Dining chairs are a cozy, functional blend of style and utility and a must-have addition to creating a comfortable sitting space for family and friends to enjoy meals and time spent together.
Whether your existing set-up needs a facelift or you’re looking for a new style, follow our dining chairs buying guide to help you make the right decision.
Armchairs are traditional dining chairs with an upholstered seat, exposed legs, and a back with armrests. These chairs sit at the head and foot of a dining table and tie together a dining room.
Armless Dining Chairs
Armless dining chairs, also known as side chairs, are easy to slide in and out of and are generally placed along the lengths of a dining table. They commonly include backrests and can be upholstered for extra comfort.
Dining Benches & Stools
Dining benches or stools are a replacement for traditional chairs. Benches or stools are often backless and made of wood or fabric. These compact seating choices are perfect for fitting in more guests around the table and can sit against a wall when not in use.
Types of Dining Chairs
The most common dining chair options are wood, metal, or fabric. Additional materials like wicker and plastic offer more style options.
Wood
Wood chairs are extremely durable and complement traditional or rustic spaces. Some wood chairs include upholstered seats and backs for comfort.
Metal
Metal dining chairs are easy to clean, lightweight, and perfect for industrial or contemporary spaces.
Fabric
Upholstered chairs are made from fabrics like suede, leather, and cotton. These opulent styles are luxurious, comfortable, and great for prolonged meals and time spent around the dining table.
Additional Dining Chair Features
The most common dining chair options are wood, metal, or fabric. Additional materials like wicker and plastic offer more style options.
Stackable Dining Chairs
Stackable chairs are a great option if you're looking for dining chairs that can be tucked out of the way when not in use. Stackable chair designs have a large base that fits snugly onto one another to minimize the space you need to store them.
Swiveling Dining Chairs
Designed to turn on their axis, swivel chairs are a comfortable way to allow for extra movement at the table or countertop. If you anticipate a lot of movement, swivel chairs provide more mobility than standard dining chairs.
Dining Chairs with Casters
Casters are small wheels fastened to the bottom of chairs that allow for easy movement across the carpet and wooden floors. Dining chairs with casters can be a practical addition to your home, and they come in many styles, including upholstery, metal, and wood designs.
How To Choose the Right Height for Your Dining Chairs
Measure from the floor to the top of the chair’s seat to determine the height of your chair. A good rule of thumb is to leave 12 inches of space between your seat and the dining table surface. If the chair has arms, ensure seven inches of space from the top of the arm to the dining table surface.
Standard Chair Height
The typical dining chair rises 18" off the ground, which pairs perfectly with standard-height dining tables.
Counter Chair Height
Counter-height dining chairs and stools generally rise from 24 to 26 inches, which pairs with counter-height tables.
Bar Chair Height
Bar-height dining chairs or stools pair with bar-height table surfaces and are the tallest you can find, measuring from 28 to 32 inches.
Pairing Your Dining Chairs with a Table
Stackable chairs are a great option if you're looking for dining chairs that can be tucked out of the way when not in use. Stackable chair designs have a large base that fits snugly onto one another to minimize the space you need to store them.
1.
Consider Room & Table Size
Your dining chairs should perfectly and comfortably sit around your table, giving guests ample elbow space and room for getting in and out of their seats.
Before buying chairs, measure both the width and height of the chairs and the length of the table they will be matched with. You also want to ensure that there are 36 inches of space between the chair backs and any walls of other dining room furniture so guests can easily maneuver in the space.
2.
Measure How Many Chairs can Fit Comfortably
The average chair will be 16 to 20 inches in width. You will also want to allow for an additional six inches of space between chairs to provide ample room to maneuver and eat at the table.
3.
Consider Chair Arms
Dining chairs with arms can provide a stately feel and are often placed at the head and foot of dining tables. Your chairs should easily slide under the table when not in use.
Measure your table height and chair height to ensure your chairs will not be too tall and obstruct walking space. There needs to be at least seven inches of space from the bottom of the table surface to the chair arms.
Pro Tip
A tip for deciding how many chairs you will fit comfortably at the table is to measure the length of your table, and divide it by 24”. That will give you the number of chairs that can be seated on each side.
For example, a 72” table can generally accommodate three chairs per side, with the addition of chairs for the head and foot of the table.
4.
Decide on Your Seating Needs
Is upholstered comfort at the top of your list? Or an easy-to-clean option with messy toddlers? Or do you prefer a space-saving solution with stackable chairs? It is important to consider your needs.
Dining chairs come in a wide variety of styles, materials, sizes, and colors to meet your needs in terms of beauty and utility.
5.
Consider a Dining Set
Dining chairs are often included in style-matched sets of dining furniture. A dining set ensures that the size and style of your chairs and table match.
Dining sets can include other pieces, like a sideboard or display case – maximizing the design and functionality of your space.
Find the Perfect Dining Chairs for Your Space
Crafting a dining room that fits your needs in terms of functionality and aesthetic takes a lot of work, but we’re here to make it easy for you. Browse our curated collection of quality dining chairs in different materials, colors, and sizes at furniture.com.
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Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Praesent auctor purus luctus enim egestas, ac scelerisque ante pulvinar
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