(Part 2) Best kitchen & dining room furniture according to redditors

Or on Amazon for $30-$40 a chair.

Thanks everyone for all the positive feedback. Building the rig has been a fun process. A little history and details about this setup:

My goal was to make a rig that looked semi-presentable in our living room aaand use up some soft maple the was leftover from our recent kitchen remode. I have SolidWorks models of all the components except for the seat mount. I’d be more than happy to share the models/assemblies if desired. The unistrut base was the foundation to an adjustable rig that can accommodate all ages (I have young kids). The chair was a lucky amazon find. I looked for a looooong time for something that fit the rig, looked comfy, and seemed easy to modify.

Upholstered 2 Piece Linen Dining Chairs, 19" W inches (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MQXRZHG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lbkzDbQEKS6B4

So far the family approves...and so do I.

TL;DR: In terms of aesthetics I like simple trim, clean lines, and an emphasis on utility and the raw materials that went into building the furniture and home. This generally drops me into MCM and Scandinavian styles for furniture and industrial, exposed, and untreated styles for the bones of the home.

I like my seating to be firmer and simpler than most. This type of seating will keep you cooler in the summer and you can just grab a blanket or sweater in the winter to warm up. My dining/game table seats are ordinary lab stools, the type you can get in bulk for schools and actual labs. They're just grey painted steel and a linoleum seat riveted to the steel. My desk chair is one of those stools with a steel backrest. My two couches are firm IKEA couches (Karlstad and Ypperlig) that don't try to consume you when you sit in them. My girlfriend brought an accent chair from Amazon with her when we moved in together and it's my favorite thing to sit in - firm and supportive.

My three tables are all homemade using the extremely simple method of taking a wood product that wasn't a tabletop (such as a small door or cable spool side) and drilling/screwing hairpin legs into them. The company who makes the hairpin legs do great work and I love that they're based just a few hours from me. I chose to make my own tables because it's the simplest piece of furniture to build and most good looking tables on the market are incredibly overpriced.

If you're planning on working long hours in this desk chair (i.e. setting up a home office) I'd say heavily weigh ergonomics/comfort over style. Something like the Pascal Chair is super popular and looks good, but I can't imagine it's comfortable to work in for more than a couple of hours.

With that said, the Herman Miller Aeron and the Steelcase Leap are both very well-regarded, good-looking office chairs that also put a priority on ergonomics. I can personally vouch for the Aeron being comfortable and looking good.

At $500 you won't be able to get either new, but if you live in any decent-sized city/metro area I'd check Craigslist and see if there's any office furniture liquidation places nearby - gently-used Aerons/Leaps get offloaded for < $500 all the time.

I thought he used a plastic fold out decorating table with a thick yoga mat on top. Like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Redwood-Leisure-1-80m-Heavy-Folding/dp/B0016KIWRG/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526629689&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=fold+out+decorating+table

I found a bunch of inexpensive midcentury-modern style stuff for you. I hope you like it.

Sleeper sofa: https://www.amazon.com/Flynn-Century-Futon-Sofa-Sleeper/dp/B06VW6PF8T/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1497385038&sr=1-3&keywords=mid+century+modern+futon

Coffee table: https://www.target.com/p/porter-mid-century-modern-coffee-table-brown/-/A-14963277

Alternate coffee table: https://www.target.com/p/porter-mid-century-modern-two-tone-coffee-table-white-brown/-/A-50424762?lnk=rec|adaptpdph1|related_prods_vv|adaptpdph1|50424762|0

Dining set: https://www.amazon.com/Baxton-Studio-Sumner-Mid-Century-Dining/dp/B00VIONR84/ref=pd_sbs_196_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00VIONR84&pd_rd_r=TADF6B5P9VAW5VAQ7X94&pd_rd_w=phgfK&pd_rd_wg=x3hjW&psc=1&refRID=TADF6B5P9VAW5VAQ7X94

Chair:
https://www.amazon.com/Century-Modern-Fabric-Upholstered-Espresso/dp/B06XYL5V1Y/ref=pd_day0_196_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B06XYL5V1Y&pd_rd_r=Y1C8W7R2E3AN0FNKHK1X&pd_rd_w=LknC3&pd_rd_wg=x66yi&psc=1&refRID=Y1C8W7R2E3AN0FNKHK1X

Side-table for chair: https://www.target.com/p/alborg-accent-table-brown-boraam-industries/-/A-14887508

Floor lamp: https://www.allmodern.com/Romanza-60.23-Tripod-Floor-Lamp-VERR1006.html

Table lamp: https://www.allmodern.com/Luxor-20.5-Table-Lamp-AE1488.html

Even if you don't like the stuff I picked out, hopefully I gave you some places to get started. In addition to the stuff I showed you, I highly recommend you get some things that will add life and color to your room; namely, plants, wall art, and a rug.

The wood on the stuff I showed you matches your kitchen cabinets (from what I can tell), so your place will have a uniform feel. However, as I mentioned, it's the little things like plants that will really make your place shine!

Amazon.


$170 for 4 so it's about $42 each chair. They have multiple colors in stock as well. I have one of these they're not bad. Obviously not as good as original eames quality but they'll hold up if don't mistreat them, keep an eye on the bolts and just clean them. I've had mine for a while and I use it everyday as a desk chair.

It's hiding now all sneaky like... :)

Chairs are from Amazon! They were $145 when I got them. Holding up well.

Is there enough room for a portable kitchen island? That's what saved my ass when I had a tiny kitchen with no prep space. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Winsome-92534-Mali-Kitchen-Cart/dp/B006WYUT18/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1492205096&sr=1-1&keywords=kitchen+island

Or how about a thin rolling pantry tower? Like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008D8E3CM/ref=asc_df_B008D8E3CM4936334/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B008D8E3CM&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167148997098&hvpos=1o8&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16722974322722960711&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011931&hvtargid=pla-275650279831

Here you go! https://www.amazon.com/Baxton-Studio-Sumner-Mid-Century-Dining/dp/B00VIONR84/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1537720834&sr=8-16&keywords=baxton+studio+5+piece

Maybe something like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PXD57W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mGaQzb8VR6NWE

Sure thing, http://www.amazon.com/LexMod-Wegner-Style-Dining-Leather/dp/B005PXD57W/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1451991991&sr=8-10&keywords=mid+century+chairs+dining

Furmax Mid Century Modern DSW Dining Chair Upholstered Side Chair with Beech Wood Legs and Soft Padded Shell Tulip Chair for Dining Room Living Room Bedroom Kitchen Set of 4 (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFJYH6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_v86TDbPEA6VZS

Try looking at breakfast tables.

Table dimensions 43.3” L x27.6” W x29.5” H,

Table Talk.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0016KIWRG

It's a lot larger than the picture shows, To get a good context, it takes up the same amount of space as a couch.

But the cool thing about it is I can fit my huge PC case, 2 external harddrives, an Xbox 360, A ton of papers and books on it, Yet still have enough room to clear the desk to have room to draw etc... It's stronger than anything else you can get for the price. But the only thing someone might be picky about is the colour.

Also there's enough room for me to use a keyboard, mouse and graphics tablet without being cramped.

Ikea Alex Desk with the
Poly and Bark Vortex Side Chair, Gray

And if you wanted something for formal dinners you could get something that folds up like this

Edit: the links I inserted below have parentheses within the link themselves so I apologise for the bad formatting

You need to establish the two areas of the rooms, the kitchen/dining area, as well as the living space. An area rug would work best in the main space. I would go with coordinating small round rug and one small kitchen floor mat in front of the sink.

I also suggest a small kitchen island with foldable counterspace as well as a cuppy underneath for the microwave. A couple of bar stools and you also have a dining space. This can go directly where the microwave is currently. If you get one on wheels it could easily be used for other sort of things such as game night to fit four people at.

The plant is a nice touch and I always say the more greenery the better. Focus on low light, low water plants for easiest indoor maintenance.

You also definitely need curtains.

A large decorative mirror as well as some art work on the wall above the sofa would brighten the space up as well as make it look larger. I would also move the tall lamp to the opposite corner near the TV and get a nice table lamp instead for beside the couch.

I'll include some links for pieces I would go for, based on the current color scheme available through the sofa and throw pillows.

Rugs:

Main Space

[1](Rugshop Contemporary Modern Abstract Area Rug 5' x 7' Gold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D3XJNBR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jZJXCb6210XPC)

[2](Modern Floral Swirl Design Non-Slip (Non-Skid) Area Rug 5 X 7 (5' 3" X 7' 3") Cream https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XS87HSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_w1JXCb1BPCZKV)

Dining (the island would go on top of this)

[1](Safavieh Evoke Collection EVK228A Contemporary Burst Royal Blue and Ivory Round Area Rug (3' Diameter) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GS1CK0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_x6JXCb1RED9XZ)


[Kitchen Island](Harper & Bright Designs Kitchen Island Cart Folding Top Drop-Leaf with 2 Stools (Espresso) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MZ6KQ6T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_98JXCbDC7HVEA)

Curtains

GoodGram 2 Pack Palldian Lattice Heavy Duty Thermal Blackout Curtain Panels - Assorted Colors (Palladian Taupe/Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJY77ZZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9.JXCbJTAA61Y

Mirror

MCS 22" x 28" Inch Stamped Medallion Wall Mirror, 28x34 Inch Overall Size 22" x 28" Bronze https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PXMXUBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CbKXCbBMSQNTX

Art (the art and plants I would put on flanking sides of the mirror

baccow - (NO.3 of The 3 Panel Abstract Art Blue Gold 2448, Handmade 3D Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed Blue Contemporary Wall Decor Art for Living Room Dining Room Office Home Decoration for Walls https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077MHF8ZW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4cKXCbR8D9D1E

Plants

Mkono Ceramic Hanging Planter 3 Tier Indoor Wall Plant Holder for Succulent Herb Air Plant Live or Faux Plants Modern Vertical Garden, Rectangular https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT94OJG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RdKXCbWGNDYSJ

They are super comfortable too.

Modway Aegis Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Fabric Organic Dining Armchair With Wood Legs In Light Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GNW1TTA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ug15Ab09VW41F

It's this: https://www.amazon.com/YAMAZAKI-home-7151-Rolling-Kitchen/dp/B008D8E3CM/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Yamazaki&qid=1554502524&s=furniture&sr=8-3

Yamazaki cart. It's super skinny, like I can open my door all the way to the door stop and not hit it. It also holds A LOT.

Thank you!
I'll look into it, we have this one but it's just getting a little too small for us

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006PHM9P6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2N2mDbPFZ3XEX

Hi) I think, the dining chairs should be made in light color, so that they would suit your room's interior. You can search for dining chair similar to this one.

Thanks! I have a bit of an audio obsession so I picked out the media center specifically so it's the right height for the speakers.

A bar is my next purchase! I've been looking at this one to match the media center.

The closest things I've found so far are

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TWMBMGZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_V30UDbM52YD01
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UZ3X8O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_X70UDbN917EP2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QM95NNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_A90UDbCT53N2M

, but I'll keep looking!

It depends on what you like and price range. Christopher Knight Home Patty Traditional Two Toned Fabric Dining Chair, Ivory and White/Blue Floral https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2X8P8P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_7Te2DbHT317WH LSSBOUGHT Stylish Dining Room Chairs with Solid Wood Legs, Set of 2 (Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075CK3PXP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_pWe2Db9GPTRE7

Got them off Amazon!

Helen Mid Century Modern Dining Chair (Set of 2) (Light Beige w/Walnut Finish) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D9BN6B1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Ef.SCbN17RSB8

here you go!

I have considered it. I basically don't want to worry about installing it (leveling, finding studs, etc.) and putting holes in the wall. I think this one is the closest I've seen to what I'm looking for. The price is just a little high. Also, I realized that 55" long is going to be too big for the space. Probably around 36" would be good.

If you dont care about wheels or a "chopping board", and can wait 4-5 months for dirt cheap
or the one with wheels, a chopping board, a pull out rack, and hooks for utensils, and is in stock now, but more expensive
or you can just search microwave cart

This looks like what I had in mind but still exploring:

https://www.amazon.com/Winsome-92534-Mali-Kitchen-Cart/dp/B006WYUT18/ref=pd_lpo_196_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZZNAB0ZBQ28YC5S9VJMN