Swivel Chairs with Color Issues – Maybe, Maybe Not?
I snagged these chairs from an estate sale a couple of months ago. The swivel design was exactly what I wanted for our basement family room. Although I am a blue-aholic, the color caused me to be hesitatant and question my impulse to buy them. Realizing that I could always reupholster them, I gave in to my impulse and purchased all four for seventy five dollars. Here’s a closeup.
As soon as I got home, I cleaned them up; soap and water on the vinyl and steel wool on the metal base. After I finished, the color started to grow on me. For some reason, this retro blue color makes me smile. I guess it’s because it offers that unexpected pop of color designers always talk about. So for now, they will remain as is.
I have been experimenting with colors to coordinate with them. This shade of blue looks nice with brown, grey, burgundy and dark orange shades. I’ve been searching for visual ideas like this dining room I discovered on decor8.
Do you think my swivel chairs have color issues? Do you have any inspirational visuals incorporating this color to share? Have you ever bought something totally off your color radar?
This post will be linked to: 
I don’t think they have color issues! They’re beautiful!! Wow.
I LOVE them!
Very beautiful.
i don’t think your chairs have color issues, in fact, i think they’re GORGEOUS. the reason that the decor8 picture looks so wonderful is because they blue chairs there go really well with the other elements. in your basement, it’s hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like there’s a natural wood cabinet next to the table? what if you painted that white? also, i think the table cloth on the table gives the space somewhat of a country feel, and that’s clashing a little bit with the awesome, awesome retro design of the chairs. i think of you ditched the table cloth and got a very simple table, it’d work. you could even look for some amazing placemats/napkins (in orange?) to add a punch of color there. just some ideas
but i def. don’t think the chairs are problematic – you might just have to make a few minor changes to tie them into their space.
What a great find!!! The fact that they are in such great shape make them even better.
i think the chairs are great! It is especially helpful that YOU like them
I am a neutral person so I’m finding it very odd that I LOVE your chairs. That BLUE is unexpected and fun. I think you should leave them as is. Also, ask yourself, if you were to re-cover them, what color and material would/could look better (and remain true to the era of the chair)?
You know, I think I do like the color of those chairs. I am a blue-lover as well, but that is a little bright. Here’s the thing, though, it really fits the mid-century modern look of the chairs and makes them unique and fun. I think they’re perfect for a basement. You can always slipcover them to get a totally different look down the road.
Thanks everyone for showing so much love for my blue chairs!
We were discussing your chairs here this morning and we think they ROCK! Such a great find. and as Miss Mustard Seed said, you can always slipcover or reupholster later on. another idea might be to add thin cushions in another color to change it up down the road.