Seat your guests in style: coordinating dining chairs with your table

Creating a stylish yet welcoming dining room is all about creating a harmonious balance between your dining table and chairs. In today's bLOG post, we'll walk through some of the things to consider when coordinating your dining chairs of choice with your table, such as functionality, styles and colours that work well together.

Consider the style of your dining table

As the anchor and focal point of your living room, it is important to ensure that your chairs match the style of your dining table. If you have a traditional table made from rich, dark wood brimming with beautiful details, look for classic silhouettes with similar or matching detailing. Fabrics such as velvet or leather can make it feel more formal.

If your table leans toward the modern side, has clean shapes, and is made with natural materials such as light wood or glass, consider looking for chairs that have a similar pared-back, minimalist aesthetic. Metal details or chairs with smooth wooden frames that match your table can give a stylish and modern look.

Reclaimed wood solid dining tables have a rustic or industrial look and feel, and tend to go well with chairs that have metal details or designs with raw wood textures. You could also mix and match chairs (more on this below!) to create an eclectic, personalised and cosy look.

Assess the size and shape

Before you choose a chair design, make sure it fits well with the size and shape of your table. First, think about how tall the chairs are. We like to recommend roughly 12 inches between the seat the tabletop, which allows you and your guests to stay comfortably seated without feeling crowded. You'll also want to ensure that the back of the seat sits taller than the top of the table – we recommend a minimum of 2 inches, as otherwise the proportions of your chairs and dining table may look unbalanced.

Don't forget to also factor in the width of your chairs to optimise functionality. A good guideline is to accommodate 24 inches of space for each seat, which should provide ample room for you and your guests to eat without bumping elbows.

Select the right materials

One way to create a cohesive look with your dining table and chairs is to look for similar materials so that they complement each other visually. For example, if your table is crafted from natural resources like solid wood, consider selecting chairs that also incorporate wood in their design, such as those with wooden legs or a wooden frame.

With a glass table, you could consider combining various chair materials. Metal chairs provide a sleek, modern appearance, while upholstered chairs add softness and a touch of elegance. Wooden chairs can also work well with a glass table, contributing warmth and texture.

Feel free to experiment with different materials to create a more dynamic dining space. For instance, pair a wooden table with metal chairs and enhance the look with a rug that features patterns incorporating both materials.

Play with colour

Colour can play an important role in conveying a certain mood, look or feel in your dining space. If you prefer something that's a little more neutral or monotone, look for shades such as cream, beige, grey, which all work beautifully together and easily complement any dinner table style.

You can also make a strong contrast by choosing chairs in a bold colour that stands out against a neutral table. For instance, a black dining table with white chairs makes for a classic contrast.

Mix and match!

Gone are the days when you had to buy matching dining sets. Mixing different furniture styles can add character, visual interest, and give way to a one-of-a-kind look that is individual to your personal style. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming knowing which chair styles will work together. We like to recommend finding a common thread such as colour or material between your selected seats, which will ensure that your dining setting looks cohesive and thoughtfully put together. For example, you could match a solid wood table with dining chairs with the same upholstery fabric but in varying neutral tones, or pair your dining table with a variety of reclaimed teak chairs which vary in silhouettes.

By considering factors such as style, size, shape, material, and colour, as well as the proper aftercare to ensure your chairs stay in tip-top shape, you can achieve a beautiful dining setting that will set the scene for all your meal times. Mixing different chair styles can also add a unique touch, giving way to an eclectic yet thoughtfully curated arrangement that showcases your personality. Happy styling!