Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Vintage Gold Chairs In The Kitchen

Maybe we should change the name of our site to WCL (Wire Chair Love), because guess who found four awesome vintage wire chairs for the kitchen for $15 a pop? This girl (*points to self with thumbs, notices there’s peanut butter on one thumb, and licks it off while beaming at pretty new chairs*)

Gold AFTER Full Table Vertical

Allow me to paint you a picture of chair-finding glory. We’re walking into our favorite local thrift store (Love of Jesus on Midlothian for any thrift-lovin’ locals). We pop in there a few times a month just to see what’s up, and 9 times out of 10 we leave empty handed, so it’s not like we’re always finding amazing things, but on this occasion we saw these guys from across the room. Angels sang. Little hearts floated around them. And I broke into a run to claim them before anyone else could snatch them up right in front of me as I cried “nooooooo, stoooop, waiiiiiitttt, whyyyy??” in slow motion.

Gold 1 In Thrift Store

Admittedly, the limp plastic-wrapped covers weren’t doing them any favors, but we knew that with pretty seat cushions like these, those nice clean lines would be an awesome complement to our chunky wooden table.

Gold 2 In Thrift Store DETAIL

We’ve been aiming for a nice mix of rustic/modern when it comes to our eating area, but of course the old white chairs (from my NYC days 8+ years ago) were a little too small and spindly with our big chunky table. But we were happy to use them as placeholders until we found something taller and a bit more weighty.

Stain After Main2

The funny thing is that I’ve admired this photo of Jenifer Altman’s dining room, which has nearly identical chairs, just in a silver finish. I wish I could add the picture right here, but we don’t have her permission to post it on our site, so just click this link to see it. So nice, right? I love those spotted cushions too! Anyway, so now the old white chairs are chilling in the office. Since they’re versatile and good to have on hand for parties/extra dinner guests, I’m sure we’ll find some permanent spot for them someday.

We can’t believe the new chairs were $15 each, marked down from $25… which actually means they sat there a while and got overlooked (the thrift store lowers prices every week or two if folks don’t grab something). So how funny is it that I ran towards them fearing that someone would snake them out right from under my nose when they had been sitting there for a week or two with no takers and even had time to be marked down? And thanks to their low thrift store price, I won’t feel too bad getting some nice-ish (and super durable and food-friendly) fabric for the cushions I want to make.

Gold 3 Price Tag

But how did we get four big wire chairs home with only one small Altima on hand? Geometry, my friends. Somehow we got all four of them in the car with three of us in there too (one chair was in the trunk, two could be nested in the front passenger seat, and one was in the back to the right of Clara’s carseat while I sat back there to her left).

Once home, we dragged them all into the kitchen to see how they looked. It was LOVE, folks. We’re so glad they’re higher (it felt like the table needed something with some added height) and they tie in nicely with the rope chandelier thanks to their vertical lines (which play off the horizontal ones in the light kinda nicely, don’t you think?).

Gold AFTER Other Side

When it comes to their gold paint-job, we’re not sure if they’ll stay that way (if so, they at least need some touching up) – but a few other choices we’ve debated are something deep to tie into the stained lower cabinets (oil-rubbed bronze? charcoal? dark chocolate?) or something crisp (like white or even a soft mint color).

Gold AFTER Scratched Finish DETAIL1

We’ve decided just to live with them until we’re 100% sure that we want to change them (and 100% sure about what color we’d prefer). Should be fun to see where we end up. Any color suggestions?

And as for the cushion thing, I’d love to eventually make leather or vinyl cushions for them like Dana’s, but until then we’ve had luck with a folded faux sheepskin on each one. I know that sounds crazy (hello food trap?!) but since they’re awesomely machine washable and so easily removed (they’re just folded and tossed onto each chair) I’ve had luck just shaking out any Clara-crumbs (and vacuuming the floor where they land with the hand-vac) without even having to wash them yet. I wouldn’t use them for the long haul, but for now they work better than I thought.

Gold AFTER Chair Alone

As for the comfort factor, I’m not one of those looks-before-function ladies who would compromise on that when it comes to our eat-in kitchen. We spend TONS of time at this table, especially since we don’t have a peninsula with stools or anything, so virtually all of our eating is done in these chairs. Thankfully with our makeshift cushions on the bottom, they’ve been nice and comfy for the last week or so that we’ve test driven them.

Gold Clara Far1

They’re sort of reclined by nature so you don’t tend to lean back in them very much, but if you do it’s not uncomfortable – it’s sort of like leaning back in any spindle backed dining chair (like this) or a wooden rocking chair (like this). And if you add a pensive face, a la Clara, you’ll look like you’re thinking about something really deep. Like the meaning of life. Or how much you love marshmallows.

Gold Clara Close

So that’s the new kitchen view. Which beats the heck outta this one from about a month into living here.

Kitchen Before

Is anyone else trolling thrift stores for anything in particular? What are you searching for (or finding) lately?

Comments

  2. Emily says

    Hi! I love the chairs and can’t wait to see what you end up doing with them.
    Where did you find Claras adorable dress? And did you buy it recently? I would love it for my girls!

    Thanks!
    Emily

    Reply

  4. Nancy B says

    I would have never noticed the beauty of these chairs in the shop but I see it in your home! You have a great eye for beauty! I would do an antique bronze color or maybe a white. I’m sure they will be lovely when you finish with them.

    Reply

  5. Terri Fisher says

    Great find. I would live to go thrifting with you guys. You find the best stuff. I know I would have just walk by. Everyone says gold but I love when out of the blue you pop color in the room. Hope you surprise us with color. We won’t be disappointed either way. Love Clara’s room oh heck love them all

    Reply

  8. Brittany M. says

    At first I was a little worried but once I saw the inspiration photo it all came together! They’re an amazing find and I think they look great!

    One question though…..do they bounce up and down when you lean back? Remember those really cute all metal outdoor chairs your grandparents (or at least mine) once had that kinda did a rocking/bouncing act when you sat in them? Do they do that? IF so, are you afraid of falling backwards?

    Just a thought ;-)

    <3 Brittany

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      They only flex a bit when you lean back (I’m in one right now, haha!) so they don’t feel tipsy or unsteady. They have those thick U-shaped bases on the floor, so they almost feel more grounded than things with legs if that makes sense? Like I can’t tip back in these (whereas with four-legged chairs, I could lean back in them – at which point my mom would scream that I was going to break my neck).

      xo
      s

  10. Alyson says

    LOVE THEM!!! Personally, I love the gold; it’s just the right amount of glam, but still super sleek and modern and not too girly. Whatever you decide, I’m sure they’ll look great. Hooray for a great thrift store find!

    Reply

  11. Heather says

    First impression = Ohhh no! After seeing them in the kitchen, they totally fit. I agree with previous commenters, they look great with the rope fixture. Keep them gold and add ikat fabric cushions to bring in some color?

    Reply

  12. Erin says

    I know this comment is more related to a post from last week but I’ll throw it on here… if you try to Ardex countertop, I have a few suggestions (because I am waiting on the sealer on ours to dry as we speak!!):
    – Make sure your under layer is waterproof. We debated doing concrete backer board but just went with plywood and I really regret it because when the sealer/water mixture soaked in, it raised the grain of the plywood and there are little ridges showing through now. Praying that they recede when it’s all dry.
    – GET AN ORBITAL SANDER!! We tried to use a palm sander and it was disaaaaastrous and left huge ugly streaks and scratches. Our orbital sander removed the scratches and left an AWESOME smooth, glasslike finish. Our neighbor just saw/felt them and said “looks like stone.”
    – Mix your concrete thicker than some of the blogs/tutorials out there suggest… I kept reading “thin pancake batter” but it really should be more like peanut butter or else it’s too wet and hard to smooth.
    – Be careful not to leave dips with the corner of your trowel because you can sand out ridges but not low spots.
    Other than the plywood grain issue on our island (the rest of the counter looks fine), we LOVE the look of them and it was such a cheap and easy update!!

    Reply

  16. caroline [the diy nurse] says

    yes. yes. yes. yes. yes

    yes.

    yes.

    oh my my my ive never seen chairs like that and I’m in love. Ours have the same bottom but our top isnt so high and is silver and wicker. But i have gold rush jealousy baby. and the fur is a fantastic stand in. chair lust x100!

    Reply

  17. Erica says

    I’m not loving the chairs as is right now. If I were painting them, I would paint them some wild, bright color. Something really saturated, like teal or red. Or bright yellow. But I’m also in this “paint small pieces of furniture and accessories really bright colors” phase right now, which is why I have a bright yellow mirror, red kitchen stools, and a bright green lamp. :-) So you don’t have to listen to me!

    Reply

  18. Lou says

    I vote forest or emerald green for the chairs. It would look amazing with that graphic black and white pattern fabric, great with the natural texture of the chandelier, and also awesome with the two tone cabinets (and maybe more greys down the line…)

    Reply

  19. Kim says

    Gasp! Where is this thrift store?? I’m a Richmonder who just stumbled on to your blog a few days ago and am now a die-hard follower. I will have to check this place out.. thanks for the tip, and love the chairs! Even in gold!

    Reply

  20. Maggie says

    I’m not sure if this has been mentioned, but laminate cotton is the best. I reupholstered my dining room chairs with it and it is super durable, and completely waterproof. There are tons of options on Etsy. It’s a bit pricey compared to normal fabric, but it is so worth it.

    Reply

  22. Caro says

    I love lesser known thrift stores (especially one named Love of Jesus–the name really is the icing on the cake :) ). My favs are the Salvation Armies–they have things forgotten by time. My most recent find was a 1960s edition of Memory in good condition, with all the cards for $1.50. I couldn’t buy it fast enough!

    Reply

  23. Paige Sweetin says

    As the daughter of a thrift store owner, I have to congratulate you on taking something considered incredibly dated by most people and making it work. My mom hated when she would get those style of chairs because they are really hard to sell. But this is spectacular. I’m sending her this page.

    Although I have to say, I was really disappointed when you said the faux sheepskin was only temporary. That is my favorite part. I have a slight love affair with metallic and shaggy fur rugs/blankets. I understand why it’s temporary but I just really love the contrasting textures.

    Reply

  24. Daphne Stewart says

    These are admittedly not my style, but when you said “maybe a soft mint,” I SWOONED!!! Ball jar blue is MY COLOR and I love everything in that genre of color. This would be so much fun around your dining table!

    Reply

  26. Laurie says

    Good work you guys! These chairs are GREAT–no matter what colour you decide on for them. They do tie in with the light fixture nicely. Your whole place is looking so good!
    BTW–when is the little boy bean arriving?

    Reply

  27. Mindy Pineda says

    Just wanted to say how much I love your blog and how much you guys inspired me to start my own. I just recently got my domain and have a few posts but hopefully will be able to reach an audience like yours someday! I’ll definitely be looking out for something like this for my kitchen because it’s soooo cute!

    I’m also 100% copying your clothes pin light when we get our house.

    you guys rock!

    Mindy P.
    http://youngwifelife.com

    Reply

  28. Lori G. says

    Seriously and consistently, the cleanest clearest countertops around! ;o) Way to keep all the “stuff” outta sight!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Lori! I can’t say we don’t sometimes scramble to clean up errant legos and cups and paperwork from Clara’s school before we pick up the camera, but we do try to keep that area clean since we enter and exit through that garage door and it’s depressing to come home to so much clutter in yo face (so we shove it all in the dining room, haha!).

      xo
      s

  29. Sheila F. says

    Ok so I am totally showing my age. But I actually had that exact dining set in the late 70’s early 80’s. the cushions were fitted to the seat and back (mine were cream and brown with rust color “brush stroke”) They were groovy back then LOL. And yes they were gold!

    Reply

  31. Sharon S says

    Loving the new chairs and aren’t thrift store finds just the best??

    I recently found a fantastic mid century cabinet that is now serving as a bar for 40€. We live in Germany currently for work but hail from Maryland.

    Reply

  33. Stephanie says

    Hi Sherry,

    I have been looking for a round table just like yours – could you please let me know where you purchased it?

    Many thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Stephanie! It’s made by Restoration Hardware but we got it from an outlet for around 70% off (it’s a local place called The Decorating Outlet here in Richmond).

      xo
      s

  34. Kylha says

    Hey,
    Just read your latest ‘Wire Chair Love’ email, I mean ‘Young House Love’, lol.
    I’m glad you found something you love so much. I was thinking on the color choice though, and while not a gold lover naturally, I think something like a rubbed or buffed gold would look good on those. I’m not a shiny gold lover at all, but I saw another blog where a woman took something called Rub’n’Buff gold and used it on a bright brassy lamp and it’s was GORGEOUS when she was done. Same gold feel, but not shiny, brassy, and fake looking. I actually started liking gold, and recommended it to my sister-in-law within in days for her upcoming kitchen remodel.
    Anyways, just my thought. I’m sure you’ll get dozens of great ideas, plus your own to ponder over.
    Thanks again for the DIY world you share with us all,
    Kylha

    Reply

  35. Koen @ TownHouseHome says

    Great find indeed, they look so much better next to your table compared to the previous white chairs, the table asks for a chair with a higher back indeed.

    As for the color, I’d either redo them the gold they are now, or a matte charcoal or the like for a little more contrast. Although the gold goes better with the chandelier, so that would be my first choice.

    Reply

  38. Annette says

    If you leave empty handed 9 times out of 10, why is it your favorite? I’m asking because I feel like I always leave empty handed and want to give up all 3 of our thrift stores!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Some places we have been to 20+ times and never leave with anything we like. Haha! I think it’s hard when you’re shopping secondhand and getting great prices on things to expect that every visit will yield a treasure, ya know? It’s just luck of the draw sometimes :)

      xo
      s

  39. The Paisley Peanut says

    Girl! I was so excited when I read this was about finding chairs. My dilemma is finding a counter-height chair. My husband built our dining table (see here: http://thepaisleypeanut.com/diy-dining-room-table/), but its a little taller than your average. SO! We’re looking for counter-height and everything I’ve found are like $200+. WOWZERS! So, I’m in search… in fact, this weekend, it’s thrift store diving I go… I do love your look though, my house is a little more shabby, but I like the mixture of both vintage and modern. Jealous!

    Reply

  40. andrea says

    Personally, I hate that style of chair. Like, with a flaming passion. But I look forward to y’all making them work for your house! I think going dark on them would be a mistake, since they’re so close to the darker lower cabinetry. Keeping them a brighter, metallic color would layer nicely with the softer look of the table -I think going matte wouldn’t be contrast enough. They look terribly brassy tho. If you keep them in the gold color, I’d look for something warmer, rather than that awful greenish brown tone that it’s currently rocking (maybe that’s just my monitor tho).

    Reply

  42. Brittany says

    GOLD!!!!! Its so lovely. And yes I would have totally passed by these chairs, but as always, they look ahhh-mazing with your cool kitchen

    Reply

  44. Stacie says

    Oh. My. Stars. Guys, I don’t ever comment on here because well, Helloooo 500 comments! (even when I wanted to be like “ohmigosh you drank Cooper’s Cave, I totally live five miles away from where it’s made ohmigosh!”) but when I saw these chairs I just had to send my fourteen thumbs up I love them so much. Yes, fourteen. I borrowed a few because I love them just that much. Keep up the good work guys!

    Reply

  46. Elizabeth Bryant says

    PLEASE don’t paint them!!!!!! The gold is perfect! I will die if you paint them. Like, keel over and die. Ok, that was dramatic. But seriously, I love them gold. The gold looks so glam and gorgeous in your kitchen.

    Reply

  47. Alice @ Earning My Two Cents says

    Great eye! I wouldn’t have noticed them but they look very chic with the new cushion you put on them. I think that touching up the gold would look great and go with the cushions. But, maybe it’s because I’m in Baton Rouge and purple and gold are LSU’s colors, I think that a rich dark purple or aubergine would look great too. Of course, purple would probably need a different cushion, but I think it could look very cool.

    Reply

  48. Melissa K says

    As soon as I saw them I thought they would be lovely in your kitchen painted mint! Then you said it later in your post. So I am definitely team MINT!!!

    Reply

  50. Cathy G. says

    Team Gold too! I can see how there are people that don’t love the chairs right off the bat, but this is why I look forward to your posts. You guys look at things with a fresh eye and I’m always surprised at how something I might not pick, put in the right context, turns out to be something quite awesome! You guys are my curators of AWESOME! (Fist bump!)

    Nice find, btw! I love a good thrift store find. Found a bentwood chair for about $15…still hunting for more of the same. :)

    Reply

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