I’ve been on the hunt for new dining room chairs for a few months now. While I’m content with how my home is decorated, I’ve known that the chairs just weren’t quite right. My dining table was a huge splurge, so I feel like I need chairs that are worthy of being paired with such a beautiful piece. My current chairs are faux leather (pleather, if you will)…from TJ Maxx, and they are starting to crack and don’t look so hot after multiple moves over 5 years.
My current obsession is Chinese Chippendale chairs. With their faux bamboo style and interesting backs, I just know they would look perfect with my white marble table.
Unfortunately…the cost of Chinese Chippendale chairs is astronomical (or at least more expensive then I’d like to pay). Brand new chairs are typically over $250 per chair, so of course, I’ve been scouring Craigslist and thrift stores for used ones in need of a little TLC that are at a decent price…but to no avail. In a perfect world, I’d purchase new chairs from Society Social (an amazing and colorful online home decor store that I’m obsessed with). I mean, how fun are these chairs?
Society Social Darlington Chair. (You can customize the color and the fabric!)
Society Social Ming No. 8 Chair. Unfortunately this is sold out. Adorable though, huh?
So long story short…I haven’t been able to find the perfect, affordable Chinese Chippendale chairs, but I did find some antique Greek Key dining chairs in a thrift store a couple weeks ago. The six chairs came with a table and cost a grand total of $120. I definitely didn’t need the table, but I forked over $120 anyway because the chairs were sturdy, they had an interesting design, and they needed some TLC.
Sad state of affairs in my kitchen. I need more space!
The chairs have great bones, but desperately need new fabric and a sassy coat of shiny lacquer.
I’m not exactly sure what to do with them at this point, but I foresee a fantastic makeover in their future. I’m thinking a lacquered coating of white or navy, or maybe even a sassy turquoise, with a fabulous fabric for the seats, of course. Oh, and did I mention that I just found the exact same set of chairs for sale on 1stdibs for $6,750???
These cost $6,750 on 1stdibs. I’m still in shock that they are worth so much.
How insane is that? Looks like without even knowing it, I scored some amazing chairs that are actually worth a lot of money! And that’s the reason I love thrifting…you just never know what sort of treasure you will find!
Stay tuned for an update on the makeover, and if you have a brilliant idea for which fabric or color of paint to use, please share! I’d love your opinion.
Miss Katie! I am realy crushing on your inspiration images and the wisteria chair find is a new one for me! Can't wait to see what you do with that greek key goodness!
Katie this was a fantastic read!! I won't be much help in what you should do next but I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed this piece of yours and found it very informative. I'm afraid though now you may have turned me onto an expensive hobby!
Chinese Chippendales are my absolute favorites I have a set of four and although they match perfectly they took me years to acquire. I found two side chairs at one antique store and years later found two arm chairs at another, total for the set $175, I love a bargain! The chairs you scored are amazing too (I'm a sucker for chairs.) I find my decorating decisions are usually led by a good deal. Seeing the rest of your space I think a bright white on the chairs with a navy/blue geometric on the seat would be great. But honestly I also think the natural wood finish is kind of nice too. Can't wait to see the end result!
Thanks Nikki! Yeah I'm a little obsessed with finding old pieces and fixing them up. Fabric is expensive, but it's way cheaper than buying something brand new! Thanks for reading! I hope you're doing well 🙂
That is so amazing Maggie! I have been hunting for Chinese Chippendales but have had no luck. You got such a bargain on yours! I need some patience like you have. I'm excited to make over these Greek key chairs though!
I just got home from visiting my daughter who lives in the DC (China Town/downtown area) while my husband was at a conference. Love your blog! I passed on six chairs at a thrift store a few weeks ago similar to #2. I couldn't sleep all night. I went back the next morning and of course they were GONE! I am sure they are out there now painted in some awesome color! UGG! You gotta grab them when you see them! Thank you for your service and your sacrifice!
Miss Katie! I am realy crushing on your inspiration images and the wisteria chair find is a new one for me! Can't wait to see what you do with that greek key goodness!
Love the Chairs! Which thrift store did you find them in?
LOVE the chairs! I'm on a dining room chair hunt as well (for months!!). Seeing your amazing find gives me hope 🙂
LOVE the chairs! I've been on a dining room chairs hunt for months now as well. Seeing yours gives me hope 🙂
I think you should go with the navy color scheme because then you can go crazy with the hot pink color with florals, accessories, tabletop, etc. 🙂
Nice find!!!! I'm looking forward to seeing the final product!
Love these, cant wait to see what you do!
Well done Kate! I wish I could help you transform them. They are going to be adorable in your home!
mom
Katie this was a fantastic read!! I won't be much help in what you should do next but I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed this piece of yours and found it very informative. I'm afraid though now you may have turned me onto an expensive hobby!
I love these chairs- They are so beautiful! I am really into turquoise and chevrons— can't wait to see the final product!!
Chinese Chippendales are my absolute favorites I have a set of four and although they match perfectly they took me years to acquire. I found two side chairs at one antique store and years later found two arm chairs at another, total for the set $175, I love a bargain! The chairs you scored are amazing too (I'm a sucker for chairs.) I find my decorating decisions are usually led by a good deal. Seeing the rest of your space I think a bright white on the chairs with a navy/blue geometric on the seat would be great. But honestly I also think the natural wood finish is kind of nice too. Can't wait to see the end result!
Thanks Sheila! I bought them at Look Again Retail Shop on King Street.
Thanks Ana!
Thanks Nikki! Yeah I'm a little obsessed with finding old pieces and fixing them up. Fabric is expensive, but it's way cheaper than buying something brand new! Thanks for reading! I hope you're doing well 🙂
That is so amazing Maggie! I have been hunting for Chinese Chippendales but have had no luck. You got such a bargain on yours! I need some patience like you have. I'm excited to make over these Greek key chairs though!
Thank you so much, and thanks for reading!
Thanks Esther! Keep hunting, I'm sure you'll stumble upon something amazing and it'll be worth the wait!
Thanks Lindsay!
I just got home from visiting my daughter who lives in the DC (China Town/downtown area) while my husband was at a conference. Love your blog! I passed on six chairs at a thrift store a few weeks ago similar to #2. I couldn't sleep all night. I went back the next morning and of course they were GONE! I am sure they are out there now painted in some awesome color! UGG! You gotta grab them when you see them! Thank you for your service and your sacrifice!