How to Choose the Best Chairs for Your Dining Area
Even though many dining room tables these days come with matching chairs, there are still some situations when you might need to look for a different set. Maybe you found the ideal table for your breakfast nook in an antique store or inherited a family treasure. Or, you simply don’t like the chairs coming with your dining table. Or you want to update the room with new furniture. Here’s what you need to know.
Do Dining Chairs Have to Match Table?
Your chairs can but don’t have to match your table. They don’t have to fit each other as long as each one fits properly beneath your dining table. If you go with mismatched chairs, it’s crucial to ensure their only similarity is height to prevent you and your fellow diners from staring up or down at one another.
How to Choose the Best Chairs for Your Dining Area?
Decorating your dining room should make you happy to host loved ones in your house for dinner rather than merely making a nice-looking area. The goal is to create a dining space that is both simple and inspiring, embraces your uniqueness, and serves as a unique setting for creating cherished moments at the table.
Regardless of searching for a set or mismatched chairs, choosing the right dining room chair design will make all the difference, whether your dining area is a casual kitchen corner or a formal dining room mainly used for special events. And with all the gorgeous décor and entertaining inspiration we see in design magazines and on Pinterest, here’s what you need to know for picking the ideal dining chairs for any dining space.
Measure the Size of Your Dining Table and Space
Start by determining the size and shape of your table and the area; this will help you determine how many chairs you’ll need and what will fit. More people can sit at oval and rectangular tables (or even extendable ones), whereas four people can usually comfortably sit at a square table. Although there are no corners, you can fit more people at that amount at round tables.
Measure everything carefully, paying particular attention to the table’s height, top thickness, and any skirting or aprons it may have. Instead of relying solely on the specifications on websites or labels, it is best to take out the measuring tape and be sure.
Calculate the Distance Between the Table and the Chairs
Here are some simple guidelines to follow once you have those numbers:
- The width of a chair varies depending on whether it has arms but is typically between 45 and 50 cm.
- Leave 15 cm between each dining room chair when determining how many can fit around a table.
- Additionally, allow around 1 metre between the chair and any other dining area furniture or the wall to allow guests to push their chairs back smoothly.
- When choosing between buying a set of 4, 6, or 8 chairs (or more! ), put the number of seats you need or want for everyday use and life before the number you desire for large gatherings or parties.
Select the Ideal Material and Style
There are a few inquiries that might be helpful when determining the design and aesthetic of your dining chairs:
- Do you prefer something straightforward or complex?
- How extensive is your space?
- For what general aesthetic and atmosphere are you aiming?
Combining Style and Function
Simple wooden chairs with clean lines and open backs may work to create a brighter, airier atmosphere. Smaller rooms would immensely benefit from this. On the other side, upholstered chairs could be more comfortable to sit in for extended periods if you intend to use your dining area for socialising or work.
Leather, Fabric, or Chrome?
Fabric chairs are comfortable and let you experiment with texture and print, but cleaning stains and other things could be a problem. Chairs made of leather are stylish, sturdy, and simple to maintain. Chairs made of metal or chrome are highly contemporary and often lighter, in case you need to store them. Choose the material that fits your preferences the best.
With or Without Arms?
For table ends with more space and to provide a choice for a cosier seat, dining chairs with arms (or armchairs used in the dining room) are excellent. However, if you lack space, give attention to the comfort of the seat and back rather than focusing on armless chairs.
Watch For Unique Characteristics
Look for flourishes like intriguing details and sculptural or carved legs to help distinguish your dining chairs from the rest. Or even seats with strikingly different finishes, like black leather and elegant copper legs.
Patterns and tufting on upholstered chairs provide a trendy pop to the dining area, especially if you have a sturdy, traditional table that you wish to style up or modernise. Tufting and button accents also add classic charm to upholstered chairs.
Combining natural materials and features like rattan or wicker might produce a summery, tropical, or even coastal vibe, depending on the rest of the space’s decor. These chairs would also be adaptable for outdoor use.
Check for Quality and Comfort
Do a quality check, which is the last and possibly most crucial step.
Shopping In-Store
If you’re purchasing chairs in person, sit in them and carefully simulate daily use by leaning back and shifting your weight. You might also verify its structure by gently pushing it with your fingertips. The legs, limbs, or back shouldn’t sway or give way in any manner.
Shopping Online
Of course, when you purchase online, you can’t inspect the chairs personally. That’s when reviews come into play. Make sure to read through them, giving close attention to the assessments highlighting potential dangers or chair-related problems.