Choosing a Dining Chair Style That's Right For You

When it comes to choosing dining chairs, there's no shortage of styles. You can get traditional wood chairs, contemporary plastic pieces or anything in between. The style you choose is really a matter of what works best with your overall room design.

For example, if you love the look of traditional wood chairs, but want something more durable, there's this chair from Fyrn that features solid walnut legs and a buttery-soft leather seat. The chair is rated to withstand just about any wear and tear, making it ideal for busy families with children and pets. It's also designed to be stackable for easy storage when not in use, plus it comes with non-marking feet that protect your flooring from scuff marks.

Another option that blends tradition with modern is this chair from CB2. Its rounded back and boucle upholstery feel like they'd work well in either a Scandinavian or a Modern Farmhouse style. It's available in multiple colors to match any color scheme, and it's even backed with a five-year warranty to help you feel confident about your purchase.

It's important to consider how long you plan on sitting in your dining chairs, too, because that can help you decide how much comfort you need. If you're planning on spending most of your time at the table, a more comfortable chair that supports your back and shoulders might be a good idea. For those who tend to spend more time at the island, you might want to go with a chair that isn't as high off of the ground so you can easily reach your countertops.

The height of your dining chair is also an important consideration. You'll want to ensure that it can fit under your table comfortably and allow you plenty of legroom while seated. Experts recommend leaving about 24'' to 26'' of space between chairs for comfortable seating and ease of getting up and down from the table.

Some styles of dining chairs are more timeless than others, and one of those is this classic from Pottery Barn. Its solid wood frame is crafted using mortise-and-tenon joinery and finished with a light natural finish to stand the test of time. The upholstered seat is covered in a performance velvet fabric that's easy to clean and is backed by a polyester fiber fill for extra support.

If you prefer a more streamlined look, check out this chair from Pottery Barn. It has the same design elements as the previous chair but with minimal arms for a cleaner appearance. It's upholstered in a rich green velvet that looks luxe but is actually made from recycled materials, including fishing nets and end-of-use carpeting.

If you're not sure what type of dining chair will work in your home, there are plenty of design experts on hand to help. You can chat with a design consultant at a store near you, or you can shop online and use the Virtual Design Service to get ideas for your space before making a final decision.