Your dining table is at the heart of family life. From being the setting for warm family dinners to lively Scrabble nights, work-from-home days to homework evenings, your dining table is the preferred meeting spot for family and close friends. And while it’s important to choose the right table, pairing it with the right chairs is every bit as important, if not more!

Here’s how to zero in on the perfect chairs for your dining table! What are the ideal dimensions, and what are the factors you need to keep in mind when picking the right chair? Read on to find out.

Dining Chair Dimensions

Dining table chairs are not expected to be used for prolonged periods of time. This means that the overall chair height and the back support will not matter as much as an office chair, for instance, which you will be using for the better part of the day.

What does matter is the height of the seat, which is usually 18 inches for a table of 30 inches height. A minimum of 12 inches between seat height and tabletop is needed to ensure that you are seated comfortably and have enough leg room.

The seat itself should measure around 22 inches wide by 24 inches deep for optimal comfort. If the chair has arms, then it will be 6 inches wider. However, if your dining table is small, armrests will cut into the available space and are not required. In case you are opting for a chair with arms, do check to ensure that they slide smoothly below the table. There should be at least 7 inches of clear space between the arm and the bottom of the table.

How Many Chairs?

Here are some thumb rule measurements to help you decide how many you can seat at your table!

A rectangular table that is 6 feet in length will seat six comfortably, two each on opposite sides and one each at the head and foot of the table. An 8-footer table seats eight, and a 10- footer will seat 10.

If you have a circular dining table that is 4 feet in diameter, you can comfortably seat four people. A 5-feet round table can seat six, while a 6-feet round table seats eight.

Picking the Right Style and Material

The style, material and aesthetics of your dining table chairs will depend on your overall décor theme. Are you doing up your home in a classical style, or is your décor light, modern and minimalistic? What are the colours and materials you have used in your home?

Choose the right style and fabrics keeping in mind the overall look and feel that you are going for. Also remember that there could be spills around your dining table (especially if you have little kids or unruly pets at home!) and it’s always good to choose fabrics that are stain-proof and easy to maintain.

For modern Scandinavian-style décor, simple wooden chairs that are sleek and have clean lines would be a good match. Upholstered chairs are more comfortable for prolonged use, so if your dining table doubles up as your work-from-home space, then you could get chairs that are padded and covered in fabric or leatherette.

Chrome or metal chairs are lightweight and easy to move around, and are also very cost-effective. If this is your first home and you have a tight budget, then these could be a great, pocket-friendly option.

Dining Chair Idea Book

Here are some pages out of the HomeLane design archives, to get your creative juices flowing!

Conversations in Cane

Cane furniture is incredibly versatile and lends itself to intricate, flexible designs. Dining chairs woven into pretty patterns in cane are right at home in this rustic loft space, where the design narrative speaks of earthy accents and sustainable style.

Modern Talking

For a unique, contemporary vibe, you need look no further than these designer chairs in metal and wood! The metal seats are mounted on angled legs, again in black metal, and infuse unique personality to your décor.

A Touch of Elegance

This table in fine Italian marble perfectly sets off the lovely white leatherette chairs, styled with classical proportions. Quite the last word in understated elegance!

Alfresco Dining

This dining table with a slatted wooden top perfectly pairs with casual wooden chairs in a similar pattern, and makes a lovely setting for an alfresco meal overlooking the gardens. We totally love this look, and we think you will, too!

Say It in Wicker

Woven wicker furniture is always a class apart, as we can see in this lovely outdoor set in rattan. A glass top keeps the table free of dust, while the chairs are well suited to any kind of weather. All set to enjoy an evening with friends on your terrace garden!

Farmhouse Rustic

The down-to-earth rustic feel of this farmhouse-style dining space is as simple as simple can be, and works beautifully, too! Planks of reclaimed wood are crafted into a rough-and-ready dining table, with long low benches in lieu of chairs.

Old-World Charm

Traditional décor calls for carved, beautifully styled wooden chairs with upholstered leather seats. This matching dining set comes with six chairs and a polished mahogany table—just perfect for a formal setting!

A Bench and Chairs

Add a touch of casual to your transitional dining table set, by choosing to replace the chairs along one side with a low, long bench. Get all the seats upholstered in the same suede upholstery to keep the look going.

Scandi Style

Simple and comfortable, this moulded chair comes in a slew of solid colours with polycarbonate seats and rubberwood legs. This style blends well with Scandinavian interiors, and offers great value since it’s so affordable! Even if you’re not shopping on a budget, these chairs are so stylish that you’d want them in your home.

Or, Do Away with Matched Sets Altogether!

Packaged dining table and chair sets are for those who want to avoid the stress of mixing and matching furniture. The whole matched vibe is on its way out, however, and it’s time to move on from that 80s aesthetic. Have fun putting together completely disparate styles and colours, and live the carefree boho chic life! Try taking a dash of this and a pinch of that, and you’ll end up with a set of completely unmatched chairs that look just right together.

Loved all the ideas, but have no idea where to begin? The HomeLane team can help put your dream home together. Just give us a call, and leave the rest to us!

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