Good seating turns a table into a place you want to linger, and it completes the look of the room. With so many styles, from velvet dining chairs to wooden frames and faux leather seats, it helps to know what to check. This guide covers height, comfort, material and colour.

Start With the Right Height

A standard dining table is around 75cm high. Choose a seat height of about 45cm, which leaves roughly 28 to 30cm between seat and tabletop for legroom. Check the arm height too, since armchairs must slide under the table edge. The seat height is listed on each product page.

Measure for Width and Number

Allow about 60cm of table edge per person. Chair widths range from around 45 to 60cm. A 120cm rectangular table seats four with two on each side, and a 160cm table seats six with a chair at each end. Our table size guide has the full figures.

Choosing a Material

Velvet dining chairs

Soft and luxurious, velvet is available in rich colours such as green, navy and grey. Brush or vacuum regularly and blot spills quickly.

Faux leather dining chairs

Wipe-clean and practical for families. Colours such as tan, black and cream suit most tables. Keep them away from direct heat.

Fabric and bouclé chairs

Textured fabrics in cream, beige and oatmeal create a warm, relaxed look. Choose a stain-resistant finish if you have children.

Oak and wooden chairs

Wooden dining chairs suit scandi, farmhouse and traditional rooms. Solid frames last well, and a wooden seat can be softened with a cushion.

Metal frame chairs

Slim metal legs work well in industrial and modern rooms, and they make small spaces look lighter.

Choosing a Colour

• Grey dining chairs: a versatile neutral that suits white, wood and dark tables.
• Cream or beige dining chairs: soft and tonal, ideal for dark tabletops.
• Black chairs: bold and modern, and good at hiding marks.
• Green or teal chairs: a strong accent for marble-effect or white tops.
• Tan chairs: a warm contrast to marble and white tops.

Matching Chairs to Your Table

You do not need an exact match. A common approach is to repeat one colour or material from the table, such as oak legs on both, then add contrast in the seat. A wood table pairs well with upholstered chairs, and a glass or marble-effect top works with almost any style. If you would like things to match without effort, choose a complete dining table and chairs set.

Comfort Checklist

• Seat depth of around 45 to 50cm supports most adults.
• A slightly curved back supports the spine during long meals.
• Padded seats are more comfortable than hard seats for longer meals.
• Check the maximum weight per chair, which is usually listed by the manufacturer.

Keeping Chairs Looking Good

Follow the care label for upholstery, tighten screws occasionally and use felt pads under legs on hard floors. See our furniture care guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What seat height should dining chairs be?

Around 45cm for a 75cm table.

Can I mix different dining chairs?

Yes. Mixing can look stylish if you keep one element in common, such as colour or leg material.

How many chairs fit around a table?

Allow about 60cm of table edge per person.

Browse our dining chairs now.