Parsons chairs come in so many appealing variations that choosing the perfect one can be a bit daunting.  We’re here to help!  Our expert team has assembled this guide to help you select parsons chairs to match your home decor style.  Whether you’re looking for a group of parsons dining chairs or one or two chairs to use for living room accents, we’ll steer you in the right direction.

Traditional          
  When many people visualize a traditional décor, they think of large, formal dining rooms and sitting rooms.  A fully skirted, richly upholstered parsons chair does look positively regal!  However, traditional parsons chairs can be adapted for more casual environments as well.  These designs are timeless and elegant, rarely going out of fashion.  Traits of traditional parsons style chairs include wooden legs in deep, classic finishes such as cherry, walnut, mahogany and dark oak.  The legs are often in the “s-curved” Queen Anne style-- also called cabriole legs – or in the bolder Chippendale style.  The chair backs are generally scrolled, crescent or camel shape, giving them a touch more formality.  Traditional parsons chairs can be fully skirted, with triple or box pleats for a fancier look.

When choosing upholstery for a traditional style parsons chair, you have extensive options. Select a fabric that complements the color scheme and overall mood of the room.  One sure-fire idea is to pair a light fabric-- either solid colored or subtly patterned-- with a darker wood.  Ivory, light blue or soft green are excellent choices.  Traditionally designed chairs can also stand up to heavier prints and rich colors, such as large florals, scrolled patterns, verdant greens, burgundies, dark blues and golds.  Nailhead trim, braided bands and tassels are classic upholstery accents.        

Contemporary and Modern

  Both contemporary and modern furniture have an emphasis on functionality and architectural inspiration.  The design lines are spare and sleek, with little or no ornamentation.    Parsons chairs are a natural match-up with these classy and sophisticated styles.  Choose a chair with a straight back or simple rolled back.  Incurved sides are very modern and add immense visual interest.  The legs should be straight-edged, tapered or saber style.  Both wooden legs and upholstered legs work well.  If you want a skirted parsons chair, opt for a very simple design such as a half skirt or kick pleat.  Too many pleats or ruffles will break up the crisp lines that typify contemporary and modern style.  

  The names of today’s most popular contemporary-modern wood finishes and fabrics sound good enough to eat—espresso, cappuccino and chocolate!  Casual contemporary style has come into vogue and makes use of lighter woods such as honey-toned oak.  Leather is the ultimate modern fabric, especially in a rich brown, black or white.  Vinyl and velvety microsuede are also effective choices.  Solid fabric colors are most common in contemporary-modern style, though some understated prints can be used.  Look for simple, geometrically-based patterns such as broad stripes and blocks.  Welt banding around the seat gives extra punctuation and mirrors the design lines of the chair.

     Transitional style has gained popularity in recent years, most likely due to its extreme versatility and adaptability.  It is defined as a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary styles.  As a result, it is a “safe” decorating style that is very easy to integrate with an existing room décor!  For a transitional parsons chair, combine a rounded top with straight-edged wooden or upholstered legs.  Skirts should be simple, such as a half skirt or kick pleat design.  Transitional style generally uses lighter wood finishes like fruitwood, light oak and maple.  Contemporary fabric colors and patterns work best.

    These styles, which put an emphasis on the use of natural materials, are extremely popular in today’s furniture market!  Tropical furnishings help turn a home into a haven of tranquility, putting one in mind of relaxing vacations spent on an island beach.  Tropical parsons chairs are made of materials including rattan, wicker, bamboo, woven sea grass and abaca, with all their natural beauty and variations of color and texture.  The upholstery is done in soothing shades such as creams and light greens, or in safari, floral or palm leaf prints.

   Always a favorite, this style focuses on comfort and an antiqued look.  Parsons chairs can fit perfectly with a cottage décor by selecting the right features.  A gathered, ruffled skirt is ideal.  For a wooden leg parsons chair, choose a curved leg in a distressed finish.  The fabric should be soft in color, such as a pastel or cream.  Solids, light florals, pastel plaids and checks are all fine choices.  

  This encompassing style often includes country and cottage elements.  Look for straight or tapered legs, either wooden or upholstered.  Lighter finishes—such as natural, pine or white—are your best bets.  Almost any upholstery will work, provided it is not too heavy-handed or formal.  Choose from solids, plaids, simple prints, florals and even polka dots!