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Complete your dining set with one of the best dining chairs for comfortable seating around the table. Chairs For Oval Dining Table
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KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME (3), MARY HENN/TASTE OF HOME
Have you finally found the perfect kitchen table and need some dining chairs to go with it? This is a great opportunity to get a little creative—and have a little fun with your space. At least that’s what interior designer Heather Disabella recommends.
“Dining chairs have dual functionality,” she explains. “They’re both providing a comfortable place to sit, but oftentimes they are the one piece in the space that you can make a statement with.” Because dining chairs are a repetitive element, they’re an opportunity to play with color, pattern and shape, she says, for a “curated and unique look.”
Heather emphasizes that the chair influences the entire space and acts as a focal point, so you want something aesthetically pleasing. But it also must be comfortable. After all, “the sign of a good dinner party is that no one wants to leave,” she says.
With that in mind, we set out to find some of the best dining chairs for every space and every budget. Whether you’re searching for a classic wood dining chair, a stylish upholstered chair, or even an outdoor seating option for your patio set, we’ve rounded up customer-favorite picks below.
Those hunting for the best dining chairs can’t go wrong with Burrow’s Alto dining chair. Available in several colors and finishes (including both fabric and leather), the minimalistic look and modern appeal mesh well in almost any space. These ultra-sturdy chairs work just as well for changing a lightbulb as they do sitting. Each holds up to 300 pounds. They’re sleek and elegant while still offering plenty of cushion.
One thing to remember is to use a light hand when assembling, according to Shopping Editor Mary Henn who owns the chair. “On the bottom of one of the chairs, the wood on the frame split when tightening a screw while putting on the front leg,” she says. “This could be due to user error (over tightening).” Despite that, the chair still holds up and she hasn’t noticed any other breaks or cracks after several months of use.
Available in both counter and bar height options, the Lyndon stool from Grandin Road is our pick for the best bar-height dining chairs. Apart from a smooth swivel function and several finish and fabric choices, we appreciate that the chairs take only minutes to set up. The two-tone metal base makes these some of the sturdiest stools we’ve come across.
Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski notes that while they’re a bit more expensive than other options, the quality makes them well worth the price. “There’s no denying that these are pricey, but they are also very high quality,” she says. I can see these lasting a long time, plus they’re not too trendy. They offer a timeless look that I could use in my kitchen and bar for a long time.”
Senior Editor Katie has used the HomePop chairs as her personal dining chairs for years. Between the simple assembly and dozens of fabric and finish options, they’re well worth the cost. They come in a set of two, which is perfect for smaller families. Or, take advantage of the budget-friendly price point and pick up a few sets for a larger dining space.
“Honestly, I’m shocked at how well they’ve held up considering the price,” says Katie. “They’re easy to assemble – each chair takes about 20 minutes – and very sturdy. I love that they’re available in dozens of fabric prints. Plus, they’re pretty dang comfy! I’ve sat in these chairs for hours without any issues. The only drawback? The legs need to be tightened from time to time. They also do not come with floor protector pads, so you’ll need to buy those separately.”
Those seeking a “chameleon” chair that fits with dozens of decor styles can’t go wrong with the Seb dining chair. Heirloom-style construction offers peace of mind that they’re a good investment, despite the steep price. “These are chairs that could last a lifetime,” says Senior Editor Katie, who recently updated her space with these chairs. “Made of solid Acacia wood, they’re the perfect bridge between timeless and modern styles. The honey wood tone goes perfectly in my 1960s kitchen without aging the space even further. Plus, these chairs require zero assembly.”
“When delivered, simply free them from the box and packaging materials, and they’re good to go! The only downside is that, since they’re all wood, they aren’t the most comfortable material for hours of sitting. (Especially if you have a bony butt like my husband!) The good news is that they’ll look attractive with a seat cushion. Or you can even buy the chairs with an upholstered seat. There’s also a matching bench that I LOVE.”
Shopping for small spaces doesn’t mean settling for unsightly furniture. Burrow’s Haiku dining chairs offer modern appeal and a sturdy spot to eat or work without a big footprint. Solid rubberwood with an ash veneer offers a stain- and scratch-resistant surface. In addition, multiple colors and finishes are available to match a variety of decor styles.
Shopping Editor Mary Henn notes that setup was incredibly simple. “The directions were super clear and easy to follow. The pictures in the instructions were very helpful and made it difficult to make a mistake. Everything was labeled in detail,” she says, noting that it was one of the easiest assembly processes she’s encountered.
This modern farmhouse dining chair is an easy and affordable way to turn any kitchen table into one of the best kitchen table sets. The contemporary ladder-style back, glossy finish (which comes in either black or white) and stained wood seat allow you to make the chair as casual or as upscale as you’d like. It looks just as good pulled up to a breakfast nook in an eat-in kitchen as it does around a luxurious wood dining table designed for entertaining.
While the wood chair isn’t cushioned, it’s still plenty comfortable and also surprisingly sturdy. It’s easy to assemble, with many Amazon shoppers saying they were able to put it together in under five minutes.
Like the best outdoor dining tables, good outdoor dining chairs must be three things: durable, lightweight and weather-resistant. This one from the Hampton Bay brand checks all those boxes. Apart from a powder-coated steel frame that’s plenty sturdy, the polyester sling seat is comfortable for summer evenings lounging on the back patio.
The chairs dry quickly—so leave them outside in the rain—and stack together nicely for off-season storage. Plus, they pair well with almost any outdoor dining table.
Upholstered dining chairs are as chic as they are comfortable. While there are plenty of options out there, we like this version from Pottery Barn the best. With a tall curved backrest and contoured foam-filled seat, it’s designed for lingering over a family meal. Additionally, the durable oak wood construction should last for years and years of frequent use.
Bonus: Customize both the wood finish—with options like mahogany, gray wash and vintage amber—and fabric color, whether you like oatmeal, moss or even florals. Shoppers can also choose the fabric type, including linen and velvet.
Folks can’t go wrong with a classic wood dining chair like this one from Wayfair. Available in four finishes—natural oak, black, white and gray—it’s a versatile option that completes any of the best dining table sets or breakfast nooks. The Windsor-style seat back is slightly curved for both comfort and stability, and the turned legs are held together with braces that act both as footrests and added supports.
In addition, the solid rubberwood construction is of great quality. Unlike some of the other budget-friendly chairs out there, it holds up well. You won’t have to keep replacing these every time your rowdy uncle comes over.
Between the tufted velvet upholstery, curved wingback silhouette and tapered gold legs, this Wade Logan dining chair is the epitome of mid-century modern elegance. The seat’s well-cushioned foam padding offers just the right amount of support—it’s comfy while still providing lift—and the chair itself is made with a durable wood and iron frame.
Available in gorgeous colors like ivory, teal and blush pink, this chair will add a little extra glamour to your everyday space when paired with one of the best dining tables.
Shop on Crate and Barrel
Shop on Crate and Barrel
Lest you think leather is just for recliners and overstuffed club chairs, think again. This sumptuous dining chair is upholstered with soft pebbled leather with double saddle stitching for added durability. Plenty of padding on the seat makes it a comfortable seating option. Plus, the sturdy acacia wood frame ensures the chair will hold up for many dinner parties to come.
Available with either ebony or natural wood legs, the popular Lowe chair comes in 10 sophisticated colors, including chocolate, pewter and moss green. Now you just need one of the best bar carts to complete the luxurious lounge ambiance.
A rattan dining chair is an easy (and trendy) way to bring a bit of the outdoors indoors. It also easily fits with one of the best round dining tables or one of the best extendable dining tables. With its woven wicker seat and striking single-splat back, this Birch Lane chair perfectly balances breezy Bohemian and structured modern.
The curved low back wraps around you for maximum comfort, while the beech wood frame is tough and high quality—it’ll hold up to wear and tear. The best part is that the chair comes fully assembled, so there’s no work required on your end.
Metal dining chairs bring a trendy industrial-chic vibe into your space. This Carlisle one from Target’s popular Threshold brand does that at a budget-friendly price. Available in natural metal and black, the chair features a minimalist silhouette and subtle matte finish that seamlessly fits into almost any decor style.
Not only does the high back have a slight curve for added comfort, but the narrower seat makes them great for smaller spaces. Plus, the metal is very strong and sturdy—you won’t have to replace these for a while—and they’re easy to assemble.
According to Heather, there are three main things to consider when choosing dining chairs. First, comfort. This pertains to both the seat and the back. Maybe the seat cushion has memory foam for more padding, or maybe the back has a contoured curve that allows you to comfortably linger post-meal.
Second, style. You’ll want a set of chairs that coordinate with the decor style of your dining area, whether that’s mid-century modern or Scandinavian. Look at the design features of the seat back and legs along with the chair color and material. Third (and perhaps the most important), is quality.
“The last thing you want is someone to accidentally break a chair back when they’re over for dinner,” Heather jokes.
As a 30-something woman who eats at least three meals a day (plus the occasional second breakfast) and whose home office is the kitchen table, I’ve spent a lot of hours sitting on dining chairs. Some have been comfortable, some not so much. As a result, I’ve become an accidental expert on what makes a good chair. I’ve also been in the media industry for over a decade, with most of my experience in service journalism—I’ve written hundreds of product reviews over the years. I know what to look for when it comes to selecting quality products, specifically in the home and kitchen world.
If you’ve ever googled “dining chairs,” you know just how many hundreds of options are out there. To narrow down our list, I sifted through pages and pages of chairs from popular trusted retailers like Wayfair, Target and Crate & Barrel. I looked for dining chairs with the highest average ratings and the most positive reviews from shoppers just like myself. I considered the quality, materials and workmanship of each chair and included expert advice from an interior designer. For this story, I tried to include chairs in a variety of styles at different price points.
Your dining chair height—which is the distance from the floor to the top of the seat—matters. Too high and your thighs are squeezed under the table. But too low and your legs are all bent up. A standard dining table is around 30 inches tall. This makes the ideal dining chair height between 18 and 23 inches.
Consider not only the seat height (see above) but also the chair width. The average dining chair is between 16 and 20 inches wide. Think about the size of your dining table and how many people you’d like to fit around it.
Estimate how much space you want between each chair, and add it to the width of your specific dining chair. Then, divide the overall size of your table by that total to determine how many chairs will fit. If you want more chairs, you’ll want narrower dining chairs or those without arms to save space.
The best material for a dining chair is going to come down to personal preference. However, there are some things to keep in mind. Consider the decor of your space. Metal plays well into an industrial aesthetic. On the other hand, natural materials like rattan are good for farmhouse or cottage-chic style. Other common materials for dining chairs include plastic and acrylic.
If you’re buying upholstered dining chairs, the fabric also makes a big difference in comfort and durability. Some of the most popular fabrics are cotton, polyester, leather and velvet. Polyester is the most affordable of that list and has the added benefit of being stain-resistant and easy to clean.
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