How to Choose Dining Chairs
The right dining chairs should be comfortable through long meals, fit your table and suit the style of your room. Here’s what to consider.
Seat Height and Table Fit
Most dining chairs have a seat height of 17-19 inches, designed for standard 28–30-inch dining tables. Aim for 10-12 inches between the seat and the tabletop so there’s comfortable leg room. For counter-height tables, choose counter stools instead, and for bar-height tables, shop barstools.
How Many Chairs Fit Your Table?
Allow about 24 inches of table width per side chair, and 28–30 inches for chairs with arms. Leave at least 36 inches between the table edge and the nearest wall or furniture, so guests can pull out their chairs and walk behind them comfortably.
Armchairs vs. Side Chairs
Side chairs save space and let you fit more seats around the table. Armchairs add comfort and presence, and are often placed at the heads of the table. If you choose chairs with
Dining Chair Materials
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Leather: develops character over time and wipes clean easily. Choose from finishes like antique whiskey, chestnut, dark brown and black, seen in the Dani, Galway, Thorpe and Melbourne chairs.
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Upholstered: soft, comfortable seating in fabrics like boucle, linen and suede, as in the Isabella, Avery and Lund designs.
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Wood: classic and durable. Look for woods like sheesham and mango in the Monterey, Summit and Oxford chairs.
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Iron and mixed materials: iron frames paired with leather or suede add an industrial edge, as in the Melbourne and Lund chairs.
Find Your Dining Chair Style
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Formal and traditional: high backs and rich leather, like the Dani High Back Formal Dining Chair.
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Farmhouse: relaxed and welcoming, like the Pengrove Farmhouse Dining Chair. It pairs well with gathering tables.
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Modern: clean lines and soft textures, like the Isabella boucle and Bakio upholstered chairs.
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Rustic modern: natural finishes with contemporary shapes, like the Acadia in driftwood or coffee bean.
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Classic silhouettes: round-back, ladder-back and slanted-back designs, like the Parker, Calabasas and Acres chairs.
Mixing and Matching Dining Chairs
Mixing chairs is an easy way to add personality. Try upholstered or leather armchairs at the heads of the table with wood side chairs along the sides, or swap one side for a dining bench. To keep the look cohesive, repeat one element, such as color, material or leg finish, and keep seat heights within about 2 inches of each other.
Complete Your Dining Room
Finish the space with a sideboard or buffet for storage and serving, and hang a chandelier or pendant light over the table. Explore our full dining room collection, or save with our furniture bundles.
FAQ
What is the standard height for a dining chair?
Most dining chairs have a seat height of 17–19 inches, which suits standard 28–30-inch dining tables.
How much space should be between a dining chair and the table?
Aim for 10–12 inches between the seat and the tabletop for comfortable leg room.
How many dining chairs fit around my table?
Allow about 24 inches per side chair and 28–30 inches per armchair along the table’s edge.
Are leather or upholstered dining chairs better?
Leather wipes clean easily and develops character over time, making it a great choice for everyday dining. Upholstered fabrics like boucle and linen add softness and texture, and work well in more formal or low-traffic dining rooms.
Can I mix different dining chairs?
Yes. Mixing styles adds interest. Repeat one element, like color or material, and keep seat heights similar so the table feels cohesive.
How much clearance do I need around a dining table?
Leave at least 36 inches between the table edge and walls or other furniture so chairs can pull out easily.
