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Dining Room Ideas Published: March 15, 2024 | Updated: April 12, 2024

How to Choose Dining Chairs

For many families, the dining room is an essential space to catch up with loved ones and enjoy a tasty meal together. The ideal dining room exudes an inviting atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. That said, comfy dining room chairs are a must!

But how do you know how to choose dining room chairs? Don’t worry! Today we’re sharing our top tips and tricks for finding the perfect dining room chairs to complete your vision.

What Makes a Good Dining Chair?

A good dining chair creates a harmonious balance of comfort, durability, functionality, and style. Proper dining room chairs are designed with your comfort in mind. From cushions to structure, the ergonomic design of your dining room chairs is vital, as you’ll spend plenty of time sitting in them.

The ideal chairs will provide the right back support. Often, it’s best to shop for dining room chairs in-store. That way, you can test out your options and get a firsthand experience of each chair’s comfort level. If you opt for shopping online, customer reviews can give you insight into the quality of potential chairs.

Functionality and durability are also essential. Search for dining room chairs crafted from and upholstered with top-tier materials that can withstand wear and tear. Here are some of our faves:

  • High-quality solid wood, like oak, maple, teak, and cherry
  • Metals like steel, aluminum, and iron
  • Upholstery: leather, cotton, linen, spider silk, and synthetic textiles

Your dining room chairs should set the tone for your other decor to complete your space’s aesthetic. The style of a dining room chair doesn’t necessarily determine the quality. But it can be a driving factor in the chairs you choose. If you’re searching for a specific style, make sure it also checks the other boxes for what makes a good dining chair.

How to Choose Dining Room Chairs

Choosing dining room chairs comes down to your preference and the interior design style you hope to achieve. The size of your dining room table typically plays a crucial factor. Your chairs should fit effortlessly with your dining room and provide a comfortable amount of space for each guest.

To determine the right size and number of chairs, start by measuring the size and shape of your space and table. For example, oval and rectangular dining room tables typically seat more people, and square ones provide a comfortable seating area for four. Pay special attention to the tabletop’s thickness and the overall table height, and choose your chairs following these tips:

  • Chair width is generally between 18 and 20 inches but can vary depending on whether it has arms.
  • When deciding how many chairs can comfortably fit, leave 6 inches between each.
  • Leave 36 inches between your other furniture or walls so you can easily push your chair back.

When deciding how to choose dining room chairs, consider your home’s aesthetic to create a cohesive story. Maybe the modern contemporary style speaks to you. If so, opt for chairs with clean lines and neutral colors, like beiges, grays, and taupes.

Arm vs. Armless Dining Chairs

Whether you opt for arms or armless dining chairs, the key is prioritizing comfort, functionality, and style. Each type of chair has its pros and cons. That said, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your lifestyle and space.

Armchairs

Experts agree that chairs with arms offer the most ergonomic support. These chairs not only provide a place to rest your arms but are stronger and more durable. Armchairs can make a space feel elegant and complete, especially at the head of the table. Still, armchairs take up extra space, so they can be more expensive and challenging to fit comfortably in smaller rooms.

Armless Chairs

Armless chairs are a current staple in modern dining room furniture because of their sleek look, ease of use, and convenience. They’re easy to move and perfect as a compact dining room chair option for smaller spaces. Armless chairs also make it simple to seat yourself and push in under the table when not in use.

If you’re going for a less formal dining room look, armless chairs might be the best choice. You’ll find countless eye-catching designs at multiple price points to complement your space. The main drawback of armless chairs is the lack of lumbar support. Without armrests, you’re more likely to feel uncomfortable and bothered when sitting on them for long periods.

How to Mix & Match Dining Chairs

When deciding how to mix dining chairs, the best part is — it’s all up to you! Still, understanding a few fundamentals in creating a visually appealing space is crucial. Like choosing a good dining chair, mixing and matching chairs is about preference. Many use three combinations with dining room furniture. You can choose matching chairs, match side chairs with different head chairs, or opt for an eclectic hodgepodge where each chair is different. The options are endless!

The simplest method is choosing matching chairs. Many dining room sets come with matching chairs, making it effortless to design a cohesive space. But maybe you prefer contrast. A popular choice for a table that seats six is mixing two armchairs at the head of the table with four armless chairs. Dining benches are another great furniture piece to elevate your space. Use a dining bench on one side of the table and armless dining room chairs on the other.

You can get more creative by mixing dining chairs of different styles that complement each other. Try pairing two upholstered chairs at the head of the table with rustic wooden chairs. From colors to styles to materials, your options for how to mix dining chairs are endless.

Revamp Your Space at Ashley

Understanding the basics of how to mix dining chairs and tables is just the start. Now it’s time to bring out your inner interior designer. So let’s get started! Ashley is the top spot to infuse your personality and style to create an equally functional and aesthetically pleasing dining space. Embrace creativity, experiment with different combinations, and trust your instincts to curate a dining area for cherished moments with loved ones.
Home Decor & Furniture Published: March 5, 2024 | Updated: April 19, 2024

A Guide to Coastal Décor and Furnishings

Transforming your home into a haven is all about creating a space where you feel comfortable and at peace. Coastal homes exude an intrinsic charm, radiating a carefree, calm vibe. Whether you’re revamping your upstate beach house or bringing the coast’s soothing elements to your New York City loft, our guide to coastal décor and furnishings is everything you need to transform your space.

Difference Between Coastal Décor and Beach Décor

Beach and coastal décor are often used synonymously, but there are a few key differences. Picture the contrast between a tropical Aruban beach and the rocky seaside of Cape Cod. Both beach and coastal interior design draw inspiration from natural coastline elements but create a distinct aesthetic.

Coastal décor mirrors classic marine elements and the ruggedness of the shore. Think of a tailored, refined feel with darker colors and vintage elements. On the other hand, beach décor translates the feeling of seaside relaxation with flowy linens and lighter tones and textures.

Must-Have Coastal Décor for Your Home

Coastal decorating draws from the natural elements of the beach, like sun, wind, sand, sea, and sky. A tastefully designed coastal home encompasses a collection of rustic furniture and décor to create a tranquil atmosphere. Unlike beach décor, coastal décor leans more on the nautical side, emphasizing deeper neutral-toned colors, natural materials, and soft-touch experiences. You want to paint a picture of scenic landscapes, crashing waves, and sunshine through your décor.

That said, everything from wall art to decorative vases can help you turn your vision into a reality. Here are some of our top, must-have coastal and beach décor pieces from Ashley:

  • Chevron Pouf
  • Precia Rug
  • Dallson Floor Lamp
  • Monterey Wall Art Set
  • Colburn Wall Sconce
  • Jamon Table Lamp
  • Dorcey Planter Set
  • Jocelyne Tray Set
  • Irvetta Pillow
  • Coenbell Pendant Light
  • Leonita Throw
  • Belenburg Floor Mirror
  • Hannela Small Vase
  • Elian Basket Set

Best Colors for Coastal Decorating

Coastal decorating takes a simple, minimalistic approach. A coastal-style color scheme captures the serene beauty of seaside landscapes with different neutral shades. White or beige walls create a light, open ambiance. Deep greens and royal blues reflect the soothing tones of the sea and sky. Earth tones and natural materials like dark oaks, pines, and wicker create a feel reminiscent of the sand and shoreline. Grays and creams transcend you to a rocky beach. If you’re leaning more on the beach décor side, subtle pops of color like coral, seafoam, and turquoise can exude a graceful, tropical feel.

You can incorporate these coastal home décor colors in many ways and add your personal touch to make your space unique. It’s all about telling a cohesive story with interior design. For example, if you choose a white couch, add contrast with gray or royal blue throw pillows. Or display neutral-toned ceramic vases, vintage-style mirrors, and nautical motives throughout your home to compliment your furnishings.

Furnishing Your Living Room at Your Beach House

When furnishing your beach house living room, always keep things light and bright. Maximize the natural light in your living room with strategically placed wooden or vintage accent mirrors. A visually appealing coastal living room has a mix of dark and light tones and textures that blend harmoniously. Couches, sofas, and accent chairs should evoke the comfortable, calming feel of the seaside. Stick with whites and neutral tones for coastal living furniture, and add subtle pops of color as you see fit.

A natural wood or white coffee table will further complement your other furniture. If you prefer dark tones, create a balance of light features with your décor. Tasteful wall art, large plants, candle holders, and coastal motifs can all add to your seaside oasis. Use natural textures like wood and wicker to imitate the shoreline feel.

Coastal Living Decorating Ideas

Every space in your home can emanate an enchanting coastal vibe. Now that we’ve covered living room coastal furniture and décor, let us paint a picture to spark creativity with these coastal décor ideas.

Foyer

After a day at the beach, entering a coastal home should enhance that tranquil feeling. A deep oak entryway table adorned with plants, a lamp, and other seaside elements is the perfect start. Add a decorative mirror to open your space and a neutral-toned entryway rug to tie it all together.

Kitchen

Light, airy, and inviting should describe your coastal home kitchen. Keeping with the coastal home color scheme and elements, line your kitchen island with simple, chic wooden chairs or barstools and hang rattan pendant lights above. Add a natural decorative tray to hold your olive oil cruet and salt and pepper mills. Complete your island with a decorative vase filled with beautiful flowers.

Dining Room

Create an open feeling in your dining room with a standout table set in deep oak or pine. You can also create contrast with a lighter wood table and coastal-style white chairs. Get creative with centerpieces! Some of our faves are plants, glass vases filled with seashells, or vintage candle holders. Amp up your space with framed beachside wall art and decorative mirrors.

Bedrooms

Your bedrooms are the ideal space for coastal-inspired wall art, a cozy white duvet, and stylish throw pillows in deep blues or greens. White ceramic lamps are the perfect addition to your nightstands. A wooden accent chair near your window can add a cozy space for reflection. Adorn your bedroom with other earthy elements like hanging plants.

Bathrooms

Transform your bathrooms by integrating weathered wood and driftwood for a rustic coastal feel. Use light airy materials for your shower curtains. Blend nautical motifs like coral, forage, and seashells with woven baskets, rope accents, and framed coastal-themed artwork to create a visually appealing space.

Design Your Coastal Oasis With Ashley

Embrace the beauty and tranquility of coastal living by designing a home inspired by the timeless allure of the sea. We believe the best home décor lets your personality shine through. Ashley is the top spot to embark on this delightful journey, with hundreds of furniture and décor options to create your seaside haven.