This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Learn More.
Buying dining room chairs is not an easy task.
There are lots of vital things to consider before making a purchase. But before we get into that, let’s talk a bit about the dining area of a house and why it’s important to choose the right set of dining room chairs.
The dining room is one of the most vital spaces in a house. While it’s considered a place for converging people – enjoying a quiet family dinner time or hosting visitors for celebration.
Dining chairs are the first things that people see when they get into a dining area. Since dining chairs are the main furniture for people to sit on in the dining area, it’s extremely important to have a dining room that is not only attractive but also furnished with comfortable chairs.
If you decide to change your dining room chairs for whatever reason, there are 5 crucial factors you should consider before buying. This will help avoid choosing poorly made dining room chairs.
1. Chair height
While this may sound like simple advice, if you fail to choose chairs with appropriate height, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to return several chairs. This can be time-consuming and energy-draining.
That’s why it’s important to take the measurement of your dining table before buying dining room chairs. It will help you choose the right set of chairs with the right seat heights that complement the dining table. You don’t want to buy chairs with seat heights that are too low or too high for the table.
The height of most dining tables is between 28 inches to 30 inches high. Chair seats at 11 inches or shorter will go well with tables with the above height ranges.
If you’re shopping in a retail store, it’s extremely important that you take accurate measurements of the dining chairs that you’re considering. And when buying dining room chairs online, take note of the dimensions of the chair on the product’s web page. If the chair appeals to you most but you can’t find the dimensions, don’t hesitate to ask the retailer for it.
If you’ve got a dining table that’s higher than the average, or it’s raised, consider checking out bar height stools or counter chairs with adjustable features.
This will ensure that you’re not sitting too high above the table. And if you’re sitting too low, it will be easy to adjust the chair to the right height.
The heights of chairs are very essential when it comes to buying a new set of dining room chairs. Don’t overlook this factor.
2. Armless or with armrests
If you’ve got a limited dining space, armless dining chairs may be the right choice. This will help preserve your space without making the dining area look cluttered.
Dining chairs with armrests will be the best option if they will be used to sit for long hours. This will help enhance the comfort of the chair and also prevent stress on the shoulders.
3. Material & Finish
Dining chairs come in different sizes and shapes. They’re also constructed with various types of materials, including leather, fabric, or wood.
i) Leather – fabric-backed vinyl is the material that you’ll find on most “leather” dining chairs. Because of the additional cost and time required to make real leather seating, the price of this type of dining chair may be about $50 – $100 compared to the models made with vinyl material.
The advantage of leather-made dining chairs is that they feel softer when sit on and also tend to last longer. One benefit that vinyl material offers is that it looks like genuine leather and it’s more affordable and cheaper than leather. The problem with vinyl is that it cracks easily and it’s prone to tearing faster than leather or fabric.
ii) Fabric – Dining chairs made with fabrics come in a wide range of colors. Choose a fabric that will not only add to the decor of your home but will also blend well with your furniture arrangement. When buying through the internet, request samples of fabric that you deem will go well with your home decor.
This will ensure that you don’t choose a color that does not complement your home design. Another key factor to consider when it comes to choosing fabric for your dining chairs is the ease of cleaning. Choose fabrics that are easy to clean, especially if you have kids at home.
iii) Wood – Dining chairs constructed with wood come in different painted colors or finishes. Look for finishes that are sealed in order to protect the wood. Don’t forget to pick a wood finish that can go well with the current furniture set in your house.
4. Consider the number
The size and shape of your dining table will help determine the number of chairs that you need to fit around the table.
Before buying dining room chairs, take the measurement of the dining table, and determine the overall width of your chosen chairs to ensure that they fit around the table. If the current chairs that you use with the dining table fit well, then you’ve got a good indication of the number of new chairs you’ll need to buy.
The number of people living under your roof will determine the number of dining chairs that are needed at home. Another great thing to consider is how often you have visitors or guests at home.
If people pay you a visit on a regular basis, it’s probably worth investing in an additional dining chair or a set of two or more. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of buying more in the future.
If you have to wait to buy extra dining chairs in the future, the chances of getting the same type of chairs are slim. The chairs may be discontinued, out of stock, or unavailable to buy. The only option that you will have is to purchase a new set of dining chairs or find models that look like the ones you already have.
5. Price matters
You can buy dining chairs for as low as $10. However, expect to get what you pay for. A regular dining room chair may cost anywhere between $100 to $200. This depends on the quality of chairs that you’re looking for.
Mostly, lower-priced dining chairs are usually sold one way – no options, one fabric, one color. In addition, upholstery will also be a key factor in the price of the chair that you’re considering.
Another thing that will determine the price you pay for dining chairs is where you’re buying. If you buy from big box sellers, you may get an affordable price. But you’ll be sacrificing the quality for the price.
At home furniture dealerships and specialty stores, you can expect to pay more than you would at big brand sales outlets. The advantage here is that they have lots of high-quality furniture that can last for several years.
Buying online is a convenient option that you can use to uncover the right types of dining chairs. Chair pricing on the internet is usually competitive. This allows for lower pricing than you would see in specialty stores.
One great benefit of buying dining room chairs online is that products are usually shipped pretty fast. Another thing that makes buying chairs online advantageous is the discounts. Most online retailers will offer a huge discount on chairs that are purchased in sets of two and above.
Knowing what to look out for and what your expectations are prior to buying dining room chairs will help make your shopping session simple and less daunting.
Don’t forget to take the right measurements of your dining table and the dining area. Take note of the materials that you would love to see on your chosen chairs, including wood, leather, or fabric.
Lastly, set aside a reasonable budget and don’t be afraid to request for discounts, especially if you’re buying two or more chairs. The more you educate yourself, the less unsatisfied you’ll feel when you’re spending a lot of money on buying dining room chairs.