Chairs—especially sets of chairs—have always been a nightmare for me as a merchant with a tiny shop. Though everyone needs and uses chairs, they never seem to sell quickly—and, in the meantime, they take-up lots of space. Unless you hang them from the ceiling moulding, they become a tripping hazard and consume more floorspace than they deserve.
I find children's chairs, on the other hand, interesting and quite useful. They are often charming. They never seem to come in sets. And, until they sell, I use them as a merchandising fixture—to elevate and showcase other products. Sometimes I leave the chair on the floor, more often I place the chair upon a table.
This Mid-Nineteenth Century ladder-back chair has arched and curved "splats," tapering, turned legs, and a fiber rush seat. Though it is a "serious" piece of furniture, its diminutive size makes it appealing. And its small size also makes it useful. Think of it as a small table to hold things next to the bed, in a library, in a large closet, or by the front door. Use it to raise your cat's (or small dog's) upholstered bed. Place it on a table as a display fixture, to add height to a grouping of items. Or use it to feature a collection, for example, antique dolls, which will look twice as nice sitting on an antique chair. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248