Furniture
Table & Chair Pairings
27/11/08 15:40
Q:How
do I find appropriate chairs for my
table?
A: The first thing to consider is...
the style of the table itself. Is it traditional or contemporary? Does it reference a particular time in history (e.g. Renaissance or Mid-century modern)? The choice of chair should harmonize with that style. That said, an exact, authentic match is not necessary. For example, a traditional oak table could be nice with simple, contemporary parsons chairs and a modern, dark veneer table could look striking with the same chairs. Or, a deliberate rule-breaking can take place. For example, one pairing I've seen lately involved a salvaged wood top placed on two modern metal bases with four chairs from entirely different time-periods. This pairing worked in the otherwise white on white environment with an eclectic, well-chosen mix of new and old furnishings.
A mid-century Modern Pairing
Modern Table, Parson's Chair & Traditional Table
A second criteria is the material and finish of the table. A wood table can be nice matched with wood chairs. Keep in mind that a close but not perfect match will likely look awkward and accidental. It may be more interesting to add texture with a rush seat or counterpoint the wood with modern, coloured chairs. Keep the materials and colours consistent with those in the room at large or use them to tie together disparate elements.
Wood Table with Wood Chairs; Wood Table with Modern Chairs
A third factor to consider is the shape and structure of the table. A contemporary table with chrome base may benefit from a graphically shaped chair in man-made materials. On the other hand, a wood, rectangular table could benefit from chairs covered in fabric to add some softness.
Contemporary Table & Chair; Traditional Table & Fabric Chairs
A number of chairs could work with any given table. Keep the table style, finish and structure in mind, be prepared to experiment, and you will strike the perfect pairing!
A: The first thing to consider is...
the style of the table itself. Is it traditional or contemporary? Does it reference a particular time in history (e.g. Renaissance or Mid-century modern)? The choice of chair should harmonize with that style. That said, an exact, authentic match is not necessary. For example, a traditional oak table could be nice with simple, contemporary parsons chairs and a modern, dark veneer table could look striking with the same chairs. Or, a deliberate rule-breaking can take place. For example, one pairing I've seen lately involved a salvaged wood top placed on two modern metal bases with four chairs from entirely different time-periods. This pairing worked in the otherwise white on white environment with an eclectic, well-chosen mix of new and old furnishings.
A mid-century Modern Pairing
Modern Table, Parson's Chair & Traditional Table
A second criteria is the material and finish of the table. A wood table can be nice matched with wood chairs. Keep in mind that a close but not perfect match will likely look awkward and accidental. It may be more interesting to add texture with a rush seat or counterpoint the wood with modern, coloured chairs. Keep the materials and colours consistent with those in the room at large or use them to tie together disparate elements.
Wood Table with Wood Chairs; Wood Table with Modern Chairs
A third factor to consider is the shape and structure of the table. A contemporary table with chrome base may benefit from a graphically shaped chair in man-made materials. On the other hand, a wood, rectangular table could benefit from chairs covered in fabric to add some softness.
Contemporary Table & Chair; Traditional Table & Fabric Chairs
A number of chairs could work with any given table. Keep the table style, finish and structure in mind, be prepared to experiment, and you will strike the perfect pairing!
Retro vs. "Retro"
27/11/08 14:55
Answers:
Old - a, b, f, g, i, j
New - e, d, h
Either - c
There are a few ways to tell the difference between a truly retro piece and a reproduction. Plastics have improved over time and wood laminates appear more natural. Fabric is softer and more pliable. In addition, fasionable colourways and textures have changed. In contemporary pieces we see softer browns and greens and less bronzy golds. Textures are generally more natural and less obvious, smoother. As well, patterns and structures are often simplified.
Tecnology & Decor
27/11/08 12:18
Technology
evolves as new discoveries and improvements are
made. We've come a long way from quill and ink
to computer keyboard!
As technology evolves so does decor. The two meet in
the form technology takes. Over time, there has been
a general movement toward simplicity and compactness.
Then again, "retro" is "in" and we can buy
telephones, for example, that look like they did in
the 30s but still function like their
contemporaries. 
See for yourself in the technology time-capsule below:
