When furnishing your dining area, choosing the Dining Chair is pivotal. Chairs need to match the Table or Island but there is also much more to consider. Today most modern Dining Chairs are built on Metal Frames and are either covered in PU (Polyurethane) or Fabric and making the right choice can elevate your dining experience. Here are five key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Material and Durability
- PU (Polyurethane): PU chairs are easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for frequent use. Patterns similar to Leather can be embossed into the PU, making it very attractive. There is a wide range of colours available, and a good quality PU is very durable and will maintain its finish for a prolonged period. PU can appear to a little cold, but in reality its very comfortable.
- Fabric: Offering a softer and more luxurious feel, fabric dining chairs come in various mix’s, textures and patterns. Again like PU there is wide range of colours available and it’s an easy material to work with in production. While they may provide more warmth, they may require more upkeep, particularly in households with kids or pets. Most better-quality fabrics can be easily cleaned and there are also options to use Fabrics which are produced with an “Easy Clean” finish.
- Tip: Take images of your Dining Area and see what Colour works best in the area before deciding if its PU or Fabric which works best for you. Download a “Colour Wheel” to help match colours & shades.
2. Comfort and Ergonomics
A dining chair isn’t just about looks, it needs to be comfortable & supportive for long dinners or gatherings. Look for chairs with deep upholstered Seats & Backrests for extra comfort. The Seat should be wide enough to cross your legs. Chairs need to be designed with an ergonomic shape offer better lumbar support for your back, which is essential for comfort.
- Tip: Sit in the chair before buying and see if the height and depth suit your needs. It should support a relaxed posture without slouching.
3. Design Aesthetic
Modern dining chairs come in a range of designs, from minimalist to contemporary. In homes, there is often a blend of traditional and modern materials, and its crucial to find chairs that complement your overall décor. Dark Table Legs tend to be neutral so the Chair seat & shape are the important design factors. Modern Chairs look very good with Wooden finishes & bolder brighter colours can really lift a room and also look good against a neutral palette. The Shape of the Chair is worth considering too as curves can offer relief to more rigid shapes.
- Tip: Consider your dining table’s material and colour. Ceramic, Wood, or Glass dining tables each pair differently with PU and fabric chairs. Chairs should enhance, not overpower, the table or the room.
4. Size and Proportions
The size of your dining area and your table is critical when selecting chairs. If you have a small dining space, opt for chairs with slimmer profiles that don’t overwhelm the room. If you have a spacious dining area, larger chairs help define the space and can create a bold statement. Some modern Chairs such as our Calabria or Ravello below, are wider and you have to be sure they will fit both in the room and also with the Table. Also check the Seat size as in some modern designs they tend to have a lip or side arm which can reduce the seating area.
Below is a handy guide to use when checking how many chairs will fit with your Table.
|
Table Sizes in CM
|
||||
| No of Chairs | Rectangular Table (L x W) | Round Table
(Ǿ) |
Oval Table/D-End Table (L x W) | Square Table
(L x W) |
| 4 | 120 x 90 | 100
120 |
150 x 90 | 110 x 110 |
| 6 | 150 x 90
180 x 90 |
150
160 |
150 x 90
180 x 90 |
#
|
| 8 | 200 x 100
220 x 120 |
180 | 200 x 100
220 x 120 |
160 x 160 |
| 10 | 240 x 120
260 x 120 |
# | 240 x 120
260 x 120 |
# |
- Tip: Ensure that the chairs fit comfortably under the table when you are sitting on them and also when they are not in use. Important to ensure that there is enough legroom too.
5. Budget and Value for Money
The price of Chairs is essentially dictated by the material used and also production costs. For example, Leather Chairs may look good but are not value for money as PU alternatives are a fraction of the price and in many cases more durable. If Chairs are not going be used regularly, then perhaps a more budget chair will work fine. If your Chairs are in constant use, then we would recommend increasing your budget to a high-quality PU or easy to clean Fabric, within a strong Frame. Chair production costs are greater in high costs economies & also where materials are not easily available. Modern Chairs are designed to avail of robotic technology to reduce production costs.
- Tip: Consider the long-term value. A slightly more expensive, well-crafted chair might save you money in the long run compared to a cheaper option that wears out quickly.
By considering these five aspects, we hope we have helped you to be well on your way to finding the perfect modern dining chairs for your home, ensuring both style and functionality for years to come.