However, finding one that goes well in a farmhouse or cottage style home isn't easy. Or is it?
Several years ago, I started blogging as an escape.
It was fun distraction from my mother's degrading health and from the fact that my kids were getting older.
It was fun distraction from my mother's degrading health and from the fact that my kids were getting older.
They needed me much less.
The volunteering opportunities were fewer and further between and frankly, I was craving a little me time.
Writing about crafts and home decor seemed like a natural course of action and I got sucked in quickly.
Back then, I curled up on the couch with my laptop when it was time to write. Sometimes, I would sit at the kitchen island or the round breakfast table.
I'd either watch tv next my DIY guy and edit photos or enjoy the garden view that was outside my big kitchen windows, from the tables.
On very rare occasions, when I needed paper and pen nearby, I'd sit at my desk. Of course, that wasn't really ideal, because my view was a wall.
A very nicely tiled wall, but a wall nevertheless.
However, as the time went on and the blog became a business and I started freelancing, I found myself sitting at that kitchen counter desk more and more frequently.
I had lists, calendars and conference calls to deal with and it was so much easier to operate from a central location.
I really should've bought myself a proper desk chair. But I was stubborn.
I was smitten with chair I had.
I actually have lots of chairs and lots of chair DIYs. Like these:
It was an extra from our kitchen table set, but it matched the theme of the room perfectly. It was the right size for this little cottage and it, since it was free, it the right price.
Unfortunately, this is one time form over function was a terrible idea.
My back started giving me trouble.
Then my neck...and my hands. And much of it was from poor positioning.
That chair was not made for that kitchen desk. It was too hard and nowhere near tall enough for me to work properly.
I even picked up a $5 chair pad at Ikea, hoping that would give me a boost. But nope.
I'd shopped over the years, but nothing was right. Everything I found was either too big, too modern or way too expensive.
Then last week, I finally gave in and shopped with intention.
It didn't take long to find the perfect chair online at Pier 1- the Hourglass Swivel Office Chair. Of course Pier 1 is gone now, but here are some very similar options.
This looks like it's the exact same chair.
This one is also almost exactly the same chair.
This chair is very similar also, but it doesn't have the nail heads.
And this chair is also the same style, but it comes in tons of colors, both with and without nail heads.
Just like Goldilocks, I found a cottage style kitchen desk chair that was just right.
It had clean lines, but enough details to make it charming and even a bit cottage style.
I knew they had it in the store and I wanted to give it a test drive, so my husband and I drove to the nearest shop - which is a little further away now, since some are closing - but worth the trip.
It was very comfy, the color was mostly right (a little grayer than I'd hoped) and they were having some crazy sale, so I ordered it.
Thankfully, it did!
Even better, it's a real office chair. It can be raised or lowered as needed and what a difference it's made already.
It also swivels so I can easily reach my open desk drawers.
At first, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the exposed legs and the wheels. I walked out of the store, the night I ordered it, sure I was going to make a skirt to cover them up.
Now that it's here, though, I don't mind them at all.
What is, is this clear plastic floor mat to protect my hardwood. I'm not thrilled about that one bit.
I already know I won't like the way it looks.
But I'll find a way to make it work.
Stay tuned.
Do you have a proper desk chair?
Happy Sitting, Friends!
Yep- I have one and I brought it home from the office. I need to recover it though because I don't like the fabric. It doubles as a sewing chair and an office chair.
ReplyDeleteLOVE yours---it is MUCH prettier than my own. xo Diana
Thanks Diana! I waited too long for this chair. Of course when my husband started working from home the first thing we bought him was a proper chair. Smart guy. I hope you'll show us your chair when it's all done...you know...as part of your new home tour! Enjoy the weekend!
DeleteLove this chair Kim! One of the prettiest I've seen. I have a feeling a skirt may appear. You're so talented I know it would look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your beautiful chair. I'll stay tuned as always.
Have a super weekend!
Hugs,
Cindy
Hi Cindy! You are too sweet...thank you, my friend. My family keeps saying the same thing about the skirt. I think you all know me a little too well. 😉
DeleteI love your new chair. I have been on the hunt for a new one for my office that is comfy to sit in.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday.
Kris
This one is dreamy, Kris! It’s so plush, but it also has great support. I can’t believe what a difference it’s made already. Good luck with your own search. I know you’ll find (or make!!) something fabulous!!
DeleteYou certainly did find the perfect desk chair! As I was reading and looking at your original chair (as pretty as it was, with pillow and pad), I imagined a wheeled chair there. (No, not a wheel chair, but a chair with wheels!) The tufted back, nail heads and round seat are all so stylish and look like it was made for this spot. My "desk" chair sits in front of my sewing machine and is my favorite shade of purple and is on wheels too! Enjoy your new chair, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kathy! You definitely had more vision than I did, I had the hardest time imagining a wheeled chair ( 😉) in that space. I think that's why I fought it for so long. I guess I just had to find the right one. And purple, huh? Nice! My old cottage was purple...it came before red as my first signature color. I had light purple walls in the living room, a plum carpet and yellow and green accents with it in the kitchen. It was such a cheerful little house. It's the color that started me down this cottage style path. I should dig out the pictures! Thanks for that walk down memory lane!!
DeleteI love the chair. Will have to have Hubby look at it. We share the chair at out desk and yes we have one of those awful looking pads under our chair now.
ReplyDeleteThanks Betty! I still haven’t ordered a pad. I tucked the braided rug that was in the space under the desk for now. It doesn’t look great, but it’ll do until I can figure out how to make the chair pad work! This decor obsession can be a real problem sometimes! 😉
DeleteA woman with a business needs a good sturdy office chair that is comfortable. I'm glad you gave yourself this treat. It's beautiful and now you will have a better cushion to sit on and back support.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thanks Brenda, you're totally right. I don't why I always put myself last...and it's already made a huge difference. I shouldn't have waited so long!
DeleteVery stylish Kim and I hope comfy. I love how it looks with the nail head and fabric. We have black computer chairs with the mesh in our study. The pillow looks sweet there. Happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! It's very, very comfy - especially compared to the dining chair I was using before. I bet your chairs are comfy, too. My husband has one that sounds similar and it looks great in his office space. I used to sneak down there on weekends and do my work there!!
DeleteI want this chair! I have been looking for a new home office chair to replace the cast-off, well-worn one I have, and the ones I've seen all have arms, just like my current one. Because I often swivel around from my computer to grab a guitar, I could use one without arms and good back support. Thank you Kim for another great and useful article!
ReplyDeleteJosie, I'm so happy this was helpful!! I say run to the store now, before they close completely, and while everything seems to be on sale!!
DeleteFirst of all, I'm happy to see someone who actually still has their desk in their kitchen. Many of my neighbors are taking them out, but I love mine! And I actually use it for lots of different tasks, not just blogging. I use a Windsor chair with my desk that blends with my breakfast room table, but I'm really digging your desk chair. Since I have limestone floors, I don't have to worry about wood. I love the color and style of your chair. I think it's perfect in your space!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ricki! I really like this chair, it's different from my normal style, but I think it goes well. And I love my desk in the kitchen, although it would be nice to have an actual office space. Of course, in this tiny cottage, that's not an option!
DeleteThis is so funny Kim, I had just sat down at my desk this morning, and thought, I need a new chair. Mine is close to ten years old, and while it has been great, I need a new one. I must go to Pier 1 and see if they still have this gorgeous chair, it looks amazing at your work site! Isn't it funny how our blogging experience has evolved over the years, and here we are, still blogging. Social media has certainly changed the blogging world, but I still value the friendships, and joys that blogging has brought into my life. Enjoy your new chair, and.... no, I wouldn't be surprised to find a chair skirt gracing the chair any day now :) Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn! So far, I’m loving the chair. It’s very comfortable and like I said, on sale!! I love blogging, I know that some people have left or moved over to Instagram, but as someone who loves words, this is my preferred space. I also love following the friends I’ve made, as you said. That’s been the best part for sure! 😊
DeleteThat's a great chair, perfect for your cozy cottage home!! I could totally see you making a cottage slipcover for it, with a skirt...yup, I already see it. Maybe with cabbage roses, or with ticking stripes....or both.
ReplyDeleteNow I want to go fabric shopping, Debbie!!
DeleteI LOVE your office chair Kim and it's so awesome that you got a good deal on it. Enjoy your new chair and the weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! I think I was in the right place at the right time with this one!!
DeleteKim, that chair is gorgeous and looks so pretty in your cottage. I wouldn't mind it at all without a skirt, but know it would look wonderful with one, not that you will make one. Just sayin'. For many years I used an antique piano stool, the kind that you wind the seat to make it higher or lower. Everybody yelled at me to get a regular office chair but I just thought it wouldn't be pretty enough. Jake gave me his old chair (how can I refuse that kid anything?) and it is much better for comfort and since I am turning the library into a work room anyway, nothing is pretty there anymore..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteJake sounds very sweet, Judy and it probably is much better for your back. I know that (so far) this one is helping me out a lot.
DeleteRight now, I work on a folding table in my craft room. It has paint and glue decorating it, but I DO have an office chair. Even with it, I can only sit for a certain amount of time before my neck and shoulder start to complain. Your chair is beautiful and I hope it alleviates your back, neck, and hand problems.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann, I really should've purchased a new chair long ago. An ounce of prevention...and all that jazz. 😉
DeleteI have a proper office chair, but it is boring! I love this chair! And I really like the legs. I think they add to the charm.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mari. The legs are really growing on me. I don’t think I’ll be covering them anytime soon!
DeleteSuper post, Kim. We can all identify with finding a comfortable way to blog or what have you. The chair is really cute. I have a chair and two ottomans from Pier 1. My daughter, who is an interior designer and previously managed a large furniture store here in Chicago, actually was amazed at the quality of my pieces and the price. So, good job!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Thanks Jane! Our first coffee table is from Pier 1. We bought it almost 30 years ago...I can't believe it's been that long. I have to say it still looks great. I hope the chair wears as well as it looks! Thanks for the visit!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteThat is one petty chair!! I have a good desk chair for the main computer that is housed in an armiore but I really need a better one for up in my Craft Room......The hunt is now on....
Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to let me know that you did by leaving such a sweet comment!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Always a pleasure to visit you, Debbie! And thanks...the chair is pretty and my back feels so much better. It really is all about having the right tools when you work or craft- including the right chair!
DeleteOh that is a wonderful chair, Kim! Beautiful and comfy? Perfect! I actually sit on a counter stool at my breakfast bar...not so great!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely comfy, Linda! It's worked out well.
DeleteI love this chair! It's perfect, but doesn't look like the typical office chair.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy!! It really was a fun find...
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI love your new chair! But to protect your hardwood floors, purchase a quality floor mat to protect it! Not the cheap ones you find in office stores. Look online for these! They aren't cheap but to protect your hardwood floors they are a must!
Thanks Doris! I know...I was so disappointed at Staples. Right now I have my braided rug awkwardly tucked under it. I have to go online. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteThat is very classy looking Kim. I like it! When I settle down to do blogging, my recliner is "it," but other work takes me to the basement more often than not. I don't need a desk chair for that.
ReplyDeleteOh Florence...now I want a recliner!!
DeleteI want your chair. :-) Love it. Your space looks very nice Kim.
ReplyDeleteCarla
Thanks Carla! I think I put if off for too long. The new one is so much better for my back...and prettier too!!
DeleteLove this chair! It is classy and looks comfy. We can't have you uncomfortable while you write blog posts for us! I have a desk chair but it is a cheap-o black leather (faux?) from my MIL's condo. Utilitarian at best...
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! My husband has one of those in his office. It's comfy for sure!
Delete