How to Choose the Perfect Dining Chairs – The Ultimate Guide by Architects

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Let’s face it—choosing dining chairs can feel like solving a complicated puzzle. Too big, too small, too comfy (is that even possible?), too cold—there’s a lot to think about. But relax! At benssur, our architectural expertise simplifies choosing dining chairs that not only look fantastic but also feel great and perfectly suit your lifestyle. Follow our easy, step-by-step guide to become a dining chair expert in no time.

Step 1: Know Your Numbers! (Measure Twice, Buy Once!)

We assume you’ve already selected your dining table, as tables typically come first. Usually, you already know if you need seating for 4, 6, 8, or more.

To ensure comfort, leave a minimum of 200 mm between each dining chair for elbow room, and at least 100 mm between the side of each chair and the table’s edge to accommodate the person seated at the end. (Note: 100 mm is the minimum—table legs often dictate placement, and the actual clearance is usually greater.) Based on your table length, you can now calculate the maximum chair width. This number helps quickly rule out oversized options when sourcing new chairs.

Step 2: To Arm or Not to Arm? (The Great Debate!)

Next, decide between armed or armless dining chairs. We recommend making this decision early. Choosing between armed and armless chairs is similar to deciding between extra fries or dessert—both delightful but offer distinctly different experiences.

When you calculated your space in Step 1, you likely gained a clear idea of whether your dining area is large or compact. Space availability is crucial when deciding between armed and armless chairs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Armed Chairs: Offer maximum comfort and are ideal for leisurely dining, long conversations, or lively game nights. However, they occupy more space and may crowd smaller dining rooms.
• Armless Chairs: Sleek, versatile, and minimalistic, armless chairs slide neatly under tables, making them perfect for compact spaces. They help maintain a clean, spacious look but require resting your arms on the table.

Ultimately, your decision depends on your dining room size and lifestyle preferences.

Step 3: Choose the Right Material (Performance Over Appearance!)

Now it’s material time! Selecting your dining chair material is much like picking the perfect pair of shoes—style matters, but practical comfort and durability are essential. Here are the top materials to consider:

• Timber Dining Chairs: Warm, reliable, and versatile, timber is easy to clean, low-maintenance, and robust enough for daily use. At benssur, we see timber dining chairs as true all-rounders. We’re absolute timber lovers, crafting most of our products from premium solid timber like oak, beech, or ashwood.
• Leather: Luxurious yet practical, leather dining chairs are soft, smooth, easy to maintain, and highly resistant to spills. Ideal for busy households with kids or pets.
• Paper Rope: Unique, stylish, and incredibly comfortable but prone to stains. Best suited for dining spaces with fewer spills and an emphasis on style.
• Metal: Extremely durable, low-maintenance, and strong but cold to the touch in winter. Consider adding cushions for added comfort.
• Fabric: Warm, cozy, and inviting—fabric chairs excel in comfort and offer a pleasant feel, especially in cold weather. They require immediate care to prevent permanent stains from spills.

Our top recommendation remains timber dining chairs, given their versatility and reliability. Opt for leather or metal if durability and easy maintenance are your priorities, or choose fabric or paper rope for maximum comfort and style in lower-risk environments.

Step 4: Colour and Appearance (Keep It Simple!)

Finally, let’s talk about colour and how your chair looks. Choosing the appearance of your dining chairs can feel overwhelming, especially when you constantly hear advice like “you should never…” or “you definitely have to…” from so-called design rules. But as architects, we can assure you—there’s no absolute rule in design. Design is an ever-evolving world, and we’ve seen that almost any combination can work beautifully with thoughtful pairing and design effort.

But… and it’s a big but—while most formulas can eventually lead to a solution, some take much more effort to get right. If you’re after a straightforward solution for your dining space, we’ve found a simple formula that works most of the time. Here it is, and repeat after me: “Similar, but different!”

Aim for your chairs to complement your table without exactly matching it. The goal is harmony, not monotony.

For example, pair a natural wood dining table with matching timber chairs featuring black leather seats. This creates visual harmony through consistent timber tones while adding a pleasing contrast with the dark seat colour.

Avoid matching everything in the same colour and material—it can feel heavy or monotonous. That said, as mentioned above, even matching sets can look striking and well-balanced when paired thoughtfully with the right flooring, wall colour, or other elements in your dining space.

But… again, if you’re unsure, stick to our simple rule: similar, but different.

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