Dining Chair Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Chairs for Your Table
Introduction
Choosing the right dining chairs is just as important as choosing the table itself. The wrong chair can throw off the entire look of your dining room — and make mealtimes uncomfortable. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing setup, this guide will help you find chairs that look great and feel even better.
1. Get the Height Right
The most important practical consideration is seat height. As a general rule, you want 23–25cm of clearance between the top of the seat and the underside of the table. Most standard dining tables sit at 75–76cm, which pairs well with chairs at a seat height of around 45–48cm.
Always check the seat height in the product specification before buying — particularly if you have a non-standard table height.
2. Match (or Contrast) Your Table Style
There are two approaches to pairing chairs with a table:
- Match: Choose chairs in the same material or finish as your table for a cohesive, unified look. A solid oak table pairs beautifully with oak or natural wood chairs.
- Contrast: Mix materials for visual interest — for example, a dark walnut table with light upholstered chairs, or a glass table with metal frame chairs.
Both approaches work well. The key is to ensure there's at least one shared element — colour, tone, or material — to tie the room together.
3. Consider the Material
Dining chair materials each come with trade-offs:
- Solid wood — durable, timeless, easy to clean. Ideal for family dining rooms.
- Upholstered fabric — comfortable for longer meals, but requires more care. Choose stain-resistant fabrics for everyday use.
- Faux leather or PU — easy to wipe clean, great for households with young children.
- Metal — contemporary and robust. Works well in industrial or minimal interiors.
- Plastic or acrylic — lightweight and stackable. A good option for smaller spaces.
Here are two contrasting examples from our range to illustrate the difference:
4. Think About Comfort
If you spend a lot of time at the table — whether for long dinners, working from home, or family gatherings — comfort matters. Look for chairs with:
- Padded seats or upholstered backs
- A slight recline in the backrest (rather than perfectly vertical)
- Armrests, if you prefer a more relaxed seated position
Bear in mind that armchairs take up more width — typically 60–65cm per chair — so factor this into your spacing calculations.
5. How Many Chairs Do You Need?
Allow a minimum of 60cm of table width per person for comfortable dining. As a quick guide:
- 120cm table → 2 chairs (side by side)
- 150cm table → 4–6 chairs
- 180cm table → 6 chairs comfortably
- 200cm+ table → 8 chairs
For extendable tables, size your chair count for the extended length so you're never caught short when guests arrive.
6. Mix and Match for a Modern Look
A growing trend in interior design is the mismatched chair look — using different chairs at either end of the table, or alternating two styles. The key is to keep a consistent colour palette so the look feels intentional rather than accidental. Here are two combinations from our range to inspire you:
Option A — Bold Contrast
Dark lacquer meets warm oak — dramatic but cohesive through shared clean lines. Use the Roxby Black on the sides and the Addi Brandy at each end.
Option B — Soft & Eclectic
Muted tones with a subtle pop of colour — works beautifully with a light wood or white table. Use the Batilda Grey on the sides and the Femke Olive at each end.
Final Thoughts
The best dining chairs strike a balance between style, comfort, and practicality for your household. Take the time to measure your space, test the seat height against your table, and consider how you actually use your dining room day to day.
Browse our full range of dining chairs to find your perfect match — with free UK mainland delivery on every order.