At a Glance:
Dining Chair with Arms vs Armless Dining Chairs
Popular Dining Chair Styles Reviewed
More Ways to Choose a Dining Chair
Choosing the right dining chair for your home can elevate the entire dining experience. That’s because dining chairs are more than just a place to sit—they help define your dining room, provide comfort during meals, and can influence how a dining set fits within a space. From choosing chairs with or without arms to selecting the right material and design, this dining chair buying guide will walk you through the most popular dining chair styles and how to pick the best option for your home.
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Set the scene for every dining occasion with the variety of dining room chairs available at Colder's.
Shop Dining ChairsDining Chair with Arms vs Armless Dining Chairs
When shopping for dining room seating, one of the first decisions to make is whether to opt for armed or armless designs. Chairs with arms offer a more formal, structured look, and their armrests provide additional comfort during long meals. However, a dining arm chair takes up more space, making them better suited for larger dining rooms or at the head of a table where there are limited obstructions.
On the other hand, armless dining chairs (also known as a dining side chair) offer a streamlined, modern aesthetic. Without arms, these chairs can easily tuck under a table, freeing up room in tighter spaces, which makes them perfect for smaller dining areas or kitchens.
Learn more: Dining Room Furniture: The Essentials
Popular Dining Chair Styles Reviewed
The heart of this dining chair styles guide lies in learning dining chair types and names and how they can work in your space. Let’s dive in!
Parsons Dining Chair
The Parsons dining chair is a versatile and timeless option, characterized by its clean lines and simple design. Originating from the Parsons School of Design in the 1930s, this chair is typically fully upholstered, offering both comfort and style. Parsons chairs suit a wide range of dining settings, from contemporary and modern to traditional spaces.
What makes the Parsons chair popular is its adaptability. It can be dressed up with luxurious fabrics or kept minimalist with neutral colors and simple upholstery. The lack of arms makes it a great space-saving option for smaller dining tables, while its cushioned seat ensures a comfortable dining experience.
Get the Look with the Best Home Furnishings Customizable Hazel Parsons Dining Side Chair
Shop This Best Home Furnishings Dining Chair
This chic dining chair adds a pop of color to your dining room. You could go for a glam look with a marble top table or a more streamlined look with a classic wooden table. The color offers a jumping off point to inspire your rug, curtains, and artwork in the room. This chair works well around a small round dining table, or you could use two of them as head chairs at a long dining table in a formal dining room. The possibilities are endless!
Slat Back Dining Chair
Slat back dining chairs feature vertical slats running along the backrest, offering a mix of style and support. These chairs are almost always made of wood, making them perfect for rustic, farmhouse, or traditional settings. The slats provide breathability and a lightweight design, which can make them easier to move around.
The slat back design is popular because it blends a classic aesthetic with modern comfort. Whether you choose a fully wooden version or one with a cushioned seat, slat back chairs are durable and versatile, fitting seamlessly into casual dining rooms or more formal spaces.
Get the Look with the Archbold Furniture Customizable Amish Essentials Alex Counter Chair
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Subtly stylish and well-crafted, this dining chair shines in solid maple wood finished in two colors worthy of calling it an heirloom piece you can pass down to the next generation. It’s perfect for a breakfast nook or a casual dining room, creating a cozy and charming feel. If you want to bring farmhouse style or an inviting traditional look to your dining room, this is an excellent option.
Splat Back Dining Chair
Splat back chairs have a distinct central flat section on the backrest, which is often shaped into intricate designs. This style is popular in more formal dining settings, such as traditional or vintage-inspired dining rooms. The splat design adds an element of artistry and elegance to the chair, making it a striking focal point in any dining area.
These chairs are often crafted from solid wood and may feature detailed carvings or inlays, making them ideal for those seeking a decorative, high-end piece. Though visually ornate, splat back chairs are also built for comfort, with ergonomic support provided by the splat's shape.
Get the Look with the Liberty Magnolia Manor Weathered Bisque Splat Back Upholstered Side Chair
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This opulent chair adds some demure drama to your dining room. It’s perfect for more formal spaces. The neutral palette allows you to keep things simple or bring in color elsewhere in the room, whether you prefer moody jewel tones, bright colors, or soft pastels. To lean into the feminine style, pair this chair with a floral wallpaper and soft textures.
Windsor Dining Chair
The Windsor dining chair is an iconic design with roots in 18th-century England. It features a rounded back with spindles and splayed legs, giving it a classic, country-style appearance. Windsor chairs are typically made from wood and are associated with rustic, farmhouse, or cottage-style dining settings.
One of the key perks of the Windsor chair is its durability. Despite its delicate-looking spindles, it’s built to last. The curved back and gently angled seat provide excellent support, making it comfortable for longer meals. Windsor chairs bring a cozy, nostalgic feel to any dining space.
Get the Look with the American Drew Carmine Brown Vincent Spindle Back Arm Chair
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This chair is classic and comfortable. The curved back and upholstered seat make it a great option for those who love to linger around the table. The wood is durable and easy to keep clean, making this a good chair for a family. This lovely dining chair would work well in a farmhouse, cottage, transitional, or minimalist design.
Ladder Back Dining Chair
Ladder back dining chairs are easily recognizable by their horizontal slats running up the backrest, resembling a ladder. This simple yet stylish design is often seen in traditional, rustic, and farmhouse dining rooms. Made primarily from wood, ladder back chairs are sturdy and long-lasting.
What makes ladder back chairs a popular choice is their straightforward design and ease of customization. They can be paired with cushions for added comfort or left as-is for a more minimalist, classic look. These chairs are ideal for those seeking functional, no-frills dining seating that still offers charm and comfort.
Get the Look with the Jofran Inc. Lincoln Square Dark Espresso Ladder Back Chair
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A dark espresso finish contrasts the light cream upholstery on this armless dining chair to create an eye-catching look. The result? A versatile look that works with a variety of dining room styles. With simple styling, it could even work in a modern or contemporary space. The key is to choose accessories that accentuate your style, such as rich colors for a traditional space or vintage touches for an antique farmhouse look.
Queen Anne Dining Chair
The Queen Anne dining chair is the epitome of elegance, known for its curved lines, cabriole legs, and decorative detailing. This chair style originated during the early 18th century and is commonly found in formal dining rooms or traditional, antique-inspired spaces.
Queen Anne chairs are often upholstered, providing both style and comfort. Their ornate design makes them a statement piece in any dining room, perfect for those looking to create a sophisticated and luxurious dining experience.
Get the Look with the American Drew Cherry Grove Splat Back Arm Chair
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Perfect for a traditional dining room design, this arm chair is an elegant choice built to last. The cherry wood finish and cream upholstery both add warmth to the space. Place one of these arm chairs at either end of the dining table and pair them with the armless version for the sides of the table for a timeless look that is equally formal as it is formidable.
Wingback Dining Chair
Wingback dining chairs are distinguished by their tall backs and “wings” that extend from the sides of the chair. Originally designed to block drafts, the wingback chair has evolved into a symbol of comfort and luxury. These chairs are perfect for formal dining rooms or grand, traditional settings.
Their high back and upholstered body offer exceptional comfort, making wingback chairs ideal for long, leisurely meals. The dramatic design also adds a sense of grandeur to any dining space, making them a focal point in the room.
Get the Look with the Signature Design by Ashley Ashley Jeanette Linen Upholstered Dining Side Chair
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Dining Chair
This wingback chair adds a little drama to your dining room. We love the layers of detail, from the linen upholstery to the button tufting and nailhead trim. The contrast between the light gray upholstery and black chair legs adds visual interest and is perfectly suited for a contemporary or glam dining room design.
⭐ Featured Signature Design by Ashley Jeanette Review:
“Fantastic, I wanted something sturdy because my previous chairs broke. This one will last a long time it is very high quality.”
Lattice Dining Chair
Lattice dining chairs feature an intricate back design resembling a crisscross or woven pattern. These chairs are often used in contemporary or eclectic dining spaces, as the lattice pattern adds a visually interesting element to the room.
The open design of the lattice back allows for airflow and creates a lighter look, making the chair feel less bulky. These chairs work best in modern, transitional, or casual dining settings where a touch of artistry is desired.
Get the Look with the Legacy Classic Chelsea by Rachael Ray Bright White Lattice Back Arm Chair
Shop This Legacy Classic Modern Dining Chair
Looking for a fresh addition to your dining room? This bright white chair with its lattice back and neutral upholstered seat will breathe new life into your space. Whether you prefer a neutral transitional style or a light and breezy coastal look, you can create an inviting and stylish dining room with this chair. Designed in collaboration with Rachel Ray, this is sure to be a delectable addition to your dining room.
More Ways to Choose a Dining Chair
When comparing dining chair styles, it doesn’t all have to be about the type of chair. You can also narrow the field by considering other factors like design, material, and dimensions. We recommend making sure the scale of your dining table and chairs are compatible, measuring the seat-height-to-table-height distance, thinking about width and depth, and considering arm and back heights. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind.
Shop Dining Chairs by Design
Wondering what characterizes a modern chair or how to create a farmhouse dining room? Here’s how to shop for dining chairs by design style.
- Modern: Modern dining chairs feature sleek lines, minimalist shapes, and a focus on functionality, making them ideal for contemporary or urban settings. A modern dining chair may come in neutral tones or bold colors, creating a stylish and uncluttered look in the dining room. A spinoff on design, a mid century dining chair may feature wood or upholstery, and you can expect tapered legs for a streamlined look.
- Rustic: Rustic dining chairs have a rugged, natural appearance, with materials like weathered wood and distressed finishes giving them a charming, homey feel. They work well in farmhouse or country-style dining rooms, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Traditional: Traditional dining chairs are characterized by ornate details, such as carved wood or decorative upholstery, evoking a sense of elegance and formality. These chairs fit beautifully in formal dining rooms or spaces inspired by classic European designs.
- Farmhouse: Farmhouse dining chairs are known for their casual, laid-back design, often featuring simple wooden frames with distressed or painted finishes. Their relaxed aesthetic makes them a perfect choice for creating a cozy, lived-in feel in country or cottage-style homes.
Shop Dining Chairs by Material
When you’re looking at different types of dining chair styles, you can also find your favorite by focusing on material.
- Upholstered: Upholstered chairs offer comfort and style, with fabric options that fit any design aesthetic. Look for dining chairs with easy-to-clean fabrics such as polyester, performance fabrics, or even leather.
- Wood: Durable and versatile, wooden dining chairs can range from rustic to modern, depending on the finish and design. A wood dining chair is worth investing in with its timeless style and sturdy construction.
- Cane: With their woven backs and seats, cane chairs are a stylish, breathable option for traditional or modern dining rooms. A cane dining chair works well in a boho or coastal style dining room.
- Rattan: Lightweight and breezy, rattan chairs add a natural, coastal vibe to your dining space. A rattan dining chair brings in a natural feel perfect for an eclectic, coastal, or organic modern space.
- Leather: Leather dining chairs are durable and luxurious. They provide a sleek, polished look for formal or modern spaces. However, they can be pricey, depending on the type of leather a chair is made with. Faux leather dining chair seats are more affordable, but they won’t last as long as genuine leather upholstery.
Learn more: 11 Favorite Upholstered Dining Chair Styles
Shop Dining Chairs by Dimensions
The dimensions of your chair matter, especially if you’re mixing and matching rather than buying a dining set. Consider these common dimensions:
- Table-Height: Standard dining chair height ranges between 17 and 19 inches tall and are designed for table-height seating.
- Counter-Height: Counter-height chair height ranges between 24 and 27 inches tall and is suited for kitchen islands or high dining tables.
- Bar-Height: Bar-height chair height ranges between 28 and 33 inches tall, ideal for bars or pub-style dining areas.
Learn more: The Perfect Dining Room Chairs for Your Home
Sitting with great company during a delicious meal only gets better when it’s on the perfect dining chair crafted in a design that sets the tone for a great meal every night. The good news is there are plenty of styles to explore, and Colder’s has the best selection in the area for you to find the next idea for your dining room. Whether it’s one of our favorites from our dining room chair style guide or you’re curious about what else is on the market, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at one of our Milwaukee furniture stores near you!
FAQ
How much does it cost to reupholster a dining chair?
Reupholstering a dining chair can cost anywhere from $50 to $2,000, depending on the fabric and complexity of the job. Simple designs with affordable fabric will fall on the lower end of the range, while intricate designs with premium materials will cost more. Always factor in labor costs when considering reupholstering. Upholstery professionals typically charge between $40 and $100 per hour for labor.
How tall is a dining chair?
Most dining chairs range from 28 to 31 inches tall, with the height from seat to floor typically ranging from 17 to 20 inches.
How much space behind a dining chair is necessary?
You should leave about 24 to 30 inches of space behind each dining chair to allow for easy movement and comfort. This ensures enough room for guests to sit down and get up without feeling cramped.
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee. Still need help? We offer zero percent appliance and furniture financing for your home needs!
Shop Dining Chairs at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop dining room furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you amp up mealtime by choosing the right dining chair styles, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: 5 Benefits of Custom Dining Tables and Chairs