The mix-and-match look is very popular in interiors today. That certainly holds true in the dining room, where the idea of coordinated tables and chairs seems about as quaint as an I Love Lucy rerun. But before you invest your money in a set of dining chairs, make sure they’re going to work with the table, the room, and even the size of your guests. Seattle interior designer Nia Collins offers the following suggestions for choosing dining chairs that will serve you for years to come.
Design
Although it can be chic to pair traditional chairs with a contemporary table, and vice versa, try to find pieces that share a common design element. If the table has a sinuous cabriole leg, look for a chair with the same line in the leg or back, or choose upholstery with swirls on it. If the table is square or rectangular, look for chairs with a square or rectangular seat.
Dimensions
Twenty-two inches is a good standard width for an armless dining chair, but you can go larger than that if your dining table or dining room is especially big and would dwarf a normal-size chair. Avoid chairs that are narrower than 17 inches; they just don’t provide enough support for the derriere. For maximum comfort, choose chairs that are 20-24 inches deep.
Seat Height
Eighteen or 19 inches is an ideal height for a dining chair seat. As a rule of thumb, try to allow a minimum of 12 inches between the top of the seat and the top of the table. Dining tables generally stand between 29 or 30 inches high.
Portability
Look for a dining chair that is easy to move in and out from the table. Chairs with a slatted back are easy to grip because there is a void for your hand between the frame and the slat. But a chair with a solid back—or one that is fully upholstered—may be more difficult to grab, so it should be light enough to move without a firm hold. Also consider the people who will be using the chair: If children often dine at the table, make sure the chair isn’t too heavy or awkward for them to move.
Upholstery
Sooner or later, someone is going to spill something on your chair. How much are you willing to worry about it? For easy care, stick with leather (real or imitation), Ultrasuede, cotton blends or a commercial fabric. Avoid multilevel fabrics or ones with a heavy nap like chenille or velvet—they’ll show wear. Manmade fibers such as rayon or polyester are best when combined with natural fibers. If you use something delicate, find chairs with removable seat cushions, so the fabric can be replaced.
