10 Things to Consider When Buying Dining Room Chair

There are a nearly endless number of dining chair styles to choose from and picking the right one for you is far from easy. From modern and contemporary styles to rustic, farmhouse, and classical styles, there are major differences from one style to another and, although mixing and matching does have its place in interior design, there are many style combinations that just don’t go well together.

In this post, we’ll dive into the most popular dining chair styles and help you pick the perfect style for your situation.

The dining chair styles we offer

We stock a large range of dining chair styles, ranging from modern and Scandi-style to industrial-style dining chairs. If you’re in the market for a new set of dining chairs, have a look at our dining chair category in the main menu at the top of this page, or click one of the links at the start of this paragraph to browse our collection.

Why picking the right style is important

Choosing the ideal dining chair style might be easier than other interior design considerations, but it’s still very important that the style of the chairs match your current interior in order for them not to look out of place. The type of dining chairs you select can have a big impact on how your dining area looks and feels as a whole. Below are some of the most important reasons why picking the right style is important:

Enhancing the Dining Experience

Dining chairs play an essential role in creating a pleasurable dining space. The right chair design should offer enough support and ergonomics, ensuring that your family and visitors can sit comfortably for long periods of time without experiencing any discomfort. This also includes their height being suitable for the height of the dining table and features like armrests if applicable.

They can improve the look and feel of your dining space

Your dining room is an extension of your individual taste and style and they have a big impact on the look and feel of the room. Chairs can place more emphasis on certain features or add contrast to a room, depending on your preferences. They also come in a range of different styles, from modern and minimalist styles to traditional and farmhouse styles, which should match the décor of the room in order to look good.

Practicality

Another perhaps obvious one is practicality. The chairs need to be a practical fit for the room they’ll be used in. If you’re working with a small space, then smaller, minimalist chairs are going to be a more practical option than large, traditional models. The dining table the chairs will be used for also plays a role here, since the chairs need to fit comfortably under the table in order to be practical and for them not to take up a considerable amount of space.

Dining chair features

There are quite a number of features to keep in mind when choosing a dining chair style, which can often be found in a range of different design styles. Below, we’ll dive into a number of the most important ones to consider and keep in mind.

Backrests

The level of support and comfort that a dining chair offers is significantly influenced by the design of the backrest. A few common backrest designs include high backs, low backs, and upholstered backrests.

Chairs with high backrests offer good support for the shoulders and upper back, encouraging a comfortable and supported sitting position. They are perfect for formal dining situations or for people who like a more classic and elegant appearance. That being said, most other dining chair styles also have high backrest variations.

Low backrests have more of a streamlined, contemporary design. They have a simple appearance and are a fantastic option for modern or informal eating areas. They may not offer as much support as high backrests, but they help the room feel open and spacious. The lower backrests also take up less space in the room which can be beneficial to smaller dining spaces.

Upholstered backrest chairs provide a touch of relaxation and luxury. They frequently have padding or cushioning, which adds to the back support and improves the pleasure of long meals. Both high and low backrests can be upholstered and they come in pretty much all different styles.

Armrests

Although armrests are not necessary for dining chairs, they can provide additional comfort and add a sophisticated touch to the room. Dining chairs without armrests have a modern, streamlined appearance and are generally easier to fit into small spaces, as well as easier to fit under a dining table. They are a sensible option for dining rooms with limited space since they take up less real estate and make it simpler to walk about the table.

For those who prefer a more leisurely dining experience, armrests on the chair give extra support and comfort. Additionally, they may make your dining area feel more elegant and formal, making them a great fit for more traditional dining spaces.

Height

To guarantee maximum comfort and appropriate alignment with your dining table, you should carefully examine the height of your dining chairs. There are three standard heights that dining chairs come in, although the exact height can vary a little from one model to the other.

The average dining table is between 28 and 30 inches tall. The distance from the floor to the seat of dining chairs made for standard-height tables is normally between 18 and 20 inches. This is the most common height for a dining chair, given the fact that most dining chairs are used for standard dining tables.

The other two are counter-height dining chairs, which are also called counter stools, and bar-height dining chairs, often called bar stools. Dining chairs with a counter height are taller and have seats that are between 24 and 26 inches high. These seats have been specially made to go with counter-height tables, which are frequently seen in kitchens or casual eating settings. With seat heights ranging from 28 to 32 inches, bar-height dining chairs are the highest choice. They are appropriate for elevated worktops or bar-height tables in open-concept kitchens.

We just published a post comparing bar stools to counter stools recently, which is definitely worth checking out!

Materials and Finishes

Different materials and finishes are available for dining chairs, and each one has a unique visual appeal and level of sturdiness. Although we can’t list all of the materials we stock, some of the most popular ones include wood, metal, and upholstery fabrics like leather, velvet, and fabric.

Dining chairs made of wood are classics that never go out of style because of their strength, adaptability, and natural beauty. They can be made from many kinds of wood, like oak, walnut, or maple, and finished in various paints or stains to suit your preferred style. Wooden dining chairs tend to work best for traditional styles, as well as coastal and Scandinavian-style rooms.

Metal dining chairs have a sleek and contemporary appearance. They are frequently constructed of aluminium, steel, or wrought iron. They can survive repeated usage and are lightweight and simple to clean. Metal is used in a broad range of modern and contemporary styles, as well as industrial styles too and it’s one of the most common materials for dining chair frames.

Seats and/or backrests that are upholstered in chairs provide increased comfort and a touch of elegance. Typical upholstery choices include leather, faux leather, velvet and fabric. Your dining space may benefit greatly from the texture, colour, and pattern added by upholstered dining chairs.

Different Styles of Dining Chairs

Dining chairs come in a nearly endless number of styles and there are models available for pretty much every single interior imaginable. Below, we’ve listed a number of the most popular dining room chair styles for you to choose from.

Modern Contemporary

Modern contemporary dining chairs emphasize functionality while showcasing clean lines and simple designs. They frequently make use of materials like metal, plastic, or (moulded) wood, displaying a simple and elegant look. Upholstered seating is common, as is the case for many of the other styles, but there are also models with acrylic or metal seats too. For those who want to give their dining area a chic and modern appeal, these seats are a perfect choice.

Eclectic

Eclectic dining chairs embrace a mix-and-match philosophy, fusing various designs, materials, and hues to provide a one-of-a-kind and customized appearance. Combining chairs with different designs, patterns, and textures to bring visual interest and uniqueness to your dining area allows you to express your creativity and originality. Although there are many unique dining chair designs that can fall into this category, it is generally the way the chairs are used and how they are matched with other chairs as well as the rest of the furniture that really gives them the eclectic look.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian-style dining chairs are known for their utility, simplicity, and use of natural materials. They frequently have simple lines with an emphasis on comfort and light-coloured wood, such as beech or oak. Scandinavian design places a strong emphasis on warmth and friendliness while also looking modern, making these chairs a well-liked option for furnishing a friendly and informal dining space.

Industrial

Industrial dining chairs have a raw and tough design and are inspired by industries and warehouses. They frequently include utilitarian shapes, metal frames, and distressed finishes like brushed steel. These chairs go particularly nicely with modern or loft-style decor and provide a sense of urban and edgy flair to a dining area.

Traditional

Traditional dining chairs radiate class and enduring style and work best in traditional interiors, although unique combinations with modern interiors may work well too. They frequently have elaborate woodwork, embellishments, and plush upholstery. These chairs are an ideal option for formal dining rooms or those seeking a traditional and sophisticated atmosphere.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century contemporary dining chairs pay respect to mid-20th-century design trends. They have recognizable characteristics including organic forms, tapering legs, and vivid colours. These chairs blend comfort and design to create a retro-inspired appearance that gives your dining area a nostalgic feel.

Rustic

Dining chairs with a rustic aesthetic appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. They frequently use organic materials, such as wood, wicker, or rattan, exuding warmth and genuineness. Rustic chairs are ideal for establishing a warm and welcoming ambiance in your dining area since they often have earthy tones, weathered finishes, and basic yet reliable designs.

Coastal

The casual and beachy atmosphere that coastal life inspires may be found in coastal dining chairs. They frequently include light-coloured wood or wicker components, as well as airy upholstery in blue or white tones. Coastal chairs are renowned for their easy appeal and informal elegance, which creates a calm and quiet atmosphere evocative of the seashore.

Check out more styles in our post on different furniture styles for your home.

FAQs:

What elements should I take into account when selecting dining chair styles?

Some important things to consider are your dining room's overall decor, your preferred level of comfort, the materials' longevity, the features you want the chair to have, and how well the chairs match your dining table.

How can I select dining chair designs that go with my current decor?

Select dining chair designs that go well with the general concept of your dining area to provide a unified appearance. Take into account factors like the colour scheme, textures, and design themes used in your current décor. Make sure to consider whether you want to create contrast with the dining chairs or whether you want them to blend in with the rest of the room.

Can I mix and match dining chair designs around my table?

Yes, blending several dining chair designs can result in a unique and eclectic aesthetic. Just be sure to preserve a feeling of aesthetic harmony by taking into account factors like colour coordination or finding a commonality in the chairs' designs or materials.

What kind of dining chairs are suitable for smaller dining rooms?

Consider dining chair options with armless designs, streamlined profiles, lower backrests and light materials in smaller dining settings to give the impression of more space. Transparent or open-backed chairs can also contribute to an airy atmosphere.

What types of dining chairs work best in formal dining rooms?

Formal dining rooms frequently favour dining chair designs with an aura of elegance and refinement, such as conventional or high-back chairs. Try to find chairs with ornate woodwork, upholstered seats, or opulent accents. More traditional styles tend to work best here, but some modern designs could work well too.

Conclusion

There are countless dining chair styles to choose from and picking the ideal one can result in a unified and attractive dining area. In this post, we covered some of the most common dining room chair styles as well as the many different features that are important to consider when choosing which one is right for you. You should now have a good idea of the different types available and the differences between them, as well as which style is right for you.

If you have any questions after reading this post, or about the any of the dining chairs or other furniture we stock, please feel free to reach out to us. Our customer support team is always happy to help!

The size of your dining room chairs is a pretty big deal, since you need them to fit perfectly around your table. The perfect dining chair style, then, will depend on the measurements.

Before you buy any chairs, measure the room where you’ll put them, as well as the table. You’ll need to take both width and height into consideration.