How to Choose Dining Chairs: A Complete Guide

Comparison chart: dining chair materials

How many chairs do you need (and how do they fit around the table)?

A good rule of thumb is to allow about 60 cm of width per person. This way, everyone has enough room to move their elbows without bumping into the person next to them. Before you buy, measure the usable length of your table and divide it by 60.

• 120–140 cm table: 4 comfortable chairs (2 on each side).
• 160–180 cm table: 6 chairs.
• Table (200–240 cm): 8 chairs.
• A 120-cm round table: 4–5 chairs; a 140-cm round table: up to 6.

If you have an extendable table, plan for the number of chairs needed when the table is fully extended and store the extras, or combine chairs with a stool on one side to add seating without making the space feel crowded. If you prefer the convenience of buying a complete set, you can also choose a pre-matched table and 6-chair set.

If you're still comparing models, our selection of the best wooden dining chairs might help.

Tip: Always leave at least 15–20 cm between the edge of the table and the wall (or the piece of furniture behind it) so you can pull out your chair and sit comfortably.

The right height: the key to comfort

The most common mistake when choosing dining chairs is not checking the height in relation to the table. The seat of a standard dining chair is between 45 and 50 cm high. What matters is the distance between the seat and the tabletop: there should be a gap of 25 to 30 cm so that your legs fit comfortably.

Most dining tables have a tabletop height of 74–78 cm. If your table is taller than usual, you’ll need chairs with slightly higher seats; if it has a skirt or a drawer under the tabletop, make sure the armrests (if any) fit underneath.

Materials: wood, upholstered, or a combination

Solid wood

It’s the most durable option and the one that ages best. A solid oak chair can withstand decades of daily use, can be sanded and restored if it gets scratched, and adds warmth to the dining room. The wooden seat can feel hard during long meals, but this is easily solved with a cushion. If you prefer a warmer, unstained finish, check out our natural-colored wooden chairs; or explore all our wooden dining chairs in the store.

Upholstered

Maximum comfort and a cozier or more formal look. The downside is maintenance: stains on the fabric are harder to remove, especially with children around. Look for fabrics with stain-resistant treatments or removable covers.

Mixed (wood + upholstered seat)

The combination we most recommend for everyday use: a solid wood frame for durability and an upholstered seat for comfort. It offers the best of both worlds and is the most versatile option for a family dining room.

Wood vs. Upholstered: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose wooden chairs if you value durability, low-maintenance care, and a timeless style—and if you don't mind adding a cushion for those long after-dinner chats. It's the choice for those who think long-term.

Choose upholstered chairs if comfort is your top priority and your dining room is more formal or sees less foot traffic. Keep in mind that they require more care when it comes to stains. If you decide to go with upholstery, our guide on what color to choose for your dining room chairs will help you pick the right fabric.

If you're unsure, the hybrid option solves the dilemma: the wooden frame provides durability, while the upholstered seat offers comfort. It's the most balanced choice for most homes.

How to pair them with your table

The chairs don't have to be the same model or made of the exact same wood as the table. In fact, the result is often more interesting when there's a slight contrast. Here are a few guidelines:

• Same wood tone: a harmonious, classic look. The safest choice.
• Contrasting wood and color: chairs in a different shade or with colored seats add personality. If you like a rustic look, rustic wooden chairs pair beautifully with tables that have simple lines.
• Mixing materials: a wooden table paired with chairs made of natural fiber or upholstered chairs works very well in Nordic and Mediterranean styles.

And if you want to give your existing chairs a makeover instead of replacing them, you can give them a new lease on life: in our guide, we explain step by step how to paint wooden chairs.

For more ideas on how to put together your dining set, check out our guide on choosing the right table and chairs for your space, as well as our article on round versus rectangular tables.

Comfort: What to Look for Before Buying

Beyond the materials, there are design details that make the difference between a chair you’d love to linger in after dinner and one you’d want to get up from right away:

• Backrest: It should follow the curve of the back—neither completely straight nor too low.
• Seat depth: between 40 and 45 cm; deep enough to provide good support without the edge pressing against the legs.
• Recline: A seat that tilts slightly backward is more comfortable for long meals.
• Armrests: optional; they add comfort but take up more space and may not fit under the table. If you prefer them, check out our wooden chairs with armrests and make sure to check the clearance under the tabletop first.

Closing

Choosing the right dining chairs starts with practical considerations (how many you need, what height they should be, and what they’ll be used for) before thinking about style. Solid wood is the most durable option; upholstered chairs are the most comfortable; and a combination of both strikes the right balance for most homes.

At Roble.Store, we craft solid oak chairs designed to complement your table for years to come. If you want to make the right choice, come try them out at one of our showrooms or request samples to compare woods and finishes.