I have been hunting for a few occasional chairs for my dining room and extra seating around the house. My criteria were straightforward: durable, easy to move, suitable for indoor or outdoor use, able to work at a dining table or as a standalone seat, able to mix with my existing chairs (including my green Pottery Barn chairs), and ideally stackable so they can be tucked away when not needed. And of course, they had to have personality.
Was that asking too much? Maybe a little, but worth the search.
I searched for quite some time, but many of the chairs I loved were beyond my budget. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I discovered metal stacking chairs on Overstock.com that matched most of what I wanted. They were affordable—under $50 each—stylish with a vintage café vibe, and versatile enough to meet my needs. I was tempted by silver or red, but black fit better with my home’s palette.
These chairs weren’t exactly what I had originally pictured, but I embrace an eclectic look and can go with the flow. Their biggest advantage is versatility: if I eventually find my ideal dining chairs, these will serve perfectly as extra seating around the house. They’re easy to move, stack when necessary, and add a fun, casual energy to a room.
Dream Patio from Pottery Barn
I’m also a fan of the Tolix-style café chairs sold by Pottery Barn. Seeing them outdoors inspired me to look for chairs I could eventually use on a patio if I ever create a charming outdoor space. The Pottery Barn version is lovely—simple, classic, and armless, which helps if you prefer a roomier seat.
One practical difference is that the Pottery Barn chairs don’t have arms, which can make them more comfortable for people who want a bit more room. They are pricier, and I haven’t done a direct side-by-side comparison of size or build quality with my metal chairs. I do appreciate their shape and clean lines, though.
As for my new chairs, the arm design doesn’t interfere with sliding the chair up to a table, so they function well for dining despite having arms. That balance of form and function is one reason I’m happy with them.
Love.
Update: Several readers have asked about my dining room light fixture. It’s an outdoor lantern from Pottery Barn.