There is just something about beautiful cane back dining chairs that has such a quintessential charm.
With round backs, delicate carved details and fluted legs – these Louis style chairs are a classic look that won’t go out of style- and they are a favorite look in French Country style dining rooms.
Since I shared these dining chairs I have gotten a lot of questions about where to find them. These particular chairs are vintage- they have a chippy old painted finish and I found them through my friend Michelle at The Bella Cottage. I also picked up another set of vintage on craigslist- 4 small dining chairs and a settee that also appeared in Inspired Gatherings.
Buying Tips
When shopping for vintage- a few things to keep in mind.
Craigslist: If you are committed to the hunt for vintage- try scouring those vintage shops, tag sales and places like Craigslist for chairs that are similar- and just keep checking. You never know when they might pop up.
Finding a Set: Louis chairs come in many styles with many different details. From carvings, to deep fluting, to details around the cane back, cane seats, upholstered seats, painted colors and finishes- and more. Sometimes you can score a whole set if you are lucky- but often you might find just one or a pair. I love the look of mix and mingle with these- I have had different style chairs at the end before and it works perfectly. So don’t pass up those loners if you love them.
Pay attention to the caning: Caned chairs can be a bit harder to come by especially in good condition as the caning often has damage- especially the seats. Our chairs have caned seats as well- and some have a layer of wood over them since they had some damage. So, what if you find the piece de resistance of chairs and you have to have it but it has damage to the caning? Know that you can redo caning or have it fixed. I have not tackled that and am not sure how involved or expensive that would be. So take that into consideration in the overall cost of the chairs. * Please take a look at the comments for some suggestions from readers on fixing the caning as well!
Give them the wiggle test: As with any vintage chair- you want them to be usable as well as pretty. Make sure the joints are stable and secure and the chair is in good condition for everyday use.
Reproductions: A good option is to find new chairs that have the look you are after. A good reproduction has a lot of the same charm and details as vintage- without the worry of the damage or it being unstable for use. You can also find new versions of the chairs at all different price points. From the basic overall look that is very inexpensive- to the very detailed reproductions that will give you the look of an expensive antique.
Shop the Look
I have done a bit of browsing and rounded up a few options at different price points and age for Getting The Look of Louis French style cane chairs we love. *Some affiliate links
Set of 2 Linen Chairs
This pair of chairs will give you the look of those lovely vintage chairs at a pretty great price.
Carved Single Cane Chair
This one is sold individually if you just want a chair for the office maybe- and it also has more detailed carvings on the legs.
Pair of Carved Leg Chairs
This is the same chair as above with the carved details on the legs- but is sold in a pair.
End Chairs
These are a great price for an arm chair- you can also use a pair of them around a fireplace or in a seating group.
Carved Floral Cane Chairs (2)
Such a unique and pretty look- the backs of these chairs have a subtle curve and carving that offers a different look than a traditional round back Louis style chair.
French Gray Chairs
A different color combination- at a great price.
Vintage Set of 4
One of the best places to shop for vintage sets is Etsy. I found this set of 4 vintage chairs – and they will ship.
The next two chairs are for those who are looking for something truly unique and beautiful with a bigger budget. I love the carved bows on these painted chairs and the details surround the whole back of the chair.
Carved Bow Details
French Fabric Seat
And the charming fabric on these is such a lovely touch and gives these chairs a very French vintage feeling.
Mila says
Hi Courtney
Really love your selections.
Repairing cane backed chairs is no longer an expensive or complicated undertaking.
You can buy caning by thr yard or role at various DIY Stores and simply cut a piece a bit larger than the area, soak it in a sink for 30 mins to flatten it. Then patt it dry and attach with glue and staples. Once fully dry it will become nice and taut and voila! Thats all there is to it:) Hope this helps your readers too:))
Courtney says
That is awesome to know! Thank you for sharing it- I will add a note to the post to read the comments!
Kandee ACUNA says
I am experienced at handcaning and machine caning. YOu can always find someone to handcane, very expensive and they charge per the hole. If you can’t afford that you can have an expert route out the rim on the item and have it machine canned. A lot less expensive and probably faster. I don’t cane for other people.
Courtney says
That is so great to know! Thank you!
EILEEN says
I love these chairs. I bought a dining room set from marian of Miss Mustard seed and they look different from all of the above. they have an OVAL BACK WITH AN INWARD CURVE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WOOD AT THE MIDDLE OF THE CANE BACKS. JUST WONDERFUL AND I LOVE THEM. SHE MADE GRAIN SACK FABRIC COVERS WITH TIES(LIKE YOURS) AND LEFT THE GOLD VELVET UPHOLSTERED SEATS UNDERNEATH.
EILEEN says
Sorry my typing is so hideous. I’m doing my taxes and took a break to read your blog. my state of mind is like that typing, lol.
Aussie Jo says
So very lovely
Nitasha says
EVERYTHING looks ABSOLUTELY STunning! YoUr style is the Best! Could you please share some shelf stYling tips. I COULDN’T find the link in your instagram stories or blog.
P.s apologies For the Font, i couldNt finD the option to change it!
Karen B. says
Great post. I love the chairs and having cane chairs once upon a time, I understand the importance of making sure the cane is strong.
You always do the most beautiful rooms.
xo,
Karen
Kalee says
I LOVE the chair covers, do you have a link to where you got them?