How to choose luxury dining chairs you’ll love
Now that we can all finally enjoy a meal with friends and family again, it’s a great time to invest in quality dining furniture that will impress your guests.
Every bit as important as your dining table, comfortable and stylish luxury dining chairs can instantly transform your space.
Check out the following tips to choose the perfect luxury dining chairs to match your space, taste, and lifestyle.
Check the height of your dining chairs
If you’re purchasing your dining table and dining chairs separately, rather than as a set, it’s important to check that their heights are compatible.
Most dining chairs measure between 17 and 20 inches, from the floor to the top of the seat itself.
The majority of dining tables are between 28 and 31 inches in height, when measured from the floor to the top of the table.
How much distance between dining chairs and table?
There’s little point investing in stunning, luxury dining chairs if you’re going to be uncomfortable whilst eating.
If you were to choose a dining table measuring 31 inches, and dining chairs that were only 17 inches in height, you’d probably feel that you were sat far too low down.
On the other hand, opting to purchase a 28 inch dining table and dining chairs measuring 20 inches would leave you feeling cramped, with only 8 inches of room to squeeze your legs under the table.
As a guideline, 10 to 12 inches of space between your dining chair seat and the tabletop tends to be the most comfortable fit for most diners.
If you’re browsing in store, make sure you take a tape measure with you. However, if you’re shopping for dining chairs and tables online, reputable retailers should display the exact measurements of all furniture in their product descriptions.
It’s crucial that you check if your chosen table has an apron, and take this into account when measuring up for dining chairs. Also note that the padding of upholstered dining chairs may compress substantially once you sit on them, increasing the distance between the seat of the dining chair and the table.
Dining chairs with arms
It’s not just the height of your dining chairs that you need to consider when thinking about measurements.
It’s also important to check the widths. You should be able to slide all your dining chairs under the table comfortably, without them colliding with table legs or pedestals. The chairs should have a comfortable distance between them, or you risk your diners feeling cramped.
Dining chairs with arms (also known as carver chairs) are often wider than those without, so take this into account when making your furniture choices. Also, dining tables with aprons may not be a good match for dining chairs with arms. The chairs often won’t tuck neatly under the table, and if they do, they can brush against the apron of the table, causing damage to both pieced of furniture.
If some of your family and friends are larger individuals, dining chairs with arms should be avoided. Whilst they are undisputedly stunning (the dining chairs, not the friends, although we’re sure they’re lovely, too!), they tend to only be comfortable for more slender people.
Luxury dining chairs to match your style
Aside from their measurements being compatible, your chosen dining chairs also need to pair well with your table aesthetically.
Whether it’s the material they’re crafted from, a design detail or the level of formality, there needs to be a common theme tying your dining furniture together, to ensure it doesn’t look mismatched.
Velvet dining chairs look beautiful with most contemporary dining tables. The same can be said for leather dining chairs, making these perfect options for most dining set-ups.
Top-tip: Don’t mix and match any modern dining chairs with rattan. The only thing that goes with rattan is…more rattan. Which, let’s face it, only really looks at home in your nan’s conservatory, and has no rightful place in a luxury dining room.
Luxury dining chairs to match your lifestyle
You may have fallen in love with the most gorgeous luxury dining chairs, but it’s important to pause for a moment and consider the practicalities of your choice before handing over your credit card.
For example, if you have little ones, ensure that the material is easy to keep clean. If you regularly have elderly diners at your table, don’t opt for scoop back dining chairs, as they don’t offer much back support. And if you’re planning on spending hours sat at your dining table whilst having a catch up with friends, dining chairs with a straight 90 degree back are unlikely to be comfortable for any length of time.
Ready to shop?
Hopefully, after reading these tips, you’re now feeling ready to start shopping for some seriously stylish luxury dining chairs! If so, we recommend you check out the gorgeous range of dining furniture at Arighi Bianchi.
If you have any questions about their products, don’t hesitate to give their friendly team a call on 01625 613333 or fill out the contact form on their website for a swift response.