When it comes to selecting dining chairs, aesthetics often take center stage. However, award-winning interior architect Alyssa Anselmo argues that this approach overlooks a critical component: comfort. According to Alyssa, the right chair should not only enhance the visual appeal of your dining space but also serve as a foundation for delightful conversations and showcase true craftsmanship.

A dining chair isnt just a seat; its a foundation for conversation, a sculptural statement, and a reflection of craftsmanship, Alyssa shared during our discussion.

This perspective has led Alyssa to embrace an unconventional favorite: repurposed office chairs from the 1970s. At her own dining table, she utilizes a vintage set characterized by robust steel frames and rich red leather, creating an atmosphere that is both scholarly and welcoming.

Her flair for integrating unexpected design elements shines through not only in her personal choices but also in the projects she spearheads at her Milan-based studio, Studio Anva. One notable creation is an ultra-chic daycare space for Bambini Center, which is so stylish it may evoke feelings of nostalgia for ones own school days. But for those who are not her clients, Alyssa generously offers a wealth of knowledge through her Instagram account, which serves as an accessible crash course in design. From interpreting the concept of warm minimalism to highlighting architectural styles that often go unrecognized, her posts are both educational and inspiring.

During our conversation about dining chairs, we swiftly transitioned from discussing current trends to exploring what truly matters in design. With a solid background in industrial design, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of ergonomics and material choice, prioritizing functionality over mere form.

What Makes a Great Dining Chair?

Alyssas criteria for an excellent dining chair begin with its weight. When choosing a chair, I am naturally drawn to pieces that have a heavy, quality basesomething that conveys a sense of visual weight, she explained. This focus on weight goes beyond just the physical heft; it's about how grounded and balanced the chair feels when you sit in it. This preference for vintage pieces over mass-produced options stems from the belief that older chairs were designed to endure, featuring durable materials like solid wood, weighted steel, and structured leather.

The immediate physical response of the sitter serves as Alyssas litmus test for comfort. The moment someone sits down, they either feel at ease or start to squirmand that reaction speaks volumes about the chairs design.

The Office Chair Transformed into a Dining Staple

Scrolling through Alyssas Instagram feed, one might frequently see sculptural, steel-framed office chairs repurposed as dining chairs. These vintage finds, which were originally designed for office use, are now being repositioned in a domestic setting, highlighting Alyssas belief that the best designs often emerge when an object is placed in a completely new context.

To me, the best designs emerge when an object is placed in a completely new context, she remarked. This is not merely a stylistic choice; it is also a practical one. Office chairs are engineered to be sat in for extended periods, making them surprisingly well-suited for dinner gatherings and lengthy discussions. By reimagining institutional furniture, Alyssa infuses both character and comfort into her spaces.

Beyond functionality, I enjoy incorporating chairs in unexpected ways, she noted, demonstrating her innovative approach to design.

Attributes of Chairs that Outperform Your Sofa

Whether sourced from vintage shops or contemporary collections, Alyssa identifies four key characteristics that make a dining chair exceptional: weight, materiality, comfort, and a sense of history. A little quirkiness can be an added bonus.

Whether its a vintage find from an Italian office or a contemporary design that nods to the past, the best chairs have a presence in any roomthey offer both function and intention, she explained.

Shopping Tips for Long-Lasting Chairs

For those looking to replicate Alyssas curated aesthetic or simply want a dining chair that transcends the ordinary flat-pack options, she recommends focusing on several crucial details:

  • Soft yet structured upholstery (leather is particularly effective)
  • A weighted base (either steel or solid wood are positive indicators)
  • Subtle yet striking color or shape (bold does not always have to mean loud)
  • A sense of history (a chair with a past can add soul to your room)

Alyssas Favorite Dining Chair Brands

Apart from repurposing vintage items or designing her own, Alyssa has a few preferred brands known for their exceptional material quality and unique design philosophy:

  • HAY Offers modern, high-quality furniture with playful takes on classic forms.
  • Cassina Known for timeless Italian craftsmanship and a rich design heritage.
  • Thonet Features bentwood and tubular steel icons, celebrated as the pioneers of iconic seating.

Some of Alyssas All-Time Favorite Chairs

Many of Alyssa's favorites reflect the utilitarian charm of institutional furniture from the 60s and 70s, such as library chairs and vintage school seating, but reimagined with softer curves and refined finishes. She appreciates how their utilitarian nature evokes nostalgia while remaining elegantly simple.

Theres something about their utilitarian nature that feels both nostalgic and beautifully simple, she remarked.

Now that she has brought this to attention, it becomes evident just how prevalent such designs are. Here are some of her current favorite selections:

  • One of my favorite contemporary interpretations captures that institutional essence while refining it for modern dining spaces.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while a good dining chair may look appealing, a truly great one feels as though it was designed with you in mind. Ultimately, as Alyssa emphasizes, good design is not about spending money; its about the intention behind it.

What is your go-to dining chair, and what makes it special for you? We are continually seeking design stories that transcend surface-level aesthetics. If you have a favorite piece with an intriguing backstory, a clever repurpose, or a dining arrangement worth showcasing, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to share your space, and you might just see it featured next!