Buying Parsons Chairs - What You Need to Know

Parsons chairs are commonly seen in homes around the dining room, adding a simplistic type of elegance. The great thing about using parsons chairs is that their design blends in with just about any home décor. This piece of furniture is considered "transitional" since the elements of its design covers a number or periods to include Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Mission.

Although you will find parsons chairs on the market today made from many different materials, the construction method and design remains much the same ? honest and simple while offering charm and sophistication. The other fascinating aspect of parsons chairs is that because it has transitioned down through the years, you will find different elements that capture each period. For example, some parsons chairs have the richness of the Mission period, incorporating an emphasis of line in the design. Then, for the Art Nouveau period, the parsons chairs have more fluidity, a scroll back and a unique quality.

With the Art Deco parsons chairs, these tend to be more ornate and detailed. The materials used are colorful, bold, and often exotic. In fact, some of the more expensive Art Deco parsons chairs will be made from leopard skin and black ebony wood. Keep in mind that while there is a full array of Art Deco chairs, when shopping around for a "true" parsons chair, it will generally include just one small element of the Art Deco period.

As you shop around for parsons chairs, you will be focusing your attention on three elements ? the back, legs, and arms. With this type of chair, the back is designed in a number of styles, which includes straight, scrolled, or camel backed. Typically, the straight back falls more in the Arts and Crafts period while the scrolled and camel back go with the Art Nouveau period. For the legs of the parsons chair, these too are seen in a number of designs. As an example, it is common to see the legs turned, tapered, fluted, upholstered, Chippendale, and cabriole. Most of the styles lean toward the Art Nouveau period with the exception of the fluted and Chippendale, falling within the Arts and Crafts.

Finally, the arms on the parsons chair are also unique. Now, keep in mind that there are some of these chairs that have no arms but most do. For those with arms, they would be scrolled, upholstered, or simply plain with exposed wood. Again, most arms come from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods except the armless chair that goes along with Arts and Crafts.

The thing about the parsons chair is that the design is so varied while still being labeled the same type of chair. For this reason, the parsons chair fits so nicely with any décor. If you love the Mediterranean or French look, the turned or scrolled legs, straight back, and exposed arms works great. If you prefer a more contemporary look, you could have a parsons chair upholstered in leather with fluted legs and no arms. However, if country is your preferred look, then the camel back is perfect. Because of the diversity of the parsons chair, people around the country have incorporated them into their dining room design.

Jennifer Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites such as http://www.GourmetDecorStore.com. Her sites offer product and information about parsons chairs and other furniture and decor for your home or garden.

---

A Look at Shiatsu Massage Chairs

The term "shiatsu" refers to a form of Asian massage. This traditional massage uses techniques of digging deep into the muscle tissue to ease out knots and... Read More

Decorating Your Kitchen With Accessories

Just like a nice outfit, your kitchen can benefit from accessories! If you are thinking about redecorating but don't have a lot of dough to put into... Read More

A Guide to Wine Picnic Baskets

Wine picnic baskets are just the ticket for two, four, or more people. When it's just too nice to spend the day indoors, why not go for... Read More

1950s Home Decor Redesign

The styles of the 1950's are coming back and there are many products now available to "capture the past" in your home decorating. To get you started,... Read More

Have You Considered These Space-Saving Bed Designs To Maximize Your Interior Decorating Space?

Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most overlooked areas in most households interior design layout. In this article we'll discuss how to double the... Read More

Decorating Roll Up Bamboo Shades

Plastic or real bamboo roll up shades can be decorated with a designed waterproof shower curtain in front so when you roll it down for your Jacuzzi... Read More

Decorating Frugally

The trend these days is to discover extremely innovative ways to decorate interiors on a budget. The tips provided below are just a few of the many... Read More

A Guide to Discontinued Wedgwood China

Everything has its day and its time, and Wedgwood China is no exception to the rule. Because the company is 250 years old there are patterns that... Read More

Newest Craze in Decorating is Silk Flowers in Acrylic Water

They look so lifelike, that time and time again people bend to smell them and touch them. Across the nation, silk flowers in crystal-clear acrylic "water" are... Read More

Warm And Cozy Down Comforters Will Turn Your Bed Into A Luxurious Sanctuary!

Down comforters provide you with a luxurious natural warmth that few other materials can. Down is known for its insulating properties and ability to spring back to... Read More

Home Lighting - Important but Overlooked Aspects

Home lighting is something that doesn't get the attention it deserves. There are so many TV shows that focus on home remodeling projects, and speak very little... Read More

Beach Theme Bedroom

Using accessories is a fun way to accent your bedroom for a beach theme. You will find that you can dramatically change the look of your room... Read More

The Art Of Selecting Your Homes Art

Art should be personal. Selecting pieces that you really love should not be influenced by the color of the carpet or your couch. To really make a... Read More

Pot Racks - Make a Statement In Your Kitchen

One of the most beautiful, versatile and efficient accessories that you could incorporate into your kitchen is the pot rack. The addition of a custom pot rack... Read More

The Latest Trends in Interior Decorating for Your Home & Office

In this time period, people are as busy as ever. Mom's and dad's working overtime can be very hectic and hard to handle at some points. Include... Read More

Rug - Snug as a Bug!

Rugs are a great way to decoratively cover a floor. Whether you have carpet, tile or hardwood, a rug can protect your floor and add a designer's... Read More

What are Water Softeners?

Soap scum. Stiff clothing. Clogged pipes. No matter what you try, it's hard to get your surfaces clean. Scale builds up. Dishes come out of the dishwasher... Read More

Protecting Your Down Comforter

A down comforter is a luxury item that can be enjoyed year after year -- if it is properly cared for. Frequent washings can damage a down... Read More

Choose The Right Colors and Placement For Your Flowers

Some people have a natural artistic ability when it comes to home décor and design but for most of us we need a little help. A few... Read More

Great Tips for Choosing Furniture

You're finally going to do it! No I don't mean tie the knot, I mean your finally ready to buy that new furniture you've been dreaming about.... Read More

Decorating, Where Theres a Will Theres a Way

Decorating anything is one of the easiest things in the world! And when it comes to decorating your home, if one has a will and there is... Read More

The Value of Antique Wood Stoves

Antique wood stoves provide decoration and can still be used for heating and cooking. Stoves from as long ago as the 1870's are available for purchase in... Read More

Inuit Stone Sculptures From The Arctic North

When most people think about stone sculptures, it's probably giant pieces of abstract art located outside large buildings or perhaps inside a famous art gallery or museum.... Read More

Antiques, Collectibles, & Memorabilia: Do You Know the Difference?

The world of antiques can be confusing. What's the difference between an antique and collectible? Aren't collectibles and memorabilia really the same thing? In this month's column,... Read More

Finding a Cuckoo Clock Repair Service

Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep it running smoothly and accurately. Some cuckoo clocks have two weights and some have three. Since the... Read More

For A Pleasant Smelling Home

If you're anything like me and the scent of something pleasant can instantly lift your mood, then a house that is pleasant smelling will be a constant... Read More