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Decorating and purchasing tips for dining room chairs

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  • If you plan to buy a full set of dining room chairs, the set typically includes two arm chairs for the ends of the table and regular chairs for the sides. Arm chairs are not required, of course, but they add a formal and complete look to your set of chairs. Arm chairs can also be used as accent pieces for seating in the living room when they are not being used at the dining room table.
  • To allow enough room for everyone seated around the table, plan on 22 to 30 inches in width per person. With a round table, for instance, a 40-inch diameter table seats 4, while a 56-inch diameter table seats 8. For a rectangular or oval-shaped table, a 36 by 60-inch table seats 6, while a 36 by 72 or 84-inch table seats 8.
  • If you are using an area rug over hardwood floors in your dining room, it is important to ensure that the dining room table and chairs fit on the rug when not in use, as well as when your guests are seated. To allow enough space for people to move their chairs away from the table, allow the rug to extend about two feet beyond the table. If you have a table with four chairs, you would likely need a 6 x 9-foot rug; a table with six chairs would require an 8 x 10-foot rug; and a table with eight chairs would require a 9 x 12-foot rug. 
  • For a more contemporary, or “shabby chic” décor, some designers advocate using dining room chairs that are not all of the same, exact style. You want the chairs to blend and look nice together, but be creative to create an eclectic look.
  • One of the most important factors in determining how to decorate your dining room is how formal you would like the room to be. If you have fancy dinner parties on a regular basis, then perhaps formal is the way to go. But if you would like to use your dining room for more casual meals as well, or other family-oriented activities, then a more casual décor might suit you better.
  • When purchasing dining room chairs, consider comfort as well as style. Chairs, after all, are designed to be seated in. Consider the amount of low-back support the chair offers if you plan t have guests seated in the chairs for long periods of time. Upholstered seats also can be more comfortable than wooden seats.



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