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How to Choose the Perfect Dining Room Chairs
They don’t have to be matchy-matchy, but your dining chairs do need to slide seamlessly into your scheme
Choosing a dining table is relatively straightforward, but the chairs to go with it? Always more of a dilemma. The basic rule of thumb is that they should fit – in terms of style, material and colour, as well as dimensions. Beyond that, it’s down to what pleases your eye, whether that’s design classics, elegant shapes or an eclectic mix. Here’s how to choose pieces that will become the best seats in the house.
Create a corner
A smaller table and chairs is ideal for a morning coffee or evening sundowner and this pretty arrangement shows the benefit of buying a matching set. The natural wood contrasts nicely with the contemporary glazing, warming up the area.
Browse 10 ways to maximise a small dining space
A smaller table and chairs is ideal for a morning coffee or evening sundowner and this pretty arrangement shows the benefit of buying a matching set. The natural wood contrasts nicely with the contemporary glazing, warming up the area.
Browse 10 ways to maximise a small dining space
Find perfect partners
A bench on the wall side and chairs on the outside is a tried and tested combination that saves space, and this is a great example of ensuring the materials tie in well. The timber backs of the chairs and bench echo each other, and they are similar heights, which reinforces the unified look.
A bench on the wall side and chairs on the outside is a tried and tested combination that saves space, and this is a great example of ensuring the materials tie in well. The timber backs of the chairs and bench echo each other, and they are similar heights, which reinforces the unified look.
Invest in a classic
The Saarinen Tulip table and chairs are instantly recognisable – and enduringly lovely. There’s a sculptural unity to the complete set. Saarinen’s intention to do away with the ‘slum’ of legs under a dining table was beautifully achieved and his pieces are a worthwhile investment: even vintage Saarinen tables are prized.
The Saarinen Tulip table and chairs are instantly recognisable – and enduringly lovely. There’s a sculptural unity to the complete set. Saarinen’s intention to do away with the ‘slum’ of legs under a dining table was beautifully achieved and his pieces are a worthwhile investment: even vintage Saarinen tables are prized.
Think slim
These white numbers don’t intrude on the space because they are super thin. Around an oval glass table, they take up minimal space, but tie in nicely with the white bar stools. In a smaller kitchen-diner, opting for matching chairs and stools can help to unite the two areas.
These white numbers don’t intrude on the space because they are super thin. Around an oval glass table, they take up minimal space, but tie in nicely with the white bar stools. In a smaller kitchen-diner, opting for matching chairs and stools can help to unite the two areas.
Line them up
If you have the space, two rows of the same model of chair – but in different colours – makes a strong look. Even if you’re not cooking for 10 every evening (and let’s hope not), this set-up makes the best use of a generous extension and the view beyond.
If you have the space, two rows of the same model of chair – but in different colours – makes a strong look. Even if you’re not cooking for 10 every evening (and let’s hope not), this set-up makes the best use of a generous extension and the view beyond.
Build in a bench
A bay window or recess is an excellent place for a dining nook, and built-in benches will work far better than chairs – no scraping, clattering or getting wedged in! And when breakfast or the kids’ tea is over, the table can slide right back to keep the space clear.
Discover ways to dress a bay window
A bay window or recess is an excellent place for a dining nook, and built-in benches will work far better than chairs – no scraping, clattering or getting wedged in! And when breakfast or the kids’ tea is over, the table can slide right back to keep the space clear.
Discover ways to dress a bay window
Sit comfortably
Don’t let style take the place of substance. The last thing you want is guests getting numb and uncomfortable in their seats, and a bit of upholstery goes a long way. These chairs add comfort and a general softness to an otherwise hard-lined scheme, keeping everyone happy.
Don’t let style take the place of substance. The last thing you want is guests getting numb and uncomfortable in their seats, and a bit of upholstery goes a long way. These chairs add comfort and a general softness to an otherwise hard-lined scheme, keeping everyone happy.
Imitate glass
A glass dining table can almost blend into the background, so partner it with fantastic plastic to keep the transparent mood. These minimal-lined designs mean you can get away with chair arms, too – a feature that might otherwise look cumbersome.
TELL US...
How do you like to style your dining room table and chairs? Share your favourite tips in the Comments.
A glass dining table can almost blend into the background, so partner it with fantastic plastic to keep the transparent mood. These minimal-lined designs mean you can get away with chair arms, too – a feature that might otherwise look cumbersome.
TELL US...
How do you like to style your dining room table and chairs? Share your favourite tips in the Comments.
The Eames Eiffel chair is deservedly a favourite choice – because it works. The balanced design mixes steel and moulded plastic in a fantastic range of colours. Cheaper imitations have legs that look clumsy and splayed, but with Eames’ original, they are spot on. Mix colours or go for one – either way, they’ll match perfectly.