If you’re looking for great looking, classic, clean-lined dining or occasional chairs, consider Parsons chairs, they can’t be beat. This transitional chair can transform from totally traditional to completely contemporary with just a simple change of wardrobe. It’s versatility and adaptability is what makes this chair a timeless classic.
At first glance these chairs might seem simple and plain, but their roots go back to the pared down designs of the 1930s. Designers at The Parsons School of Design in Paris gave birth to it’s design in pursuit of naturalism, simplicity and linear line. The beauty and aesthetic of these chairs lie within their form, proportion and simplicity. A classic indeed.
Parsons chairs seem to have dominated in the dining room and look sharp mixed with other sets of chairs. But, they also look welcoming in an entry, flanking a console table or by themselves, as functioning desk chairs, or maybe in a small sitting area with a table and lamp.
( click on pictures to enlarge)
The best thing about these chairs is how they easily float or transition between all styles of design. They can look chic, trendy and contemporary dressed in leather with legs showing. Or, skirt-the-issue and traditional takes over, dressed in simple solids, charming chintz or baroque brocade…such versatility, the options are endless.
They are best recognized for their armless profile but armed Parsons chairs are just as beautiful.
A great way to mix Parsons chairs in the dining room is to use sets of them, for all side chairs, or just the two end chairs, and mix them with contrasting styles of chairs (see pictures). What interest and excitment this gives to a dining room, instead of having all of the chairs the same. The clean lines of Parsons contrast beautifully with ornate, traditional or period styles of furnishings. So mix away and add some great style and personality.
The great news about Parsons chairs, is they are easily attainable. You can find them in every price range, fabric and style. So, if your dining room, or any room needs a fresh perspective, pursue Parsons chairs to personalize your space.
Any thoughts on these? Do you like them or have you used them in your homes? Love to hear your comments!
(some model home pictures)
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1. I’ve ALWAYS loved Parsons chairs. I think they’re classic. By the way, why are they called Parsons chairs (showing my stupidity here!) Is it the last name of the person who designed them, or is it a chair for the preacher! LOL
by Janice — 1/12/09 at 6:26 pm #
2. Hello Janice,
Yes, these are great chairs. I love that they can take on any style just by the surface material you use. Many people think these chairs were named after a Parson in a church, but no, they were just named after the school from where they were designed…The Parsons School of Design. I’m not sure which designer designed them…maybe his name was Parsons too.
Maybe someone else can shed more light on the subject…any takers?
Great to chat chairs with you.
We’ll talk again soon.
by Cathy — 1/13/09 at 12:23 pm #
3. I love Parsons chairs. I am currently using one as a dressing table chair. It is very comfortable & where I sit to apply my makeup!
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
by Stephanie — 1/18/09 at 1:23 am #
4. I have found 5 parson’s chairs in various home goods stores and need one more. I live in eastern PA. Wondering if anyone has seen these at thier store? I found these in Montgomeryville, Doylestown and St. Davids and have been to Exton, Broomall, Delran, NJ, Skippack and Franklin Mills.
by Kathy — 1/19/09 at 2:58 pm #
5. Hello Stephanie,
Your Parsons chair would be perfect for a dressing table. Lightweight, armless, comfortable…what could be better? It’s great thin profile reminds me of a slipper chair on a diet
. Also, it goes with any style of decor. The perfect little chair. Yours sounds lovely!
Thanks for a great way to use Parsons chairs.
by Cathy — 1/20/09 at 6:34 pm #
6. Hi Kathy,
Thanks for submitting a comment to Openhouse, the new HomeGoods blog.
We understand that you have been trying to locate chairs. As an off price retailer, we make every effort to keep our prices low, and our costs down, so that we can pass these savings on to our customers. For this reason, we do not provide a service of tracking merchandise, In addition, we do not have the privilege of ordering specific merchandise from our vendors. To locate the chairs, we suggest that you continue to check with the stores in your area directly. We would be happy to provide you with store locations in your area. If you would like a store list, please call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-888-0776.
Thank you,
Jessica
HomeGoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 1/22/09 at 5:18 pm #
7. I recently bought 3 nice black leather parsons chairs at Home Goods. I’ve been scouting many stores for them with no luck. They are trimmed with seams in the back, the top of the seat back is slightly curved and it is trimmed along the bottom of the seat with shiny silver studs. I would love another 5, so if anyone has seen them anywhere in New York or New Jersey, I’d appreciate knowing. Their simplicity is perfect for my home which is contemporary/art deco/neoclassical. I’m hoping someone will see them. I purchased them within the last month or so. Thanks in advance for any info.
by Hedy — 2/22/09 at 12:20 pm #
8. Hi Hedy,
Your plea is out. Maybe someone has seen some for you and will write in.
Keep your fingers crossed!
by Cathy — 2/23/09 at 4:44 pm #
9. Hi, I’m looking for 1 more brown and cream skirted parson chair for my dining room. I found 3 and have been almost everywhere in New Jersey looking for the 4th PLEASE HELP! Thanks.
by Beverly — 3/12/09 at 9:29 pm #
10. Hi Beverly,
Your plea is out also. Maybe someone will write in with your chair sighting. Check back.
by Cathy — 3/16/09 at 3:24 pm #
11. I too are looking for Parson Chairs. I saw one beautiful light green with buttons on the back. If any of you know of others like this please let me know. Thanks.
by Belinda — 3/30/09 at 12:43 pm #
12. Hey Belinda,
Lots of people looking for Parsons Chairs. Your plea is out also. Hope you have success.
by Cathy — 3/30/09 at 4:04 pm #
13. Cathy,
My husband and I found a great wrought iron dining room table in Belgium. It’s hand-made and ornately carved. He and I both like the elegant look and I was wondering if the Parson dining room chairs would be the chairs to complete the look. We are stationed in Germany and are returning to the States in July, so we are needing to make a purchase soon. Please help!
Thanks….. Laura
by Laura — 6/7/09 at 1:13 am #
14. Hi Laura,
Your wrought iron table from Belgium sounds delightful! What a beautiful piece. What a great eye you have. I can’t think of any other style of chair that would accent and compliment your table better. I love the eclectic attitude…clean simple line contrasting ornate curving line. You have a winning combination here. Go for it!!
by Cathy — 6/13/09 at 1:12 pm #
15. I too am searching for (2) black parson’s chairs. I already have 2 but there aren’t any more at any of the stores in Minneapolis. They are very plain and do not even have the studs mentioned by the other person looking for a similar item. They sold for $59.99. If anyone sees any or knows of a store that has them, please let me know! Thanks!
by Doug — 11/17/09 at 9:56 am #
16. Hi Doug,
Thank you for commenting on Open House, the HomeGoods Blog
We understand that you have been trying to locate some chairs. As an off-price retailer, we make every effort to keep our prices low, and our costs down, so that we can pass these savings on to our customers. For this reason, we do not provide a service of tracking merchandise. In addition, we do not have the privilege of ordering specific merchandise from our vendors. To locate the chairs, we suggest that you continue to check with the stores in your area directly. We would be happy to provide you with store locations in your area. If you would like a store list, please e-mail us back, or call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-888-0776.
Sincerely,
HomeGoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 11/18/09 at 11:23 am #
17. I just purchased 4 soft caramel brown suede-like Parson chairs from HGoods. They match my decor beautifully, but I am curious to know the weight in lbs that these chairs will hold. As relatives/friends visit, I want to make sure that they can sit on them comfortably and safely (!) while I entertain.
Thanks much!
by Chels — 7/11/10 at 9:11 pm #