We have a wood dining table ( http://www.crateandbarrel.com/big-sur-natural-90.5-dining-table/s181269) and are looking to pair it with the Eames Fiberglass chairs. We have kids, and I like that the chairs are indestructible. (The wood chairs we have now are scuffed from hitting the edge of the table.)
However, we bought one of these chairs to test it out with the table, and it's way too low.
Anyone know what height we need to cut our table down to? I've seen this chair paired with the Saarinen table, which is 27.75" high. A typical table is 29 or 30 high, and I'm loath to cut the table down to a atypical size.
Anyone have this dining chair and find it comfortable/uncomfortable? How high is your table?
Alternatively, can someone recommend a different modern, wipeable, indestructible chair?
It's interesting that the combination of 30" table and 18.75" seat feels "way too low" to you. My setup (Knoll table with a rectangular top instead of the huge oval, with plastic Panton chairs) is overall lower than yours, but it has exactly the same seat-to-tabletop difference (27.75" table and 16.5" seat) and it feels perfect to me.
But maybe I'm just used to it. Or maybe you're just used to something else.
If you can't get accustomed to the 11.25" difference (and you don't want to put cushions on the chairs), the easiest way to find your perfect seat-to-tabletop height would be to raise the chair on blocks until it feels right to you. Measure the blocks, cut that much off the table legs, et voila.
nikonga,
With the information given I would purchase the Eames chairs and the Saarinen large oval marble table. Myself it is Knoll Mies van der Rohe stainless steel flat bar in black Volo with the Fontana Arte Gae Aulenti Tour table. I do not have children.
Similar to fastfwd's photo, acquire "high impact plastic" chairs. Kartell, as an example, makes a great many models and vast quantities (some products are rated for institutional use...ie. they take a beating). Dr No chairs may be found on the secondary market at reasonable prices. Vitra, Heller and many other quality manufacturers have products to suit your needs. The same may be said of dining tables. The Kartell Toptop is another good example of product available at reasonable pricing.
Do not cut anything. Save your money. Try to get by with what you have and educate yourself to what you desire. Buy quality at full retail through many qualified vendors or with more care on the secondary market (Craigslist, eBay et al).
When it is all said and done, sell the table you have and never again shop at Crate and Barrel.
I suppose at some point children stop abusing furniture. When this happens you may consider a set of Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs for Carl Hansen & Søn and matching table by the same manufacturer.
I think the chairs feel so low because they "scoop" back. You fall into them , instead of sitting upright like with a flat-seated chair. At least, that's my theory.
Niceguy, thanks for the tips. Saw some lovely chairs from Vitra, but wow, the price! I may come out ahead just chopping down our table. 🙂
Try the upholstered (hopsack) version where there's some added height on the seat and the sitter will not slip forward. It is not wipeable though per your comment and needs regular maintenance such as vacuuming and shampooing. The vinyl version will also add some height to the seat and easier to maintain than fabric but probably goes back to your first comment of the sitter slipping forward.
I am not sure how tall you are but these chairs were designed to accomodate most users for both residential and contract use. If it suits your aesthetics, why not try a vintage office/task version with the four star base (some with wheels and height adjustment).
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