Fabulous Chairs 'at auction'

I've been inspired by chairs that are pieces of art! They might be functional too, but they don't really need to be. They just look great as sculpture. What a fun way to incorporate unique style in to your home, and perhaps a bit of whimsy!

 From Pinterest - Designer: Kelly Wearstler

The shell chair is the height of whimsy. I love these, and am almost certain they're more decoration than seating. But who cares - they're fun!

 From Pinterest - Megan Winters Design

These chairs are more practical - you can sit in them! They bring wonderful decoration to the room with their curved backs, and gold on black chic decoration. 

From this blog - Thomas Jayne Studio

And then there's the wonderful hall chair - always meant to be more decorative than functional seating.

You can find these wonderful 'grotto' chairs at auction. This pair sold at a Christies auction in London. These are Venetian painted and parcel gilt chairs, circa 1900. They sold for $4,900 off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. Clearly desirable!

Hall chairs with a shell design are equally decorative. This pair of early Victorian mahogany hall chairs sold at a Chirsties auction for $935, off an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. 

This pair of mahogany hall chairs has an even more detailed carved shell design. These are coming up January 8th at the Christies South Kensington (London) location (Lot 165). They have an auction estimate of $3,200 - $4,900. They are very smart looking!

I think these Victorian papier mache chairs are very decorative. I love the shape of the one on the left, and the gold on black decoration of both of them. These were sold at a Stair Galleries auction in Hudson, NY for $325, ff an auction estimate of $250 - $350.

Stair Galleries also sold this pair of Regency carved mahogany hall chairs for $1,300, off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. Hall chairs are often available at auctions. You just need to do some research, and decide what you want to pay. The more decorative the carving, the more you may need to pay. 

I thought I include something modern, and fun. These are 20th century lucite chairs on casters. They have a nice curved shape, and would be wonderful in a small room where you want them to almost fade away. These sold at a Stair auction for $350 off an auction estimate of $300 - $600.






We mostly think of chairs as something to sit in, but look around your rooms, and you might find a spot to include a chair that's more sculpture than seating. They can serve as a table substitute, or just something fun to look at!

Inspired by Art Deco 'at auction'

For me, Art Deco conjures up the old 1930's Hollywood movies, with men in black tie, and women in sexy silk gowns. The decor is sophisticated and sleek.

From Pinterest

Here the lines are graphic, as is the color palate. In the top photo, the chairs are stately, and the wall lights add drama. The bar cart makes you want to order a martini, and light up a cigarette (neither of which I do!).

Elle Decor - Designer: Kelly Wearstler

This home in Mercer Island, Washington exudes Art Deco style. It was designed by Kelly Wearstler for Lara and Jeff Sanderson. Very chic and stylish!

At auctions you can find a wide variety of Art Deco pieces ranging from an investment to something can can give the vibe without the price tag. 

Bonhams has a 20th Century Decorative Arts auction coming up December 11th in New York. The offerings cover early to late 20th Century with some tempting Art Deco items. I love this side table made of chromed metal (circa 1930), and it's illuminated! How cool would that be! This is Lot 2204 and it measures 24 inches wide by 14 inches deep. It would make a great side table or coffee table. It has an auction estimate of $2,500 - $3,500.

A great way to add the Art Deco vibe is with art. This French lacquered panel with cranes would do the trick. It measures 59 inches tall by 37 inches wide, and would make a statement. This is Lot 2192, circa 1925, with an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,500. 

The Art Deco period produced fabulous lighting. I was taken with this table lamp which would certainly catch anyone's eye when they come in to the room day or night. This is designed by Robj, circa 1930, and is made of wrought iron and glass. It measure 20 inches tall, and has an auction estimate of $700 - $900. It's Lot 2187. 

One of the Art Deco elements in furniture deign that I have always loved is the use of parchment to bring contrast to a dark wood. This fabulous cabinet falls in to the investment category with an auction estimate of $15,000 - $20,000 (Lot 2169). It was designed by Jean Pascaud and it is mahogany with parchment. It also had a medallion designed by Jean de Barre. It's 83 inches wide and 22 inches deep. It certainly adds drama!

Kamelot Auctionsin Philadelphia often has Art Deco items. At a recent salethere were a number of bargains to be had! I love this classic Art Deco club chairs. These are circa 1930, and sold for $750 off an auction estimate of $700 - $900. The shape of the arms is so handsome!

This macassar wood dining table, circa 1930, has such a wonderful curved base. It's 86 inches long. This sold at a Kamelot auction for $450 off an auction estimate of $400 - $600.

As I was searching results, I cam across this extendable dining table (to 84 inches) which has a classic Art Deco tulip shaped base. It's made of walnut and is circa 1930. This sold at Kamelot for $50 off an auction estimate of $200 - $400. Even if it needs a little tender loving care, it's worth it!



As always, my style is to mix styles. I wouldn't go with a total Art Deco look, but would love to add some pieces like a lighting fixture or a table. They are so modern, and add drama!