How To Choose The Right Dining Chairs

Shopping for new dining chairs can be a fun and exciting time. But do you know how to choose the right dining chairs? Dining rooms come in all sizes and shapes including breakfast nooks, more formal dining spaces and standard family meal areas. We think the dining chair is possibly the most important element.

It isn’t until you start shopping for dining chairs that you realise you’re flush with styles, pricing and endless options. To help you with your decisions we have put together some basic tips.

Dining chair size

Before you head out looking for the grandest of dining chairs for your small 4-person table, measure the area you’re working with. Measure your table height, width and depth and take into account the apron of the table. This can make or break a dining chair’s functionality if there’s no clearance for your knees.

Once you have found chairs that fit in every direction you need to figure out how many you can (and want to) put around the table.  Leaving enough space between seats is important not just functionally but visually squished up chairs can look awkward. You can always buy a couple of extra chairs for those unplanned guests or dinner parties where people can squeeze in a bit closer for the event.

Deciding on style

Do you want upholstered? Is your preference timber? Do you want high or low backs? We can all agree there are countless options and styles available on the market. Dining chairs with higher backs and narrower seats are ideal for fitting more chairs in. They’re brilliant for dinner parties with lots of guests. Broader seat chairs look great around a square table in pairs on each side or singular.

Do you research online before walking into dining chair heaven and have some idea of what you’re looking for in advance. This will help narrow down your search significantly. Consider the look and feel you want your space to have. Do you like moody and luxe or airy and coastal. Not all styles will fit into all decors.

Choosing material

The type of material of your chair comes with pros and cons. Whether you choose upholstered fabric, timber chairs, metal or resin/acrylic you should consider all factors.

Upholstered chairs generally create a more formal look and can offer far more comfort. They also mean you can bring in colour and pattern to the room for contrast or flow. The only real downside to upholstered dining chairs is that you can’t simply wipe them clean. They need extra TLC so kids and pets may alter your final choice.

Timber dining chairs comes in a huge range of style and shapes. You will find darker and heavier shapes all the way through to minimalist designs in light oak or whites. Wooden dining chairs are generally low maintenance but can be uncomfortable without chair pads which can also change the look of the chair. Make sure you consider whether you have timber floors which may clash with a timber dining chair.

Metal dining chairs are super on-trend at the moment. They are the lowest maintenance chairs you will find but can also look a bit cold or hard in your dining area. Comfort can also be an issue with these chairs so be sure it’s the look you want before you buy a whole set.

Resin / acrylic dining chairs are also very popular at the moment and come in a huge range of styles. You can buy high end designer pieces or replica versions for a portion of the price. They do offer comfort and style at a great price and are really very low maintenance.

If you’re looking for a more provincial or rustic look you can consider rattan or wicker (like our all-time favourite Bonsum Chair!). These offer a long standing iconic look with their texture and comfort. Make sure you are ready for any possible damage or unravelling that will need repairing to avoid a tatty look.

The spend factor

Ultimately price is most people’s final deciding factor. Dining chairs can range in price astronomically from your cheap $20 bargains through to in excess of $1000 each. Multiply this by a large number of chairs and you may need to remortgage the house to get the ones you want.

Budget doesn’t have to limit you though. There really are such a huge variety of choices out there. You are likely to be able to find what you want at a price you’re willing to pay.

Final thoughts

It is reasonable to suggest that quality is important especially if you’re looking for a long term investment. Dining chairs have to be suitable enough for the weight they need to carry so structural stability is critical.

Another after-thought could be whether you want arms on dining chairs at the heads of the table. Or whether you want to mix and match styles for a more eclectic and less thought-out look.

Whatever style, look and material you choose remember that House & Garden stocks a fantastic range of beautiful and quality dining chairs, dining tables and furniture. We love to style to create the most fabulous space for you and your home including advice on how to choose the right dining chairs.