Would you sit in a chair made of antlers? Michelle Pfeiffer would. The actress took to Instagram to share a jokey picture posed in a fur and antler seat, and fans had thoughts.
Antler chairs have been around since the 19th century, attributed to the Biedermeier period. They often appear as a way to decorate with antiques, and are always available from vintage sellers like 1stDibs and Chairish. However, for many viewers of the post (including myself) it was the first time seeing furniture made of this material.
Many fans loved the modern rustic style of the chair. One person commented: 'That’s the most amazing chair I’ve ever seen.' Another chimed in: 'You look so Cool! Really like that chair. It is so different!.' Yet another commenter added: 'A Seat of Antlers. Very powerful.' With its arcing shape and unique texture, I can definitely see their point.
Shop the rustic look
Though most people are unlikely to buy antler chairs for their homes, warm wood and lived-in textiles help to create the same rustic, lake house decor feel.
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However, another (equally vocal) contingent was much more concerned about Michelle's safety. They instantly put it in the category of mistakes to avoid when shopping for thrifted furniture. 'Do not jump on from the side!!' warns one commenter. Another fan states: 'That chair looks dangerous! Be care getting out of it!.' 'This chair gives me anxiety- but it’s a really cool picture,' says another commenter, offering a more balanced perspective.
As a design aficionado, I can see both sides. I really love decorating with vintage, and my favorite spaces all work hard to integrate natural materials. The rustic modern look has been one of the coolest trends to emerge over the last year, and I can see a chair like this fitting in well to one of these schemes on either side of a fireplace. At the same time, it is important to think about safety and what will actually be functional in your home when buying furniture. A chair like this would likely be a poor fit for a family with children or pets running around.
Luckily, at the end of the day, the most important opinion in design is your own. Having considered both sides of the debate, I have only one question left: what do you think?
