A Chair is a chair is a chair... or is it?

I am going crazy trying to decide what dining room chairs to get for our formal dining room.

Currently, this is what we have...

We bought this is 2006 at KMART at $25 each. Yes, it is NOT fancy at all, but despite its price and quality, it has served our purpose well for all those years.

But I also think you understand why we need an upgrade right?!

The reason this is gonna be a difficult job for me (choosing the right chairs), is because, I know it will take years again (or perhaps never), before I replace them again. Just like everyone, we know that buying and committing to a furniture is usually a long-term investment and we have to "be sure" that we love and can live with what we buy.

Even if the furniture your gonna buy is "cheap" or "affordable", the next question will be storing them when you do change them or where to give them to or how to sell them next.

In choosing a chair, I know that the design has to be timeless, not too flashy, sturdy and comfortable. Yes, comfortable, because I think the reason the formal dining set isn't used all that much in homes is because it is usually stuffy and and chairs uncomfy, right?!

Here are a few chairs I'm contemplating on...

Lexington Modern Chairs from amazon.com

I have always loved the Kartell Louis ghost chairs. However, the price ($400++ each), is something that hinders me from getting them. They are plastic afterall, but I like the airy feeling of the chairs and plus they won't take a lot of visual space in my small dining room...

Simply gorgeous

However, they don't look that comfortable, even a little "cold" to a point ( looks like ice chairs too right?). The chairs above are affordable knock-offs of the original, $149 each with free shipping - very doable and can go with any decor - shape is classic but material is contemporary - very much like our design aesthetic.. aaaarggggh!

This next one is the opposite...

Palmetto Chair

This one is  from Crate and Barrel - very traditional lines but material is natural. It is actually made in the Philippines (woohoo!!!), and I like the texture of the wicker. It looks pretty comfy and would make great head chairs.

something like this...

They are a little more expensive, $379 each + shipping and taxes  (making me sweat already). But for my purpose I would need only 2, and it would go great with my Philippine decors and just about anything too!

This next one I also really like...

Willoughby Chair From West Elm

I like the simplicity of these chairs, very contemporary design, I think timeless as well, it is upholstered in both leather and fabric, and it's currently on sale ($948 for 4 - Ka-Ching!).

simply beautiful

The last one (so far), that I am seriously considering is this...

Somerton Chair from wayfair.com

I have seen this a long time ago, and I still love it. It's reasonable price ($464 or 2 + free shipping) is really tempting. I love the espresso finish and I just love the clean lines - contemporary but classic.

There are other types of chairs that I love - but in considering my true personal style( and budget), these chairs currently tops my list.

Just to remind you, my dining room looks like this currently....

HELP!!!!! Which chair or chairs do you think I should go for?!


A. Ghost chairs
B. Rattan Chairs
C. Willoughby chairs
D. Somerton Chair
E. Combination of  _______


THANKS A BUNCH!!!!!


Have a wonderful day!!!!