How to Choose The Right Dining Chairs

The dining room is the heart of the home. It’s the place where families come back together after a long day, where relatives gather over the holidays, friends catch up, and parents help with homework. Such an important space needs good dining chairs so you can sit comfortably for all these precious moments. 

When choosing dining chairs for your home, there are a few things to consider as you begin your search.

1. Size

You have to consider the size of the room, table, and chairs. A smaller room is better suited for a round table and slim chairs to maximize the floor space and avoid overcrowding. You should choose a dining room table and chairs that allow 48 inches of clearance between the chairs and a wall.

The standard seat height of most dining chairs is 18 inches, and the average table stands 30 inches high. You want about 12 inches of space between the bottom of the table and the top of the chair. This gap will allow guests to fit and maneuver in and out of their seats comfortably. 

Another size dimension to consider is how many chairs you can fit around your table. Make sure each seat has about 24 inches of space on the tabletop. 

2. Layout

Once you know the size requirements for your dining chairs, it’s time to consider if you’re just going to have chairs or if you’re going to incorporate a bench along the long side of your table. Many homes are starting to mix and match dining chairs and seating, from benches paired with commanding head chairs to an eclectic mix and matching of head and side chairs of different styles. 

Typically, it’s a good idea to choose a head chair with more weight. The end of the table is generally larger than 24 inches and smaller chairs can look out of place. 

3. Comfort and Practicality

Comfort is a big part of choosing dining chairs. Dinners can run long, especially if you enjoy a few glasses of wine and some good conversation. There’s nothing worse than a dinner party ending early because everyone was uncomfortable and fidgeting in their seats after just twenty minutes. 

Upholstered chairs are unusually considered more comfortable than un-upholstered options. However, un-upholstered dining chairs can be great for homes with pets or children as they are very easy to wipe down if there are any messes or spills. You can also find some very comfortable un-upholstered chairs if the material is high quality and the shape is suitable. 

If you decide to use bench seating, be wary about the lack of back for many dining benches. The lack of a back can be problematic if you have older relatives. It’s hard for anyone to sit on a bench for a long time unless the bench is along a wall. 

4. Appearance and style

Choosing the look and material of your dining chairs is where you can showcase your design style and personality. There are so many different materials and fabrics to choose from. Your choice will depend on your overall design style and colour scheme. 

Here are two tips to remember when choosing the look of your dining chairs:

• Stick to just two distinct finishes. If you’re using a brass and wood look, make sure your wood finishes are all the same. Having three or more wood finishes can be overwhelming. 
• For open-concept floorplans, find at least one element that pulls everything together. Not everyone has a separate dining room. To make a dining space feel independent but still a part of a larger space, choose a colour or metallic element to pull throughout the room in small amounts to create cohesion. 

Ready to start decorating?

If you’re overwhelmed with options, we have access to numerous high-quality furniture brands to help you find the right fit. If you can’t find your dream dining chairs, our team of qualified designers will help you create a custom piece thanks to our complimentary design process.  Get in touch today to learn more and start decorating the home of your dreams.