How to chose the perfect dining chair for your kitchen

So you got yourself an amazing dining room table and now you’re ready to compliment new purchase with a beautiful set of chairs… Where do you start? Options are literally endless. Even if the table comes with a set of its own matching ones, you don’t necessarily have to stick to that choice.

So what’s the best way to go about buying new dining chairs? Let’s go through the motions together, and hopefully you’ll be all set to make the right choice when you come out the other side!

Choose the right size

When it comes to buying dining chairs, the first thing we think about is the look and style. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the best way to go about it. If you’re only looking at what the chair looks like, you’re omitting probably the most important factor when buying chairs: the size and proportions!

To determine the right size, you’ll need to first figure out how big the room is, how many chairs of what dimensions you can fit around the table and how many to buy. You’ll also need to determine whether or not they’re the right height. Too high and you’ll be banging your knees all the time; too short and your food will sit right under your chin. If the table comes with matching chairs that you chose not to use, stick to those dimensions and you should be good to go!

Do take comfort into consideration

There are certain situations where you can choose style over comfort, but a dining chair is probably not one of those times. Unlike a breakfast nook or bar, the dining room is an area where people are expected to spend longer amounts of time sitting around a table. Unless you want your dinners cut short, make sure the seat is cushioned, or if you like the look of a completely wooden chair opt for removable seat cushions. Another important factor to consider is whether you have the space for arms. Finally, make sure the back is at a comfortable height - nobody likes a hard wood backrest cutting across your shoulder blades.

Pick durable materials

Dining chairs take a lot of abuse over the years and picking the right material will allow it to age beautifully and not require too much maintenance. Choose wood, metal or thick plastic rather than particle board and test it in stores to watch for any give in the structure.

I normally recommend leather (even if it’s the fake kind - also called PU) rather than fabrics because they are easier to care for in the long run and last 4 times as long, especially if they will be used daily. This is a good thing, especially considering leather only gets more beautiful as it ages. On top of it, natural leather is less prone to cracking and peeling over time (compared to the fake stuff).

Although it’s slightly pricier, leather chairs are a really great buy. It’s breathable which means it doesn’t hold in heat or moisture, and unlike fabric, it doesn’t trap dust or pet dander so it’s perfect for anyone with allergies.

I hope this guide will help you pick a gorgeous dining chair for your home. While you’re here, make sure to check out our own collection on the Rustic Furniture Outlet website.