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Whether you need a singular seat or a stylish set, dining table chairs need to work with your available space, interior aesthetic, and the dining table itself.
As with most furniture, there's often too much choice available, but it's best to choose wisely – dining tables and chairs are investment pieces that need to stand the test of time.
As with any big purchase, we suggest beginning with your needs. Will you be hosting glamorous dinner parties, intimate Sunday brunches or a mixture of both? Will your chairs fall foul of messy little hands or red wine splashes?' says Francesca Hadland, styling expert for Bridgman.
'If you're part of a large and busy family, opt for stain-resistant dining table chairs. If you're a socialite who regularly hosts lavish soirees and get-togethers, choose beautiful yet comfortable dining chairs where your guests can enjoy hours sitting sublimely without succumbing to discomfort.'
Elena Mellowes, head of buying at Oak Furnitureland, says: 'Firstly, review your space; whether it's an open plan, more formal dining room, or a smaller kitchen arrangement, the dining set should be the focal point within these spaces without being cumbersome or dominating. Ensure you have at least enough seats for your family who will get daily use from the table.
'Solid wood is a great option as you can sand it back and start again if it gets marked over time. Opt for classic styles over trends to ensure you get the most longevity out of your set. If you have the space to extend, our recommendation would be to go for an extending dining table as it offers so much flexibility. Hunt out folding or stackable dining chairs so you don't worry about storing them.'
The number of dining chairs you buy will be dependent on your table and your space. 'Around most 180cm dining tables (the UK's most popular size), you can fit six people quite comfortably,' says Elena. 'To avoid having the awkward and uncomfortable spot at the end of the table, opt for armless chairs down the sides of the table, and chairs with arms (known as carvers) at each end. Also, seek out pedestal-style tables or options with a central base meaning you can fit more seats without the interruption of legs.'
The design experts at KING Living Design Studio add: 'The aesthetic of your dining chairs should complement your table as well as reflect the purpose, so in a luxe home with dark colours we advise using lighter colour upholstered chairs – the contrast works wonderfully. In a home with children, the safe option is wooden chairs to reduce the need for cleaning.'
Keep reading to discover 15 stylish dining chairs to make every mealtime an elevated affair...
We love the sleek design of these upholstered dining table chairs. Each one features a streamlined metal frame and a curved backrest that's shapely and supportive.
Simple but oh-so-stylish, this wooden dining chair adds effortless sophistication to your dining room. The look is completed with faux leather upholstery and foam-filled seats.
If you're unsure what colour to go for, versatile grey is a safe bet. This stone grey colourway, along with its curved half-moon design and elegant black legs with a gold-effect tip, is well suited for chic, contemporary homes.
Crafted from a metal frame with an elm wood seat, this pair of stacking dining chairs has an industrial look that's perfect for contemporary interiors.
Beautifully handcrafted from natural rattan and available in either a natural or black finish, these dining chairs are both stylish and easy to assemble. Its designed with a curved seat for extra comfort and sturdy metal legs for durability.
Designed with a soft round back, these luxurious chairs will bring an eye-catching flair to your space. The design is completed with contrasting wooden legs for a modern finish.
Supported by sturdy metal legs, these ultra-soft boucle dining chairs will add a touch of luxury and texture to your dining area, while the curved backrests offer plenty of comfort.
A great choice when it comes to unexpected guests, these folding chairs are ideal for adding extra seating. We love the green tone and classic metal frame.
A strong, square frame gives this neat pair of dining chairs a classic look. Plus, the light wooden finish makes them a natural fit in most modern interiors.
A truly versatile dining chair, this design combines a raw metal base with a sleek black finish and smooth leather seat.
For fans of all things luxe and neutral, these curved dining chairs are the perfect choice. We love the brass-tipped legs as well as the piping on the seat.
This dining chair has a neat and timeless design. Better still, at only £25, it's a budget-friendly option, too.
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