Dining rooms are high-traffic areas where time is spent with family and friends. Memories are created, and milestones are celebrated there. It’s a special space for families to come together and share a meal while discussing their day. It’s also where you entertain friends for hours as you laugh the night away. Having the right furniture in the space ensures a stylish backdrop for all of those special moments.
The table is the main focal point in the room. All of the other furniture is chosen to complement the dining table, and that includes the seating. Selecting the right chairs is important to the comfort of the diners and the overall look of the set. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you search for chairs.
Determine how many chairs you need. A good rule of thumb is to make sure each household member can sit at the table. If you still have room, then add a chair or two for guests. If you have an extendable table, keep extra chairs nearby for dinner parties.
Now, let’s discuss how to keep everyone comfortable. The size of the chair is essential to determining the comfort level as well as the spacing between the seats. Here are some measurements to keep in mind. Twelve inches should be the distance from the top of the seat to the top of the table. If the chair has arms, leave 7 inches between the top of the arms and the bottom of the tabletop or apron. The apron is the material added for extra support underneath the tabletop.
About 18 inches of space should be left between the chair set and floor to keep most diners comfortable. They should be able to place their feet on the floor while dining.
Typically, dining chairs are 16-20 inches wide, and seating should be spaced at least 6 inches apart on either side so everyone has enough arm room to enjoy their meal. That means each chair will take up 28-36 inches of perimeter space. Also, the chairs should be about 36 inches from any walls, so diners have enough room to get in and out easily.
The dining chair shouldn’t overwhelm or underwhelm the space. Choose chairs with backs at least 2 inches higher than the table to keep the look balanced.
Now that you have the information, you need to pick the right size; what about the material. The chair dinning material you choose should match your household’s lifestyle. Dining chairs come in a wide range of materials that can complement, match, or create stylish contrast. You can use chairs to instantly transform the tone and feel of the room.
The most common material used in the construction of dining chairs is wood. Wooden chairs are popular due to the variety of colors and styles available. It’s also sturdy and can be found in just about any shape you’re looking for. Wood isn’t difficult to maintain and cleans easily.
Metal is another common material for those who want a sleeker, modern look. Plastic chairs are well-liked because they’re lightweight and can be moved around with little effort.
Let’s not forget about outdoor dining. During warmer months eating outside is an option in many homes. Synthetic wicker chairs won’t fade in the sunlight like natural wicker rattan, so they make a wonderful choice.
Teak is very popular for outdoor dining chairs since it can withstand harsh environments. It naturally has a high content of oil and resin, which makes insects less likely to attack and keeps the water from penetrating its surface. Metals like aluminum and steel also make great choices for outdoor dining chairs.
If you have a love of fashion, express it through the style of dining chair you select. Open back chairs work in open floor designs as they don’t obstruct the line of sight. They also add a light and airy feel to the space.
Upholstery is another way to express your fashion sense. You can have an entire chair covered in fabric or just the seating. Either way, the extra added comfort of the padding will keep diners happy for hours. You can find several textures and colors to work with your current décor. Keep in mind that fabrics and lighter colors are harder to maintain, so if you have a busy household, you may want to opt for a different choice.
Leather or faux leather is great for busy homes as spills are easily wiped away. Keep them polished, so they don’t lose their sheen and classic elegance.
Non-upholstered chairs also have their benefits when it comes to cleaning. Crumbs and liquids are wiped away without any hassle. You also have the option of adding a removable cushion to enhance the dining set’s look.
