Chic harmony | Settee dining with a French twist
The art of creating relaxed and welcoming social spaces is an invitation to relook at your dining table setup. Settee dining introduces a less formal approach to home decor. Suppose you don’t have a separate dining room, and your kitchen doubles as your meal-gathering space. In that case, the trend of mixing dining sofas with occasional antique chairs around the table is a popular design option.
French-style settees and occasional chairs perfectly fit in a contemporary setting to incorporate settee dining within a more contemporary design brief.
The chic impact of a settee in interior design
The distinction between a settee and a sofa lies in their functionality and their visual impact within a space. While both provide seating, the nuanced differences – in size, formality, and overall aesthetic – contribute to their unique roles in shaping the ambience of interior spaces.
A settee – often characterized by its compact size and more upright but ornately carved backrest – exudes an intimate charm, making it an ideal choice for smaller living areas, cosy corners and dining tables. Plain wood or upholstered French-style settees complement multiple interior styles and pair beautifully with a variety of chair styles across the table. (Although a settee can make its mark in a living room, a sofa is unlikely to make it as a seating option at your dining table).
The art of settee dining with a mix-and-match flair
The interior design concept of mixing and matching has become a trend that transcends eras and styles. One of the most intriguing expressions of this trend is the fusion of settee dining with a diverse array of seating options around any shape of table.
Take a contemporary or classic dining room table, choose two statement chairs for each end, and then flank one side with a French-style settee and the other with an eclectic ensemble of antique chairs. (upholstered, gilded or rattan).
It’s a dance between tradition and modernity, creating an ambience that invites gathering, dining and conversation moments.
The decor story moments of settee dining
Offering an undeniably striking juxtaposition, the fusion of an antique French-style settee, with more modern seating options makes the settee a focal point; fostering an opportunity for guests to linger longer and creating an intimate atmosphere of warmth and conviviality.
A thoughtful collection and arrangement of antique and contemporary chairs paired with a French-style settee becomes the setting for each chair to boast its artisanal character and tell its own story. This all contributes to the narrative of your dining space.
This timeless blend of old and new creates a sense of history and nostalgia. And the patina of aged wood against the clean lines of modernity is a design marriage that speaks volumes.
The charm of rattan as a settee dining focal point
Incorporating rattan pieces into the mix provides a beautiful twist when it comes to settee dining options. Incorporating a rattan settee or rattan chairs celebrates the simplicity, craftsmanship and ‘earthiness’ of natural materials in your seating design.
The organic texture and lightweight nature of rattan furniture provide a delightful visual contrast to the solid form of a contemporary table and solid-backed chair or settee counterparts.
Successfully meeting the relaxed social brief, rattan settees and chairs effortlessly bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor aesthetics, infusing any dining space with an informal statement.
Let French-style pieces take centre stage
French-style chairs and settees – with their graceful curves and intricate details – bring a touch of relaxed romance to your dining experience. Place them strategically around the table, allowing their timeless elegance to complement the clean lines of modern dining spaces. ‘Mixing and matching’ the charm of French-style pieces with contemporary minimalism creates an ambience that is both sophisticated and inviting.
The key to successfully executing settee dining with mixed seating lies in the art of balance. Harmonize the visual elements by choosing a common thread, whether it be colour, material, or style. Perhaps a consistent upholstery fabric ties the diverse chairs together, or maybe a shared wood finish unifies the ensemble. This cohesion allows for the ‘mix-and-match’ approach to feel intentional and seamless.
Settee dining – with a mix-and-match approach – is an ode to personal expression and creative flair that is both timeless and avant-garde
The Crown Collection
With its inherent charm and sense of intimate luxury, settee dining breaks away from traditional norms, offering a refreshing departure from the conventional dining chair setup.
The first step to transforming your dining experience with a settee option is to visit The Crown Collection, South Africa’s largest décor store showcasing an extensive range of antique, French-style and contemporary furniture.
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