No matter your budget or dining room design, we have a chair for you.
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From minimalist Scandinavian designs for those who prefer clean lines to colorful upholstered options that add a layer of comfort to every meal, there are various styles to choose from when searching for the best dining chairs.
To narrow your search, we compared dozens of options for seat height, materials, comfort, durability, and price. We also consulted with Kate Gray, principal and founder of the interior design firm Hamilton Gray Studios, and Laura Hodges, founder of Laura Hodges Studio, for their insight on selecting the perfect dining room chair to complete your setup.
“When shopping for a dining chair, prioritize quality over price,” Gray says. “If it sounds too good to be true, or too cheap to last, it probably is.”
Scroll on for more of our best dining chair recommendations below and advice from Gray and Hodges on what to look for when shopping.
It’s comfortable and easy to keep clean.
It doesn’t have arms.
This best-seller stands out for one key factor: its machine-washable upholstery. Ideal for young children or easy cleaning, the Levity Scandinavian Dining Chair’s seat pops off so you can seamlessly remove the covers. But that’s not the sole reason we love this dining chair—its sleek, mid-century design is also comfortable and supportive.
Available in a world of colors and fabrics (we particularly love the off-white linen), this chair blends seamlessly with your existing decor. And if you get bored with the color and want a change, you can buy a new seat and swap it out as you wish. The fabric is also stain-resistant, so even if you don’t have time for a wash cycle, you don't have to worry about hard-set stains.
Material: Rubberwood, polyester seat | Dimensions: 18.25 by 22.5 by 31.5 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
These chairs offer chic style at a bargain.
The upholstery takes more effort to keep clean.
The Copley Upholstered Dining Chairs from Target’s Project 62 line come in a set of two, making them an affordable yet quality option for furnishing your dining room. Whether setting up a large table or picking up extra seats for holiday gatherings, these modern, upholstered dining chairs can suit just about any decor. The chairs come in 17 colors and fabrics, from mustard to faux leather, so you can customize your dining table depending on your style preferences.
The price may be budget-friendly, but these chairs don’t sacrifice quality. With metal, wood-finished legs and linen upholstery, the Copley chairs achieve a high-quality look at a fraction of the cost.
Material: Plywood and metal, polyester seat | Dimensions: 22.8 by 18 by 34 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: No | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
This sleek chair combines retro details with a modern silhouette.
It’s not ideal for people seeking a full cane dining chair.
You might know the Cesca Chair by Marcel Breuer, a cult classic that took social media by storm, and for a good reason—the sleek steel frame, ‘70s-era cane weaving, and upholstered seat lend it a great deal of charm and character. For a more comfortable alternative (just look at that thick, velvet cushion), the Edloe Finch Nora Dining Chair tops our list as the best cane dining chair.
Sold as a set of two, the Nora gives an instant impact in your space, no matter the cushion color you choose. Without arms, the seats tuck seamlessly under any table. For maximum comfort, the steel frame also allows for a subtle rocking chair effect.
Material: Solid wood, cane, and steel | Dimensions: 20 by 19 by 33 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: Not listed
This chair is made from high-quality hardwood available in a variety of finish options.
You’ll need to use a specific hardwood cleaner to upkeep this chair.
Ideal for small spaces, the Pottery Barn Cline Bistro Dining Chair has a slight silhouette that makes an impact without taking up too much room. Crafted from solid rubberwood, this dining chair is sturdy without being too heavy. The high back offers lumbar support, but the vintage-inspired design keeps it from feeling too cumbersome.
Because of the solid hardwood construction, you’ll need to avoid harsh chemical and all-purpose cleaners and instead dust with a microfiber cloth or a hardwood-specific cleaner. The darker stains have a tendency to fade if exposed to direct sunlight for too long, but with care, these chairs can last you for years to come.
Material: Solid rubberwood | Dimensions: 20.5 by 20 by 39 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
This chair offers uncompromising luxury and comfort.
It has limited color options to choose from.
If you’re looking to make a statement, opt for boldness with the AllModern Athena Fabric Armchair. This unique chair features a chic faux bouclé upholstery (choose from either forest green, black, cream, or gray) and a curvy back ideal for lounging in through long meals.
However, this dining chair is not suited for eat-in kitchens or more casual settings, especially due to its full upholstery which might stain easily with daily wear and tear. It’s also good to keep in mind the arm height, as it may not fit under small dining tables.
Material: Solid wood frame with fabric upholstery | Dimensions: 21 by 25 by 27 inches | Arms: Yes | Assembly Required: No | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
These chairs are easy to move and clean, and ideal for small spaces.
They aren’t a great option for people looking for dining chairs with a formal or traditional look.
AllModern’s Moselle Dining Chair (which comes in a set of two) may be made entirely of plastic, but it’s still chic enough to be used as your everyday dining chair. It is exceedingly easy to clean—any all-purpose cleaner or wipe will do the trick—so it’s ideal for growing families and people with pets.
A lack of cushioning means that this isn’t the ideal chair for lounging or working long days from home, but these dining chairs are light enough to be easily moved and small-space friendly to boot.
Material: Molded plastic | Dimensions: 21 by 18 by 32 inches |A rms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
This durable chair is comfortable to sit in for hours and has a timeless look.
West Elm sells accompanying cushions, but they need to be purchased separately.
West Elm’s Windsor Dining Chair is somehow both modern and timeless. The solid rubberwood frame is stained black to ensure lasting quality, which also means it’ll never go out of style. While spindle-backed chairs aren’t typically the most comfortable option (they tend to poke and prod in strange places), West Elm’s version of the Shaker silhouette is suitable for hours of conversation. For added comfort, the retailer also sells accompanying seat cushions.
Material: Solid rubberwood | Dimensions: 20.7 by 17.2 by 33 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
These chairs are sturdy, stylish, and make for a great conversation piece.
The finish and seat color options are limited to neutrals.
An iconic design, the Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner is a favorite amongst interior enthusiasts, and the Poly & Bark Weave Dining Chair is a nearly identical replica at a fraction of the cost. It is also our pick for the best wishbone dining chair thanks to its superior quality and solid, kiln-dried wood frame.
The signature high back and rounded arms are comfortable enough to sit in for hours, while the tightly woven cane seat offers plenty of support. This chair comes in black, natural wood, and white, and will be a conversation-starting piece you treasure for years to come.
Material: Beech wood, cord-woven seat | Dimensions: 20.75 by 21.5 by 30.5 inches | Arms: Yes | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
These solid wood chairs come in lots of rustic finish options and take almost no time to assemble.
They don’t come with cushions.
If you want to bring more of a farmhouse vibe to your home, this dining chair set is a great way to start. It comes in a range of woodgrain finishes that are weather-worn, allowing you to match your new chairs to your existing furnishings while adding rustic-chic style to your space.
These chairs are made of solid Asian rubberwood and have a cross-back design for extra sturdiness. They can even be simply wiped clean to keep them as good as new. They feature contoured seats to support your posture, but they have a smaller seat depth of 16 inches, which some people may find uncomfortable. They also don't come with cushions, so they aren't ideal for long meals.
These chairs require assembly, but the process is quick and straightforward, even if you don't have a lot of DIY experience. For the price, this chair set offers great durability and quality that will last in your home for years.
Material: Solid Asian rubberwood | Dimensions: 39.17 by 18.5 by 23.23 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
These stackable chairs are a great way to save space in a smaller home.
It would be expensive to furnish your entire dining table with these chairs.
Ideal for small city apartments or extra event seating, Hay’s About A Chair stacks easily (up to 12 chairs) and looks good enough to leave out all the time. Any spills will roll right off the molded plastic frame for easy cleaning, and the chrome legs keep the chair lightweight enough to move from room to room.
The best part of this chair is the wide seat—at nearly 20 inches wide, shifting and turning is no problem. It's available in a myriad of fun colors (we’re partial to the dusty blue and warm red), so you can mix and match the hues for a fun alternative to folding card chairs.
Material: Powder-coated steel legs, polypropylene shell | Dimensions: 19.69 by 22.84 by 30.71 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: No | Weight Capacity: Not listed
This classic chair is exceptionally easy to clean and is handcrafted by expert artisans.
In addition to selling fine kitchenware, Williams Sonoma also makes some elegant furniture pieces. The brand’s Parisian-inspired bistro dining chair exudes the charm of a European cafe, bringing chic style to your space. This chair comes in three colorways—black, black and white, and blue and white—to match your existing furnishings.
The seat on these chairs is made from woven synthetic wicker, which cleans with a quick wipe and can withstand outdoor conditions. The frame is built with bent rattan, a solid wood that's lightweight and durable, making it easy to rearrange in your space. Williams Sonoma boasts that each chair is handmade by master furniture builders, so you know you're getting a quality product.
These bistro chairs don't have armrests, but they do have a curved back that supports long periods of lounging. The seat dimensions are also on the higher end of the average, with a width of 17.5 inches and a depth of 19 inches, which also adds to its comfort. These chairs do require assembly, but you can opt for white glove delivery to have them put together in your room of choice.
Material: Synthetic wicker, bent rattan | Dimensions: 20 by 20.75 by 33.5 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
This chair has a unique silhouette and is made from genuine leather.
Leather is a timeless, high-quality material that can actually become better with age. Take the Anthropologie Hagen Dining Chair as an example—the curved back offers support during meal times while the subtle padding adds even more comfort.
Crafted from real top-grain leather, this upholstery can weather a fair amount of daily use. We recommend a leather-specific cleaner and polish, but allowing every scratch and scuff to happen with time and wear will only add character and warmth to your dining set. Also note that genuine leather is more expensive than vegan leather, but it lasts a lot longer.
Material: Poplar wood frame, top-grain leather upholstery | Dimensions: 24 by 23.5 by 31 inches | Arms: Yes | Assembly Required: No | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Aptly named, The Inside’s Classic Dining Chair has a traditional silhouette that can suit just about any dining space. It comes in over 90 colors and fabrics, and the tall, rectangular back gives even weekday breakfasts a hint of grandeur. The seat leaves plenty of room for crossing your legs or maneuvering comfortably, thanks to extra padded foam that condenses when you sit down.
It’s expensive, but the ability to customize makes this a great splurge-worthy choice. Choose from black, espresso, or natural-hued wooden legs to round out the customizable model.
Material: Wooden frame, fabric upholstery | Dimensions: 25 by 19 by 37 inches| Arms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: Not listed
These chairs can be used both indoors and outdoors.
They lack cushions and lumbar support.
Whether you use the 17 Stories Lilian Stacking Chairs in your dining room or outdoor patio, the powder-coated steel frame can withstand snowstorms and coffee spills. Inspired by the iconic Tolix Marais A Chair from France, these chairs are great for those looking to switch it up from traditional furniture materials like wood or fabric.
While these chairs are highly versatile, they are not the most comfortable option on our list since they don’t have any padding. But, their ability to stack makes them perfect for short-term and seasonal use.
Material: Powder-coated steel | Dimensions: 20.25 by 17.3 by 33.5 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: No | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds |
This chair has a removable slip-cover made with performance fabric, and it’s very cushy to sit on.
There are only two color options.
Slip-covered dining chairs are a great pick if you want a piece that's upholstered yet easy to clean. This option from CB2 comes in a performance linen weave fabric that's durable and resistant to stains. If it gets dirty, you can remove the slipcover and stain-treat it to keep it looking new. The slipcover also protects the wooden frame underneath, helping you get more use out of your chairs.
This chair comes with a plush seat cushion to make sitting more comfortable, and it has a seat width of 19 inches and a depth of 24 inches to help you truly kick back and relax. Since these chairs are a little wider than average, they may not be ideal for cramped dining spaces.
We wished this chair came in some more color options—right now, it's only offered in cream and black, so it doesn't add a ton of personality to your space. Still, its sleek silhouette can blend in with all kinds of decor styles, and it offers impressive comfort for a dining chair.
Material: Linen performance woven fabric, engineered wood | Dimensions: 19.25 by 24.5 by 34.75 inches | Arms: No | Assembly Required: Yes | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Ideal for mess makers, small spaces, and family gatherings alike, the Levity Scandinavian Dining Chair tops our list as the best overall dining chair. We can’t get enough of its machine-washable (and interchangeable) cushions, plus its sleek mid-century modern design. For a more budget-friendly option, the Target Project 62 Copley Upholstered Dining Chairs come in almost as many colors and are comfy enough to work in.
Solid wood or metal legs are Gray’s go-to when shopping for dining chairs. “Painted legs or upholstered ones don't hold up well,” she says. “They’re prone to chipping or tearing.”
Metal legs are the most durable, as they are weather-, spill-, and pet-proof. Solid wood legs, however, suit a greater variety of design styles. But if the legs have a veneer or wood coating (as opposed to a solid wood all the way through), they can wear out and peel over time. Metal legs also have much more durability around the joints and a higher weight threshold when compared to wood.
Upholstered chairs are preferred by people searching for cushier seating, but they can require more intricate cleaning. If you’re set on an upholstered chair, look for ones made from durable fabrics, like The Inside’s Classic Dining Chair, which is covered in a polyester-linen blend, can be spot-cleaned, and holds up to lots of abrasion from cleaning. Leather is also a solid option for upholstery because it wears nicely, but you should avoid spot-cleaning to prevent damage.
Another option would be to consider slipcovered chairs. The slipcover protects your actual chair from damage, and you can toss the cover in the wash to get rid of debris and stains for easier cleaning, which is really helpful for overall durability, Hodges says. She explains that cleanable fabrics can be either performance fabrics, which are stain-resistant and cleanable, or simply those with a W (water-based) or SW (solvent or water-based) cleaning code. Non-performance fabrics can still be easy to clean, like cotton and wool blends, but Hodges notes that delicate fibers like silk and rayon are not as easy to clean.
Lastly, don’t neglect the fill material if you’re looking for a cushioned chair. Many chairs are filled with polyester batting, which is the most affordable option but can be prone to flattening. Foam and hollow-fill fiber cushions are also popular options since they’re soft and plush, though foam is the more supportive choice. Some chairs, like the Anthropologie Hagen Dining Chair, combine both foam and hollow-fill fiber for ultimate comfort and support.
The standard seat height for dining chairs is 18 inches. However, with padded seats that will sink, or condense, when sat upon, the seat height can go up to 20 inches. The average dining table has a height between 28 and 32 inches, and it's ideal to leave approximately 10 inches for your body between the seat and the table. Any less, and you may find it difficult to cross your legs or maneuver in and out of the seat. More room, while perhaps more comfortable, will leave you at an awkward angle in relation to your plate.
For Gray, selecting armchairs depends on the table. “In tighter spaces I typically avoid arms,” she says. “And often I'll just use armed chairs at the ends of the table.” If the chair’s arms are too high, however, they can present difficulties when tucking in the chair or maneuvering your arms while eating. Arms are most helpful for older family members or those who may need something to hold onto when standing or sitting.
Gray recommends evaluating the chairs you already have to gauge your plushness preference. Keep in mind that while dining chairs should be comfortable, they should not be as plush or padded as a recliner or lounging chair.
Hodges says that a seat height between 18 and 19 inches and upper back support are also important to consider when looking for a comfortable chair. “Chairs with a very low back can feel uncomfortable for some people, as can armless chairs or backs that are too tall,” she says. “It’s also really important to check the height of your dining table and the apron underneath to make sure that there’s enough leg room.” Aside from that, make sure you check the width and depth of the chair before purchasing to make sure it’s roomy enough for your liking.
If you’re looking for a more ergonomic dining chair, you should consider options that have foam-filled cushioned arms and an S-curved back to support your spine during long sitting periods. Also, make sure your chair has a good weight capacity–most have a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds, but if you need more than that, metal and plastic chairs are the most supportive options.
Dining chairs cover all kinds of decor styles from farmhouse to coastal to modern. If you want a certain aesthetic in your space, know that the materials and silhouette of your chair play a role in determining its style. For a traditional look, solid wood will be your best bet, but if you want something modern, a metal or plastic chair will give you the vibe you’re going for. To guide your shopping, consider the existing style of your dining room and dining table. For example, If you have a round table with smooth lines, look for modern chairs instead of farmhouse ones to complement your furnishings.
When it comes to styling dining chairs in your space, Hodges prefers going for a chair set instead of individual chairs. “I find that usually a set makes the most sense,” she says.”The host chairs can be different, though, especially if space is an issue and there’s not enough room for every chair to have arms.” In that case, mixing and matching chair styles can add more flexibility to your space. Combining design styles like modern and traditional can also add some character or be a way to keep a favorite vintage chair or an incomplete family heirloom set, Hodges says.
While there’s not a set height or depth that will suit every dining table, the average is 18 inches high and 20 inches deep. The average dining table has a height between 28 and 32 inches, leaving approximately 10 inches for your body between the seat and the table for maximum comfort and ease of eating.
Gray actually prefers when the dining chairs don't perfectly match the dining table. “I might not mix too many different woods, but they do not need to be an exact match—or I might prefer a different material entirely,” she says. Pair a metal frame with a wood table for a more industrial look, or opt for upholstered seats for a more formal feel.
Also, consider how often you use your dining table and who will be seated at it. In a family kitchen that you use on a daily basis, upholstered chairs will stain easily, while plastic, metal, and wood chairs are easier to clean.
When determining quality, focus on assembly and materials. Self-assembled chairs tend to wear out faster due to incomplete joints or because the screws may need tightening over time. In terms of materials, look for solid materials (rather than a coating or veneer) for the legs to ensure minimal chipping or peeling.
For the chair frame itself, solid woods, plastics, and metals wear over time much better than fabrics (which can be prone to discoloration, tearing, and staining). However, slip-covered chairs or machine-washable cushions can be a longer-lasting alternative if a cushioned seat is non-negotiable.
The exact number will vary based on the length and shape of your dining table. In general, you want about 2 feet between chairs, which translates to roughly four chairs for a 36-inch dining table and six chairs for a 46-inch dining table. If you have a round table, it’ll be easier to squeeze in some extra seats compared to a rectangular one.
Extrusion Blow Mold This article was written by Kate McGregor, a design and market editor who has written about the best in furniture for publications such as ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, The Expert, and Domino, and Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, we researched a wide range of dining chairs, keeping in mind dimensions, materials, comfort, durability, design, and price. We also consulted Kate Gray, an interior designer and the founder of Hamilton Gray Studio, a firm based in Brooklyn that specializes in residential projects, and Laura Hodges, an interior designer and the owner of Laura Hodges Studio.