Dining room with dining table and 4 dining chairs

How to choose dining chairs

When you go shopping for new dining chairs there are a number of things to take into consideration before buying: Not only seat height, width and depth, but also what style you like, how many chairs you need, how important comfort is to you, and if you prefer easy maintenance.

In this blog post, we guide you to the decision that is right for you.

Large or small dining room?

A dining room bench, half covered in a hide, at a dining table

 
Smaller spaces require smaller furniture. Have a look at the width of the dining chairs that you like. The width typically ranges from around 45 to 55 cm – quite a difference and worth to take into consideration if you have limited space for your dining table and chairs. Why not save some space by using a dining room bench providing seating for more people in a small area? You should allow a gap of about 15 cm between your dining chairs for everyone to sit comfortably, but this is not necessary with a bench.

If, on the other hand, you have a large dining room, make sure that your new dining chairs can get live up to it. Choose dining chairs with armrests or some that are tall, wide or deep and with a lot of presence to fill up the room.

4 dining chairs with armrests at a dining table


Comfy dining chairs for long dinners 

Comfy dining chairs at a dining table


Do you enjoy long dinners in each other’s company? In that case, it is extra important that the dining chairs are comfortable. Make sure that you and your dinner party can lean back for hours of fun and interesting conversations: Find some dining chairs with back support, a comfy seat and a soft upholstery. Dining chairs with a little extra width and depth also allows you to accessorise with a cushion or a throw for extra support and décor.

Kids in the family?

4 dining chairs in wood at a wooden dining table


If there are any younger children in your family, you probably want some dining chairs that are easy to clean. Choose some in wood or leather that are easy to wipe off with a damp cloth. If the seat feels to hard, get some seat pads that can be removed and possibly washed or renewed every once in a while.

Fabric or leather dining chairs?

Black dining chairs at a dining table


The material used for your new dining chairs important for the style and look that you want to create, but also for the comfort. A classic choice is that between fabric and (faux) leather. The KLARUP dining chairs have a fixed faux leather cushion that makes them extra comfy and easy to keep clean.

Black fabric dining chairs in Scandinavian design with gold dipped chair legs

Another popular choice is this take on our classic JONSTRUP dining chair. The black fabric and matching legs with an elegant addition of gold dipped chair legs is new in our assortment this year. These chairs are not only comfortable but are pleasing to the eye and add something special to the dining room. 

Last but not least, consider the people who are going to use the chairs in your everyday. If they are shorter or taller than average, make sure to check if they are comfortable on the chairs, or if you should get some that have another seat height. The seat height typically ranges from around 45-50 cm and there should be a space of around 25-30 cm between the table and the seat to allow room for your legs.

Also read our guide to find the right dining table

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