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Chippendale Chairs and Where To Use Them

Given the heaviness I’m feeling with the current Stage 4 Lockdown here in Melbourne, I wanted to write about something that really makes me smile…..Chippendale Chairs. They are such a versatile style of stool or chair that look great in many interior settings due to their stylish, airy and elegant lines. In this post I explain what are Chippendale Chairs and Where To Use Them.

A little bit of history to start. Thomas Chippendale, an English cabinet and furniture maker published a book of furniture designs in 1754. The first of its kind, the designs became a guide for furniture makers worldwide. Included in the designs were the style of ‘Chinese Chippendale’ that we know today. Typically the chairs are made from wood with a lattice back to imitate bamboo. They are usually black or white but can be customised in any colour. The seat is either upholstered or has a loose cushion. Here are some ideas of where to use them.

Kitchen Barstools:

I love the interest the lattice detail brings to a kitchen space, particularly at an island bench. Some clients prefer a barstool with a back. Without a bulky frame a Chippendale barstool keeps the space light and airy.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

Gallerie B Interiors, Photo by Armelle Habib.

The flexility of a customised seat means a family-friendly fabric can be used.  In this case I have used a textured vinyl that is easily wipeable and resembles a grey woven fabric.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

A grey frame adds colour to an all-white kitchen.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

Monika Hibbs

Dining Chairs:

Chippendale chairs are a comfortable dining chair option. With a supportive tall back they are lightweight and easily moveable. Again the upholstered seat can be customised to suit the decor. I love the warm timber finish of these ones that we selected for a recent project.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

Gallerie B Interiors, Photo by Suzi Appel

In a Hamptons style dining room, the white chair frame provides a contrast and freshness against the darker timber table.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

Gallerie B Interiors, Photo by Suzi Appel

Personality is added to this space by using a patterned seat fabric.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

Megan Bachmann

Occasional Chairs:

In this hallway, two black Chippendale Chairs frame the client’s existing console and add interest. A striped velvet fabric complements their Sid Dickens wall blocks and ties together the vignette.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

Gallerie B Interiors, Photo by Suzi Appel

The unexpected punch of a green Chippendale Chair adds some fun to this living room.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

Annsley Interiors

Rather than a bulky office chair, I use a black Chippendale Chair in my home office.

My tips for where to use Chippendale Chairs.

Gallerie B Interiors, Photo by Armelle Habib

For all your Chippendale chair or barstool questions, including how to source them, feel free to drop me an email: [email protected]

Stay well everyone.

Belinda XO

 

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