I like the second fabric, but I don’t think online pictures do either of them justice.

I agree with Kswl. The lines of the chair seem to lend itself to a more solid appearing fabric. The cording and other lines seem to break up any pattern and that would be distracting to me. I would keep looking.

The second one would basically be considered a solid. I think you are overthinking the pattern.

Nice chair. I love the lines. Would you consider doing what the manufacturer shows - a small textured fabric for the body of the chair, something that almost reads like a solid from a short distance, and a pillow in an interesting fabric?

I like the first, but the raised stitching looks to me like it wouldn't wear well. So the 2nd one is the better choice. Though I like the idea of a more solid fabric and use the pillow for accent as in the pic.

Q: are the legs fabric covered? They look to be so in the pic...which is odd to me...I'd prefer a wooden leg.

I prefer the chair as shown. I think both of the fabrics you shared are a little off for the piece. If you’re committed to those fabrics, my preference would be for the second one.

kswl - you are absolutely correct. The fabrics look much better IRL.

outside - that was my concern, but I think the 2nd fabric would work better than the first. It reads as more of a solid.

jck - I agree (see above comment). Overthinking???? That's my middle name!!

bbtx - I like the lines of the chair, too, but it does limit the fabric choices, I believe.

annie - the legs are not fabric covered. They are wood.

1929 - I'm not committed to the fabrics. These are just 2 choices that work with the sofa fabric.

I think it comes down to the skill of the upholsterer. A talented person will make the pattern match and seams shouldn’t be an issue. However you may need additional fabric to make it work. I agree that the second choice of fabric will look like a solid once it’s in place. I like the firstchoice but as Annie mentions, the raised pattern may not wear well if it’s a chair that is used frequently. If it’s an occasional chair, I think it would be fine.

Ironic that we have the same middle name.

I agree with Ded. The thin arms with a larger pattern concern me.

My preference would be as shown, or the third option.

I don't care for the second one, it looks very "mid range hotel" to me. I prefer the first but it reads "vaguely tribal" to me, while the chair is uptight. Agree the repeat may not work well, YMMV

love contrasting welt

My vote is for the 1st, the 2nd is busy to me. Could you go with a plain fabric similar to the one shown and do the pillow in 1 or 2 ?

I'd bet the second pattern will be all but invisible?

I like the second choice...agree it will look more “solid” on the chair, thus making it easier to coordinate pillow. Can you show us the sofa and other fabrics choices, I.e. drapes, pillows, rug, etc? That would help me decide.

ded - these chairs will be in the LR, so will not be used daily, as the furniture in the family room is. Also, they will be brand new chairs, not reupholstered.

eld - I agree with you, I think it's the thinner arms that are a concern to me with fabric #1.

mtn - now that you describe the second fabric that way, I am seeing that, too! I don't see the tribal vibe, tho. Maybe a pattern like the 1st fabric could work in a drapery panel.

annie - contrasting welt is a good suggestion.

arapaho - not sure I want a plain fabric because the sofa is pretty plain. Maybe I need a different color in a plain fabric.

tuesday - Here are some additional pictures.

This is the sofa style (not yet ordered) One thing I like is the way the arm and side slope down. I would not use nailhead across the bottom.

And here is the fabric I'm leaning toward for the sofa.

This reminds me of our great room furniture. Our big pieces are generally neutral and I add color with pillows, rugs, etc. Our sofa is a bit lighter than the fabric you show and is a textured with small flecks, but reads off-white. There is a flax colored linen chair near the fireplace (a bit darker than the sofa) and then "my chair" is almost tone on tone, a diamond type design. I've lately seen rugs with the same pattern. The background is off-white and the diamonds are a few shades darker. Doesn't read quite solid, but very subtle. We also have a dark brown leather chair in the room with wood floors and several antique wood pieces in warm wood tones. Although I have stuck with our shades of aqua/turquoise/blue/green accent colors; I love the neutral bigger pieces and the fact that if I wanted, I could easily change my color scheme with my accent pieces. One thing that helps is the sofa and diamond patterned chair are textured, which gives some interest. Love the sofa and can't wait to see what you decide for the chair!

The contrast welt looks good on the chair arm peeking out in the sofa picture. I think that is a great suggestion.

We have a chair similar in style to yours, but more of a wing back. It was a floor sample from Crate & Barrel & I fell in love with it. The chair itself is a botanical print on all of the front of the chair, including the seat cushion. The sides & back are a solid fabric in a cocoa/oatmeal color. I think you could do that with the lines of your chair, but it is more of a risk. I love the sofa you've chosen. I would post a pic of the chair, but need a tutorial first!

tina - do you have any pictures to share, especially of the linen chair and the tone on tone design?

ruby - I didn't even notice that chair in the sofa picture!!! It's not the same as the chair I'm considering, but, the arm is quite similar!

I agree. A darker contrast welt would look fabulous and more modern. Then you could pick up that color somehow in pillows too.

I just found a picture of the same style chair in a swivel, with a geometric pattern. It is a larger scale than the one I'm considering, but still helps visualize what it might look like. I'm still not sure I would be happy.

I prefer the second fabric. We have a similar chair in our den (it’s a swivel), and I wish I had done contrasting welt. Pillows in that salmon fabric will be yummy.

With a dense, understated pattern like the second fabric I would use a solid, lighter color for the welting. You could use the first pattern for the loose pillow as I think they go well together.

texan - I think your chair looks great in the striped fabric, even without contrasting welting.

kswl - I agree the two fabric under consideration do work well together and the first one would make a pretty pillow.

In light of the daily changes in my area (suburban Chicago) regarding the virus, I have decided to put this project on hold for now and will add chairs at another time. Thank you for all the input! It's been very helpful.