Sitting around the dining table is where some of our most cherished memories are made. Trading stories, telling terrible jokes, drinking wine, and eating delicious food. Keep your dinner guests happy by choosing dining table chairs that offer superior comfort and style. But with so many different designs on the market, you might be feeling (understandably) overwhelmed. How do you choose chairs that complement your space? What materials should you choose? Do dining chairs have to match the table? Don’t fret; here at B2C, we’ve got a few foolproof tips on how to choose dining chairs. Take a seat; we’ll show you how it’s done.
Choosing the perfect style of dining chair
Dining chairs can be crafted from a range of different materials. Wooden dining chairs are often preferred due to their sturdy construction and resistance to wear and tear, though upholstered and leather dining chairs are also popular. Stylistically, there are a range of designs, such as the bentwood, French bistro, cross-back, Parsons, and Windsor chairs. The perfect dining chair is the one that looks and feels at home in your space. It should also be comfortable and facilitate good posture. It can be helpful to consider your overarching interior theme, whether your dining room is a formal or informal space, and the (pre-existing or intended) colour scheme.
Our Elm Walnut Dining Chair | Beige Fabric
What is the best dining chair material for my home?
The material your dining chair is made of will strongly correlate to its longevity. The most durable material is hardwood, which is highly resistant to damage, staining, and scratching. Wooden dining chairs are also easy to clean, and complement most interior styles.
If you’re looking to add some visual interest to your room, you might consider upholstered dining chairs. These designs typically feature a sturdy wooden frame with a fabric seat and backrest, like our Upholstered Elm Walnut Hardwood Dining Chair. Upholstered dining chairs offer added comfort, and come in a wide selection of colours.
What type of timber will suit my dining table?
Timber chairs can be stained to produce different colours, from white to black dining chairs, and every shade of brown. At B2C Furniture, our chairs are finished in a range of different hardwood timber stains, including walnut (see the Gaudi Hardwood Dining Chair), natural (see the Bella Natural Hardwood Dining Chair), black (see the Bella Black Hardwood Dining Chair), white (see the Finn Hardwood Dining Chair), and more. The wood of your dining table and chairs don’t have to be a perfect match. In fact, variations in the colour of your furniture will add visual interest to your space. For instance, black chairs with a natural-toned table is a popular combination for Scandinavian-style interiors, while elegant dark wood chairs juxtaposed with a glass-topped table is perfect for modern dining rooms and prevents the space from feeling congested.
Should my dining chairs and my dining table match?
As we mentioned, your dining chairs and dining table don’t have to match to work well together. Differences in colour and texture can provide a level of visual depth to your dining room. However, you should ensure your chairs and table tie in with your chosen colour scheme or overall aesthetic style (e.g. farmhouse, Hamptons, French country, etc.)
For those that prefer a more traditional approach to interior styling, B2C Furniture also offers a range of dining sets with matching tables and chairs.
Our Bella Black Dining Chairs | Black Fabric
How high should a dining chair be?
Most tabletops are between 71 and 81cm from the floor, and as such, the average dining chair is 43 to 50 cm high. Different products will vary according to brand specifications. When purchasing a dining set, the chairs will be constructed to fit the table perfectly, but if you’re looking to create a mismatched look, it’s important that you check the dimensions of your chairs to ensure they leave a suitable distance between the seat base and the tabletop.
How do I measure a dining chair to fit my table?
To ensure your dining chairs fit under your table while providing diners with a suitable amount of leg space, ensure there is at least 20 centimetres between the seat base and the tabletop.
Dining chairs with or without arms - which is better?
Dining chairs with arms offer a little extra comfort and can serve as a polished focal piece at the head of the table. But don’t whip out your MasterCard just yet! You’ll need to make sure the height of the chair’s armrests are able to fit beneath your table easily. Armless dining chairs offer the advantage of being a little more compact, and with a more relaxed look, they are well-suited for informal settings.
Do dining chairs have to fit under a table?
To enjoy a comfortable dining experience, it’s essential that your dining chairs fit under your table easily.
Our Finn Hardwood Dining Set | Grey Chairs
How many dining chairs do I need?
The number of dining chairs you need will depend on the size of your table. Dining tables are typically designed for four, six, or eight chairs. However, you may want to adjust the number of chairs to suit your entertaining needs and the size of your dining area. Your dining table should include the right amount of chairs without looking crowded.
How much space does a dining chair need?
To create a comfortable dining experience for your dinner guests, ensure there is at least 30 centimetres of space between dining chairs. For round tables, you may want a little extra space to keep your dining set from looking crowded.
How far apart should dining chairs be?
Dining chairs should be positioned 30 to 60 cm apart.
Creating a harmonious and inviting dining area can seem like a challenging task, but with high-quality furniture and a few simple tips, you can easily create a space you (and your dinner guests) will love. Get inspired with our range of premium dining chairs, or contact our friendly team to receive personalised styling advice.
