Reader Question: What chairs should I get for my dining room?

The Lovely Side reader Kathi wrote in – "beside herself" as she tries to decorate her dining area.

"I have a very small kitchen and I love it! I just purchased a white parsons table from West Elm and a round, 5' rug from Rug Studio for under my new table. Now I'm stuck! I cannot figure out what chairs will look good with this set-up. Can you help me?

The table is high lacquer gloss white and the rug is white and silver/medium gray zebra. The walls are a mocha shade with dark brown floors. I'm only in need of two chairs for my table since this is a small space and it is only me. I'm a bit whimsical and a little bit contemporary – not into farm furniture or dark colors."

I've created three decor boards with four different chairs each that I think would suit Kathi's small space and whimsical, contemporary style:

Contemporary Color with a Dash of Whimsy

The first decor board pulls color inspiration from Kathi's Ikea "Give Peace a Chance Print" – using cheery yellow, grass green, and pops of red against a white backdrop. It's colorful, clean, and contemporary with a touch of Kathi's whimsy. Chairs that would work for this would be industrial-style metal chairs (aged, shiny, or painted a bold color like the red above) and antique chairs given a bright makeover with glossy spray paint. Click here to view these items and sources.

Girly and Glamorous Color Combos

The second decor board is a bit more girly and glamorous – without being too much of a frilly-type feminine. I'd take down the other print and replace it with wall art displaying two of Kathi's favorite colors (such as pink and aqua). Hot pink or turquoise curtains would look lovely against mocha walls and a white table. Great chairs for this space would include sleek, white modern chairs, a bold colored chair with mid-century modern lines, or a translucent ghost chair. Click here to view these items and sources..

Glitzy Grays and Neutrals

Finally, I created a decor board that features light, airy neutrals and glitzy touches. The old artwork is replaced with a lovely quote in a beautiful font. A glittering ceiling light illuminates the dining space. And simple gray curtains add a balancing coolness to the warm mocha walls. The best chairs for this type of space would be chairs with a touch of luxe (a sleek velvet chair, French Provincial antique chair, or smokey gray ghost chair) or an extra dose of pattern (like a neutral chevron chair). Click here to view these items and sources.

Which pair of chairs do you think Kathi should welcome into her lovely little dining spot? Share your favorite in a comment below!

Happy decorating, Kathi!