Types of Dining Chairs
Find the right type of chair for your dining space.
Whether you want a matching set or a mixed, eclectic look, dining chairs help set the tone in your dining room. We'll walk you through the most popular types of chairs and how to choose the right one for your dining room.
1. Decide on Chair Type
Armchair: As the name states, these dining chairs have armrests. They are typically a larger dining chair option and are usually found at the head of the table. If you opt for an armchair, be sure to measure the height and width of your table to ensure the chairs will fit.
Side Chair: Side chairs are armless chairs that generally sit along the length of a dining table. Without arms, side chairs can easily be pushed under the table to conserve space when not in use. In more casual dining rooms, they can be found at the head of the table as well.
Tip!
Review Your Guide to Dining Chair Prices to learn more about how chair design can influence the price point.
2. Compare Chair Back Designs
High-Back: This style of dining chair has an extended back that offers more back support. This type of chair is ideal for more formal dining rooms and is usually placed at the head of the table.
Parsons: A Parsons chair has clean lines and a simple design which is suited for nearly all decor styles. These popular types of chairs are typically armless with a full back and a cushioned seat.
Windsor: Embrace your country style with a Windsor chair. This traditional English chair typically features a semicircular back supported by thin vertical rods and spindle legs. While they usually are made of wood, Windsor chairs have many different combinations of materials.
Solid-Back: This dining chair style is extremely similar to both Parsons and high-back chairs – featuring that simple yet elegant design and upholstered seating. They have tall solid backs that allow the chair to be pushed right up to the table when they are unoccupied.
Wingback: These upholstered chairs have high backrests with curved sides that create the famous "wingback" silhouette. Most wingback chairs feature armrests for comfort.
Slat-Back: Slat-back dining chairs feature evenly spaced vertical wooden slats with a straight top for the backrest. They can have an upholstered seat but are more commonly made from solid wood. These types of chairs work well in a more casual dining room setting.
Ladder-Back: As their name suggests, ladder-back chairs have evenly spaced horizontal wood slats – similar to a ladder. These simple dining room chairs are commonly made from wood and feature no arm rests. They are renowned for being exceptionally sturdy and versatile enough to match many decor styles.
King Louis: To add a classic French style to your home, King Louis chairs are a must-have. Louis XVI chairs have either rounded, square backs, or circular backs. They come with thin fluted legs and may or may not have arm rests.
Cross-Back: For a more contemporary look in your dining room, cross-back (also known as X-back) chairs offer a neutral yet modern design that works well with almost any style. Their back apron is made from a criss-cross of wood with a straight top. The simplicity of this chair style means it can be used even beyond the dining room, making it a versatile investment.
Queen Anne: The Queen Anne chair features a beautifully scalloped back apron that is often carved as a single piece, and is usually made from a dark cherry wood. These types of chairs have upholstered seats and a foot bar that runs around the front three sides of the legs to complete their classic look.
Low-Back: Low back chairs are typically found in modern-style homes. These types of chairs feature lower backrests and shorter legs than most other dining seating, making them easier to use at low-set tables.
Wishbone: Wishbone chairs – also known as Y-chairs – have an iconic backrest that is shaped like a wishbone. These Danish-designed seats are commonly made from a wooden frame with a woven seat (though the seat can also be upholstered). They have a sleek and minimalist look that is favored amongst many homeowners.
Metal: There are a number of different types of chairs that have metal components – ranging from Windsor to cross-back. Some chair frames are entirely made of metal while others have only the legs or backrest made from metal, while the seat is upholstered or wood. Metal chairs also cover a range of styles including industrial and mid-century modern.
Plastic/Acrylic: Plastic or acrylic chairs are a little more unexpected as dining seating. More often than not, the seat and back will be made from one entire piece of molded plastic or acrylic, while the legs are crafted from metal or wood. These types of chairs come in an impressive array of colors, along with interesting designs and intricate backrests thanks to the fact that they are easy to manufacture.
Wicker/Rattan: Wicker and rattan are woven fibers that give a naturally textured look which works well with coastal and farmhouse styles in particular. Most often, these types of chairs feature a seat that is made from wicker or rattan, but you can also find those with the backrest or even the entire chair made from this material. Although they are not waterproof, these types of chairs can look good as outdoor covered patio seating, as long as they are protected from the elements.
Wood: Probably one of the most common and oldest chair materials is wood. Thanks to their durability, these types of chairs offer great support and include nearly any style chair. Whether it makes up the entire chair or individual components such as the legs or backrest, almost all seating has at least one part made from wood.
Upholstered: Upholstered chairs are popular because they usually make for the most comfortable dining room furniture. Their heavy-duty upholstery fabric is used to cover some sort of padding or cushioning to ensure the seat is more enjoyable to sit on.
Fabric: Upholstery fabric is the most commonly used material for chairs. Unlike regular fabric that is made for clothing, upholstery fabric is thicker and more durable. Some dining chairs have performance upholstery fabric that makes them extra stain-resistant – perfect for accidental food spills!
Velvet: Velvet is a more luxe upholstery fabric that has a plush texture and complements glam decor. However, velvet can tear and stain easily and should be handled with care – making it a great option for formal or low-traffic dining rooms.
Genuine Leather: Another premium upholstery material is leather which has that unforgettable look, feel, and scent associated with grand offices, old libraries, and opulent homes. Leather is stylish and versatile, making it easy to pair with plenty of different styles. This material also requires special care and cleaning.
Faux Leather: If you are looking to save on cost or prefer not to use genuine leather, faux leather looks just as good. This synthetic fabric is also often waterproof, making for easier cleaning and maintenance – an important consideration for families with children and pets.
Tip!
For a more in-depth look at the pros and cons of different dining chair materials, read our guide Your Guide to Dining Chair Materials.
4. Think About Special Features
(Shop this image: pink dining chairs, pedestal dining tables, modern sideboards, rattan wall mirrors, capiz chandeliers, and abstract area rugs)
Once you've decided on the style and material of your dining chairs, you can move onto the features you prefer. Some add to the comfort or functionality of the space while others serve to enhance the decorative appeal of your dining room.
Aesthetic Appeal
Tufted Cushions: Tufting refers to the technique whereby buttons are sewn into the front cushion of the chair in order to create evenly spaced diamond shapes in the fabric. Its classic design adds an upscale feel to any piece of furniture. Tufted cushions are often accompanied by nailheads to create an extravagant look.
Nailheads: Nailheads are a decorative detail comprising studs driven along the frame of an upholstered chair. This eye-catching feature can be used to add an old-world charm to wingback and King Louis chairs alike.
Distressed Look: Sometimes your design style would work better with dining furniture that has a more vintage look. Rather than trying to age it yourself, you can choose dining chairs that have a deliberately distressed finish.
Comfort & Convenience
Arms Included: If you are after comfortable dining room furniture, pick dining chairs that have arms included. Although these arms can be crafted from wood, metal, or upholstery, they all serve the same purpose – to give your arms a place to rest while you are eating.
Swivel: Swivel chairs can rotate either 180° to face the back or the full 360° to rotate fully. This allows you to easily get into and out of the dining chair whenever you need to leave the table as you don't have to pull it all the way out.
Casters: For dining chairs that can easily be maneuvered, pick one with casters. These types of chairs have wheels attached to their legs to allow for easy mobility. They can also work well in places such as a home office or gaming room.
Space-Saving Features
Stackable: Stackable dining chairs fit one on top of the other, which is a great feature if you plan to pack them away or keep some on hand when extra guests come over. The stackable design takes up less space, making storage far easier and convenient.
Folding: If you only have a limited space for your dining table, don't have a dedicated dining room, or are looking to easily pack your furniture away, folding chairs are a useful choice. These types of chairs fold in on themselves to make them convenient to store.
Tip!
To ensure you find the perfect chairs for your dining room, be sure to consider their size and weight capacity too. Read How to Choose the Right Dining Chair Size and Your Guide to Dining Chair Weight Capacity for helpful tips.
