I’ll be honest—I almost passed on the Anna Side Chair because I thought it might look too ‘designed.’ You know that thing where furniture tries too hard to be Instagram-worthy and ends up feeling cold? That was my fear. But something about the charcoal leather and that slightly worn-in texture made me curious.

It arrived earlier this week, and wow—first unpacking moment that actually made me smile. The recycled leather has this rugged, lived-in vibe that doesn’t usually come with brand-new furniture. It’s not perfect, and that’s the point. The metal frame keeps it from tipping into ‘vintage cottagecore’ territory, giving it a clean, grounded feel.

I placed it next to my dining table, which is raw oak, and it just… works. No awkward mismatch, no shouting for attention. It surprised me how such a simple piece could shift the whole energy of the room. My kid even said, ‘That chair looks tough but also kind of cozy,’ which, coming from a seven-year-old, felt like high praise.

At $390, it’s not the cheapest chair out there, but it’s solid. I’ve sat in a few ‘budget’ options lately that creak after two weeks. This one feels like it’ll last. Plus, the seat’s deep enough that I can actually lean back while reading—small things, I know, but they add up.

If you’re into that modern-but-not-sterile look, or just want something that won’t look dated in a year, this one’s worth a look. I’m already thinking about getting the dark green one for the other side.