How to Choose the Perfect Dining Chairs: The Ultimate Guide

You’ve just decided to upgrade your dining area. Maybe you’re ditching those mismatched chairs from your college days, or perhaps you’ve just realized that eating on the couch every night isn’t the pinnacle of adulthood. Either way, you’re in the market for dining chairs, but where do you start?

Perhaps you’ve just realized that it is time to invest once and for all in quality chairs, such as those by Cassina, which retain their value (or rather increase it!) over time… yet you’re still on the fence. Colored chairs? Natural materials? And how many should I buy? With or without armrests? Just a moment. Before spending your hard-earned money on something so expensive, it helps to untangle the knot. Only then can you make sensible purchases that you will never regret.

“How High Should My Dining Chairs Be?”

Ah, the classic Goldilocks dilemma of dining chairs: too high, too low, or just right? Get it wrong, and you’ll either feel like a toddler at the grown-ups’ table or like you’re perching awkwardly on a barstool. Neither is a good look. Here’s the sweet spot: for a standard dining table (28-30 inches high), your chair seat should be 17-19 inches from the floor. This gives you that perfect balance of comfort and legroom—no awkward knee bumps. If you’re working with a counter-height table (around 36 inches high), go for a 24-26 inch seat height. And for those tall bar-height tables (40-42 inches high), you’ll need 28-30 inch stools.

Pro Insight: always leave about 10-12 inches between the seat and the tabletop—that’s the magic number for a comfy dining experience. Oh, and if you want style and support? Look at Cassina, B&B Italia, or Poliform—these brands don’t just make furniture, they make “I-never-want-to-get-up” chairs.

“How Many Chairs Should Be in a Dining Table?”

The number of chairs for your dining table depends on its size and shape, but a good rule of thumb is to allow at least 24 inches (61 cm) of space per person for comfortable seating. A rectangular 6-foot table typically fits 6 chairs, while a round 48-inch table can seat 4-6 people without feeling cramped. If you love hosting, consider bench seating or armless chairs to squeeze in an extra guest or two. Just make sure there’s enough elbow room—because no one wants to battle for space during dinner!

Design Hack: If you’re working with a tight space but love entertaining, go for extendable dining tables and stackable or slim-profile chairs like the Kartell Masters Chair or Vitra HAL Chair. This way, you can keep things airy for daily use and pull out extra seating when guests come over—no awkward game of musical chairs required!

“Should I Choose Dining Chairs With or Without Armrests?”

Ah, the great dining chair debate: armrests or no armrests? It all comes down to space, style, and comfort. If you’re working with a smaller table or need to squeeze in extra guests, armless chairs—like the sleek Cassina Leggera Black Chair—offer flexibility and keep things visually light.

Expert Advice: Mix and match! Dining chairs with armrests at the heads of the table and armless along the sides strike the perfect balance between elegance and practicality.

“What Is the Best Material for Dining Chairs?”

Choosing the best material for your dining chairs depends on your lifestyle, aesthetics, and how much you’re willing to baby your furniture. Love a timeless, sophisticated look? Leather chairs, like those from Poltrona Frau or Baxter, bring elegance and durability (plus, they get better with age). Need something low-maintenance? Opt for high-quality plastic or molded polypropylene, like Kartell’s Masters Chair—stylish, wipeable, and practically kid-proof. Wood is a forever classic, offering warmth and sturdiness (check out Porada Dione Chair). And for peak comfort? Upholstered chairs give that cozy, lounge-like feel but may require a little more TLC.

Smart Strategy: If you want style without the stress, go for performance fabrics—they resist stains, spills, and life’s little accidents.