One of the goals we all want to reach in creating a dream dining room is making the space so comfortable and inviting that family and guests alike will linger long after a meal over coffee or dessert and good conversation. Chairs, both side chairs and dining armchairs, play a big part in an enjoyable and comfortable dining experience. Thus, choosing the ideal dining armchair is of primary importance, making or breaking a dining room design. During the decision making process, design style, materials, size, color and functionality are elements that should be considered.
Here is a simple reference guide for height of a dining armchair in relation to the dining table and width needed for each chair:
- For a 28-30” H Table surface, choose a 18-23” (high at the seat) dining armchair.
- For a comfortable fit, the height difference between the seat and the table should be 10-13”
- For armchairs, the arms should ideally clear the table apron.
- For ease of movement, each armchair should have 30-34” of space. (That allows 4-6” between chairs.)
Guideline Exceptions and Visual Contrast. Let’s get started by talking about the idea that says armchairs arms should clear the table apron. While generally true, there are exceptions. For instance, Wishbone chairs have arms that end far back into the seat, meaning they can be pulled comfortably close to the table without touching the table or table apron.
The dining room above is enhanced by the visual contrast between pale wood chairs and pristine white table.
Style and Armchair Height. Chic white upholstered chairs are just right for this lovely modern dining room with a textured stone feature wall. You’ll note that the chair height is ideal, providing comfortable seating at the table.
Special Considerations. Sometimes that out of the ordinary table you choose can require special considerations when choosing dining armchairs. This extraordinary table is created on a base that has an unusual configuration of legs meaning that only six chairs will fit comfortably around it.
Space and Traffic Flow. This charming dining room, and others like it, would require careful measuring to be sure diners have enough room to pull chairs out to sit down or get up from the table.
Style and Visual Interest. Vintage spaces require special attention to style and visual interest when selecting dining armchairs. This pair of well-loved hand me down upholstered armchairs are perfect in style, shape and the appealing look of gently worn upholstery fabric and wood finish.
Table Capacity, Spacing & Chair Height vs Table Height. Lots of chairs can fit easily around a large round table. These chic directors chairs are extra wide but their shape works beautifully with the circular table. You’ll notice that the height of the chairs is just right in relation to the height of the glass table top, easily meeting the suggested difference between the seat and the table of 10-13 inches.
Size & Space. Wrought iron dining armchairs and a matching table hidden under the sunny yellow tablecloth are delightful, and a perfect size, for this Tuscany-inspired eat-in kitchen. Careful measuring and then choosing a table and armchairs that fit well and allow for comfortable movement will help create a dining room or eat-in kitchen that feels perfectly balanced.
Style & Finish. Dining armchair styles and finishes can be chosen to either match or create a visually pleasing contrast. Here, the gilded French wire chairs from the 1940s are simply stunning around a 1970s brass and glass table.
For more detailed information about choosing dining armchairs, please see Timeless Wrought Iron’s “Your Complete Dining Chair Guide.”
Image Sources: CocoKelley.com; SavorHome.Blog.com; MeganMorrisBlog.com; TheBookOfSecrets.Tumblr.com; ZsaZsaBellagio.Blogspot.com; SaavyHomeBlog.com; DesignShuffle.com; ElleDecor.com.
