Have you shopped for furniture recently? There are so many choices it can be overwhelming. I tend to prefer using pieces I already own — less decision-making and a more relaxed approach. I enjoy hunting for secondhand furniture, but I’m selective about upholstered items, so I usually pass unless I find a well-maintained piece that’s just right.
Sometimes I wish I hadn’t moved so often so I still had all my previous furniture. I often think about items I once owned that would work perfectly in this space. Knowing the new couch will arrive in a few months has pushed me to make more decisions, which is motivating.
In a small living room where family is often coming and going, it’s important to get the layout and seating sorted quickly.
There are so many charming chair styles I’m considering for the living room. Slipcovered chairs appeal because my couch has visible legs, yet many of my favorite chairs also have legs. I’m even thinking about slipcovering the ottoman, which would open up options like rattan, cane, wood, and various upholstered styles.
I shared my new striped couch choice previously and I’m relieved that decision is made, though I’m still waiting for delivery. Of course one choice leads to another, so the process keeps moving forward. If it were acceptable, I’d likely choose stripes for every piece — they’re my favorite pattern and feel timeless and cheerful.
When I saw a spindle-leg chair in the same striped fabric as my couch, I paused. Matching striped chairs would look charming, and many of the chairs I like are available in other fabrics too. It’s tempting, but I’m weighing whether a matchy set or a more mixed, collected look will serve the room better.
Generally I lean toward neutral, solid upholstery so accessories and pillows can add pattern and color. That said, I have two built-in benches where I can play with patterns, so I’m less worried about a patterned chair as long as I truly love it.
I ordered a blue performance fabric sample for the couch before choosing the stripe, and the blue looked lovely alongside the striped option. A creamy off-white fabric could also work well with our blue walls, but I find that soft blues create a calm, cohesive look in this space, so blue remains an appealing possibility.
I’m debating whether to choose two matching chairs or mix styles. Normally I prefer a collected, layered feel, but a matching pair can also create balance and symmetry. Both approaches have merit depending on how the room comes together.
I still own two white rattan chairs that I adore, shown in earlier photos. They would need repainting and new cushions, which can be costly, and I’m unsure whether the paint can be stripped from rattan. I’m considering keeping those for the bedroom and buying new chairs for the living room.
I also have a comfortable wingback chair that’s still available from a retailer I’ve used before. It’s cozy but would benefit from reupholstering, and the back suffered some damage during a move. That chair could work in a bedroom as well, so it doesn’t have to stay in the living room.
There are many chair styles I like, and I’ve been exploring dozens over the past few weeks. Now it’s a matter of narrowing the options and choosing the right chairs for our space.
Which chairs would you choose? The comments are working again so I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Below is a collage of items I’ve used or considered for the living room. I’ll finalize accessories, pillows, and the rug after the main furniture choices are settled. Sources for the collage are available where noted.