Studio McGee
I love the direction my dining room is heading, and I’m excited to move forward with a plan to make the space feel finished. In this post I’ll share inspiration for dining chairs similar to the ones I ordered and explain the choices that led me there.
BHG
We rearranged the furniture and lived with it for a while to make sure the layout worked. Pulling the buffet cabinet into the arrangement helped anchor the space and reinforced the “breakfast room” vibe that feels warm and inviting. With morning light streaming in, the room now invites us to linger at the table and enjoy the view.
About the doorway: for now I plan to keep the existing walls but open the passage to the kitchen slightly with a wider arched opening. I’ll share kitchen updates and more details soon.
Lauren Liess
My plan is to place three chairs around the round table and add a long bench under the window. The table will sit close to the bench so the bench can act as additional seating; when we add leaves and make the table oval, the bench will seat two to three people. Fortunately, I found a suitable bench in storage, so I won’t need to buy or build one right away. Holding on to a few pieces paid off.
Atlanta Homes
We’ll keep our current table for now as it still functions well. That lets us prioritize a few key changes without spending more than necessary right away.
Next up is a fresh coat of paint for the living and dining rooms. The current walls read too creamy and the ceiling has a faint blush tone. After testing several samples, we decided to paint the ceilings and walls the same crisp Swan White used in our entry. The light in this room is beautiful, and a simple neutral backdrop will keep the focus on the view and the furnishings.
Residence in Wainscott by Sawyer Berson
Now, about the chairs. Although we like our metal café chairs for casual use, they don’t tuck under the table and take up too much room in this smaller pass-through space. We’ll keep them stored for when we need extra seating. Because we use this room for more than just meals, I wanted chairs that feel comfortable and relaxed yet tailored.
I settled on Parsons chairs with linen slipcovers. They offer a quiet, classic look that leans toward a relaxed French country aesthetic without feeling overly trendy or cottagey. I wanted linen in the right tone and quality, with slipcovers that are relaxed but clean and tailored rather than heavily pleated.
Restoration Hardware Parsons Chair (not sponsored)
I evaluated several options in stores and online, including Crate & Barrel and Restoration Hardware. While many slipcover styles didn’t match the look I wanted, the Restoration Hardware Hudson Slipcovered Side Chairs in Belgian Linen Sand felt right. The slipcover color and quality appealed to me, and the chair’s slight back slope provided comfortable support. I also appreciated the seat height, which worked well for my shorter legs.
There are many Parsons-style chairs available, and I tested a couple in person to confirm comfort and fit. I liked some models with sloped arms, but they wouldn’t slide under our table easily, so I chose armless, slipcovered Parsons that tuck in neatly and create a cohesive, understated look around the table.
HGTV Dream Home 2015
Below I shared several Parsons chair options to consider; many are available in multiple fabrics and finishes. I looked through a range of styles to ensure the final choice would offer both comfort and the timeless, relaxed look I wanted.
One final update: I ordered a new light fixture that brings personality and cohesion to the dining area. It’s understated, classy and casual—exactly the vibe I’m aiming for. I’ll reveal it once it’s installed.
Next steps are getting the rooms painted, ordering blinds, and waiting for the new chairs and light fixture. We’re nearly at the point where the living and dining rooms will feel fully pulled together, and I can’t wait to share the finished space.