The dining room is a unique space in our homes. Some homes feature large rooms furnished with a dining table, eight chairs, and a hutch full of china, while others simply designate a corner of the kitchen as the dining area. Whatever type of dining room you have, they all have one thing in common: a table and chairs. Selecting dining room chairs requires knowledge about size, material, and style.
Size — Modern dining room tables vary in size depending on the shape and size of your dining space. However, most dining room chairs share some common characteristics. A standard dining room table is about 30 inches high, so a typical dining room chair sits about 16-18 inches from the floor to the seat. This provides roughly 12 inches of space between the seat cushion and the top of the table, allowing for ample legroom. The seat itself is usually 15-18 inches deep, comfortably accommodating most people. The height of the chair’s back is a personal choice, but it’s important to consider the ceiling height in your room. A chair with a very high back in a room with low ceilings may appear disproportionate, while a low-back chair in a room with 12-foot ceilings might look too small. Be sure to think about the appearance and scale of both the table and chairs. For example, placing frail bentwood chairs next to a solid, mission-style table might not be the best fit. Similarly, surrounding a glass table with heavy, Spanish colonial chairs may not be ideal.
Material and Durability
Material — Do you prefer solid wood chairs, fully upholstered chairs, metal chairs, or something else? There is no right or wrong answer here. If you’ve already chosen a matching table and chairs, the material decision may be made for you. However, many people select the table first and then look for chairs afterward, leading to a more interesting set of furniture. Keep in mind that dining room chairs endure a lot of wear and tear. People sit on them, drop food, and may even place their hands or feet on them. Before choosing the material for the seat, it’s important to first consider the chair’s “frame.” Hardwoods such as maple, oak, and ash are excellent choices, as they can withstand weight and resist splintering.
The frequency of use will influence the type of material you select for the chair covering. If your chairs are only used during holidays or special occasions, you have more flexibility in material choice. You can opt for beautifully upholstered chairs that can be spot cleaned if needed. However, if your chairs will be used daily, select a more practical material. An all-wood chair with fabric cushions may be a better choice, as the cushions can easily be replaced if they become heavily soiled or if you want to change the fabric. Keep in mind that any fabric used should be stain-resistant, making it easier to clean when necessary.
Style — There’s no right or wrong style—if you like it, it works. However, there are some guidelines that might make selecting dining room chairs easier. Your dining room table may already suggest a certain style of chair. For example, if you have a sleek, modern glass table, pairing it with a heavy wooden chair may not be the best choice. However, a set of fully upholstered armchairs in a bright, contemporary print might be perfect. Upholstering the same chairs in ultrasuede can make a bold statement in your dining room. If Arts and Crafts or Mission style is more your taste, you may want to choose a sturdy oak chair. For added comfort and color, you can always add a seat cushion.
An eclectic dining room allows you to mix and match different chair styles with your table. A painted wooden table surrounded by chairs of various wooden styles can create a charming, eclectic look. Adding cushions in coordinating prints will enhance the country feel.
It’s up to you whether you prefer armchairs, chairs without arms, or a combination of both. Many people choose to place two armchairs at the ends of the table as host and hostess chairs, while the guest chairs have no arms. This not only distinguishes the hosts but also makes it easier for guests to be seated without stumbling over the arms of the chairs.
Whether your dining room is strictly for dining or also serves as a bill-paying station or craft table for the kids, selecting dining room chairs is an important decision. The goal is to find chairs that reflect your taste, meet the demands of your lifestyle, and provide the best value for your money.
