Dining chairs buying guide

Published on 19 August 2026

A good dining chair should be comfortable, complement your table well and suit the way you use your dining area. In this buying guide, we’ll help you choose step by step, so that you base your decision not only on appearance, but also on comfort, space and materials. This will make it easier to dining chairs Find one that’s comfortable to sit on every day.

What should you look out for when buying dining chairs?

When comparing dining chairs, there are five factors that make all the difference:

• Seating comfort – How long do you usually spend sitting at the table, and do you prefer a firm or a slightly softer seat?
• Dimensions – the seat height, overall width and the space under and around the table must be just right.
• With or without an armrest – that determines comfort, appearance and how many chairs fit around the table.
• Materials and upholstery – consider its appearance, maintenance and how intensively the chair is used.
• Finishing and personalisation – for example, a choice of wood type, fabric or leather, backrest and seat design, and leg colour.

If you consider these points in this order, you’ll avoid ending up with a chair that looks good but turns out to be less comfortable or less suitable in practice.

Which dining chairs are the most comfortable?

The chair that’s most comfortable varies from person to person, but there are some clear features you can look out for. If you only use the dining table for dinner, a compact model is often sufficient. If you also spend a long time chatting, working or enjoying a leisurely meal at the table, extra support is more important.

Features of a comfortable dining chair

• Good back support – A backrest that provides good support often feels more comfortable during prolonged sitting.
• A comfortable seat – not too hard, but not so soft that you sink into it either.
• Sufficient width – particularly important if you like to sit with plenty of room or want armrests.
• Stable posture – A chair should feel sturdy and be comfortable to sit in at the table.

Comfort is something best experienced for yourself. That’s why having a go at sitting on a chair can make a big difference, especially if you’re torn between several models or upholstery options.

With or without an armrest?

This is one of the most important considerations in a dining chair buying guide, as it has a direct impact on comfort and space.

When armrests are a good choice

Dining chairs with armrests often provide a more luxurious and comfortable seating experience. They are particularly pleasant if you spend a long time at the table or prefer a bit more support. They also tend to give the dining area a fuller, more distinctive look.

When chairs without armrests are more practical

Chairs without armrests usually look more airy and take up less space. They’re easier to pull up to the table and are often handy if you want to fit several chairs around a smaller table. This type of chair is also often a good choice if you’re looking for a calm, understated look.

Not sure? Then always check whether the armrests fit under the tabletop. In practice, this often helps you make the right choice more quickly than style alone.

The right dimensions for your dining table

A beautiful chair is only truly successful if its proportions are right in relation to the table. So don’t just look at the design – pay attention to the dimensions as well.

Key measurements to check

• Seat height – it should be the right height for your table, so that you can sit comfortably.
• Height of armrests – important if you want to slide the chair under the table.
• Total width of the seat – determines how many seats can fit side by side.
• Space around the table – make sure you can still sit down and stand up comfortably.

A useful guideline is to consider not just the chair itself, but the whole setting. A wider model with armrests can be very comfortable, but it also requires more space per seat than a more compact chair.

How much space do you allow per seat?

Allow enough width per person so that you aren’t sitting too close together. Compact chairs offer more flexibility at the table, whilst wider models provide greater comfort but take up more space. It’s a good idea to measure in advance rather than estimate, particularly when it comes to armrests.

Choosing materials and upholstery

The material plays a major role in determining the look of your dining chair, but it also affects its day-to-day use. At Looiershuis, you’ll find a range of options, such as wood, fabric and leather, often with a choice of styles and finishes.

A wooden chair or an upholstered chair?

A wooden chair or a model with a wooden seat often has a more minimalist, natural look. Upholstered chairs usually feel softer and warmer. The best choice depends on what matters most to you: a more distinct feel of the material or extra comfort whilst sitting.

Fabric or leather?

Fabric often looks warm and inviting and offers plenty of options in terms of colour and ambience. Leather, on the other hand, has a bold, timeless look. Which upholstery suits you best depends on your taste, how you use your dining area and how much maintenance you’re happy with.

As well as the upholstery, the finish also plays a part. Consider the combination of wood type, backrest and seat design, and the colour of the metal parts. It is precisely these details that ensure a chair complements your dining table and interiors.

Personalisation makes all the difference

When you’re investing in new dining chairs, you want them to really suit your space. That’s why it’s worth not being limited to just one standard design. Within the Looiershuis range, various models offer a choice of options, including wood type, fabric or leather, backrest and seat designs, and leg or metal colours.

This not only enhances the look, but also helps strike a balance between comfort and materials. After all, a chair can feel completely different in your home depending on its upholstery or finish.

How to make the right choice more quickly

1. First, check the dimensions of your table and the available space.
2. Next, decide whether you value a compact design or extra comfort more.
3. Next, choose between a version with or without armrests.
4. Compare materials and upholstery in terms of appearance and everyday use.
5. Finally, work out the details, such as the type of wood, upholstery and leg colour.

By following this order, you’ll avoid starting with the colour or style when the basic measurements aren’t yet clear.

View and try out dining chairs in person

Browsing online is handy, but a dining chair is still a product you really want to experience for yourself. It’s often only when you see it in the flesh that you can properly assess the comfort, materials and proportions. That’s why it can be a good idea to browse the options in the showroom and try out different chairs.

If you’ve already got a particular model in mind, that will also help when comparing versions in wood, fabric or leather. You’ll then be able to make a more informed choice and place your order with greater confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 10 dining chairs?

There is no universal top 10 list that works for everyone. The best dining chair depends on your table, the space available, your desired level of comfort, and your preference for materials and finishes. So focus less on popularity and more on what really suits your situation.

How do I know if armrests will fit under my table?

Measure the height of the armrest and compare it with the clearance beneath the tabletop. Leave a small margin to ensure that the chair can still be pulled up easily.

Is it a good idea to try out dining chairs before buying them?

Yes, especially if comfort is a major consideration for you or if you’re trying to decide between different models. That way, you can experience straight away how the seat, backrest and armrests feel.

Which upholstery is best suited to my dining area?

That depends on your taste and how you intend to use them. Fabric often creates a warm, cosy feel, whilst leather has a more striking and timeless look. So don’t just consider the colour; also think about how intensively the chairs will be used and what sort of maintenance suits you best. If you also have broader questions about style or layout, then you can interior design advice help.