CHAIRS - BACK TO FRONT

Gone are the days when furniture lined the walls and didn't enter into the room.  Nowadays we place console tables behind sofas, place lamp tables in the middle of the room with sneaky plug sockets in the floor and allow furniture to become a central focus in the room.  This recent change means that more and more designers are taking an interest in the back of furniture as well as the front.  

The Lace Back

One of the most innovative designs I have seen, taking inspiration form the the corset, this chair gives the impression of being open to the viewer.  The gold back blends with the curtains and fireplace to create an encapsulated appearance.

Patterned Dining

Looking at a chair that always has it's back on show, the dining chair is perhaps the most important to consider when planning the interior.  The fabric used on the backs of these chairs connects the black frame to the white base and adds pattern and focus.

Victoria Ghost

A delicate take on the Victoria Ghost Chair designed by Phillip Starck.  This chair is beautiful from the front and the back.

Simplistic Contrast

Although the back of the chair is plain and simple, this creates a contrast to the front which boasts strong colour and deep buttoning detail.  The colour is contained within the dining area, while the back matches the monochromatic surroundings. 

Ikat Black

In this design, all colour and pattern radiates from the back of the chairs out, into the room.  The bold organic pattern contrasts to the regimented repetition to create a stunning feature.  

CHAIRS - BACK TO FRONT

Make a design statement from every angle of the room by using contrasting fabrics on the front and back of your chairs.  You can mix pattern or colour, scale or style to create stunning chairs that are central to your design.  For the less experienced, fabric books will often offer patterned fabrics with complimentary plains, allowing you to select fabrics chosen by experts to work together.

Ikat Style

Ikat is making its comeback with surface designers such as Turnel and Gigon, Mulberry and Kravat all featuring it in their collections.  To re-create these stunning dining chairs, go for large prints that won't repeat too many times.  Taking the darkest colour from the Ikat palette, this designer has chosen a black velvet as a striking contrast. 

Exceptional Perspex

 Although this design does not entertain a contrast of fabrics, the use of soft and hard materials creates eye-catching impact.  By using a plain neutral fabric, the delicate pattern etched into the back piece is intensified.  Effects such as these mean that chairs need not be against a wall, but out in more unusual arrangements creating a more contemporary feel.

CONTRASTING CARVERS

In an open plan space or a specified dining room, the dining table can become an ornamental feature as well as a practical piece of furniture. Making it beautiful is key to a welcoming home, with comfy inviting chairs for long evenings full of conversation and laughter.  Here I have focussed on the seating as a tool for creating a stunning centrepiece to you room.

Period Oriental

Here, not only is there a contrast of chairs, there is also a contrast of styles.  Mixing oriental side chairs with traditional English carver chairs and period features creates an eclectic mix and a unique statement.  Using yellow to draw the two styles together allows the room to work as a whole, an idea to consider if you plan on mixing styles or eras.

A Spot of Zebra

These zebra print carver chairs work fabulously within the monochromatic room set.  They team fun with an air of elegance and create pattern in what might other wise be a flat roomscape.  A fun, lighthearted touch will create a talking point and allow guests to relax much more quickly, and should be a key factor in your designers mindset. 

For more ideas, visit Contrasting Carvers on my Pinterest page