Classic Dining Table with Upholstered Chairs

How to Choose the Best Chairs for Your Dining Table

How to Choose the Best Chairs for Your Dining Table: A Guide to Sitting Pretty

When it comes to your dining space, the dining table might be the star of the show—but the real secret to a welcoming, stylish, and functional setup? The chairs. Choosing the best chairs for your dining table isn’t just about looks (although we’re big fans of those, too). It’s about comfort, durability, style, and making sure your space works for you and the way you live.

Whether you’re hosting holiday dinners, casual brunches, or just wrangling your kids for homework time at the table, the custom dining chairs you choose can transform your space from “fine” to “fabulous.”

So, how do you find the perfect chairs for your table? Let’s pull up a seat and break it down.

1. Start With the Star: Your Dining Table

Before falling in love with a chair, take a good look at your dining table. Is it rustic farmhouse? Sleek and modern? Mid-century with tapered legs? A custom dining table made from handmade furniture will often have unique dimensions, finishes, and detailing—so the chairs should enhance (not clash with) its personality.

 

2. Mind the Measurements

You’d be surprised how many people skip this part—and regret it later. Don’t be one of them!

A quick checklist:

  • Standard dining table height: 28-30 inches

  • Standard seat height: 17-19 inches

  • Ideal clearance between seat and tabletop: 10-12 inches

  • Chair width: 16-20 inches, depending on style

  • Spacing rule: Allow 6 inches between chairs for elbow room

Nothing kills the vibe faster than guests squishing together like sardines or clanging knees against the underside of your beautiful table.

3. Choose Your Chair Style: The Fun Part

Now we get to the fun stuff—style! Let’s go through a few popular options and weigh the pros and cons of each.

✨ Upholstered Dining Chairs

These chairs are the equivalent of a cozy sweater for your dining room. They add elegance and comfort, especially during long dinners or game nights.

Pros:

  • Super comfy for long sitting

  • Available in endless fabrics and colors

  • Instantly elevates the space

Cons:

  • More maintenance (stains happen!)

  • May be bulky for small spaces

  • Pricier than non-upholstered options

Best for: Formal dining rooms, entertaining households, or anyone who values cushy comfort.

✨ Wooden Dining Chairs

The timeless classic. Whether it’s sleek and Scandinavian or rustic and chunky, wood chairs are the workhorses of the dining world.

Pros:

  • Durable and long-lasting

  • Easy to clean

  • Pairs beautifully with handmade or custom wood tables

Cons:

  • Less comfortable without cushions

  • Can occasionally look too matchy if table and chairs are the same wood/tone

Best for: Families, farmhouse lovers, and fans of handmade furniture charm.

✨ Metal or Industrial Dining Chairs

Looking for edge and character? Metal chairs can bring a modern, industrial, or urban vibe to your dining setup.

Pros:

  • Ultra-durable and low-maintenance

  • Great for indoor-outdoor use

  • Sleek, modern look

Cons:

  • Can feel cold or hard without cushions

  • Might scratch wood floors (add felt pads!)

Best for: Lofts, modern spaces, or mixing materials with a custom dining table.

✨ Mixed Material Chairs

Think wood and leather, metal and fabric, or acrylic and cane. These chairs are great for making a style statement.

Pros:

  • Unique and eye-catching

  • Lets you blend design elements in your space

  • Ideal for custom pairings with custom furniture

Cons:

  • Harder to match or replace

  • Trend-forward styles may date faster

Best for: Design lovers, eclectic decorators, and anyone wanting a curated, personal feel.

✨ Bench Seating

Yes, we’re going there. A bench on one side of the table can create a relaxed, family-style vibe—and it looks amazing with a custom dining table.

Pros:

  • Great for kids and casual meals

  • Can seat more people in a pinch

  • Perfect match for farmhouse or minimalist tables

Cons:

  • No back support = less comfortable

  • Can be awkward to get in/out

  • Doesn’t give personal space

Best for: Families, casual entertainers, or anyone going for that cozy communal feel.

4. Mixing & Matching? Yes, You Can.

Gone are the days of rigid “table + 6 matching chairs” sets. These days, it's all about expressing your personality. Want to do head chairs in upholstery and side chairs in wood? Go for it. Interested in using different styles in the same color family? Yes, please.

Mixing Tips:

  • Keep at least one design element consistent (color, shape, material)

  • Balance contrast—don’t mix two super bold styles without a neutral anchor

  • Make sure all chairs still fit under the table comfortably

5. Think Long-Term: Quality & Comfort

This is where investing in custom dining chairs or handmade furniture really shines. Chairs from big-box stores might look good for a year or two, but often can’t stand up to daily life. Custom-made pieces are built to last—and they’re designed with both form and function in mind.

Here’s why it’s worth going custom:

  • Made to fit your table perfectly

  • Material and stain matching for a cohesive look

  • Built for real life—comfort, durability, and daily use

A chair isn’t just a place to sit. It’s where your family gathers, where conversations unfold, where memories are made. Choosing chairs that feel good, last long, and reflect your style? That’s a decision worth making with heart.

Final Thoughts: Choose With Love

Your dining space should feel like you. Whether that’s cozy and traditional, modern and bold, or somewhere in between, choosing the best chairs for your dining table is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space where you can live, laugh, and love (and maybe eat too much pasta on a Tuesday night).

So sit in a few chairs. Consider your lifestyle. Picture your people gathered around. And don’t be afraid to choose pieces that speak to your story.

After all, this is your table. Make it matter.

Looking for help choosing the perfect match for your custom dining table?
Our team of artisans and designers serve Northwest Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, and we can help you create custom dining chairs that are beautiful, durable, and uniquely yours. Explore our handmade furniture collections or reach out to us for a consultation—we’d love to build something beautiful together.

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