The Petite Life

I can’t stop staring at this little chair.

There’s something about the elegance of its curved legs, the delicately carved trim, and that perfect woven cane seat and back—it’s as if it belongs in a grand Parisian salon, only shrunk down to fit in the palm of my hand.

Miniature chairs are my absolute favorite. Out of all the tiny things I collect or create, chairs like this one always steal my heart. There’s a personality to them, a story waiting to be told in every scroll and spindle.

But here’s my dilemma: Do I paint it or stain it?

The raw wood is so full of potential. A soft ivory paint with light distressing would make it feel right at home in a shabby chic or French country setting. But staining it in a rich, warm tone would highlight every bit of that carved detail and give it a more vintage, heirloom feel.

For now, I’m just enjoying it in its unfinished state—like a piece of art paused mid-sentence.

Miniatures have a way of making time slow down. They invite us to notice the details and imagine the world they belong to. This chair, just as it is, reminds me why I love this hobby so much: it’s about wonder, beauty, and the joy of creating something small with a big soul.

What do you think—paint or stain?