No dining space—whether it’s a formal room or that tiny corner of your kitchen—would be complete without at least one of the best dining chairs to serve the right vibes when you take a seat at the table. Listen, we’re not here to judge if you enjoy your meals from the comfort of your couch, but having a grown-up set of dining chairs on rotation will distract your guests from asking one too many intrusive questions while also providing you with some extra seating options.
In a world full of an abundance of chair types (and too many knockoffs), one can get overwhelmed, so we consulted our colleagues at Architectural Digest to tell us about what they’ve been sitting on—at the table and beyond. Scroll down for their unfiltered opinions on the best dining chairs that money can buy on a budget.
Wooden Chairs
Upholstered Dining Chairs
Metal & Leather Dining Chairs
Designer: Tom Kelley for Ton
Specs: Solid beech wood, molded plywood, and wood seat
Dimensions: 33.2"H x 17"W x 18.5"D
I bought four of these chairs when I was moving into my new apartment in January 2021. At the time, these chairs were cheaper than their other offerings by a long shot and were therefore the only real option within our budget (although perhaps inflation has changed that). The chairs are thin and slim in a way that works perfectly for the (not huge) dining table in our Brooklyn apartment. When I bought them, I was worried that the black paint might chip. So far that hasn’t happened at all, but I am starting to think that the paint on some of the seats is thinning. We had to add felt pads to the bottom of the legs so that they wouldn't scratch our floor, and it was tricky to be able to cut the kind you can order on Amazon so that they were small enough.
If given the opportunity, I’d buy these chairs again! I could see myself having them for years and purchasing more of them down the line to build out my dining-chair set—if I ever have the space!– Madeleine Luckel, design editor
Comfort: B
Value: B+
Delivery and assembly: A
Overall chair rating: A
Style: A
Designer: Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn
Specs: Solid wood frame, wooden legs, and paper cord seat
Dimensions: 29.13"H x 21.64"W x 19.68"D
I lucked out in finding a pair of Wishbone chairs at an antique sale in a small Maine town. Though the handwoven paper cord seats needed some repair, the Danish beauties—designed by Hans Wegner in 1949—still managed to be incredibly sturdy and comfortable in their age. After an attempt at restringing the seats (letting my partner do 99% of the work), I can say just how skillfully and thoughtfully the chairs are constructed. The sculptural frame is elegant, available in 48 material and color options and will absolutely last you a lifetime of dining delight. –Zoë Sessums, digital design editor
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When I was growing up, I thought my house had the best dining chairs I’d ever seen. Even as a child, I understood that my mom, a fashion director at Nordstrom, had really cool taste. Each chair around our antique dining table was designed with custom white upholstery to evoke the look of a specific design house: Chanel, Versace, Dior. They were magnificent in all their 1990s glory.
Dining chairs are a relatively easy and creative way to play with new designs and pops of color in your home. For example, you can mix vintage Louis XIV–inspired styles with a clean midcentury-modern table. Or try a set of velvety armchairs to contrast something Scandinavian. Chairs have a lot of personality, and if you’re anything like my mom, you’ll want them to telegraph something about your taste—beyond what’s for dinner.
Even the briefest of explorations into the world of dining chairs will unearth an embarrassment of riches; there are almost too many amazing options to cull into one list. But, you didn’t come to us to see it all—you’re here to see the cream of the crop. Below, you’ll find a selection of the best dining chairs to wow at your next dinner party guests. Or simply delight yourself when there’s leftovers for one.
Material: What can’t a dining chair be constructed from? Plastic that’s easy to clean, velvet that cradles your whole body, wood that lasts a lifetime: The materials in a dining chair do as much to define its style as the style itself. We’d urge you to consider pets, kids, and red wine consumption when selecting your preferred materials. Otherwise, just have fun with it.
Dimensions: Since dining chairs interact with another piece of furniture—read: your table—in a critical way, dimensions are extra important. If your chairs have arms, you’ll want to know if they’re low enough to tuck under the table. Additionally, the overall width will tell you how many chairs you can comfortably fit on either side or around the circumference.
Style: There are many style elements to consider when shopping for the best dining chairs for your space. Will you select a mix of chairs with and without arms? Do you want plush seats that invite long, lingering dinners and conversions? Or sleek, sturdy chairs that are easy to clean and will last through your children and pets climbing all over them? With your dimensions and practical needs in mind, you can begin to sift through the interior styles you want—from modern and Scandinavian to transitional and whimsical.
We love that Interior Define offers so many ways to customize its pieces, particularly this low-back, U-shape upholstered dining chair. You can choose from more than 25 fabrications (and two wood finishes), from rich berry-hued velvet to textured performance tweed. Depending on the color and surface quality you choose, the Nora chair can easily shine within many design aesthetics.
Material: Wood and performance velvet.
Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 27.5 inches.
Design: Modern.
Buy Now on Interior Define: $620
Originally designed by Danish design legend Hans Wegner in 1950, the Wishbone chair became an instant hit and has remained a steadfast pillar of midcentury modern design. Inspired by the thrones of Chinese emperors in the Ming dynasty, wishbone chairs are ergonomically designed with a distinctive woven seat that is comfortable and supportive. Carl Hansen & Søn, the OG, makes our favorite version, also available in 10 different finishes.
Material: Solid wood frame and hand woven paper cord.
Dimensions: 21.75 x 19.75 x 29.25 inches.
Design: Midcentury modern.
Buy Now on DWR: $985
While ringing in as the most affordable dining chair on our list, the Article Svelti chair also ranks among the best-reviewed options in the market. Customers praise both the sleek look and playful color options (of which there are nine); as well as the durable molded plastic construction and, of course, how easy it is to clean. Thanks to UV-resistant material, they’re also indoor-outdoor friendly, lightweight and as you might have guessed, totally kid-friendly.
Material: Molded plastic.
Dimensions: 18 x 20.5 x 34.5 inches.
Design: Scandinavian.
Buy Now on Article: $69
If you’re looking to telegraph a romantic ambiance and relaxed elegance through your furniture, Jenni Kayne Home is for you. The interiors offshoot of the successful apparel line has dreamy furniture and accessories for every room, but these slip-covered dining chairs are especially lovely. The clean lines and soft linen mean these chairs walk the line between casual weeknight dinners and celebratory meals perfectly. Plus, the slip covers can be removed and cleaned.
Material: Linen.
Dimensions: 19.5 x 23.5 x 33.5 inches.
Design: Transitional.
Buy Now on Jenni Kayne: $895
There are myriad bentwood chairs out there today, but none compares, really, to the original: The award-winning chair No. 14, created by Michael Thonet in the mid-1800s. Today, Ton chairs are crafted in Thonet’s original factory, with a solid beech-wood frame and a cane seat that’s both durable and comfortable. Note that these bistro-style chairs are true to their European roots and are slightly smaller than some modern dining chairs, so derrieres beware.
Material: Solid beechwood and caning.
Dimensions: 16.25 x 20.25 x 33 inches.
Design: Bistro.
Buy Now on Williams Sonoma: $595
If your dining space could use a serious dose of whimsy, consider the Temi chair from studio Sun at Six. Minimal and modern, this is the kind of chair that style can really define a space. The soft-yet-sculptural design would look just as cool tucked under a vintage mahogany table from your grandmother as it would under a marble round-top from your favorite upscale interiors boutique. So go ahead, be bold.
Material: Polyester.
Dimensions: 18 x 24 x 36 inches.
Design: Contemporary.
Buy Now on Lulu and Georgia: $598
If a dining chair could be classified as “iconic,” Kartell’s Victoria Ghost chair, designed by Philippe Starck, has certainly earned that title. These transparent plastic chairs, featuring an oval back that playfully recalls Victorian-era styles, are both lightweight and strong, making them a seriously wise choice for homes that see the spills and thrills of dinnertime with kids or at-home red wine tastings. Plus, they come in four see-through shades, including amber and powder blue, along with the classic clear.
Material: Renewable polymer.
Dimensions: 15.35 x 19.6 x 35.8 inches.
Design: Modern.
Buy Now on 2Modern: $830
If you love the look of vintage furniture, but want the extra comfort and construction of a modern piece, don’t sleep on Frontgate’s elegant Savoy dining chairs. These customizable seaters with a solid hardwood frame and rounded back recall the traditional look of fanciful French furniture in the Louis XIV era. Also, the Savoy is updated with high-density foam cushion seating and performance fabrics meant to withstand today’s table manners.
Material: Solid hardwood and performance linen.
Dimensions: 20 x 23.5 x 37 inches.
Design: Transitional.
Buy Now on Frontgate: $579
With influences from both Scandinavian and Japanese design, we love the bold contrast of AllMdoern’s Atticus chair—especially with the black frame. Caning is presently having a moment in interior design (and shows no sign of going anywhere), so these would make for a reliable investment. We especially like the way these dining chairs play with traditional contours, especially the sharp edges and angular design of the seat and legs. And they come as a set of two!
Material: Rattan and solid wood.
Dimensions: 18.1 x 23.2 x 33.5 inches.
Design: Japandi.
Buy Now on AllModern: $510
Thanks to one too many home makeover shows in the 2010s, the phrase “modern farmhouse” gets a lot of flack. And while it can certainly feel tired, these One Kings Lane Flynn chairs are an example of how to channel the style with a bit of edge. In shiny black and with an extra-tall back, these classic Windsor dining chairs are an unexpected twist on the trend.
Material: Rubberwood.
Dimensions: 19.5 x 20.7 x 36 inches.
Design: Farmhouse.
Buy Now on One Kings Lane: $270
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