There really is no ‘typical’ dining room – we all know that they come in various sizes and shapes, and they can range from a casual breakfast nook to a more formal and elegant dining space, or a small and cozy dining area for a family of four. But we also know that one of the most essential elements you can find in the dining room is the dining chair. Are the dining chairs you have the proper size and height for the dining table? Are your dining chairs comfortable enough, particularly if you like to entertain guests? Are the dining chairs durable and made of the right kind of fabric? You have a lot of considerations in regard to choosing the proper dining chairs, but luckily, you can have a great guide as well. Here’s how you can easily select the right size and style for your dining chairs.
The size: top considerations
When you are on a singular quest for the right furniture, particularly for dining chairs, the right measurements are essential. The standard height for a dining chair is around 45 centimeters (18 inches), and the standard height of a dining table is 76 centimeters (30 inches). One rule of thumb you should remember is this: you would want about 30 centimeters (12 inches) between the dining chair’s top and the table’s bottom area. But when you are measuring the size of your ideal dining chairs, you should also take note of the table’s apron – the wooden paneling which connects the table’s legs to its top. Of course, not all dining tables have one, but if you do have this, you should be sure there is enough clearance for the knees.
You should also decide on the proper number of chairs for the dining table. Ideally, you should leave about 60 centimeters (20 inches) of room for each chair. Here’s a handier guide: a 182 cm table can comfortably seat six people, whilst a 243 cm table can seat about eight people.
The comfort: what you should know
When it comes to comfort, there are other factors you should think about as well. For example, you have a choice between a chair that is upholstered or un-upholstered, and each has its advantages. If you are worried about spills, un-upholstered iconic chairs can be a good choice, although un-upholstered chairs are often narrower (but can more easily fit around a small table). If you like to spend a lot of time lounging around after supper, however, it may be best to go for upholstered chairs as they are more comfortable. Upholstered armchairs are also a great option if you are looking for comfort, but only if your table is large and your dining room is large as well. Make sure to leave about 17 cm of room between the chair’s arms and the dining table.
The fabric and finish: choosing properly
If you are keen on mixing and matching, you should think carefully about the finish of your dining chairs. You want the chairs and the table to complement each other yet still have some differences. If you wish, you can incorporate a single consistent design element and then another contrasting design element. For instance, you can use different dining chairs and side chairs in your dining table, and you can use different head-of-the-table chairs as well. If you want something with more personality, you can opt for head chairs with unusual shapes or a bolder fabric as well as a style that’s heavier than the other chairs.
