Maybe we should change the name of our site to WCL (Wire Chair Love), because guess who found four awesome vintage wire chairs for the kitchen for $15 a pop? This girl (*points to self with thumbs, notices there’s peanut butter on one thumb, and licks it off while beaming at pretty new chairs*)
Allow me to paint you a picture of chair-finding glory. We’re walking into our favorite local thrift store (Love of Jesus on Midlothian for any thrift-lovin’ locals). We pop in there a few times a month just to see what’s up, and 9 times out of 10 we leave empty handed, so it’s not like we’re always finding amazing things, but on this occasion we saw these guys from across the room. Angels sang. Little hearts floated around them. And I broke into a run to claim them before anyone else could snatch them up right in front of me as I cried “nooooooo, stoooop, waiiiiiitttt, whyyyy??” in slow motion.
Admittedly, the limp plastic-wrapped covers weren’t doing them any favors, but we knew that with pretty seat cushions like these, those nice clean lines would be an awesome complement to our chunky wooden table.
We’ve been aiming for a nice mix of rustic/modern when it comes to our eating area, but of course the old white chairs (from my NYC days 8+ years ago) were a little too small and spindly with our big chunky table. But we were happy to use them as placeholders until we found something taller and a bit more weighty.
The funny thing is that I’ve admired this photo of Jenifer Altman’s dining room, which has nearly identical chairs, just in a silver finish. I wish I could add the picture right here, but we don’t have her permission to post it on our site, so just click this link to see it. So nice, right? I love those spotted cushions too! Anyway, so now the old white chairs are chilling in the office. Since they’re versatile and good to have on hand for parties/extra dinner guests, I’m sure we’ll find some permanent spot for them someday.
We can’t believe the new chairs were $15 each, marked down from $25… which actually means they sat there a while and got overlooked (the thrift store lowers prices every week or two if folks don’t grab something). So how funny is it that I ran towards them fearing that someone would snake them out right from under my nose when they had been sitting there for a week or two with no takers and even had time to be marked down? And thanks to their low thrift store price, I won’t feel too bad getting some nice-ish (and super durable and food-friendly) fabric for the cushions I want to make.
But how did we get four big wire chairs home with only one small Altima on hand? Geometry, my friends. Somehow we got all four of them in the car with three of us in there too (one chair was in the trunk, two could be nested in the front passenger seat, and one was in the back to the right of Clara’s carseat while I sat back there to her left).
Once home, we dragged them all into the kitchen to see how they looked. It was LOVE, folks. We’re so glad they’re higher (it felt like the table needed something with some added height) and they tie in nicely with the rope chandelier thanks to their vertical lines (which play off the horizontal ones in the light kinda nicely, don’t you think?).
When it comes to their gold paint-job, we’re not sure if they’ll stay that way (if so, they at least need some touching up) – but a few other choices we’ve debated are something deep to tie into the stained lower cabinets (oil-rubbed bronze? charcoal? dark chocolate?) or something crisp (like white or even a soft mint color).
We’ve decided just to live with them until we’re 100% sure that we want to change them (and 100% sure about what color we’d prefer). Should be fun to see where we end up. Any color suggestions?
And as for the cushion thing, I’d love to eventually make leather or vinyl cushions for them like Dana’s, but until then we’ve had luck with a folded faux sheepskin on each one. I know that sounds crazy (hello food trap?!) but since they’re awesomely machine washable and so easily removed (they’re just folded and tossed onto each chair) I’ve had luck just shaking out any Clara-crumbs (and vacuuming the floor where they land with the hand-vac) without even having to wash them yet. I wouldn’t use them for the long haul, but for now they work better than I thought.
As for the comfort factor, I’m not one of those looks-before-function ladies who would compromise on that when it comes to our eat-in kitchen. We spend TONS of time at this table, especially since we don’t have a peninsula with stools or anything, so virtually all of our eating is done in these chairs. Thankfully with our makeshift cushions on the bottom, they’ve been nice and comfy for the last week or so that we’ve test driven them.
They’re sort of reclined by nature so you don’t tend to lean back in them very much, but if you do it’s not uncomfortable – it’s sort of like leaning back in any spindle backed dining chair (like this) or a wooden rocking chair (like this). And if you add a pensive face, a la Clara, you’ll look like you’re thinking about something really deep. Like the meaning of life. Or how much you love marshmallows.
So that’s the new kitchen view. Which beats the heck outta this one from about a month into living here.
Is anyone else trolling thrift stores for anything in particular? What are you searching for (or finding) lately?
Theresa says
MCM! Please leave them a brass/gold. A little touch up is all you need. Add cushions to get your color on. I wouldn’t suggest oil cloth as you will be doing a little “peel and stick” in warm weather seasons.
Give an outdoor fabric a spin (Sunbrella) solid with white piping would look smashing and easy clean too.
whispering this in the kindest voice…. the ocd in me is thrown off by the mismatched pendant lighting.
Love your thrift store scores.
Heather says
Well, that is pretty much awesome!! And it is awesome they were priced separately. I cant tell you how many chairs I have fallen in love with for our table, but could not buy because they were part of the set. Sets are lame!
Jenn(ifer) says
great find!
I actually almost bought a set of 6 very similar chairs in chome of ebay, but ultiatley decided against it, because I want a chrome chandy and think wooden chairs will go better ith that (the end price was around € 80). You are making me seriously doubt my decision ;)
Can’t wait to see the finial finish on yours!
Theresa says
I have to say- these are not my favorite. They remind me of something cheap and cold and grandma-y. But that is EXACTLY why I read your blog- you see beauty in things I don’t. Then after some paint or stain or just good-placement, they look wonderful in your home and I’m amazed. So cheers to the-really-weird-chairs-that-you-love-and-I-don’t; because chances are, in a month or two, I will be in total awe.
Kathryn says
My thoughts (though probably more eloquently expressed) exactly. Definitely outside of my personal design palette. Really excited to see where this space (at least phase I) ends up. I’m having a really hard time connecting the dots in the ‘middle makes no sense’ phase. As you said, I don’t come here to be spoon-fed what I already like! Can’t wait for the ‘oh, *now* I see what you meant’ moment.
Christina says
LOVEEE the chairs but PLEASE keep them gold. They look so chic and high end. #teamgold
Katie says
I will have to agree with those voting for gold, or perhaps a light color. While I usually love ORB, I can see it possibly taking away from your beautiful table.
I’m curious to see where you end up with your fabric choice for the cushions. I’m currently looking to recover cushions for a rocker (nursery!). If you find any great fabric sources be sure to let us know!
And finally on a completely unrelated note… but since I trust your DIY know-how… I have a paint question for you.
In my kitchen I have white wainscotting half-way up the wall; and the rest of the wall is bare; just painted white as well. I’m planning to paint the upper portion a light grey color, and I would like to continue the paint on to the ceiling as well. What finish of paint would you choose in this case? Normally kitchen paints are glossier… but I’m not sure that would be so great on a ceiling. Just wondering the best choice for durability (and wipe-ability!)
Your home is looking lovely… keep up the good work :)
YoungHouseLove says
If do flat on the ceiling and satin on the kitchen walls. Good luck!
xo
s
Megan says
Come on Sherry, don’t let Jersey down! Stick with the gold!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
keisha says
I swear, you guys have your finger on the pulse of all things cool. Just before I came here today, I just pinned a pic of an eat-in kitchen that had white faux fur draped on the seats of chairs. It was rad, but it was new to me. And now this! I LOVE how your kitchen is coming together.
Lynn says
When you hung the new chandelier I thought the eating area had a great nautical vibe, so I was sad to see the blue glass centerpiece go away in favor of the bright little cactus family. But now with these fabulous chairs, you could choose a seat fabric that nods to the nautical!
In any case, I hope you’ll consider lots of wonderful patterns for your seats before deciding on the color for the chairs themselves. It’s just too soon to know what’s gonna work! And I wanna see lots of fun fabric ideas!
I know you don’t like malicious comments. But I want to take your flooring outside and shoot it.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha! I’m with you on that!
xo
s
Sally says
I know I’m in the minority, but I kinda love the flooring. It might be because the house I grew up in had very similar kitchen flooring.
Jeanne says
Gold all the way! They are perfect and fit the space beautifully.
Karen says
What always surprises me about you guys is when I think something already looks great (table and white chairs, for example), and then you change it and I’m suddenly all amazed and think “oh yeaaahhh…that does look better!”. It makes me look at things in a new way, thanks!
Our most recent thrift store purchase was a lovely wedding dress for $10. My 13 year old daughter wanted to be a zombie bride for Halloween last fall. So we found a glorious, puffy-shouldered 80’s wedding dress, which she promptly shredded and muddied. It was perfect. Not as great as these chairs, but a find nonetheless. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome!!
xo
s
Annie says
LEAVE THEM GOLD! The gold is what makes them work in your room. The form works well because they are spare but rounded (so not too harsh). The gold gives warmth to the kitchen, which was getting a little too cool/sterile.
Love them! Totally jealous!
Lauren Nicole says
This post begs the question:
Are you guys going to upgrade to the ‘family minivan’ with baby #2 on the way? Just think how many chairs you could fit in one …
We upgraded last August with baby #2 on the way and we LOVE our van.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! I think we’d love a bigger car someday (something with a hitch to pull a trailer) but I don’t think we need a minivan just yet.
xo
s
Brynne@TheGatheredHome says
I LOVE THESE TO DEATH! I would have snatched them up in a heartbeat as well! I’m loving the different tack you guys are taking in this new house – the modern lines of those chairs are right up my alley and the perfect counterpoint to the rustic dining table!
Let me add one more vote for keeping the gold, because I would make just about everything gold if I could – we joke that I have a “Midas complex” ;)
Alicia says
oh we have some wire chairs, donated by some relatives. yesterday i was watching them and they are old and ugly lol i was thinking to buy new ones or to do something with them. now that i see your new chairs, im feeling brave to do something
Erika K says
I’m really loving the gold but I like the idea of mint as well. Awesome score!
verucaamish says
Suprisingly, I’d say gold just because I like the way it relates to the bright, sunny tones of the room. And speaking of bright and sunny, you two are my paint inspiration. Over the holidays, I banished my partner to his family’s place (he has strong chemical sensitivities) and painted my dining room. It went from a dark chocolate brown to a nice neutral beige (Behr’s Cracked Wheat) and boy is there a difference. While the dining room does have a large picture window, it faces our VERY dark side yard (with a Wisteria arbor). I’ve always admired how well you’ve been able to create rooms that capture natural light and am so happy I was able to do that in my own house.
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds awesome! Congrats on getting it done!
xo
s
Heather says
I would actually paint the chair a robin egg blue just to add a pop of color.
Emily says
Love that idea!
Casey says
Team Gold here. I like how the gold looks muted in the picture with the price tag. I don’t like the “sassy brassy” aspect that you can see a bit in the picture of them around the table in the thrift store.
Touch that gold up but keep it muted, not super-shiny!
Lucky you. Amazing find!
Michelle says
They look GREAT! Can’t wait to see what you do for cushions.
Debby says
I vote paint them. I say cool color and second/third choice would be silver or orb. I’m personally not a gold fan at all. A cool fabric cushion would look awesome. Steer clear of oil cloth. Not the most comfy to sit on especially in the summer time with shorts.
Love your bog!!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a great tip!
xo
s
Sally says
Team Gold!
Bettina says
What about a different color for each chair? That’s very fashionable right now in Switzerland. Otherwise I’d pick a light mint color.
Nichole K says
At first I was skeptical, but the gold is growing on me, especially in front of your bright white wood paneling. Rustic and modern, just like you said.
My vote is keep them shiny and metallic, either gold or silver, because they look super sleek! (That inspiration pic is great!) And once your brick floor is gone, these will be an even nicer nod to mod in your traditional home.
Kismet says
Deep peacock blue.
What do the seats look like naked?
YoungHouseLove says
They’re just the same wire that’s on the back on the base, but it’s comfier to have some cushion under the ol’ rump ;)
xo
s
Lisa says
Those chairs make a great pair with that table! I am curious how you go about making your investment decisions on decor and furniture prior to the final phase completion. Without the room looking like anything to the final state especially since this kitchen will be fully renovated, how would you decide what color those chairs would look best in? Same with the chair cushions, how would you know what is the best look that will ultimately complement your final kitchen? Unless these investments are intended for only the phase one updates? I guess this question applies at a general level too with any type of furniture or decor you purchased before final phase renos.
YoungHouseLove says
I think there’s constantly that chicken or the egg question as you redo a room, let alone an entire house, so we just try to do one thing at a time and any time we make a big expensive choice we think hard if it’ll be flexible and smart for long term use. If something is simple like re-spraying the chairs later if we want to change their color, we just try not to stress and make the best decision at that time. Otherwise you get frozen in fear and can’t move forward at all. We’re all about baby steps :)
xo
s
Megan says
I love the gold color! Leave them be (or at least touch them up!). It’s weird though.. every time I look at your kitchen posts, I never pay attention to the floor. I just look right past it. I’m sure you are ready for an upgrade (I’m living in a house desperately in need of some upgrades, so I feel ya!), but you’ve done so much already that there’s plenty to enjoy. :)
Krissy says
Just to throw another refinishing idea out there. What about using the antique mirror technique….water/vinegar sprayed on then looking glass spray paint by krylon….I’ve seen it on glass, it looks like mercury glass. I wonder if it would look cool on a metal surface?
YoungHouseLove says
Never even thought of that! Love all the suggestions guys!
xo
s
Meg says
Wow! Love the chairs in your space, looks great! What happened to the table with them? Any chances it is still at the thrift shop? I may have to go check it out :)
YoungHouseLove says
They were selling it separately and we didn’t have a need for it, so it might still be there!
xo
s
Dana @ House*Tweaking says
Score one for the lil’ pregnant lady! Love your new chairs. They are very Emily Henderson-esque, no? You know I’m all over the gold but I’m sure whatever you do to them will look faaaabulous.
PS – Thanks for crashing my site today ;)
YoungHouseLove says
I’m totally was like “how Emily!” when we brought them into the kitchen. Haha! And SO SORRY about the crash :(
xo
s
Susan says
I had those EXACT same chairs growing up as a kid and they belonged with a glass and brass dining table. Isn’t that funny that everything old is new again? We had burnt orange fake velvet cushions on them, though….just typing that made me cringe! They look much better with a lighter color on them. I hope you enjoy many comfortable meals, with your soon to be foursome around them for many, many years to come!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet! Chair twins!
xo
s
Ashley Calaway says
LOVE the chairs! And honestly, I think you should just leave them gold and do some touch up work, I think they look fabulous! But, why would you care about my opinion? ;-) It is your house after all! :) The kitchen looks fantastic!
Elizabeth says
I somehow missed the addition of the chunky table! I absolutely love it. Where did you find it?!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s from Restoration Hardware but we got it from a local shop for 70% off called the Decorating Outlet!
xo
s
Lindsay B says
I vote gold too! I never used to be a fan, but in the past year or so I’ve been using it more and more in my house and wardrobe.
So, question about the sheepskins. Are they machine washable? I get the idea of using them for comfort, but I could just see my two-year-old getting spaghetti sauce, crushed graham crackers and who knows what else all up in there :)
YoungHouseLove says
These are faux sheepskins that ikea made a few years ago, so they’re machine washable!
xo
s
Kelley Lively says
Love these, what a great find! I’m always that woman running to the back of the thrift store when I see something (while my husband hides thinking oh no here she goes again) so I can relate! I always hit up the thrift stores for frames…why pay 3 times as much anywhere else when I’m probably going to spray paint them anyway? I love the gold if you add another brass accent somewhere else in the room. Or charcoal gray to tie in with your light fixtures and hardware.
PattyR says
I’m into blues and coral now, so what about a pop of color on those chairs? Coral!
Erin J says
I personally don’t hate the gold, but I think ORB or a deep chocolate/espresso brown would tie in nicely with the rest of your kitchen hardware. If you opted for ORB/dark brown, you could spice things up with some colorful DIY cushions made out of oilcloth (a coated, spill-friendly fabric)! Perhaps in a fun pattern, or even a different bright color assigned to each cushion – your colorful cacti centerpiece tells me that bright, happy colors work well against your wall color :)
Emily says
I think a color could be really fun on the new chairs! Love the mint idea, but even a lavender or salmon could work well, too. Right now, the chairs and the rope chandelier are too close in color–they lose their individuality! A color will definitely help differentiate between the elements. Just my two cents! :) Great update, as always!
Danielle Purtle says
Ooooo I love ’em!! Since everyone is giving their color opinions…I really love the gold, but I think because the table and chandelier are a light honey wood color that there is not enough contrast. Have you consider a fun pop of forgeign color that isn’t in there already? I pictured like a deep violet blue or a Hermes orange immediately. And fun little matchy cushions. What do you think?
YoungHouseLove says
That could be really fun too! Love all the votes guys!
xo
s
Jo says
I like the gold!
Are they all metal or is the top part wood?
YoungHouseLove says
All metal!
xo
s
judi says
i haven’t read all the comments but just out of curiosity, what are you planning for the floors? i know you’ve talked about just doing interim upgrades for a while – is the floor staying as-is until a major renovation is planned?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re hoping to make a nice cheap update like peel and stick or a heavy duty floor painting treatment.
xo
s
Tricia says
Ah, I just fell in love. Those chairs with that chandelier are THE BOMB.
Your blog is the best–obviously, it’s a daily read for so many, but I hope you both realize what happiness and inspiration a little break from work brings all of us when we look at your posts! Thank you!
Tricia in Texas
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Tricia!
xo
s
Nicole L says
Wow! Great thrifty find – those chairs are amazing!
Laura says
Those are amazing, and I love love love the gold. I’m a sucker for gold and white though. I’m always wanting to by mirrored trays with gold accents although I’m pretty sure that I’m going to make my house look like Studio 54.
Jessaca says
I’m not in love with them with that table. You guys have a great run of finding great tables but not chairs (the Parsons that almost worked, right?) I’m surprised you’d go with these considering that incidence. I’m all for taking design risks but why not invest in chairs that will see you through and go with that gorgeous table?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, I’m sure there are definitely some folks who wouldn’t pick these guys (they’re definitely not the most universal choice we’ve ever made) but we love them with the table, the price, the comfort, and the fact that they’re so versatile that they could end up on the veranda or deck someday, so I guess they just felt right to us :)
xo
s
Rebecca says
Love that you said you wanted to make new cushions for the chair. That would be a great tutorial or a Pintrest challenge project! I see you and the sewing machine meeting again soon!
YoungHouseLove says
Ack! Exciting, yet scary. Haha!
xo
s
Donna says
Great little find! Those would look great in navy. Ok, Petersiks’s, it is time to re-think the Altima! You have a new home that will need furnishings, and a second bean that will have a lot of gear, and you’ll need room for groceries, so it seems to this reader ( and mom of 3 ) that you should become a card-carrying member of the Minivan Club. We are not very cool or sexy, but the comfort! The space! The DVD player for the kiddos! We fought it for a while, and now I wouldn’t trade my Volkswagen Routan for the world.
YoungHouseLove says
I think we might have a bigger car in our future, although we’re not sure we need a minivan just yet ;)
xo
s
Kristen says
If there’s one thing I have–its an opinion. So… here we go:
The gold frame is pretty epic and I think it pulls off that midcentury design. But, why not try a playful pattern for the cushion to infuse some color into eating area.
Teal chevron pattern? Teal ikat pattern?
YoungHouseLove says
Love that idea! Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!
xo
s
Erin {Home Everyday} says
These chairs are awesome! As usual I don’t have an opinion on color, but I cannot wait to see what you paint them. Impeccable taste. I am on the hunt for a desk. A small, vintage desk with a little bit of storage and that I can paint YELLOW. Not soft yellow, but YELLOW! It will be the desk that helps me write the next great American novel aka blogging my crazy stories.
Kim says
I am also team Gold or White. I think a dark color would make that area look choppy where as the gold color is coordinated but not matchy matchy with the tan of the chandelier above the table or at least that is what the first picture insinuates. But I think you go for more a matte gold think like a brushed finish rather than a shiny gold. White would also coordinate and you could do a pop of color on the cushions that could accent or tie in the wall color. Plus these chairs feel light and airy and keep the space feeling big but I think if they are dark it would ground the room taking attention away from the chandelier and table – they would become the focus.