Lumiere, the candlestick in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” said it best when he told Belle,

“And now we invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair as the dining room proudly presents your dinner!”

In today’s blog, we’re highlighting kitchen and dining room seating. Join the Design Connection, Inc. team as we show you the clever ways that chairs and bar stools express “Be Our Guest!”

Design Tip: Seating Fundamentals

Keep these numbers in mind as you select your seating for a kitchen island or dining room:

• Make sure there is at least 12 inches of space  between the seat of the chair and the tabletop or counter top.
• Allow for at least 24 inches between seating when in use.
• Ensure that you have about 36 inches of space between the seating and any walls or other furnishings.

Space planning makes a huge difference! The seating in this dining room combines armchairs and side chairs that  accommodate six people without crowding. With these fundamentals in mind, your seating choice can be beautiful and comfortable.

Luxe Fabrics:  Mohair and Velvet

For a client’s recent condominium makeover, the Design Connection, Inc. team chose dining room chairs upholstered in mohair. Mohair is a densely woven, lush velvet that is also very durable and holds dye well.

These mohair fabric chairs in a soothing spa green bring a sense of elegance and serenity to the room.

Here’s another example of velvet seating that looks gorgeous! For our client’s dining room makeover, Design Connection, Inc. selected a swoop arm dining chair with a tufted back. Its shape was perfect for the round table with seating for six. Velvet upholstery in a silvery-blue zinc and nailhead trim complete these chic chairs.

Design Tips: Kitchen Seating

Sometimes, kitchen island seating gets daily use, or is a frequent gathering spot when you’re entertaining guests. Bar stools with a cushioned back and seat provide long-term comfort for these types of casual dining.

The clean lines of these upholstered bar stools with a cutout handle detail on the back add comfortable seating and visual interest to this casual dining space.

Durable and beautiful! Leather bar stools with nailhead trim pick up the rich brown tones in the flooring and carry their warmth into this white kitchen.

Design Tip: When to Go Backless

Backless bar stools give kitchen island seating a streamlined look, and can be tucked under a counter top lip when not in use. They save visual and physical space and are ideal for short-term use, such as a quick meal or cup of coffee. Cushioned options provide the best comfort.

This kitchen island looks sleek, thanks to the leather backless stools that fit neatly under the counter top.

Maximum seating with minimal space impact! These backless stools offer full-cushioned seating. The light grey leather coordinates with the kitchen’s color palette, and the bar stool legs in a dark finish blend seamlessly with the island.

Design Tip: Multi-Purpose Seating

Small gatherings of friends and family call for a multi-purpose space that can go from cocktails to informal dining to games and conversations. A table for four with large upholstered chairs creates an ideal spot to linger! We upholstered the cushions in a floral fabric to add a feminine note to the space.

To see more projects, view the Design Connection, Inc. portfolio HERE – and on HOUZZ 

The Design Connection Inc. team hope that all of our clients, suppliers, partners and readers are staying well.

Our best to you all,

Arlene Ladegaard and the Design Connection, Inc. Team

Arlene@DesignConnectionInc.com.

We don’t design for what’s next. We design for what lasts.

Photography by Aaron Leimkuehler