Whether you want a matching set or a mixed, eclectic look, dining chairs help set the tone in your dining room. They can complement the decor in the room and add more style in your aesthetic. We'll walk you through the most popular styles and types of dining chairs to choose from as you shop to complete your dining room.

Tip!

If you're trying to figure out the right height and size chairs for your dining setup, read more about it in our guide Dining Chair Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Size.

Types of Dining Chairs

There are two main dining chair types: armchairs and side chairs.

Armchairs: These dining chairs have rests for your arms. Typically found at the head of a table, armchairs have a formal feel. They can be fully upholstered or made of all wood, plastic, wicker, or metal. Oftentimes, armchairs are used to create a statement due to the way they contrast with side chairs.

Side Chairs: Side chairs are armless chairs that generally sit along the side of a dining table. In more casual dining rooms, they can be found at the head of the table as well. Side chairs can have upholstered seats but are generally not fully upholstered.

Chair Back Designs

There are nine different dining chair types to note when choosing the back design that fits your preferences.

Parsons: Suited for nearly all decor styles, a Parsons chair has clean lines and a simple design. If you’re looking for an elegant, simple dining room, the Parsons chair is perfect. These chairs typically have wood legs with fully upholstered seats and backs. They are often adorned with buttons.

Windsor: Embrace your country style with a Windsor chair. This traditional English chair typically features a semicircular back supported by thin rods and spindle legs. While usually made of wood, Windsor chairs now come in every combination of materials.

Wingback: These chairs are fully upholstered and feature curved winglike sides on the chair back. This chair is cozy but classy and will invite your guests to sit down and get comfy! Some wingback chairs are fairly traditional, but designs with lower backs fit well with transitional style or in contemporary spaces as modern dining chairs.

King Louis XVI: King Louis XVI chairs consist of a low circular back elevated slightly from the seat of the chair. The legs and frame of the chair are usually wood with an upholstered back and cushioned seat. These chairs are ideal for a French country or farmhouse-style dining room.

Tip!
Dining chairs with high backs tend to make a room look formal, while chairs with low backs open the space and make it look more casual.

Queen Anne:Queen Anne dining chairs can range in characteristics but tend to have some of these features: a wood frame and upholstered seat, an open, ornamented wood back, and curved chair legs. These elegant chairs look best in a traditional and formal dining room.

Cross, Slat & Ladder Back: Cross-, slat-, and ladder-back dining chairs are relatively simple, usually consisting of wood frames and straight, rectangular backs. Cross-back chairs usually have a back with a crossed support (from a simple X shape to more intricate designs), slat backs use vertical slats for support, and ladder-back chairs use horizontal slats for support. All of these chairs will easily fit into most dining room styles because of their simplicity. If you find a wooden seat uncomfortable, think about purchasing a seat cushion.

Chair Materials

Dining room chairs often consist of a main material and an upholstery material. Take a look at your family's lifestyle when deciding which materials your dining room chairs should be. An upholstered chair seat and back create a more traditional, glam feel, while an all-metal or wooden chair offers a more streamlined look that's easy to clean. Combine the two for a modern look that is guaranteed to match your style.

Main Material

The following are popular main materials for different types of dining chairs:

Upholstery Material

The following are popular upholstery materials for different types of chairs:

Tip!

Before you get an upholstered chair, think about what you want out of your dining area. Upholstered chairs are more comfortable than wood chairs, but they are also much more difficult to clean. If you have young children, you may want to wait on upholstered chairs for a while, and instead purchase easy-to-clean wood, metal, or plastic chairs.

For an easy way to switch up the style or pattern of your chair, take a look at dining chair slipcovers.

If you need help coming up with a theme or style for your dining room, check out our guide 11 Easy Dining Room Ideas to Get You Started.

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