Console Table with Chairs

TO FLANK OR NOT TO FLANK
I’ve always liked the look of chairs beside a console table, but buying chairs solely for this reason has never been a priority for me. I’m working on a client’s entryway and kept coming across pics that made me want to try this set-up in my own home.

I remembered some old dining chairs in our attic that we’ve since replaced (because they are dangerous for anyone older than 5 years old and north of 80 pounds to use). I decided to “audition” them beside our mirrored console table to see if I even liked the concept in this space.

PS-Is anyone else’s attic basically a retirement home for unloved decor? Ours is more like a graveyard. Many a chair and countless throw pillows have been placed up there never to be seen or heard from again.

Until we have a garage sale…Or I have to hunt down Christmas decorations.

I’m still debating keeping the chairs here permanently, but these are the pros and cons I’m pondering:

PROS:
-Adds symmetry. (Which I L-O-V-E.)
-Gives more places in the entry area for guests to drop bags, coats, etc.
-Adds some nice warm wood tones to balance all the cool tones happening on this wall.

CONS:
-Detracts from the mirrored console table.
-Might make the space feel too formal.
-We will have to warn folks that it is not really safe to sit in them…lest the wood glue cracks and causes an awkward situation.

Should I leave them? What do you think?

THREE LOOKS TO LOVE
I kept playing around with the console table and chairs combo and came up with three different ways it could play out. I think it’s helpful to see how they can be styled so differently. 

I decided that the “decor equation” I liked best for each of these styles was:

CONSOLE TABLE + CHAIRS + ONE LARGE ITEM FOR THE WALL 

Why just one large item? Well, I liked the idea of using a large scale piece here instead of a grouping  on the wall because I think it gives you more freedom to play with table top accessories without the whole scene looking like a hot mess.

And will you please notice that b&w photo of Liz Taylor?? I think I need that in my life.

I can’t really pick a favorite look, but I’d say my current style probably tends most toward the mid century eclectic look.

But I’m pretty sure I’d sell an organ on the Black Market to get me a pair of red Chippendale chairs. Gracious, those are so pretty…

Which look do you like best?

Mid Century Eclectic Look
table and a similar table for less / chairs
Hollywood Regency
table / chairs
Transitional
table / chairs