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.