Posted by Natalia Kolomiets
on June 25, 2022
Updated in October 2026
Quick answer: The best wooden dining chairs combine a solid wood frame, a seat height of 45 to 48 cm for 75 cm tables, and a seat that suits your needs: wood if you’re looking for easy cleaning, or upholstered if you prioritize comfort during long meals. In our selection, Isku and Diana stand out as easy-to-maintain Nordic-style wooden chairs; Alexis and Varde, as upholstered options; and Lucas, as the tallest and most enveloping chair.
Chairs are the most frequently used pieces of dining room furniture—and the ones that first reveal a poor choice: if they’re uncomfortable, too low, or start to come apart over the years, you’ll notice it every day. That’s why it’s worth choosing them carefully. In this guide, we review the 4 + 1 wooden dining chairs that work best at home, including their dimensions, what type of home each one suits, and what to check before buying.
The product shown in the image is the Alexis dining chair by NordicStory, featuring a solid oak frame and an upholstered seat and backrest—a chair with organic lines designed for dining rooms where after-dinner conversations linger.
Summary
- Wooden seat (Isku, Diana): easier to clean and more stain-resistant.
- Upholstered chairs (Alexis, Varde): more comfort during long meals; choose washable fabrics if you have children.
- Seat height: between 45 and 48 cm for a standard 75-cm table.
- Allow 60 cm of table space per chair and leave 75 cm of space behind each chair to pull it out.
- Solid oak does not warp or creak over time like plywood or softwoods do.
Contents
Comparison of the 4 + 1 Best Wooden Dining Chairs
| Model | Seat | Dimensions (height x width x depth) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isku | Wood | Approx. 82 x 42 x 47 cm | Everyday use, families with children |
| Diana | Wood | Approx. 82 x 44 x 47 cm | Nordic dining rooms and round tables |
| Alexis | Upholstery | 76 x 48 x 58 cm | Long, relaxed after-dinner conversations, in an organic style |
| Varde | Wood or upholstered | 83 x 43.5 x 48 cm | Anyone looking to choose a finish |
| Lucas | Upholstery | 86 x 44 x 48 cm | Maximum back support |
They are all sold in packs of 2 or 4 and feature a solid oak frame with a natural oil finish.
Isku: The Most Versatile Wooden Chair
The Isku dining chair is the most versatile option in the collection. Its unupholstered wooden seat is spill-resistant and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making it the best choice for everyday use and for homes with children. Its design fits well in Nordic, modern, or casual dining rooms, and it also works very well in the kitchen.
Diana: The Nordic Classic
The Diana dining chair is the quintessential Scandinavian design: a curved backrest, slightly splayed legs, and a wooden seat. It has a light, airy look, so it looks especially good around round tables, where the chairs are visible from every angle.
Alexis: upholstered with organic lines
Alexis features a solid oak frame with a seat and backrest upholstered in lime green or beige. At 48 cm wide and 58 cm deep, it is the widest option in the collection: the best choice if meals at home tend to run long or if the dining room is also used for work.
Varde: with a wooden or upholstered seat
The Varde chair is available in two versions with the same design: with a wooden seat or an upholstered seat. It’s a great way to combine both in the same dining room: upholstered on the sides, where you spend the most time, and wooden at the ends.
+1 Lucas: the tallest and most immersive
At 86 cm tall, the Lucas chair offers the most back support. Upholstered in gray or beige, it lends a more formal look to the dining room and is ideal for large rectangular tables, where the chairs define the character of the entire setting.
How to Choose Wooden Dining Chairs
Seat and Table Height
For a standard 75-cm table, the seat should be between 45 and 48 cm from the floor. This leaves about 27 to 30 cm between the seat and the tabletop—enough legroom without being too low.
Space per chair
Allow 60 cm of table edge per guest, and if the chair has armrests or is very wide, up to 65 or 70 cm. Leave at least 75 cm behind each chair so you can pull it out and sit comfortably.
Wood or upholstered
Wooden seats are more durable and easier to maintain; upholstered seats are more comfortable during long meals. If you choose upholstered chairs, you'll find more options among our solid wood upholstered chairs, and if you're unsure about the color, we can help you decide which color to upholster your dining chairs in.
Solid wood frame
A chair is subjected to lateral movements, dragging, and uneven weight on a daily basis. A solid oak frame with sturdy joints won’t loosen or creak over the years, unlike those made of softwoods or particleboard. To ensure your chairs and table go well together, review which types of tables pair best with wooden chairs, and if you’d like more details, check out our comprehensive guide to choosing dining chairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall should dining chairs be?
For a standard 75-cm dining table, the seat of the chair should be between 45 and 48 cm from the floor. The total height of the chair is usually around 80 to 86 cm, depending on the backrest.
Are wooden or upholstered dining chairs better?
It depends on how you'll use them. Wooden chairs are more durable and easier to clean, making them ideal for everyday use and for homes with children. Upholstered chairs are more comfortable during long meals. Many dining rooms combine both types.
How many chairs fit around a dining table?
Allow about 60 cm of table edge per chair. A 160-cm rectangular table seats 6 people, and a 200-cm table seats 8. A 120-cm round table comfortably seats 4 people, and a 140-cm round table seats 6.
What is the best type of wood for dining chairs?
Solid oak is one of the best woods for chairs: it is dense, resistant to impact and moisture, and keeps joints strong for years. Softwoods, such as pine, show marks more easily.
How do you clean wooden dining chairs?
Simply wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth and dry it afterward. Avoid products containing ammonia or bleach. To maintain the finish, apply wood oil once or twice a year.
Discover all of our dining chairs
Solid oak chairs, with wooden or upholstered seats. You can also try them out at our showrooms in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
