I really like the square one. It seems to fit modern and tailored. It is really beautiful.

I think the square one is more relaxed and casual and the oval is suited for a more formal and elegant room.

Sitting in them might make the decision easier for you.

I like the Square one all the way!

I agree with mmoodym, the square. The second chair with the oval back and slightly curved legs, while very pretty, does not looked as modern to me. What is the fabric?

Good luck in your choice.
Jane

for modern #1, for tailored elegance, #2.

#2 looks very contemporary to me. Is that what you mean by modern?

Square for sure. The round one looks like it could be out of style in a few years, where the square one has some edge to it but still has a classic feel.

Thanks for the replies! The square one is leather and I don't know what the round one is - some kind of generic beige fabric.

By modern, I don't mean contemporary, minimalist, or abstract. I'm referring to sophisticated, tailored, elegant but with eclectic touches. Not a dark/heavy/overstuffed look. I'm a big fan of Architectural Digest. Here are some rooms I like:

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I prefer the second.

#1. Aside from everything else, it looks so much more comfortable.

The square one to me is the ONE, comfort and beauty too!

Both chairs are lovely. I agree with Tgd that you need to sit in them both to make an informed decision. If a chair doesn't feel comfy, if your guests ask if they could go sit elsewhere because "this chair is hurting my back" -- you'll end up hating the chair.

Round one definitely. I recently saw this chair in a dining room setting in Elle Decor or 1st dibs or a drs office magazine can't remember which one.The room was elegance and grace personified. I kept going back to look at those chairs. The chair you posted is the exact one I was admiring.

I LOVE the square one. It's gorgeous and timeless. I also suggest you try them both out for comfort. Comfort over style is more important, IMO.

Who makes the square one?

When I was on my quest for DR chairs, these were in the running.

I vote for the first one too, it seems fresh and modern. If it's leather it should be easier to keep clean. I hope it's comfortable.

I've seen numerous chairs that are similar to the second one and sometimes they just seem a little ungainly - maybe the bottom is too big or the back to small to make a pleasing proportions for the chair.

Sky

I'll weigh in on the more graceful curves too as far as looks go. But, those chairs parma posted are magnificent. They look much more like your inspiration pics or AD, imo. Investment pieces.

The second chair looks like a Barbara Barry knockoff, and Barbara Barry is reminiscent of the 1930's Hollywood style. The first chair looks more comfortable, but only your rear and back can tell.

Another vote for the square one ...

I like them both actually but I find the square one more inviting - comfortable yet tailored.

Square one! The other seems blah and ordinary.

I also vote for #1. It looks more cozy and inviting.

I do not like the square one any way I look at it ... it is the "bent" back and the quilted leather. It screams "70's" and not in a good way.

The oval chair SCREAMED "Barbara Barry" the moment I saw it (not a big fan ... I prefer the originals that inspired her, I'm a bit of a purist), but that said, it has that fantastic "Hollywood Regency" look to it she copied. The back seems small for a DR chair ... I like it but the scale is more of a Hall Chair. Do they have an arm chair version to balance the scale of the chair?

My vote is for #1.

Don't care for the quilted fabric on chair #1. I think it's so plain it looks like a generic doctor's office chair. :-(

To be honest, I don't think either one of the chairs really fits into the inspiration photos you posted. I like the chairs with the wood scroll backs and solid seats in the photo of the LR with the lovely art on the walls!! Have you looked for something like that with a wood back and solid fabric seat?

I do like chair #2. Are these for around a table or as a grouping of 2 like in your photos?

She size may be a factor. How many chairs do you need to get around the table? The second one appears as though it would take up less room. I'd look for a fun fabric however to jazz it up.

Two more

Honestly, I think I need to see where the chairs are going ie what room with what table and the general style of the house. I believe you'll get a better feel for not only which one you like more, but which one feels like "the one"

Wow, Parma, where are those from?

Before you faint, the price is for two. :)

I think they're gorgeous.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bob Mackie

Thanks for the replies. I'm now giving this more thought.

I think this chair is my dream chair

But alas, fabric-covered chairs are not a good idea for my family (frequent use with small children), and these chairs don't fit in my budget anyway.

I might have found a better option. How about these?

Oh and to answer some questions:

The square one is from Overstock.

I can't post pictures because the DR is a mess right now (DH uses the dining room table to fold laundry occasionally)!

But the reasons you all mention are some of the reasons I was originally drawn to the oval-back chair: 30's Hollywood glamour is a style I like.

I love to use vintage pieces and refurbish them if necessary. They're better made than most furniture is today and you'll have a unique dining room. I am redoing 2 vintage Baker chairs that look similar to your dream chair and the pair only cost $100. Check out resale and thrift shops and estate sales. Good luck!

Bepeace, you're right. I prefer to buy furniture from antique stores/craigslist/estate sales. However, I need 6 chairs, and I've looked in those places but it's hard to find that many matching chairs, in a style that I like!

I thought you might say that! I've resigned myself to being eclectic. I'm using the 2 Baker chairs as the head/captain chairs and just have to find 4 more compatible chairs to go with it. I'll coordinate the chairs by using the same fabric and restaining if necessary. If you need your chairs right away, I guess this isn't the way to go!

kgsd, the asian room reminded me of these from www.1stdibs.com

I like the first one and with leather and kids, seems like a great choice.

With budget and kids being a concern, and, now, learning that you like Hollywood glamour, I'd go for chair #2 with the round back.

Well I love no. 2 way better. Just catches my eye!

Kgsd,

For what it's worth, I notice that the seating elements in your inspiration pictures - even the ones that look straight - have curves somewhere.

I love the rounded back, or even a spider back. You might check out Shermag, under their Radius collection especially, but several of their collections might have something to consider. We have a kitchen set from them, in their colours collection, and it has held up well to daily use for 6 years now. Affordable as well.

Not crazy about the first chair - it seems like a restaurant chair to me. Love your dream chair - check around, because that style is everywhere, likely at all kinds of price points.

As for fabric, if it is microfiber and treated, don't discount it. That fabric can have a great sueded appearance, and wear well and clean up well. I know, because DH has microfiber on his man-eating recliner.

Your dream chair looks perfect.

I found this website that has some similar styles. I don't know what you budget is, but if you wouldn't mind saying we could help hunt with possibly more success.

Good luck. I know how it feels when you are trying to find that something just right.
Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: Diningroom chairs