Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Spool Chairs & Chinoiserie

Phoebe Howard
The spool (aka bobbin or spindle) chair is such a wonderful style that has never been more popular than it is right now. It is a timeless classic that works well in so many settings and is stunning mixed with Chinoiserie. I think its turned, rounded styling is a great juxtaposition to the angular lines of Chinese Chippendale, Chinese fretwork, and Greek key. The spool chair gives a room a casual, elegant, and comfortable feel that never looks like it's trying too hard.

Charlotte & Ivy is a wonderful source for spool furniture as they have a real thing for this style, and with good reason. It looks as good from the back as it does the front and works beautifully with both modern and traditional fabric choices.

This pair of spool chairs in linen and down from Charlotte & Ivy is a designer favorite. They were designed from an antique chair from a Sea Island mansion. The standard finish is this lovely very light whitewash. The frame is solid oak and the cushions are in French linen -



It is also available in many custom finishes like French Cherry, Aged Charcoal Gray, Wrought Iron Black, and Parisian Gray. Here are a couple of the choices -



And a matching ottoman -


The spool chair can also be purchased singly -


Here are some great examples of rooms with spool chairs and Chinoiserie -

CR Laine

Ferguson and Shamamian

Amanda Nisbet

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Jonathan Rosen

Lee Ann Thornton

Summerfield Design

Digs Design

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Shea McGee Design


4 comments:

  1. Even Land of Nod now carries one in their Jenny Lind style

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  2. The spool chair adds a casual nod to a more formal/ traditional room, which I love!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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  3. I love pieces that invite you to touch....wood, fabrics...
    I can imagine me now in a spool chair...rubbing its turned arms.

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  4. That bamboo ceiling fixture is amazing- any chance you know who makes it?

    ReplyDelete