Why Your Home Needs a Pair of Vintage Armchairs
Deliver a double dose of style by trying this easy interior design device
Three may be a magic number when it comes to design, but two’s definitely company when it comes to armchairs. A pair of chairs is a classically stylish motif, whether they face a sofa for friends who don’t know each other so well, or flank a side table as if having a private tête-à-tête.
As for the relevance of this classy pair’s age, there’s something about vintage designs – often low-slung, shapely and standalone elegant – that just works. Whether you call it pre-loved, secondhand or vintage, it’s no wonder old (but not antique) furniture has taken on a new status as desirable, fashionable and obtainable. Upholstered pieces usually also require re-covering, meaning the end product is pleasingly unique. Interior designers will use a pair of armchairs to add flair and contrast to a scheme, meshing old and new for a bespoke finish.
Take a look at these appealing examples to see how it’s done, then try this simple styling trick at home.
As for the relevance of this classy pair’s age, there’s something about vintage designs – often low-slung, shapely and standalone elegant – that just works. Whether you call it pre-loved, secondhand or vintage, it’s no wonder old (but not antique) furniture has taken on a new status as desirable, fashionable and obtainable. Upholstered pieces usually also require re-covering, meaning the end product is pleasingly unique. Interior designers will use a pair of armchairs to add flair and contrast to a scheme, meshing old and new for a bespoke finish.
Take a look at these appealing examples to see how it’s done, then try this simple styling trick at home.
Nudge towards nautical
Combine preppy chambray with simple stripes for an airy, nautical look that’s unlikely to date. These vintage chairs have been carefully chosen; their wooden arms and legs introduce warmth to the all-white space, giving sterility the swerve.
Combine preppy chambray with simple stripes for an airy, nautical look that’s unlikely to date. These vintage chairs have been carefully chosen; their wooden arms and legs introduce warmth to the all-white space, giving sterility the swerve.
Swap out space sappers
These mid-century marvels have dainty legs and small proportions, meaning they’ll sit sweetly even in tight spaces. Grey cotton velvet is a flexible fabric choice, lending low-key lustre in a subtle shade that doesn’t jar with the scheme’s statement colours.
These mid-century marvels have dainty legs and small proportions, meaning they’ll sit sweetly even in tight spaces. Grey cotton velvet is a flexible fabric choice, lending low-key lustre in a subtle shade that doesn’t jar with the scheme’s statement colours.
Find the right material
Arresting upholstery enhances neutral spaces. These offerings, typical of 1960s Italian designs, feature two different fabrics – plain pink velvet on the fronts and patterned silk on the sides and backs. This clever combination is practical as well as pretty, restricting the more delicate material to areas of the chair that see less wear and tear.
Arresting upholstery enhances neutral spaces. These offerings, typical of 1960s Italian designs, feature two different fabrics – plain pink velvet on the fronts and patterned silk on the sides and backs. This clever combination is practical as well as pretty, restricting the more delicate material to areas of the chair that see less wear and tear.
Style serene seating
Green accents create a calming, work-conducive palette in this serene study. Giving each armchair its own directional floor lamp ensures they’re always ready for reading. A tiny tang of orange artwork provides the perfect finishing touch.
Standard lamps are back in vogue
Green accents create a calming, work-conducive palette in this serene study. Giving each armchair its own directional floor lamp ensures they’re always ready for reading. A tiny tang of orange artwork provides the perfect finishing touch.
Standard lamps are back in vogue
Try out fancier fabric
Vintage furniture is crammed full of character, offering an exclusive edge that may also upgrade the look of off-the-shelf items. Why not experiment with colours and patterns you’d be intimidated to try on larger pieces? Accessories – like these monochrome cushions – can always be used to tie different styles together.
Vintage furniture is crammed full of character, offering an exclusive edge that may also upgrade the look of off-the-shelf items. Why not experiment with colours and patterns you’d be intimidated to try on larger pieces? Accessories – like these monochrome cushions – can always be used to tie different styles together.
Covet clean lines
This retro pair are sitting pretty on a geometric rug, adding a second slice of graphic design. Chairs from the 1950s are fairly easy to come across – local secondhand shops, where labels are less well identified, often offer the biggest bargains.
This retro pair are sitting pretty on a geometric rug, adding a second slice of graphic design. Chairs from the 1950s are fairly easy to come across – local secondhand shops, where labels are less well identified, often offer the biggest bargains.
Feature a desert favourite
These handsome Danish Safari chairs were designed by Kaare Klint in the 1930s, but they could easily be contemporary. Looking to bring in a laid-back, organic element to prevent a room from feeling too ‘done’? This type of chair is a top choice.
See more stunning living rooms
These handsome Danish Safari chairs were designed by Kaare Klint in the 1930s, but they could easily be contemporary. Looking to bring in a laid-back, organic element to prevent a room from feeling too ‘done’? This type of chair is a top choice.
See more stunning living rooms
Have fun with furniture
Landings are often ‘dead’ space, but if yours is big enough, a pair of vintage chairs could help it to become a nook for an early evening drink or cuppa, or a quiet space away from the busy parts of the home in which to read.
As already said, vintage chairs are often found on a very petite scale, which could make them perfect for such a space. And don’t let the downstairs loo be the only place that’s ‘allowed’ to be bold, decor-wise – a landing could be the perfect spot to shake up wild and wonderful vintage pieces that are fun and frivolous.
These hot pink armchairs would revive any ailing interior or stale space with their lovely lines and mood-enhancing colour.
Tell us
Do you have a pair of vintage armchairs in your home? Tell us about them – or let us know where you’d put some – in the Comments below.
More
Read more decorating stories
Landings are often ‘dead’ space, but if yours is big enough, a pair of vintage chairs could help it to become a nook for an early evening drink or cuppa, or a quiet space away from the busy parts of the home in which to read.
As already said, vintage chairs are often found on a very petite scale, which could make them perfect for such a space. And don’t let the downstairs loo be the only place that’s ‘allowed’ to be bold, decor-wise – a landing could be the perfect spot to shake up wild and wonderful vintage pieces that are fun and frivolous.
These hot pink armchairs would revive any ailing interior or stale space with their lovely lines and mood-enhancing colour.
Tell us
Do you have a pair of vintage armchairs in your home? Tell us about them – or let us know where you’d put some – in the Comments below.
More
Read more decorating stories
Utilise the space afforded by a big bay window to show off a pair of curved beauties. These typical 1960s chairs have been upholstered in subtle eau de nil fabric, creating an informal seating area and a chic, understated focal point.
Eau de nil is here to stay