How to Pick Dining Chairs for Your Dining Room Table

Dining rooms come in all sizes, shapes and styles, and the dining room table is often the centre of attention, but your dining chairs are the most important element in the dining room. There are a few things to consider to be sure that you are picking the right chair for you and your family or guests.

How many dining chairs do you need?

Generally, the size and shape of your dining table will determine how many chairs you can fit around your dining table comfortably. The number of chairs that you can fit at your dining table also depends on the size of the chairs. Typically dining chairs measure between sixteen to twenty inches wide.

As a general rule, you need at least six inches of space between each chair to allow guests to sit comfortably. This space also allows for enough room for your guests to slide in and out without disturbing other guests. Let's also not forget that extra dining chairs always come in handy for when you have a few extra guests. Sometimes you may not strictly be dining at your table, you might just be sitting around the table socially and then you can easily sit back further from the table and “squeeze” in a few more guests.

How tall should your dining chairs be?

Since dining tables and chairs come in several different sizes, it is important to choose sizes that work together. The standard dining table is thirty inches tall and there needs to be twelve inches between the seat of the chair and the bottom edge of the table for your legs to comfortably fit.

What kind of dining chair works best for you?

Beyond style and preference, some chair materials might work better before you than others. Metal Dining Chairs are lightweight and simple to clean and maintain. If you have children or if the dining room receives a lot of traffic, you can quickly wipe these down or even touch them up to keep them looking their best. Upholstered dining chairs feel softer and more comfortable, making them the perfect choice for when you have dinner parties. Softer seating means that you will linger longer and enjoy having conversations with your family and friends.

What is your style?

Consider the other furniture in the dining room, especially the dining table. The colour and design theme of the rest of the room may lead you to the best dining chair choice. Light colours are a great way to brighten up a room and make it seem larger and airier. While darker colours often present a more polished and elegant look to the design. 

Quite often, if your dining room is filled with traditional styles and that is your taste you will most likely want dining chairs that fit the same style. The same may even be true if your dining room is more contemporary and has modern pieces. But why not consider your options? Perhaps an eclectic look might just be what you need to make your dining room exactly your style. Add dining chairs in different colours or different styles for a unique look. You might even want to add a toss pillow or kidney pillow to add that pop of colour and provide additional comfort and support.

Have you considered a dining bench?

Choosing the right dining chairs for your dining room can maximize the comfort and style of your space but let’s not forget one more fun option: dining benches. A dining bench is very inviting, functional and way more fun than an upright chair.

They Save Space. If you need to save some space you can position your dining bench against a wall and your dining table in the corner of the dining room instead of in the centre. This can make the room appear larger and less cluttered.

They Offer More Seating. You can comfortably seat more guests around a table by choosing a long bench instead of dining chairs. The people seated in the middle could feel like they might be at a slight disadvantage when it comes to leaving the table, quite often this bench is reserved for children.

They Can Enhance Your Décor. Whether it’s through the style and colour you choose or the cushions you add later, a dining bench can be a central part of your decor.

Making your dining room practical, functional and beautiful can be just that easy when you make the right choices for you!