Buyer’s Guide to Modern Dining Room Chairs (Select the Best)

From late breakfasts to grand dinners, our dining room is an important part of our home. And a key element of a comfortable dining room is comfortable dining room chairs.

Are you in the market for modern dining room chairs you can flaunt at your next dinner party? If so then use this buyer’s guide to find options that are both fashionable and functional.

Image:pexels.com

Let’s get started

How to Choose Chairs for Your Dining Room Table

People used to only consider one factor when choosing dining room chairs: matching them with their dining room table. That is not a wrong consideration, but taking into account that one factor can make your dining set predictable and expensive.

But modern trends, including today’s open concept homes, have broken that custom, giving buyers hundreds of options to reflect their personal style.

Here we outline the factors you need to take into account to pick out a stunning set of dining room chairs.

Find Chairs that Will Fit Your Space

Before you decide on the colour or style of your chairs, measure the available space in your dining room. The chairs you choose will need to fit perfectly around your table. Keep a record of both the width and height of the table and the space around it.

On average, dining room chairs are about 18 inches high from floor to seat, and the typical table is about 30 inches tall. The average diner finds a distance of 10 to 12 inches the most comfortable, as it ensures relaxed seating while providing sufficient legroom. This may vary by the thickness of the tabletop, the height of the apron, and the size of the diner.

Next comes the chair widths. The average chair is about 18 to 20 inches across, though dining chairs with arms might be up to 6 inches wider than that. So, it is your call as to whether you want to go narrower or wider.

Calculate how many chairs you can fit on each side of the table, which will depend on its size. In general, a 72-inch long rectangular or oval table can accommodate six seats, while a 96-inch long table can fit eight.

If your table has an unusual size or shape, the standard rule is to leave a gap of at least six inches between each chair for elbow room. Calculate accordingly to organize a comfortable dining setup.

Select a Material that Meets Your Needs.

Dining room chairs come in different materials. Some of the common options are wood, metal, and upholstery.

Wood dining chairs are perfect for those looking for a classic look and feel. If your dining space is already populated by wooden furniture, wooden chairs will complement the overall look.

If you prefer a more contemporary look, consider metal dining chairs. They are lightweight so can be easily moved. They are easy to clean; just wipe down the surface to take care of any dust or spills.

Upholstered chairs are best for providing hours of comfortable seating for your guests. You can keep the look casual with simple tailored upholstery. Or, make it look lavish with intricate details like button tufting and padded arms. Either way, you’ll have gorgeous, comfortable chairs.

Add Your Personal Style

Do you enjoy loud dinner parties or more casual meals? You can reflect your lifestyle in the dining chairs you pick.

For example, high-back chairs work in a formal setting, while low-back ones are more casual. Open-back chairs with delicate designs reduce visual clutter, which allows a small dining room to look more spacious. On the other hand, well-defined big chairs go well in larger spaces. This rule of thumb is applicable to all kinds of decor themes, including traditional, modern, and minimalist.

If you want to take the middle path, you can go for extravagant chairs and simple side chairs to create a semi-formal dining setup.

A few common types of modern dining chairs include:

Skirted Chairs
Parsons Chairs
Arm Chairs
Wingback Chairs
Slipper Chairs
Ladder Back Chairs

Don’t Forget to Consider Colours and Patterns

When deciding on a style, you should also consider the colours and patterns that best suit the tone of your home.

For example, if your wall paint and most furnishings are neutrally-coloured and you don’t want to upset that harmony, go for beige, white, or light brown chairs. But if you want to add some colour, go with vibrant colours like orange, teal, or any other bright hue to make it more interesting.

You can add a little more personality to your chairs by simply changing their pattern. From ornamental paisley prints to formal striped or floral patterns, the possibilities are endless.

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match

"Do I always need to match?" The answer is no. If you don’t like monotony and want to experiment, you can. It may sound challenging, but the trick is to find a common element that relates them to the dining table. This could include the shape, colour, style, height, material, or leg style of the chairs.

For example, you can put mismatched geometric chairs in the same colour or upholstered in the same fabric. Or, if you have affection for a particular colour, buy a set of chairs in that shade with a different backrest design.

Choose Easy Maintenance.

Dining room chairs can set the whole room’s mood. While wood has a warm, organic feel, metals add a sense of lightness, and rattan can add a tropical aura. But each must be cleaned and maintained differently. Non-upholstered chairs, for example, are ideal if you have children or pets, and they are simple to clean. If you want to go for something delicate like velvet, buy slipcovers that can be easily removed and cleaned.

If you want wood chairs, they are easy to clean but their colour can change over time. So, be sure to immediately wipe up spills to prevent stains. If you choose metal, make sure it is rust-resistant and can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth.

When deciding on the type of dining room chairs that work best in your home, consider these factors to make a more informed decision. If you are looking for some reference to find the best dining room chairs in Toronto, go through our complete chair collection.