
If I were you, I’d write the names of all candidate chairs on pieces of paper and place them in a bowl. I’d then do a draw, one-by-one, and see if the “winner” made me feel an immediate sense of disappointment…or excitement. All to say, your heart probably knows the “best” pick already :). Thank you for taking us along for the ride, Malcolm!
Genius!
My vote goes to 1 if it has to be from this list, but actually it goes for none of the above – go out and find yourself some wooden vintage chairs to add texture and warmth into that shiny white room (not more shiny chrome, please!), and get some adorable velvet seat-pads from Zara/H&M/Graham & Green/John Lewis to make them comfy. UK style tends to be a lot more eclectic and bohemian than the US, and everything being matchy and new really isn’t cool. I really like option 2, btw, but I echo everyone else who’s sat in one – they are sooo uncomfortable. But lean into the taste that leads you towards vintage and keep looking in that direction!
I agree! something unexpected! Or, everyone just moves to the living room when their butts get sore;)
I complete agree with the idea of “something unexpected” and not matchy, matchy. Also something vintage / antique or perhaps wood so that it remains in keeping with UK homes being a blend of old and new mixed together. Some softness is required in what is at the moment a very white and hard environment. Loaf.com has some nice wood chairs that might be suitable if you’re looking for new including with cane seating.
Sounds like you love #2 , don’t settle.
#3! The lighter options look too “pale” when everything is taken in together. I hope you’ll show us the after ?
I love #2 aesthetically but I think #3 for the combo of aesthetics and comfort. Hope we’ll get to see what you choose!
What if you go with Option 2 and then get two of the foldable chairs and hang them on the wall? You’d have extra seating and you’d still get some natural texture from the caning while still getting the chairs that feel more in line with your personal style. Plus the utilitarian vibe of spare chairs hanging from hooks on the wall feels very European to me (I say with zero authority from New Jersey).
Will you really linger at this table or will you eat and do the real lounging on a comfy sofa in the living room? The black chairs with coppery accents take my vote.
I love the Cesca and have been trying to find a place for some in my own home for years, I think those would easily fit into the whole look of this dining space, bring texture/warmth, the sled-style legs are the least busy of these options which helps in a smaller space, and they coordinate with the cabinet hardware. But, to your point, they may be a little too perfect. When I stare at the photo of the dining space centered from the kitchen POV, I’d love to bring some color and softness to the room and option 3 accomplishes that. The slender profile of the arms and legs will also help out in a smaller space. And the brass speaks to the warmth of the wood floor without being too similar. Options 1 and 3 both work. You might be planning to add color and texture through window treatments, a rug, artwork, etc, either way, #1 Cesca would pull the room toward airy/organic whereas #3 blue/brass would pull it toward tailored/deco. Excited to see what you choose!
option 3 or bonus
Absolutely Love your Style of decor and writing!! I’d go with the blue! ?
Hey, Malcolm! I was wondering when we would hear from you after your move! Sounds like you are making the most of your new home- both London and your flat. I had a cheap version of the Cesca chairs when I was in my 20s and I loved them. But I have to say I really like your option 2 chairs. I mean, you can always put a protective covering on the bottom of them and also offer guests a cushion for those leisurely dinners! They do seem more “you”! and they are, I think, the most visually-interesting. I can’t wait to see more!
Hi Malcolm, nice to see a post from you again. The table is my favorite which I hope to own one day. I vote for #3 – the blue chairs. They look comfy and bring in some color. Please keep us posted on which chairs you end up with.
While I love the look of the handsomely vintage chairs, they don’t appear to be very comfortable. They would be fine for a breakfast room, but don’t look comfortable enought to linger in over a leisurely dinner. So, my vote goes to Option #1, the Cesca-style chairs. Love the table in this space…
The blue, the blue, a thousand times the blue… but mostly I want to hear about your journey of inspiration in the UK! So glad it has been interesting (and hopefully satisfying). Would love to hear more!
I’m so happy you’re continuing to post on the blog! And very excited to hear more about your move and live vicariously through you. I’m sure you can make any of these chairs look fabulous!
I too have been eyeing those Zara foldable chairs. And then I saw them IRL. They are not for adults. At least not American adults. hahaha. If you’re over 5’9″ and like 150lbs…they aren’t going to work. They would be great to pull out for kid guests though!
I’d go for chairs that have no arms b/c that’s a small area and armless chairs take up less room, both visually and physically. Also chairs that are upholstered — that is a lovely space for lingering and comfort for the bum encourages lingering. That is a lovely table and a lovely apartment.
I vote #3! The first ones are reminding me of my aunt’s house in the MD suburbs in the 80s :) #3 seems like a good mix of comfort and style, plus bringing in a brass accent to contrast with the cabinet hardware/appliances.
Are you thinking about replacing the light fixture? Maybe you could bring in some more vintage style there.
Can’t wait to see more!
Really excited to get an update from you, Malcolm — looking forward to seeing the final space! (Also, maybe the rest of the flat?!? We need to live vicariously through you)
Don’t you think armless is the way to go? In a smaller space the arms will make it harder for people to get in and out.
I love your vintage option! Also think the cesca style chairs are lovely, if you can find them armless.
Thank you for sharing! I’m living vicariously through you ❤️. I love my life but it’s fun to imagine the move and London and all of it.
Option One is my favorite! I’m biased though as I’ve been eyeing that chair and table combo for my own space!
Option 3! The blue and gold will be so good with the marble table.
FWIW my experience with Cesca-style chairs is that they look cool but are not fun to sit on. With the white, modern base of the dining area, it seems like leaning toward wood/natural fibers is going to feel really good and provide some balance. I love those Zara folding chairs…and the dark, vintage ones could provide a welcome relief from the starkness. No matter what you’ll choose something wonderful and I look forward to seeing what it is : )
BLUESY WILDCARD! LOVE THE DARK CONTRAST AGAINST THE TABLE AND THE COMFY SEAT!
Yay, so glad to hear from you on the other side of the pond! I lived in London for a while, too, and would love to hear more about your design adventures, findings and reflections as you settle in – nice to have a multi country perspective here :) And on the chairs, I vote options 2 or 3, in that order. Excited to see what you do with the space!
Gah that vintage option is STUNNING! I do worry about the scratching, but I think they’d be comfortable ergonomically, may want to add a pillow for long evenings. I don’t like the arms on the caned ones (honestly I LOVE the look of the folding chairs – that’d be my top choice, ha!) and the blue ones are okay but don’t feel like you.
The Cesca chairs! They would coordinate with all the silver and gray accents around the dining area and kitchen (the outlet covers, radiator details, overhead light, gray London sky, cabinet pulls, fog on the moors, appliances, etc.).
I absolutely agree with #1. The blue and brass will look awful next to your kitchen cabinets, and frankly they just look cheap.
Table is Saarinen-inspired, not Eames! This one’s kind of a big deal!
2!! Gorgeous, masculine, can be dressed up or left casual.
FYI That’s a Saarinen-inspired table, not Eames. A very important consideration is to make sure the chairs with arms will fit under your table.
My vote is for the Cesca chair. Definitely the most comfortable. If you’re looking for contrast you could always purchase the Cesca chair in black?
#3 Team Bluesy
Not a doubt in my mind that Handsomely Vintage chairs are meant to be under that gorgeous table!
I vote for #3
I like #3, the bluesy wildcard. I don’t think it’s a wild card, it seems like a natural—comfortable, elegant, and the blue ties in with the rest of the flat. Introducing red/oxblood/burgundy to your blue/white scheme requires a lot of care. For one thing, R-W-B has political and patriotic connotations in both US and UK, not sure you are ready to go there so soon after arriving as a visitor in another nation. For another, London light is different from N America and can suck the vitality out of the darker reds. I would suggest using oxblood only on shiny surfaces that reflect light a lot. I know you grew up in several countries so let your experience rule, though.
Option #2 no question!! (Fellow Interior designer)