Best Dining Chairs
The dining room can be one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where families gather together to eat and talk about their days and is a focal point for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
A dining room needs to be welcoming and comfortable, and choosing the right dining chairs will help you achieve that.
There are many types of dining chairs available today. Many are of classical design but there are many modern styles and colors available, too.
Although wood is the most common material for classic dining chairs, modern dining rooms have embraced metal frames also.
With so many chairs available at so many different price points, it can be difficult to know which are the best dining chairs to buy.
Dining chairs are an investment as well as a piece of furniture, so you need to buy a set that will last throughout the years and grow with your family.
In this article, we will look at the best dining chairs available and help you make your own choice of what’s best for you and your dining room.
Let’s get started by looking at five of the best dining chairs available.
Signature Design Farmhouse Dining Room Chairs
If you’re looking for classic wooden dining chairs, these chairs by Ashley Furniture are a great option.
They’re made from engineered wood and are available in either black or white finishes. Both options have wooden seats colored dark brown for a stylish contrast.
The chairs are 40 inches high and 18 inches wide and come with all of the tools needed to assemble them at home.
We found these chairs to be sturdy and easy to assemble. It’s important to follow the assembly instructions, however, as not leveling the chair before finalizing assembly can leave them uneven.
Although the chairs are comfortable to sit in, they may not be the best choice if you like to linger at the dining table as they can become uncomfortable after prolonged periods of sitting.
Pros
- Classic design - these simple and classic chairs will match any dining room table
- Color options - the two very different color options give that Farmhouse look
- Easy to clean - as the chairs are only made of wood, they’re easy to clean
- Easy assembly - the chairs take only minutes to assemble
Cons
- Uncomfortable for prolonged periods - as the chairs are wood, they can be uncomfortable after an hour or two
Classic Upholstered Accent Dining Chair
With a wide variety of designs available, there is bound to be one to match your dining room.
These dining chairs have four wooden legs to support them and a seat made from plush, upholstered fabric that is 100 percent cotton.
The fabric can be spot cleaned, so there is no need for professional cleaning if it becomes stained. Each chair is 38 inches tall and 19 inches wide and it can support weights up to 250 pounds.
Attaching the legs and tightening them fully can be a little tricky with these chairs, but once they are assembled they are durable and sturdy.
They’re also very comfortable and could also be used around the house as other types of chairs if needed. We weren’t disappointed with the colors of these chairs either, as the bright colors really pop from the fabric.
Pros
- Designs - great range of colors and designs available
- Comfortable - these plush chairs will keep you comfortable for hours
- Cleaning - fabric can be spot-cleaned and doesn’t need professional cleaning
- Adjustable legs - if the chair feels uneven, you can adjust the legs to make it level
Cons
- Tricky assembly - adjusting the legs can be difficult
PU Leather Dining Chairs
This is a set of four dining chairs. The frames are made from rubberwood and they are lined with foam to make them more comfortable.
The upholstery is PU leather, which gives them a classic and stylish look. There are two different colors available and the PU leather is easy to clean with a wet cloth.
It’s also waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about any spilled drinks damaging the material.
The bottom of the chair legs are tipped with plastic to prevent scratching your floor. The chairs are 36 inches high and 18 inches wide and can support weights of up to 297 pounds.
We found these chairs to be very easy to assemble and were able to put them together in only minutes. Once correctly assembled, they’re sturdy and can hold some weight.
The padding ensures that they’re comfortable, although they’re not plush enough to sit in for lengthy dinners and talks. The PU leather looks good and is easy to wipe clean if needed.
Pros
- Upholstered in PU leather - waterproof material that is easy to clean
- Plastic tipped feet - these will prevent the chairs from scratching your floors
- Comfortable to sit - the wooden frames are lined with foam to make them comfortable
- Modern style - the PU leather finish gives these classic chairs a modern twist
Cons
- Small seats - the seat surface is relatively small compared to some other chairs
Phinnaeus Fabric Dining Chair
Add some class to your dining room with these wooden dining chairs.
The frame of the chairs is made from rubberwood, a type of wood sourced from rubber trees that is considered more environmentally friendly than many other solid woods.
The seat and back of the chairs are upholstered with fabric that is 100 percent polyester to make the chairs more comfortable to sit on. This fabric can be spot-cleaned too, so it’s easy to clean.
There are a variety of designs to choose from as both the fabric and wood are available in different colors. Each chair is just under 40 inches high and 20 inches wide.
We were impressed with the fabric on these chairs as it is very soft and durable. The chairs are comfortable to sit on and durable once fully assembled correctly.
We also loved the quality and finish of the wooden frames and found the chairs suited many different dining tables and decors.
Pros
- Solid wood - made from environmentally friendly solid wood
- Variety of designs - chairs are available in both classic and more modern designs
- Cleaning - the polyester material can be spot-cleaned and doesn’t require professional cleaning
- Comfortable - the soft material and shape of the chair make them comfortable to sit on
Cons
- Lightweight chairs - the chairs are extremely lightweight, making it easy for them to tip over
Modern Velvet Dining Chairs
This set of chairs will add a modern flair to any dining room. They come in pairs and you have a choice of several bold colors.
Each chair features armrests and four metal legs that are gold plated for a stylish finish.
The bottoms of the legs are not only adjustable so you can ensure each chair is level, but they also are tipped with rubber to prevent your floor from becoming scratched.
The chairs are upholstered in a velvet-style fabric and the seat cushion can be removed and washed in the washing machine.
Each chair is 34 inches tall and nearly 24 inches wide, with a seat height of 19 inches.
We thought that these chairs look fantastic and can be used throughout the house, not just in the dining room.
The colors were the same as the product photos and brightened up the room. We liked that the seat cushion can be removed for cleaning but remains securely in place when sat on.
They’re also easy to assemble and the adjustable legs are a highlight.
Pros
- Variety of colors - there are a number of vivid and vibrant colors to choose from
- Removable cushion - stays in place while seated, but can be removed and machine washed
- Gold-plated legs - the gold plating on the legs adds some style and class to the chairs
- Comfortable - the armrests and padded seat make these comfortable for eating
Cons
- Small - the seats of the chairs maybe a little too small and low for larger guests
Buying Guide
When buying some dining chairs, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration.
Of course, it’s important that your dining chairs are similar enough to your dining table to match its style, but there are several other essential factors to consider as well.
Size
This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing dining chairs. There are two main considerations you need to take into account and the first of these is the size of your dining table.
You will need to measure your dining table to ensure that you have enough space for the dining chairs you’re considering.
There should be enough elbow room for guests to sit comfortably and move, so make sure the chairs aren’t jammed in next to each other.
You also need to consider the height of your chairs. If the seat of the chair is too high, then it will be uncomfortable for your guest’s knees. If they’re too low, it can be awkward to eat from the table.
Look for chairs that are around 12 inches lower than your table as this will leave enough room for knees, without making the table too high.
Material
Wood is the most common and traditional material for dining chairs. Most tables are made of this material too, so it’s easy to match chairs with an existing table.
Wood is a durable and sturdy material that is easy to clean and you can also easily change the color of wooden chairs with a coat of paint or varnish.
Many wooden chairs are made from engineered wood, which is a more lightweight and cost-effective option than chairs made from solid wood such as oak.
Chairs with metal frames are also very popular in more modern dining rooms.
Metal is also strong and durable, and although easy to clean, can require more frequent cleaning than wood. As metal is often a reflective surface, it will pick up fingerprints and smudges easily.
Most dining chairs will also be upholstered and have some fabric to make them more comfortable to sit on. Fabric such as cotton or polyester requires more care than wood or metal but is still easy to take care of.
Other fabrics, such as leather or fake/PU leather, can be easily wiped down but can rip if not cared for.
Arms
Not all dining chairs have arms and whether you buy chairs with arms or not is a matter of preference.
Dining chairs with arms will take up more room around the table, so if you are struggling for space, you may want to choose chairs without them.
Generally, chairs with arms are more comfortable for guests as they provide extra stability for the elbows.
If you’re looking to have lengthy dinner parties with plenty of chat around the table, then arms are a good option as they will make your guests more comfortable for longer.
Number Of Chairs
The number of chairs you need will depend on your space and the number of guests you’re likely to have. Keep in mind the need for your dinner guests to have enough space to be comfortable when you make your choice.
It’s common for smaller dining tables to have four chairs, but larger tables can accommodate many more. Although it’s tempting to cram as many chairs as possible around your table, comfort is more important.
Ease Of Cleaning
Wood is the easiest material to clean as it only needs an occasional polish with wood cleaner or soapy water. It’s unlikely to become permanently stained but if it does, you can always repaint or varnish the chairs to cover the marks.
Metal is also easy to clean but will require more frequent cleaning as it picks up marks more easily than wood does.
Chairs that have a lot of fabric are the most difficult to clean and the most likely to pick up stains if food or drink is dropped on them.
You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning fabric as some can be spot-cleaned but only with specific detergents.
Others may require professional cleaning. Typically, it is the seat of the chair that becomes the dirtiest and some fabric chairs may allow you to remove the seat cushion so it can be machine washed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although we’ve discussed the best dining chairs and important factors to consider before you make your purchase, there may still be some lingering questions. Here, we will answer some of the most common questions.
How Do You Prevent Dining Room Chairs From Scratching The Floor?
There are several ways to do this. One of the more common ways is to use floor protectors that are stuck to the bottom of your chair legs.
These usually take the form of felt squares with adhesive on the back that you can stick to your chairs. If the adhesive isn’t strong enough, then some additional glue should do the job.
Another option is to use a rug. Rugs can be both practical and decorative and will protect your floors from both your chairs and the table.
If you do purchase a rug, be careful when pulling out your chairs as it’s easy to disturb rugs and turn them into tripping hazards.
How Much Room Do You Need Between Dining Room Chairs?
You want your family and dinner guests to be comfortable as they eat so everyone must have enough room.
Eating involves a lot of arm movements and it's very easy for someone’s elbows to get in the way of their neighbors if there isn’t enough room between chairs.
We would recommend allowing at least 24 inches between chairs. If your dining chairs have arms, then even more space is best.
How Can I Make My Dining Chairs More Comfortable?
Although dining chairs aren’t designed to lounge around for hours, they do still need to be comfortable enough for guests to sit on while eating.
Some dining chairs, especially those made from wood, can be quite harsh due to their hard material and stiff backs, making them uncomfortable for some guests.
To make them more comfortable, you can add lumbar support cushions to give more padding to their backs. There are also support cushions for the seat of the chairs also.
Final Thoughts
With so many dining chairs and options available, choosing the right chairs for your dining room can be a confusing process.
In this article, we looked at some of the best dining chairs available and took a closer look at the important factors that will affect your choice.
Any dining chairs you choose should be durable, comfortable, easy to clean, and the right size for your table. It’s important that they match the look of your dining table and dining room, also.
With the right chairs, you should be able to enjoy thousands of delicious meals with your family and friends and celebrate the holidays with them!
