The Little Chair That Could

Do you remember the story of The Little Engine That Could? The Little Engine That Could is an American folktale existing in the form of several illustrated children’s books and films. The story is about optimism and hard work of a small train engine that triumphantly pulls a train load of toys and food over a mountain. The little train engine that says repeatedly, “I think I can, I think I can…” until it had fully succeeded.

Every year, I used to read this story to my classroom students to inspire them to never quit no matter the difficulties they encountered.

This is the story of the little chair that could. Well, since this post started out as something else with this cute little chair, with tons of character, way back when it is now about a sweet little chair that is a hard worker.

Hand-Me-Down

My little chair is a hand-me-down from my sister, a sort of cast off. It currently sits without its original caning seat and in its place is a round piece of plywood, and it has been this way forever. It is a reproduction and styled after the famous Bentwood chairs. I fell in love with its dainty design and it’s light-weight sturdy bones.

Cast-off, Overlooked and Sent to the Burn Pile

So, you see I saw something that not everyone else saw. I saw the little chair that could…

A Bistro Chair

I saw all the little things and possibilities that it might do one day. Such a little charmer. You may have seen chairs like these in bistros or restaurants, and you can find the reproductions almost everywhere. The Bentwood Cafe’ chair is one those ubiquitous items that is everywhere, but you may not have ever noticed it. It’s rooted in history and iconic in its shape. Back in the day they were thought to be too simple to be desirable. These chairs are still made today in Poland in one of the original factories where the original Thonet Bentwood chair was produced. Vintage bistro chairs come in all shapes and sizes- but this look is one of my favorites.

All in the Details

Bentwood chairs have just that- bent wood. The frame and design are created using wood that is steamed and bent. The Bentwood chair is very lightweight and quite durable. There are many different styles and designs for the backs. This is just one of them. I love the curly-q back because it gives an almost heart-shape design.

I think she is quite lovely tucked up next to a little table. These simple little chairs look like they belong inside an old French café.

Bones

Even with age, my bistro chair is still in solid condition with sturdy bones and made from solid wood.

The Chair That Could…

At my house this is the chair that could be… sat on.

This is the chair that could… be used to hold extra items such as platters, bowls and napkins etc., all those extra table setting items in the pantry.

This is the chair that could… be used in the bathroom next to the tub to hold a pretty stack of towels or toiletries.

This is the chair that could… be used to sit next to the bed to act as a nightstand.

If you have been around this blog for any time, you might know that I actually have a tiny obsession for chairs. This is why this little chair that could still holds a place in my home. Currently in my pantry to be exact.

Now with the dependable little chair that could, that is a little work horse around my home, I think of that little engine that could, and I will say…

‘I think I can.’