Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Seating Pleasure.....

Every year I like to wander about my home and see what it’s lacking or needs in the form of furniture and accessories. Over the holidays I noticed I definitely need more lighting but for a couple of years now I’ve been coveting a Swedish settee.


They look amazing in pairs, love this image with the dark burlap dress forms. But an antique settee, even a reproduction can cost in the thousands. And to be honest a Swedish settee wouldn't really go well with my other furniture in my home but it would in my studio.  

Painted French sofa from A. Tyner Antiques

At first I was considering a solid back settee to use in my studio for photography but then I started seriously looking around.

Reproduction settee from French Garden House 

circa 1900 Gustavian style settee from Alhambra Antiques

rare, small settee, circa 1850, Cupboards & Roses Swedish Antiques

I love this small settee at only 52" long, they're typically 70" plus in length but you pay for that smaller rare size. Love the faces on the arms.

image from I Vassalletti

This settee has a solid back with open arms

circa 1810 gray painted settee from Judy Frankel Antiques

Then I discovered the gray painted settee's with the burlap seat cushions and fell in love! But I'm a tad worried it might be to matchy with my French chair below.

My French 19th century Louis XVI style cane armchair

The similarity you often see between French and Swedish furniture came from the Swedes traveling to France and soaking up the styles of Louis in 1770 at Versailles.

So what's your opinion, do you think an open back settee is too matchy for my chair? What's your favorite style of Swedish settee?

17 comments:

quintessence said...

Beautiful!! I think the best rule I ever heard about decorating was if you love it, buy it - you'll make it work somehow. I LOVE your French chair and I think if they aren't going to be right next to each other then anything works! I personally am in love with the painted French sofa from A. Tyner - what a piece of art!

savvycityfarmer said...

please don't make me do this ....
I'll take one of each ....


just posted the dot.com how to, but it isn't showing up on anyone's list ... go figure

French-Kissed said...

I would go with an upholstered back...it will pair beautifully with you open backed chair.

~jermaine

Stacey said...

I love the lines of all of these, but i just adore #6. It's the perfect size for say an entry way- i always love that idea.XX

Greet Lefèvre said...

Beautiful settees!! Oh I would love to have them all!!
xx
Greet

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Your chair is to die for...truly stunning!!!

I think for comfort and so it won't compete with that chair I'd choose a solid back.

Room Seventeen said...

Beautiful armchair. I really love French/Swedish furniture...

lvroftiques said...

They're all beautiful choices. I would also opt for an upholstered back. But I agree with the person who said to "buy what you love" And I think that's exactly what you'll do *winks* I can't wait to see your choice....Meanwhile I'll be out searching for one for 500 bucks.....Yeah hope springs eternal at my house! *winks* Vanna

Mona Thompson said...

Love the settee but I wouldn't put it in the same room with the chair. Definitely need an upholstered back.

sharon santoni at my french country home said...

I would go for the upholstered back, looks far more comfortable than the open back. I LOVE your chair, beautiful colours.
Sharon

A Perfect Gray said...

dear lady, thank you so much for your lovely comments. I appreciate your kindness very much....

my stars, but the settees you have shown are stunning. those lovely worn grays will always be beautiful. good luck with your pick. I know your flawless taste; you'll find just the right one.

thanks and love, donna

Anonymous said...

I love your options and can't wait to see what you choose! They're all gorgeous!

cotedetexas said...

That first image is stunning. Omg! I want to live there.

The enchanted home said...

Love a pretty setee, they really can go in any room. Agreed however that the open back settee is too "matchy" for your stunning 19th century chair. Think a closed back might be more appropriate, just my opionion since you are seeking them. This is a lovely blog btw!

If you have a minute please check out mine, we are building our dream house and using the blog as a sort of online journal as well as a place to talk about all my favorite things having to do with decor, design and all of other lifes beautiful things. It is
www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

Thanks and happy 2011!

Unknown said...

Love that sofa! Have a wonderful week : )

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I think they are all grand but I would definitely go with a solid back settee. I think it would look fabulous with your chair.

Are you getting the huge snow storm I've been hearing about on the news today?

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Debra- I love the look of the closed backs. More room for fabric! And what a beautiful chair you own!

Loretta

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