About

 
Arren Williams is the name, and I'm a stylist, editor and trend reporter. You'll catch my work regularly popping up in print in the likes of the National Post, House & Home and elsewhere. I'm also a guest expert on Citytv's CityLine, and you can occasionally find me on HGTV as well as on ABC 7 News in Chicago.

To keep things fun I've tapped a couple of friends - Julia Black and Jenn Hannotte - to contribute their views on design too. Enjoy!

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Ask Arren > Table recommendation needed

Hi Arren,

We have 4 Eames eiffel chairs that we are trying to find a table for. We like the tension between modern and rustic pieces and are thinking about either a (dark coloured) rectangular harvest table or a round (wooden)pedestal table.

I would describe our decor as Traditional with some modern pieces (in my mind a modern Belgian farmhouse look) if that helps with any recommendations.

My biggest concern is the eiffel chair legs competing with the table legs. Do you think either of these options would work?

Any other recommendations are welcome!

Thanks SM

October 28, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterSM

Hi SM, Love the look, and your description of it being 'Modern Belgian Farmhouse' is perfect, and I absolutely think the design tension between your lovely mid-century classic chairs and something more rustic would be perfect. For the table I'm more keen on the harvest table idea. The style is simpler and less likely to compete with the sculptural base of your chairs. Look for something that doesn't have too much of a fussy, detailed leg, and I think it'll look grand.

Now, if you're feeling handy you could have a go at making your own rustic table (which is what we did for our place). We scored 3 scaffolding planks that were sanded, stained and finished and then framed into a tabletop. And then for legs you could re-work a table base (what we did), or you could grab something from Ikea.

Cheers, Arren

November 8, 2009 | Registered CommenterArren

Thanks Arren!

We did decide to go with a simple harvest style table in a dark finish. Now we are just patiently waiting for its arrival! 8 weeks seems like forever...

I'm now thinking about adding two additional chairs to the table (in addition to the four eames eiffel chairs). I've narrowed it down to two very different styles and am hoping you will weigh in with your opinion.

I'm considering either the Madeline chair (in burnt oak) from Restoration Hardware (http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/category/category_w_products.jsp?categoryId=cat1661030&navAction=jump&link=ci_madeleine_dining_chair_collection&cm_re=CI-_-CategoryImage-_-Madeleine) or the Soho Aluminum Chair from Elte (http://www.elte.com/Toronto/Furniture/133/8350/Soho_Aluminum_Dining_Chair/22).

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for your help!
SM

November 13, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterSM

Hi SM, Both of those are lovely options for the table, but it really depends on which direction you want to take things. The aluminum chairs from Elte will tip everything in a more modern direction, while the Madeleine chairs at Resto will move the look into a more eclectic direction. For more options, check out the unusual Marais A chair at DWR (Crate and Barrel has something similar called Lyle) or, if you're drawn to the Thonet style feel of the Madeleine, then check out vintage stores for a pair of bentwood cafe chairs which you could easily pick up for a song!

Cheers, Arren

November 16, 2009 | Registered CommenterArren