Dining Room Chairs Guide: What You Need to Know Before Purchasing
Learn everything you need to know before purchasing new dining chairs.
Choosing the perfect dining room chairs can be a daunting task. They not only need to be comfortable but also complement your dining room table and overall decor. With countless options available, it's important to understand the different types, styles, and options before making a decision. In this guide, we’ll help you decide which chairs are most suitable for your home.
Considerations
Before you even begin searching for new chairs, there’s a few questions you should ask yourself about how much you are willing to spend, how often you will be using them, and how much space you actually have to place them.
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Budget: Determine your budget beforehand to narrow down your options. High quality, durable chairs will cost on average a few hundred dollars.
- Size and Proportions: Measure the size of your dining room around the table to ensure that the chairs you choose will fit comfortably around the space without overcrowding the area. A person sitting on the chair should be able to comfortably push their chair back to get up. Ideally, when the chair is pushed in you should be able to walk behind it easily.
- Maintenance: Some materials are more prone to staining or require regular polishing, while others are easier to clean and maintain.
- Comfort: Look for chairs with adequate padding and back support to ensure a pleasant dining experience for you and your guests.
Side Chairs, Armchairs, and Benches
Dining room chairs can be broken down into three categories: side chairs, armchairs, and benches.
- Side Chairs: The most common and “standard” chair you’ll find. This seating option does not have arms but can come in many different back styles and materials.
- Armchairs: This chair features arms in addition to the traditional side chair design. The frame style can morph the way the arms appear, but the most common design attaches the arms to the back and seat via narrow pieces.
- Benches: Accommodates more people, making them perfect for large gatherings or families with children. They offer a unique and trendy look and can be paired with chairs on the other side of the table.
Dining Room Chair Heights: Table, Counter, and Bar
Dining room chairs also most commonly come in three different heights: table height, counter height, and bar height.
- Table Height: Standard chairs that are designed for comfortable eating around a classic dining room table. These chairs have a seat that is 18” high.
- Counter Height: Designed for seating around a countertop with a seat that is 24” high.
- Bar Height: Designed for bar tables, featuring a seat that is 30” high.
Dining Room Chair Backs: Cross-Back, Ladder-Back, Parsons & More
When it comes to the back of the chair, you’ll find many different options available to you, each offering a unique style and level of comfort.
Cross-Back
Featured: Parellen - Gray - Dining Uph Side Chair
This timeless design gets its name from two crossing frames in the back. Both sturdy and comfortable, these chairs are known for their classic look. It goes great with rustic or traditional style interiors.
Ladder-Back
Featured: Ambenrock - Light Brown / Dark Brown - Dining Uph Side Chair
Ladder-back chairs feature horizontal slats evenly spaced along the chair’s back. While you’ll often find traditional versions of this chair, you can find more contemporary designs that play with the style and add modern intrigue.
Lattice-Back
Featured: Lanceyard - Grayish Brown - Dining Uph Side Chair
This open back design includes intricate details such as geometric grids or patterns. Featuring that high, open back, this is yet another style that really can blend tradition with modernity.
Parsons
Featured: Kimonte - Dining Side Chair
These comfortable upholstered chairs are light and simple, making them easy additions to any contemporary space. Can be made with leather, fabric, linen, patterns, or button-tufts - making it a chair of endless possibilities!
Slat-Back
Featured: Shullden - Gray - Dining Room Side Chair
Like its cousin the ladder-back, slat-back feature evenly spaced slats, only with a vertical configuration rather than horizontal. The result is a long, lean look perfect for breakfast nooks or dining corners.
Wing-Back
Featured: Jeanette - Linen - Dining Uph Side Chair
“Wings” along both sides of the backrest extend down to the seat to create a distinctive silhouette and look for the wing-back chair. These chairs are almost always upholstered, offering plenty of fabric options to match your space.
Dining Room Chair Materials
These days, there are many different materials of dining room chairs to choose from, including the classic wooden chair to a more modern metal or upholstered look.
Wooden Chairs
Featured: Owingsville - Black / Brown - Dining Room Side Chair
Known for their timeless appeal and durability, wooden chairs are a classic choice for dining rooms. They can range from traditional to contemporary styles and are available in various finishes like oak, cherry, or mahogany. Wooden chairs are relatively easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular option for families.
Upholstered Chairs
Featured: Markenburg - Beige / Brown - Dining Wing-Back Uph Side Chair
These chairs offer excellent comfort with padded seats and backs. They come in various fabrics, patterns, and colors, allowing you to match them to your dining room decor. Upholstered chairs are ideal for longer meals or gatherings as they provide extra cushioning and support.
Metal Chairs
Featured: Madanere - Dining Side Chair
If you're looking to add a touch of modernity or an industrial vibe to your dining room, metal chairs are an excellent choice. They are lightweight, sturdy, and are available in different finishes like stainless steel, aluminum, or wrought iron, allowing you to create a sleek and stylish look. For added comfort, look for options with leather or upholstered cushions.
Leather
Featured: Sommerford - Brown - Dining Uph Side Chair
Leather chairs offer a sophisticated and luxurious touch to any dining space. With their sleek and timeless design, they bring an elegant and upscale feel to the room. They are also durable and easy to clean, making them an excellent choice for families or individuals seeking long-lasting furniture.
Find comfortable and chic dining room chairs and furniture at Mega Furniture TX
When it comes to dining room chairs, it's crucial to strike a balance between style, comfort, and practicality. By understanding the different types, styles, and options available, you can make an informed decision that complements your dining table and enhances the overall ambiance of your dining room. Whether you opt for upholstered chairs for comfort or metal chairs for a modern touch, the perfect dining room chairs will transform your dining experience and create a space where memories are made.
Browse our website today for the latest furniture deals, or visit one of our stores in person in the Austin, San Antonio, Temple, Laredo, or McAllen TX areas. We look forward to helping you find everything you’ve been looking for!