I have been searching for a few occasional chairs to use in my dining room and as extra seating throughout the house. I wanted chairs that were durable, easy to move, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, appropriate at a dining table or as standalone seating, and that would mix well with my existing pieces (including my green Pottery Barn chairs). Ideally they would be stackable for easy storage, and — most importantly — have personality.
I wasn’t asking too much, was I? Ha.
I searched for a long time and found many chairs I loved but that were out of my price range. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I discovered metal stacking chairs on Overstock that fit the bill: affordable (under $50 each), sturdy, stylish in a vintage café way, and versatile enough to use indoors or outdoors. I considered silver or bright red, but black felt like the best fit for my home.
These chairs aren’t exactly what I pictured at first, but I’m eclectic and happy to mix styles. A big benefit is that when I eventually find my ideal dining chairs, these will serve as handy extras that can be tucked into corners or used around the house as needed. They feel solid, look great grouped together, and their compact shape makes them easy to move and store.
Dream Patio from Pottery Barn
I’ve always loved the Tolix-style café chairs sold by Pottery Barn. Seeing them in a patio setting gave me the idea of getting chairs that could someday live outdoors on a charming patio. Those Tolix chairs are adorable and have a classic shape I admire.
One practical difference is that the Pottery Barn chairs typically don’t have arms, which can be more comfortable for people who want a slightly wider seat. They are pricier than the budget metal chairs I bought, and I haven’t compared them side by side for size or build. Still, I really like their silhouette.
My metal chairs do have arms, but the arm design still allows them to pull up closely to a dining table, which makes them functional for everyday use. Overall, I’m pleased with the balance of style, utility, and value.
LOVE.
Update: I’ve had several questions about the dining room light fixture shown in some photos. It’s an outdoor lantern from Pottery Barn. (Product details were shared previously.)