The easiest thing to do when furnishing a dining room is to opt for a table and chair set and call it a day.
However, if your style is a bit more eclectic and unique or you’re eager to make the interior of your home just to your liking, this may not be enough for you.
In that case, you need to know how to choose the perfect dining room chairs by taking into account the measurements, materials, style, and comfort.
This guide will dispel any doubts you might have!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Incredible Dining Room Chairs
1. Measure Your Table
Before even thinking about ordering some chairs, you need to get a measuring tape and get the sizing right. Let’s presume you already have a table because it’s easier to decide on the number of chairs that way.
You will need to determine:
- The height and width of the table
- The thickness of the tabletop
If the table has an apron, measure that part too; you need to know how much room a person would have when they sit down.
Typically, there should be about 12 inches of space between the seat and the bottom of the table.
Most standard tables are 30 inches high, so they go well with standard chairs that measure about 18 inches from floor to seat.
Unless you have a higher table, that size should fit you just fine.
The width of an average chair is usually 18 to 20 inches, but that will change if you add some armrests. Overall, aim to have 24 inches of room per chair.
2. How Many Chairs Should You Get?
Once you have all your measurements, you can go ahead and determine how many chairs you would need.
Keep in mind that you should leave no less than 6 inches between each chair so that everyone has enough elbow room.
The number of chairs also depends on the table shape and size:
- Oval and rectangular: 72 inches (6 people), 96 inches (8 people), and 120 inches (10 people)
- Square and round: 48 inches (4 people), 60 inches (6 people), and 72 inches (8 people).
Square and round tables usually fit fewer people, making them suitable for smaller homes. But you don’t have to get as many chairs as your table fits, even if you have a bigger one.
Consider your needs and how much you’ll use the chairs.
If they aren’t a must for parties and similar events, and you don’t really have enough space to store them away when they’re not in use — get fewer!
Finally, take into account the size of the dining room. Each chair should be 36–48 inches away from the wall (and other furniture) so that there’s enough room to pull it out or walk around it.
If your dining room is too small, though, even with an average-sized table, it may seem very crowded once the chairs come in.
3. Opt for the Material You’d Be Most Comfortable With
Your comfort preferences and overall style will determine the material of the chairs. In general, customers debate about choosing wooden, metal, or upholstered chairs.
Other than those, some opt for wicker chairs if they want their dining room to have a more natural and relaxed feel.
Acrylic chairs are also popular nowadays, whether they’re placed in contemporary dining rooms or used to break up a more traditional space.
Wooden chairs are perfect for anyone who prefers a more traditional style and wants to match them with other wooden furnishings in the dining room. You can add upholstered backs and seats if you need more comfort. For a more minimalistic, lighter style, the chairs can be all wood too.
Metal, however, is a more modern material and can easily transform a room by making it more industrial-looking or contemporary. These chairs are also rather lightweight and easy to maintain; a simple wipe down now and then is enough to keep them clean.
Finally, upholstered chairs are a fan-favorite at parties and in homes where comfort matters most. If you’ll use your chairs for more than occasional dining (for work or every meal, for instance), the padding on these chairs will be a lifesaver.
Plus, these are available in various designs, both formal and casual, so they would fit most dining rooms and could be combined with a range of padding covers.
You can even opt for custom upholstered chairs if you need more choices than an average store offers!
4. Consider Which Design Fits Your Needs (and Style) Perfectly
Design-wise, you may want a shorter or longer back on your chairs, which would influence the overall comfort.
The back height should ideally be 20 to 22 inches so that there is enough support.
If you want some armrests too, make sure they are 7 to 9 inches above the seat. Keep in mind that they should easily fit under the table (and its apron, if there is one).
Finally, consider the style of the dining room, colors, and patterns you already have there, as well as all your other furniture.
You want the chairs to “complete” not just the table but the whole room as well, becoming a part of a cohesive interior.
However, don’t be afraid to make them a bit more fun!
Did you opt for neutral colors for everything else? You can now pick an exciting pattern or color, contrasting finishes, or chairs with unique features, like carved legs.
Better still, mix and match a few designs together for a more cozy yet modern look; just get your creative juices flowing!
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