Have you shopped for furniture recently? There are so many choices it can feel overwhelming. That’s one reason I often prefer to use what I already own — less indecision and fewer impulse buys. I enjoy hunting for secondhand pieces, though I’m more selective about upholstery. I’ll pass unless I find something that’s been really well cared for.
Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and bring all my former furniture with me so I could truly “shop my own house.” Moving so often meant letting things go, and now I find myself thinking of items I used to have that would work perfectly here.
Knowing the couch I ordered will arrive in a couple of months has motivated me to make more decisions about the rest of the room. With a small living room and family coming and going, I really need to get the space pulled together.
There are so many chair styles I love and could see in our living room. I’ve considered slipcovered chairs because the couch has legs, but many of the chairs I like also have legs. If I slipcover the ottoman, that opens up even more options — rattan, cane, wood, or upholstered chairs would all work.
I already shared my new striped couch choice in a previous post, and I’m relieved that decision is made — though I’m still waiting on delivery. Of course, making one choice often leads to another, so I’m still selecting chairs, rugs, and accessories.
If I could have striped furniture everywhere, I would. Stripes are my favorite pattern, and I’m tempted to use them liberally throughout the room.
When I saw a chair in the same striped fabric as my couch, I paused. Matching striped furniture would be bold and cohesive — and maybe delightful. The chair I liked comes in several fabrics, so I can choose a stripe or a solid depending on how much pattern I want in the room.
Generally I favor solid neutral upholstery so I can change the look with pillows and accessories, but I also have two built-in benches where I can introduce pattern. That flexibility makes me less worried about choosing patterned chairs, as long as I truly love the pattern.
I ordered a blue fabric sample for the couch before I decided on the striped option. The blue sample looked beautiful and would pair nicely with other pieces. I’m leaning toward a creamy or off-white fabric for some chairs since the walls are blue, but soft blue tones also look lovely in the space.
I’m weighing whether to choose two matching chairs or mix styles for a collected look. Both approaches have appeal: a symmetrical pair feels cohesive, while a mix can make the room feel layered and personal.
I still have two white rattan chairs I’ve used in past homes, and I love them. They would need repainting and new cushions, which can be costly, and I’m not sure about stripping rattan paint. I’m leaning toward saving those for the bedroom and buying new chairs for the living room.
I also own a comfortable wingback that’s still sold by the same retailer. It would benefit from recovering — the move left some damage on the back — and it could work in either the living room or a bedroom, so I have flexibility there.
There are many chair styles I love and dozens more I’ve found while shopping. Now the task is to narrow the options and choose the pieces that will work best 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 a rug after I decide on the furniture. Sources for these pieces are available with the images.