We set up our Christmas tree for the first time since moving into our new home and immediately realized we needed different chairs. We had planned to replace the IKEA Ektorp chairs after the kitchen remodel, but the tree made the issue obvious right away — and that’s how we discovered our striped armchair.
Many readers noticed a recent change in our living room, so I wanted to explain. We had recently purchased washable slipcovers for the IKEA chairs that came with the house. They were comfortable enough to keep for a while, and I generally like to take my time settling into a new home so I can observe how we live in it across seasons before making big design decisions.
Normally I wouldn’t judge a room’s layout during the busy holidays, but in this case the tree showed exactly how the space felt. In past homes we could shift furniture around to make room for a tree, but this house is compact and there wasn’t anywhere to move those larger chairs. Small-house living means you can’t just stash big pieces in another corner — and that made the need for a different solution clear.
Once we find the right spot for a beloved piece, it usually stays put. Last year the big tree clearly wouldn’t fit, so we left it boxed. This year we tried again and immediately loved its placement — it felt right and helped define the room. That single choice made other decisions fall into place. It wasn’t just about accommodating a once-a-year tree; it was about how we want this room to feel year-round.
When I spotted these cute striped chairs online, I was drawn to their neutral pattern, the right scale for our space, and the affordable price. Ordering furniture online can feel risky, but delivery was quick and returns were possible, so I decided to try one. If it worked, great. If not, we could repurpose it elsewhere or return it.
We loved the chair. It turned out to be the perfect size for that corner — not too small and not too large — and it left enough space behind for the tree. The smaller arms suit the compact space, and the exposed legs (rather than a skirt) help the room feel lighter. It’s comfortable for conversation or reading by the fire and much easier to move around than the bulky IKEA chair.
After trying the first chair and agreeing that it fit both functionally and visually, I ordered a matching second chair right away. It felt like an obvious, low-risk update: the chairs work well in the space and can be used elsewhere if our layout changes later. They’ve made the room feel more open and cozy at the same time.
So, that’s how our Christmas tree nudged us toward a design decision that led to these striped chairs. One small, confident choice transformed the corner and made other styling choices simpler. It’s a reminder that sometimes one element — a tree, a chair, a lamp — can set the tone for an entire room.
Recent post you might have missed: 7 Simple Ways We Made Our House Feel Like Home (in the first year!)
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