I have very mixed feelings about buying something that’s trendy, despite what I wrote in this post. Do I like it because it’s “cool”, am I going to drop a ton of money and not like it in five minutes when its moment has passed? How do I know if I actually like something or if my eyes are just used to seeing it?*
Let’s start with a case study. The chair above. You’ve seen it. The original as I know it is the Croft House Sierra Chair. I first saw this chair almost 3 years ago. Apartment Therapy posted a tour of the Cartorialist’s Home, and I was OBSESSED. It looks like a cloud. It can mix with so many styles. And now…..it is EVERYWHERE.
McGee & Co. sells a version. So does Denver Modern. Beginning in the Middle has them in grey in their Pearl Goes Modern house. They were in the room when Zendaya accepted her Emmy via Zoom.
I have moved in the 3 years since the chair first caught my eye, and unlike my previous apartment, my new apartment has space for an occasional chair. I could get it! And so I started to question, should I get it, or skip it given its current popularity?
On the one hand, I don’t think I should not get something I genuinely like because it’s popular, but, at the same time, I don’t necessarily want something that’s going to look dated in a year or two. Would this have “classic” status, where even if it’s less popular, it will never really be “out” (like my campaign dresser!), or, will it forever feel very pandemic-era? (Can I start using “pandemic-era” instead of 2020/2021?)
Ultimately, the long wait times everywhere pushed me towards the other chair of the moment. That’s right, a cream colored boucle swivel chair. I got this one, which sold out in the white color approximately 2 days after it was stocked. I went with it because I thought the more solid base would be a better fit for my living room than the black iron legs of the other chair. But the fact remains that this is also a pretty trendy piece, and unlike my campaign dresser, I’m not convinced I’ll love it forever. I’m worried the fabric won’t wear well**, but right now? Right now, I basically squealed with joy at how perfect it was when I unwrapped it. And so I guess, sometimes you have to throw up your hands and say who cares if I won’t have this piece forever, right now it’s making me happy.
Here are the other chairs I was considering:
*Conversely, how do I know I DON’T like something??
**This is a perfect example of me swearing something off only to backpedal shortly thereafter….I decided I would NOT give in to the boucle trend because it seems like the fabric may not wear well……but, here I am, with a beautiful white fabric swivel chair that I’m thrilled with.
PS, not sure if anyone noticed it, but, you can see some tape on the floor where I mapped out sizing to make sure the chair would fit my space. I thought of editing it out of the picture, but then I figured no, this is something that people should be doing! It’s really helpful to see what can/will fit your space. Since the chair is staying, I have since removed the tape. If you get any residue on your floors (which you shouldn’t if you’re using masking tape), some rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant wipe should get it right off.