Dining Chair Buying Guide: Height, Spacing, Materials and Style
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Dining chairs get used every day, so comfort and durability matter as much as style. Use this guide before you shop our dining room collection.
Get the height right
Most dining tables are 28 to 30 inches tall. Look for a seat height of about 18 inches, which leaves 10 to 12 inches between the seat and the underside of the table. That gap gives room for legs without making the table feel too high.
How many chairs fit?
- Allow about 24 inches of table width per person, or 28 to 30 inches if you choose wider upholstered or arm chairs.
- Leave at least 36 inches between the table edge and the wall so people can pull out chairs and walk behind them.
- A 60-inch rectangular table seats four to six; a 72-inch table seats six; 84 inches and up seats eight.
Side chairs vs arm chairs
Side chairs have no arms, take up less space and slide fully under the table. Arm chairs feel more like a lounge chair and are often placed at the ends of the table as host chairs. Mixing two arm chairs with side chairs is a classic look.
Choose your material
- Upholstered: Soft and comfortable for long dinners. Performance fabrics and vegan leather are easier to clean.
- Solid wood: Durable and timeless; add a seat cushion or chair pad for comfort.
- Woven and rattan: Light and textured, ideal for coastal and bohemian rooms.
Bar and counter stools
For a kitchen island or counter about 36 inches high, choose counter stools with a seat height of 24 to 26 inches. For a 42-inch bar, choose bar stools with a 28 to 30 inch seat. Allow about 26 to 30 inches per stool.
Buying in sets
Many chairs are sold as sets of two, which makes it easy to build a set of four or six. If you like an eclectic look, use one style of chair in two colors, or matching chairs with contrasting end chairs.
Finish the room with a rug sized to the table (see our rug size guide) and shop all dining room furniture. Free standard shipping on eligible orders over $70.
Shop the picks
- Eugen Dining Chair - Charcoal: An armed dining chair in charcoal chenille with a three-legged design and an 18.5-inch seat height.
- Kanrad Slipcover Dining Chair with Casters - Ivory: A slipcovered ivory chair with arms and casters and a 19-inch seat height.
- Konstantin Ratten Dining Chair Set of 2 - Black: A set of two black chairs that combine solid wood, rattan and a cushioned linen-look seat.
- Amata Side Chair - Black: An armless, tufted side chair in black velvet with an 18-inch seat height.
- Andrea Dining Chair - Caramel: A caramel dining chair with polyester upholstery over a solid wood and plywood frame.
Complete the table with kitchen and table linens, a pendant from lights and fixtures and a rug from area rugs. See also How to Light a Room and our mango wood furniture care guide.