We are gradually moving into the loft. The plan was never to have that much furniture but we did need a couple of office chairs. I been sitting at the kitchen table for 15 years I was looking forward to the idea of something slightly more comfortable.
The other issue is that our kitchen table is an old art school table so it’s slightly too high for all standard chairs. We have got used to that over the years and the children have finally grown out needing cushions or kneeling up. It wasn’t a deliberate thing – we only realised after we brought the table home from the junk shop (it was a long time ago, these things still existed) that it was so high. And it was only when we were buying new chairs that we realised that they would all be a few centimetres too low. And in the absence of commissioning bespoke chairs or benches, it was basically something we would have to live with.
However, the loft meant that we had a chance to install a desk at proper desk height. Which is, it turns about 73cm. Which initially felt very low but now that I am used to it is exactly right as it allows you to do that thing where your arms are at perfect right angles from the elbow, which is what the ergonomists (is that a word? People who know about ergonomics – them…) say they should be. And is surprisingly comfortable.
But then we needed chairs. The initial pictures I showed you had some old kitchen chairs in (also old school chairs) and I love those chairs but they are quite hard for a long day of typing. And so the hunt began. And was, in fact, over surprisingly fast. I googled vintage industrial chair and these came up. Just like that. They are from Peppermill Antiques who I knew already as I had recommended their products to a couple of clients.
The chairs were £225 each, arrived the following day and we both love them. They are so comfortable. I could never have believed that sitting at a desk could be so comfortable. Here’s to many more productive days sitting in my chair looking at this view.
The desk, by the way, is a piece of old school laboratory worktop (do you see a theme developing?).
Exquisite ! I’m salivating over my laptop. All the elements are divine. I follow Peppermill antiques on ebay and although I can pay to have things couriered it’s so much extra money. Envious at your access to beautiful items ! Although we do have so many junk shops where they look at me strangely when I hurl myself towards any industrial items ! They’re not really recognised for their beauty here in the SW of Ireland yet. It’s good for me though, I picked up 4 tubular metal adult school chairs for €20 last month ! I since saw something similar for around 400 each on a Spitalfields industrial furniture company I follow.
I’m rambling. Your loft is a thing of beauty !
What a great bargain. Long may the industrial trend continue to be untrendy in the SW of Ireland! I may have to come over with a shopping trolley…
Oh thank goodness. I didn’t want to say anything about the old school chairs in your reveal post but they felt theme over function to me and looked very uncomfortable. I remember back to my early school days when splinters were an issue too! I prefer a proper office chair but I have muscular problems so it means more to me. These looks like a better balance between comfort and aesthetics.
Hi Kate
Please could you let me know who supplied your windows for your loft? We are planning a loft conversion and are after similar style windows. Many thanks.
Claire
It was a company in north London – I will have to ask my builder but they are pretty straightforward wooden windows with small panes. If north London is the right sort of area then let me know and I’ll find the details.