Chairs are one of those things in our home that swing between budget-friendly finds and more intentional splurges. On the inexpensive side we’ve scored gems like our $30 thrift-store egg chair that adds character without breaking the bank.
We’ve also picked up practical pieces such as $32 stools from a school supply site that work everywhere, and inexpensive secondhand office chairs (about $35) that are surprisingly comfortable and durable for daily family life.
We do invest in a few higher-priced chairs too. For example, the $230 leather chair from Target that lives in our office has been a solid, stylish addition.
We also love the $199 armchair tucked in our bedroom and the two $118 Dolce lounge slipper chairs from Target that once lived in our old living room and now sit comfortably in our guest room.
Most recently we added a new kitchen chair to finish off a corner that had been neglected since we moved in. We couldn’t resist a sale price of $298 (marked down from $498) through Joss & Main, and thought the piece would be perfect for that spot which had been occupied by a too-short white Ikea chair we’d originally shoved there “for now.”
The new chair has clean, tailored lines, modern tufting on the cushion back, and slim, attractive legs that lift the room visually. It reads well in the space and complements the kitchen’s scale and style.
Before buying, we weighed several practical reasons the chair would work well in that corner:
#1. The dark fabric is forgiving—useful in a kitchen where food, sticky fingers, and pets are part of everyday life.
#2. The taller back provides presence from across the room, unlike the short white Ikea chair that nearly vanished in the kitchen reveal photos.
#3. Its rounded, curvy shape is attractive from all angles, which matters when the chair is visible from adjacent doorways and hallways.
#4. The neutral color and simple silhouette make it flexible—if we decide it doesn’t belong in the kitchen, it can easily move to the playroom, office, or bedroom.
Fortunately, the chair arrived and everything about it felt right. The color ties into the darker tones of the floors and balances the abundance of white cabinets and countertops, preventing the kitchen from feeling washed out. It also matches the dark gray fabric used on our living room sectional, creating a subtle thread of continuity between the rooms. That fabric has held up well with both a kid and a dog, so we’re optimistic about its performance in the kitchen too. Now Clara can even enjoy Jammy Sammies in the chair without us holding our breath every time she walks in with a snack.
The taller back also solves a visual problem: from across the peninsula the chair is now clearly visible, so the corner no longer reads as an awkward empty space.
This small upgrade improved both form and function: the cozy fireplace nook feels more intentional, and the chair has become my favorite spot to relax—magazines in hand, often interrupted by Clara, which usually means switching to board books. An ottoman in front of the chair makes it feel almost like a recliner; the taller ottoman we use is especially comfortable, bringing your feet up in a way that’s relaxing even during a quick story session.
We’ve got more small improvements planned for that perennially overlooked corner, which we’ll share as we tackle them. In the meantime, what’s the chair situation in your home? Do you mix thrifted, affordable pieces with a few higher-end investments too? And the old white Ikea chair? We’re planning to move it into the sunroom to pair with the white daybed once we finally get around to finishing that space.
Psst- Check out our river adventures over on Young House Life (where Burger’s stick-chewing abilities are unmatched).