Most dining chairs are chosen for how they look. But according to award-winning interior architect Alyssa Anselmo, that’s the wrong starting point.
Well—technically—she’d probably never say anything is wrong. Alyssa isn’t one for design absolutes. But when it comes to picking the perfect seat, she believes something matters more than aesthetics: how it feels.
“A dining chair isn’t just a seat, it’s a foundation for conversation, a sculptural statement, and a reflection of craftsmanship,” she told me.
“A dining chair isn’t just a seat, it’s a foundation for conversation, a sculptural statement, and a reflection of craftsmanship”
It’s this mindset that’s led her to an unexpected favorite: repurposed 1970s office chairs. She’s currently using a vintage set around her own dining table—think heavy steel frames, rich red leather, and a vibe that feels equal parts academic and inviting.
Her love for surprising design pairings also shows up in the projects she leads at her Milan-based studio, Studio Anva, and in her standout interiors—like the ultra-chic daycare space she recently created for Bambini Center (yes, a daycare, and yes, it’ll make you wish you were a student again). But you don’t have to be a client to learn from her—her Instagram is basically a crash course in design literacy, from decoding “warm minimalism” to spotlighting architectural styles you probably never learned in school.
When I reached out to Alyssa to talk dining chairs, the conversation quickly shifted from “what’s trending” to “what actually matters.” And to say she knows a thing or two about chairs is putting it lightly. With a background in industrial design, Alyssa is laser-focused on ergonomics and materials—form comes second to function.
Below, she shares her favorite sources, what to look for in a standout dining chair, and why great design isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.
So, What Makes a Great Dining Chair?
“When choosing a chair, I naturally gravitate toward pieces with a heavy, quality base—often something visually weighted.”
For Alyssa, it all comes down to weight. Not just how much it literally weighs (though, yes, that matters), but how grounded, balanced, and intentional the piece feels. It’s why she leans toward vintage over mass-produced—those older chairs were built to last, with weighted steel, structured leather, and real wood.
The way a chair supports your body—or works against it—becomes apparent within seconds of sitting down
That immediate, physical reaction—whether you lean back and feel at ease or start fidgeting right away—is her litmus test.
The Office Chair Turned Dining Staple
Scroll through her Instagram, and you’ll probably spot them: sculptural, steel-framed office chairs repurposed around her dining table. They’re vintage ’70s finds, pulled out of their original context—and that’s the point.
“To me, the best designs emerge when an object is placed in a completely new context.”
Photo by Alyssa Anselmo
To me, the best designs emerge when an object is placed in a completely new context.
It’s not just a clever style move—it’s deeply functional. Office chairs were made to be sat in for hours, which makes them surprisingly perfect for dinner parties and long conversations. In Alyssa’s words, reimagining institutional furniture brings both character and comfort to a space.
“Beyond functionality, I love incorporating chairs in unexpected ways.”
And the best part? You don’t have to be scouring Milanese flea markets to pull it off. Just keep an eye out for the same cues she does: strong silhouettes, real materials, sculptural lines, and a presence that doesn’t fade into the background.
Chairs That Work Harder Than Your Sofa
Whether vintage or new, Alyssa believes the best dining chairs check four boxes: weight, materiality, comfort, and history.
And maybe a little quirk doesn’t hurt either.
“Whether it’s a vintage find from an Italian office or a contemporary design that nods to the past, the best chairs hold a presence in a room—they’re both functional and deeply intentional.”
How to Shop for a Chair That Actually Lasts
If you’re trying to recreate the look, or just want a dining chair that doesn’t feel like it came out of a flat-pack box, Alyssa suggests looking for these key details:
- Soft yet structured upholstery (leather, especially, can hit both)
- A weighted base (steel or solid wood = good signs)
- Subtle but striking color or shape (bold doesn’t always mean loud)
- History (a chair with a past adds soul to a room)
Alyssa’s Favorite Dining Chair Brands
When she’s not repurposing vintage pieces or designing her own, Alyssa gravitates toward brands with strong materiality and a distinct point of view:
- HAY – Modern, high-quality, playful takes on classic forms
- Cassina – Timeless Italian craftsmanship with serious design heritage
- Thonet – Bentwood and tubular steel icons—the OGs of iconic seating
Her Dreamiest Chair Picks
Some of Alyssa’s all-time favorites channel the utilitarian feel of ’60s and ’70s institutional furniture—think library chairs or vintage school seating, reimagined with softer curves and elevated finishes.
“There’s something about their utilitarian nature that feels both nostalgic and beautifully simple.”
Now that she’s pointed it out, I can’t stop seeing them everywhere. Here are some favorites currently on her radar:
“One of my favorite contemporary takes—it captures that institutional essence but refines it for modern dining spaces.”
Final Thoughts
A good dining chair looks nice. A great one feels like it was built just for you. And if this taught me anything, it’s probably a little heavier than you expected.
As Alyssa likes to put it: Good design isn’t about money—it’s about intention.
What’s your go-to dining chair—and what makes it great?
We’re always on the hunt for design stories that go beyond the surface. If you have a favorite piece with a backstory, a clever repurpose, or a dining setup that deserves the spotlight, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to me to share your space—we just might feature it next.
