The best dining room chairs in the UK 2023

Modern, classic, vintage, colored, sober... chairs bring the final touch to the decoration of a dining room. The time is long gone when these pieces of furniture were chosen only by feeling. Nowadays, you have to pay a lot of attention to them and make sure they combine design and comfort. To help you, read our guide to the best dining chairs.

Modern living chair VANESSA Grey 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Modern living chair VANESSA Grey

The best dining chair in 2021

This dining chair seduces with its gray color that contrasts with the chrome metal of its base. Combined with its sober and pure lines, this color combination reinforces the elegance of the whole.

79,99 £ on But

The VANESSA chair from Modern Living is a true icon for all lovers of design furniture. Thanks to its cantilever structure, this furniture gives the impression of gravitating above the ground. Its seat and high backrest upholstered with high density polyurethane foam ensure unparalleled comfort. Once you sit in this chair, expect to never want to leave it because it is so comfortable. Note that this dining chair has a decorative chrome handle on the top of the back.

The VANESSA chair is very popular because of its minimalist chic look, which makes it fit in any space. It is perfect for a dining room, but it can also be used as an occasional piece of furniture in another room, an office for example.

LUCIE white chair 2
8/10

Best Cheap

LUCIE white chair

The best entry-level dining chair

What could be better than a white-stained rubberwood chair to add character to a vintage or Nordic-inspired dining room? The sleek silhouette of this furniture will spontaneously match the tables you use, regardless of style.

39,99 £ on But

The minimalist design of this LUCIE dining chair has everything to please. Made of hevea wood, this furniture combines sobriety and solidity. As its rectangular seat is 45 cm high, this chair can easily slide under a table whose top is 75 cm above the floor. Its backrest with three bars is a bit basic, but it provides a very good support for the back.

LUCIE's sober and discreet look makes it especially recommended for classic dining rooms. It will look great around a solid wood table or in a kitchen dining area. In addition to adding a touch of elegance, its lacquered finish makes it easy to clean. A quick wipe down is all it takes to restore its pristine shine.

Mørteens Nicholas arm chairs set of 4 3
9/10

Best High End

Mørteens Nicholas arm chairs set of 4

The best high-end dining chair

It's impossible not to fall in love with this chair, it's so seductive. Even better, this Scandinavian style furniture will instill a cozy and warm atmosphere in all dining rooms, whatever their decorative styles.

399 £ on Home24

Very comfortable and trendy, these Scandinavian style chairs with armrests will help you create a cozy, Nordic atmosphere in your dining room. Beyond their sleek lines, the soft seat and removable cushions of these chairs guarantee incredible comfort. They will allow you to spend pleasant moments with your family or to receive your guests in a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

These Swedish-inspired furniture pieces may have a minimalist design, but they will fit perfectly with your decor. That's why they are so popular. On the practical side, these chairs with arms are upholstered in fabric and synthetic leather which have the advantage of being easy to clean. A daily dusting with a damp cotton cloth is enough to restore their shine.

Polyurethane chair AGATHE taupe 4
9/10

Excellent

Polyurethane chair AGATHE taupe

The best designer style dining chair

Elegant is the expression that best describes this designer dining chair upholstered in polyurethane fabric with a smooth velvet effect. With its minimalist and clean look, this chair will easily match with a light solid wood table.

63,92 £ on But

The missing link of your dining room, this AGATHE chair will allow you to receive your guests in the best conditions. Indeed, this furniture with a minimalist but refined aesthetic impresses by the comfort it provides. This is partly due to its seat and high backrest padded with high density polyurethane foam, as well as its smooth velvet effect upholstery which is very pleasant to the touch. As a bonus, this chair benefits from a sturdy design thanks to its solid beech frame and base.

This chair has the advantage of fitting into any interior. Whether yours is contemporary, sleek, modern or classic, the AGATHE will always find a place, especially around a light wood table. If you are a fan of mismatched decoration, this design furniture will blend perfectly with other chair styles.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best dining room chair

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The best dining chair in 2021

The best entry-level dining chair

The best high-end dining chair

The best designer style dining chair

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Comparison table of the best dining room chairs

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Modern living chair VANESSA Grey 5
9/10
LUCIE white chair 6
8/10
Mørteens Nicholas arm chairs set of 4 7
9/10
Polyurethane chair AGATHE taupe 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Modern living chair VANESSA Grey
LUCIE white chair
Mørteens Nicholas arm chairs set of 4
Polyurethane chair AGATHE taupe
This dining chair seduces with its gray color that contrasts with the chrome metal of its base. Combined with its sober and pure lines, this color combination reinforces the elegance of the whole.
What could be better than a white-stained rubberwood chair to add character to a vintage or Nordic-inspired dining room? The sleek silhouette of this furniture will spontaneously match the tables you use, regardless of style.
It's impossible not to fall in love with this chair, it's so seductive. Even better, this Scandinavian style furniture will instill a cozy and warm atmosphere in all dining rooms, whatever their decorative styles.
Elegant is the expression that best describes this designer dining chair upholstered in polyurethane fabric with a smooth velvet effect. With its minimalist and clean look, this chair will easily match with a light solid wood table.
Dimensions
44.5 x 85.3 x 40.5 cm
44.5 x 85.3 x 40.5 cm
58 x 84 x 58 cm
44 x 102 x 40
Covering
Not available
White glossy lacquer
Synthetic leather and fabric
Smooth velvet effect polyurethane
Fitting
Chrome-plated steel
Hevea
Oiled solid oak
Solid beech
Capacity
22 kg/m3 polyurethane foam for seat and back.
The seat is made of medium density fiber.
Polyether foam
Polyurethane foam of 25kg/m3 for the seat and 21 kg/m3 for the back.
Maximum load
About 115 kg
About 100 kg
110 kg
About 110 kg

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Buying guide - dining room chair

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How to choose your dining room chair

In order to choose dining chairs that combine design and convenience, there are a few selection parameters to consider:

#1 - Design

Design is an essential criterion when it comes to buying new dining room chairs. Aesthetics play a huge part in the aesthetics of this room. Plain or mismatched, whatever your preference, the goal is to transform the room in which you have your lunches and dinners into a harmonious and pleasant place.

Today, there is no shortage of styles. Industrial, classic, modern or Scandinavian, you will be spoilt for choice.

#2 - Materials

Besides the design, pay attention to the material, as it conditions the longevity of the dining chair. The models offered in the shops are made with wood, metal, plastic and leather. For maximum durability, avoid materials catalogued as fragile.

Wooden chairs are very popular because they are sturdy, sober and elegant. The same is true for metal chairs. Plastic chairs can be an alternative, but in all honesty, they won't last long.

#3 - Ergonomics

Ergonomics is directly related to the height of the backrest, which conditions the comfort of the dining chair. Indeed, the higher the back of a chair, the more comfortable its seat is. Conversely, a chair with a low back is less convenient, but this lack of convenience is moderated by its style, which is more contemporary.

To make the best choice, you will have to combine your personal preferences with your comfort needs. As for the armrests, it's up to you to decide whether or not they suit you. However, remember that armrests are a significant comfort asset.

#4 - Seat height

The height of the seat also determines comfort. With a dining table whose classic height is 75 cm, the seat must rise to a minimum of 45 cm. However, this is somewhat subjective due to the fact that not all occupants of the same home are of the same height. Tall people will only be comfortable in chairs with a seat height of around 42 cm.

So you need to find out more about the dimensions of the chairs you are interested in.

#5 - Base

The design of the legs plays a fundamental role in the style of a dining chair. Furniture with four standard legs offers very good stability and fits easily under a table. Such is also the case with Scandinavian chairs with cross legs.

On the other hand, chairs with sled or cantilever legs are very uncomfortable, even if they are very stylish. Because their legs are so bulky, you won't be able to fit more than 5 of them around your table.

Mismatched chairs, the new dining room fashion!

The final look of your dining room will greatly depend on the chairs you choose. Remember that the goal is to make this room comfortable and well decorated so that you want to spend time with your family. Have you ever thought about decorating your dining room with mismatched chairs? No ? Well, find out why you should adopt this innovative decorative style.

When we talk about mismatched chairs, it is not just about the colors or patterns. Rather, it would be about the styles that you need to combine with each other to get a truly unique and more expressive look.

The mismatched style offers many advantages. If you can't decide on a specific style, know that a mix could benefit you. 3 different chairs around a dining table is 3 times more likely to be satisfied with the result. A little eccentricity won't hurt your interior. Think of it as a way to continue using your old dining room chairs.

Be careful not to overdo it!

Mismatched doesn't mean you have to choose completely different furniture. You can still follow a specific code, a common material or color, to bring harmony that was missing in the old dining room.

But even if the mismatched style is gaining popularity, plain chairs are not outdone. This solution is recommended if you don't want to de-stress your dining room furniture. Note that plain chairs are comfortable, friendly and allow you to create a coherent whole with a table. Also, they have that nice aspect that we do not necessarily find in the mismatched.

The different types of dining room chairs

The dining room chair is indicative of your personal decorating inclinations. But if you're still in the dark, find out more about the most popular types of dining room chairs below.

Industrial style dining chair

Industrial style dining chairs are easily recognized at first glance. The furniture of this style stands out from its counterparts with its clean lines and raw materials. They are mostly made with metal, wood, glass and leather. If you want to create a New York loft feel in your dining room, industrial style chairs will fit the bill.

Bistro style dining chair

This successful furniture has survived the centuries without a wrinkle. Even today, the bistro chair is a must-have, as evidenced by the famous model #14 manufactured by Michael Thonet in 1851. This superb chair offers the advantage of being adaptable to all types and all decorative desires. If the bistro chairs of yesteryear don't speak to you so much, choose revisited models that still retain the authentic charm of the old, for an assured neo-retro atmosphere.

Nicolle style dining chair

This chair was created by Henry Nicolle in his workshop in Montreuil in 1913. Originally intended for bars and bistros, this chair was quickly adopted by individuals who used it to complement a dining table or desk. The reputation of this chair, recognizable by its whale tail, is well established. Whatever the dominant decorative style of your dining room, the Nicolle style dining chair will bring even more cachet to it.

Design style dining chair

A dining chair is called design when it does not belong to a specific style. This furniture is distinguished by its irreproachable lines as well as its style that is full of uniqueness. Chairs that belong to this style are a must for people who want to infuse originality, authenticity and temperament into their dining room.

Rattan dining chair

A rattan chair is the best way to bring some exoticism into a dining room. With a modern design and a sleek silhouette, this furniture is one of the top trends of the moment, especially since it comes in different versions, ranging from the most modern to the most basic. No matter which model you choose to complement your dining table, chic is the name of the game.

Vintage leather dining chair

This chair category is perfect if you want to create an environment that combines masculinity and kitsch in your dining room. But never mind, the main thing you need to remember is that chairs in this style are very comfortable. The padded backs and seats promise optimal ergonomics and convenience. Moreover, they are very easy to maintain.

Scandinavian style dining chair

Intemporal, elegant and original, the Scandinavian chair will easily find a place in your dining room, regardless of its decorative style. Combining wood and high quality plastic, these furnishings are very durable. If previously these chairs were only available in pure white, today they are available in different colors. Available in yellow, red, black, mauve... this furniture will give style to your dining table.

Dining room chair or dining room stool?

Dining room chair

Regardless of the shape and material of your dining table, the chairs will help create a good overall effect in your dining room. That's why they should be chosen with care. To keep a retro spirit, you can choose between the industrial style or the Nicolle style.

You can also opt for vintage leather chairs that are known for the incredible comfort they provide. For a modern and contemporary atmosphere, prefer designer or Scandinavian style chairs.

Dining room stool

Just like the dining room chair, the stool is now a must-have. This furniture comes in a multitude of sizes, colors, materials and styles. If well chosen, the stool will bring character and personality to your dining room.

Whether it is made of wood, metal or plastic, the stool can be combined with leather or fabric for even more satisfying results.

Verdict

Chair or stool, these two categories of furniture are equal in design and practicality. However, we are inclined to say that the chair surpasses the stool in terms of comfort thanks to its backrest. Thanks to this support, the chair provides better support. However, nothing prevents you from having two models, because the stool can be a great help when there are several guests.

Why invest in a dining chair?

Conviviality

Chairs are an integral part of a home's decor. If the models you are currently using are not to your liking, you will simply not want to spend time in your dining room, which is a bad use of this room. So, if you equip yourself with new furniture, expect to spend pleasant moments with family and friends.

Comfort

Dining chairs are designed to meet your every comfort need. Manufacturers compete in creativity to offer consumers furniture they will enjoy using, especially when they receive a visit from their loved ones. Enjoying a meal around a large table while sitting comfortably in a chair is a pleasure that is priceless.

Diversity of style

Dining room chairs are a dime a dozen. There are a myriad of styles available in physical stores and on the internet. So, if you are considering replacing your current chairs with new ones, you will be spoilt for choice. However, you'll want to choose carefully between industrial, designer, vintage and contemporary style chairs to avoid decorating faux pas.

The cost

Starting at about a hundred euros, you can already acquire a pair of first price dining chairs. Even if the furniture is offered at such an affordable cost, the best manufacturers have not skimped on their quality. By narrowing your search a bit more, you could find designer chairs that are practical and superbly durable, regardless of the budget you have.

The decorative edge

Want to bring something new to your dining room decor? Don't let that stop you. Replacing your chairs will allow you to drastically change the atmosphere of the room where you usually gather with your family.

The best brands of dining room chairs

In our opinion, the best brands of dining room chairs in 2022 are :

Mørteens
But
Modern Living
VidaXL
Boca do Lobo

Mørteens is a brand specialized in Scandinavian style furniture. It is especially appreciated for the immense quality and the excellent quality-price ratio of its creations. If you are looking for Nordic style furniture at an affordable price, Mørteens will provide you with everything you need.

But is best known for being a Marketplace, but this brand also specializes in interior design. Whatever type of furniture you're looking for, you'll find it at But.

Creator of furniture with a modern and contemporary look, Modern Living offers a wide range of products on its site. Whether you want to furnish your bedroom, your living room or your living room, you will find on its site a myriad of furniture adapted to your budgets.

Installed in the Netherlands, VidaXL is a retailer specializing in home furniture, garden furniture, but also in sports items of all kinds. Offered at the best quality-price ratio, VidaXL furniture will allow you to optimize your savings.

Launched in 2005, Boca do Lobo is a company whose specialty revolves around the manufacture of home furniture that combines contemporary style and design. The furniture it is known for was all created by hand in workshops in Portugal.

What is the price for a dining room chair

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
45 £ to 100 £
Mid-range
100 £ to 150 £
High-end
more than 150 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Use a chair cover

To keep your beautiful chair fabrics from getting stained or damaged, use a slipcover to cover them. Only remove them when you have special occasions or guests. It's also a great way to bring your old chairs back to life. If your model lacks comfort, you can buy an indoor chair cushion.

Decorate your chairs

Whether your new dining chairs are made with wood or metal, keep them away from corrosive liquids like soda, for example. You should also give them a once-a-week cleaning with the right cleaning product.

Secure your chairs

If your dining room floor is tiled, consider gluing non-slip elements to the base of the chair legs. This will ensure that they can be used safely by seniors and children. In addition, the non-skid elements will keep the floor free of marks.

Assemble your chairs properly

If your chairs are delivered in parts, follow all assembly steps to the letter. Tighten the screws and don't forget any parts. The slightest mistake is enough to cause accidents that could injure someone close to you. If necessary, reinforce the chair legs with supports.

Clean your chairs

Make it a habit to clean your chairs after using them. Wooden, steel and plastic models can be cleaned with a dry or slightly damp cloth. If necessary, use a natural degreaser to remove stubborn stains. Daily cleaning is the only way to extend the life of your furniture.

FAQ

How to clean your dining room chairs?

Cleaning depends on the material of the dining chair. If it is made of wood, plastic or metal, cleaning with a cloth is sufficient. To remove deeply embedded stains, you can use a natural degreaser preferably. In addition, make it a habit to wipe up any acidic liquids unexpectedly spilled on the chairs immediately.

How to consolidate a dining room chair?

A dining chair bought new and delivered in a compact block does not need to be consolidated. This furniture should be strong by nature. As for models that come in kit form, they should be assembled properly with screws. If in doubt, have them consolidated by a skilled handyman. Don't forget that these pieces of furniture must withstand a lot of pressure. It would be a shame if they bend under your weight.

How to mismatch your dining room with chairs?

The mismatched style in the dining room is very popular now. To achieve such a decoration with your chairs, you simply need to place different chairs around your table. Decorative mismatching is primarily a matter of personal taste, so, it is up to you to select the chairs to put in your dining room.

How to choose your dining room chairs?

Dining room chairs are chosen in different ways. To get the furniture that will perfectly suit your interior, the criteria you should consider first are style, materials, dimensions and ergonomics. Don't forget that comfort should always take precedence over aesthetics, otherwise you might be reluctant to spend time in your dining room.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information. See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Modern living chair VANESSA Grey 9
Modern living chair VANESSA Grey
LUCIE white chair 10
LUCIE white chair
Mørteens Nicholas arm chairs set of 4 11
Mørteens Nicholas arm chairs set of 4
Polyurethane chair AGATHE taupe 12
Polyurethane chair AGATHE taupe

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