Dining Chairs

Dining Chairs: Materials, Dimensions & FAQs

The ideal dining chair set will maximize your mealtime comfort and define your dining room style. Let's explore the materials and dimensions of dining chairs and answer some frequently asked questions to help you make the best choice for your space.

Dining Chair Materials

Wood

Wood dining chairs are sturdy, timeless and complement a host of decor styles, from traditional and mid-century to rustic and modern farmhouse. Natural-toned or painted, with or without an upholstered seat, hardwood side chairs add warm charm to your room.

Upholstered

Upholstered dining chairs with plush cushions are comfortable and inviting. Available in a variety of materials, colors and patterns, it's easy to find upholstery that will complement your dining room. Elegant channel backs or tufted seats will further elevate their style. Stain-resistant materials like velvet and performance fabric are easy to maintain if you're worried about wear and tear.

Natural Fiber

Natural-fiber dining chairs crafted with rattan frames, seagrass seats or cane backs are filled with warm texture. These relaxed side chairs are often mixed-material creations with durable wood frames.

Metal

Metal dining chairs are strong, lightweight and available in modern colors. Upholstered side chairs with metal frames and painted legs are a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Dining Chair Dimensions

Height

Since a typical dining table is 30-inches tall and the average dining side chair is 18-inches from floor to seat, 12 inches of legroom is a good baseline for comfortable meals. Dining chair backrests, on the other hand, are determined by your style preferences. A Windsor-style armchair with a supportive back over 20-inches high will lend a formal feel to your dinner table. Casual dining chairs with backs 12 inches or lower are comfy, chic and space saving. Make sure to measure from the floor to the bottom of your tabletop when choosing armchairs for the ends of the table.

Width

The ideal width of your dining chairs depends upon your dining table. We recommend spacing your chairs at least 6 inches apart to give your guests elbow room. Leaving three feet between the chair backs and a wall will keep diners from feeling cramped.

Dining Chairs FAQs

• What is a reasonable price for a dining chair?
  • The Dining chair prices depend on the quality of its materials and style of its design. Prices can range from $100 to more than $500. A set of two chairs is a better value for the price. Consult your budget and keep an eye out for sales!
• What makes a good quality dining chair?
  • A quality dining chair is crafted of durable materials with proper bracing, a comfortable seat and a supportive back. A good chair will showcase the styles and colors that suit your space.
• Is it OK to have different dining chairs?
  • An eclectic contrast of dining chairs is a sign of personal style. Mixing and matching accent chairs adds visual character to your dining space, replacing formality with fun. Using a consistent color palette or complementary design elements will unify your chairs.
• What is the best seat height for a dining chair?
  • A dining chair's seat should be about 12 inches lower than the dining table's overall height to allow for comfortable legroom.
• What are the best colors for dining chairs?
  • All colors are the best if they complement your dining space! Colors that contrast with your dining table are an equally welcome option for adventurous interior decor.
• What color should not be used in dining spaces?
  • Overly bright or dark tones may create an unappetizing atmosphere. You can't go wrong with colors that create a warm and inviting ambience.
• Should chair legs match the dining table?
  • Matching your chair legs to the table will create a cohesive look, but it's not the only visually appealing option. Contrasting materials and colors in the dining room celebrates an eclectic or rustic style.
• How many chairs do you need around your dining table?
  • This will again depend on your dining table. A 48-inch square or round table will typically fit four chairs, 60-inch round tables will fit six. With a rectangular or oval table, you'll likely need 72-inches in length for six chairs, 96 inches for eight and 120 inches total for 10.

Now that you've considered some of dining seat options available, let your specific needs guide you to the perfect chairs. We're confident that your future side chairs and dining arm chairs will be comfortable, functional and stylish additions to your dining room that accentuate your home decor.