F.A.Q.'s

A FEW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

Q: "What should we do about seating?"  (or)   "How am I going to find chairs to match?"   (or)   "Do you make chairs?"


A: First of all, benches offer a quaint, yet simple, alternative to chairs. They are typically more cost effective than chairs to have custom-made. So, if you're on a budget, they are not only neat space-savers for smaller dining arrangements, but they are cheaper to make.


That said; if you do not want benches all the way around, (I usually recommend a bench on one side, and chairs on the opposing side and ends. Or benches on the sides and chairs at each end) you can opt for chairs all the way around.
So, then the question arises; "How should we go about matching the chairs to the table?" (Either shopping for chairs elsewhere or having them custom-made)."

Well, if you find chairs that match perfectly, great! But if you're at all concerned that the chairs are not going to match dead-on, I encourage you to have them deliberately contrast for a pop of color. This way it is obvious that they are not intended to match so the pressure is off. 

"It is better to have something contrast and add an exclamation point to the room than to look like it's trying to match, but doesn't."

 The photos below will illustrate my point visually. 

Notice the different colors of the chairs, and how they contrast the wood grain and accent it even more; not necessarily the design-style of the chairs & tables.

Notice here the contrast, not only of the different colors of the chairs vis a vis the table, but the variation of textures and materials. The smooth, sleek styling of the chairs off-sets the bold, richness of the rustic wood. The two are so very different, yet they balance each other out.

Again; the style and design of the chairs may not be your particular tastes, but just notice that the chairs do not have to match identically to the table. As in here, one chair does not even match another.

Q:  I like benches AND chairs; I can't decide. 

A:  Either use a mixture of both, or consider a bench with a back. It has the simplicity of a bench, but has a back to lean against.

I.E.