The Best Dining Chairs, According to Interior Designers

We’ve rounded up the ultimate picks for every aesthete, whether you’re seeking something Scandinavian or comfortably traditional.

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Food & Wine / Kristin Kempa

Choosing the right dining chairs is no easy feat, whether you’re shopping for a formal or casual eating area, as these are some of the most-used pieces of furniture in the home. Plus, as you likely make some of your most cherished at-home memories around the dining table, the pressure’s on to choose just the right chairs to keep everyone lingering long after the last slice of cake has been served and the last drop of Lambrusco poured, whether you’re cozy indoors or dining alfresco.

Thankfully, you don’t have to do all of the legwork alone in order to find your ideal dining chair. We reached out to Deborah Costa and Kristine Renee of Design Alchemy in Northern California as well as New York City-based designer David Fraizer to glean their best advice for dining chair shopping, plus a few of their favorite spots to source this all-important piece.

CB2

This top-rated dining chair from CB2 offers Italian craftsmanship at an accessible price point. The rounded back and bouclé fabric offer plenty of comfort to keep you and your guests comfy late into the night, while the modern design also feels appropriate in other style contexts, such as a Scandinavian or even a modern farmhouse aesthetic. You also have the choice between cream, black, and forest green fabric to fit your color scheme needs. While you’re welcome to shop this product at your nearest CB2 store, the brand offers an augmented reality experience to help you best picture the product in your space to ensure it’s just the right pick for your dining area from the comfort of home.

Price at time of publish: $389

Castlery

Sold in sets of two, Castlery’s Kelsey Chair stands out as a great value for a luxurious leather look. Caramel-colored leather, white wash-stained wood, and a sophisticated, modern design make this product look hundreds of dollars more expensive than it actually is, and it boasts dozens of five-star customer reviews. Even better, this set of two chairs comes with a free one-year limited warranty with options to extend for an additional fee. Keep in mind that the return policy is only 14 days, so you’ll want to make sure it’s the right fit for your needs ASAP.

Price at time of publish: $518

RH

If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy investment piece, RH has you covered with an ultra-stylish and comfortable postmodern dining chair that’s completely customizable. Select from three base finishes: polished stainless steel, burnished brass, or bronze, and from a whopping 154 different fabrics in a variety of colors to create your dream piece. It is important to consider that professional upholstery cleaning is recommended if there are any stains, and since this chair is made to order, it can’t be returned. You may want to stop into an RH near you to chat with a design consultant and see your design options in person before taking the leap.

Price at time of publish: $963/members; $1,285/non-members

Crate & Barrel

Costa and Renee are big fans of Jake Arnold’s collaboration with Crate & Barrel, as it offers Los Angeles-meets-London style that appeals to a range of aesthetes. They are big fans of this beautiful rush chair that will age beautifully over the years, making it a great investment. It comes in an armchair (shown here), side chair, and counter stool option to meet any of your dining area needs. Plus, this chair is stylish and comfortable enough to serve a dual purpose as living room seating when you need extra space for guests. We also love that the chair features FSC-certified wood from responsibly managed forests for a purchase you can feel extra good about.

Price at time of publish: $599

Design Within Reach

Marcel Breuer’s Cesca Chair has been a mainstay of restaurants and homes alike for nearly 100 years — the original is part of the MoMA’s permanent collection. This widely popular replication for the modern age, designed by Knoll, comes as a side chair and armchair with a comfortable cantilever design to keep everyone comfortable around your dining table for hours. Though these chairs aren’t cheap, they do come with a free five-year warranty to help you feel confident in your investment. However, you will need to contact Design Within Reach within three days of your order’s delivery if you want to make a return.

Price at time of publish: $973

Lulu and Georgia

If you’re looking for something unique yet sophisticated, the Design Alchemy team loves to source from Lulu and Georgia. An added bonus is that many of their products are non-toxic and have low VOC for those interested in greener living. This chair features a minimalist, retro-inspired design with sculpted lines, and it’s available in six different velvet shades. No wonder it’s a best-seller on the site. Bonus: the fabric is stain-resistant, benefiting frequent hosts, large families, and households with pets. Just note that this product takes two to three weeks to ship and you’ll have 60 days to make a return.

Price at time of publish: $598

Serena & Lily

Another favorite dining furniture brand of Design Alchemy, Serena & Lily specializes in traditional, coastal design. The Tucker Dining Chair comes in a classic Windsor design in a unique mix of colors: black, white, navy, light green, and light blue, and it's handcrafted by a historic furniture maker in the Czech Republic. We love this chair because it can fit many styles, from elegant to farmhouse or Scandinavian. The product will ship within seven to 10 days of order receipt and refunds must be made within 30 days. Pro tip: the brand holds frequent online sales, so it’s worth waiting to snag your dream chairs if they feel just out of reach.

Price at time of publish: $298

Burrow

It’s tough to beat this no-fuss yet design-centric set of outdoor dining chairs that exemplifies form meeting function. Offered in black and white colorways, the gaps in the seat and backrest lend a classic look while serving the practical purpose of draining water naturally so you don’t have to worry about upkeep. It’s also made from ultra-durable metal that stands up to any weather and won’t get blown away. Plus, these chairs can be assembled in mere minutes. Everything at Burrow ships free, and this product in particular will ship in one to three weeks. The brand also has a 30-day return policy.

Price at time of publish: $495

Amazon

For a chic, contemporary look on a budget, Amazon Home’s Rivet Dining Chair is sure to suit your aesthetic needs at a comfortable price. This highly rated dining chair is made with a sleek brass metal base and durable upholstery that will hold up well in households of all ages. Plus, this chair is beautiful enough to use in other gathering spaces when more seating is needed. No assembly is required, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of an included one-year warranty and a 30-day return policy, plus Amazon Prime delivery to have your dining area squared away fast.

Price at time of publish: $275

Allmodern

This modern dining chair set is one of the least expensive picks on our list, but you wouldn’t know it. Offered in six colorways of faux leather upholstery, this customizable set feels casually comfortable yet sophisticated. You will have to fully assemble these chairs upon arrival, but there is an option to purchase Expert Assembly if you don’t want the hassle. AllModern offers free two-day delivery and has a 30-day return policy, giving you plenty of time to decide if these chairs are the perfect fit for your dining table.

Price at time of publish: $174

West Elm

This mid-century-inspired pick from West Elm strikes the perfect balance of minimalist design and comfort, plus you have plenty of options for customization. You can choose from a light or dark bronze finish as well as from fabrics ranging from performance coastal linen to distressed velvet. Note, however, that your choice of fabric will have an impact on the shipping time. Also, white glove delivery is advised with your purchase, which means your chairs will be delivered to your dining area with free assembly and all the packaging will be removed and recycled for a fee. You can also add on a three-year purchase protection plan for an additional charge.

Price at time of publish: $259 - $349

Article

Not only is the wildly popular Svelti Dining Chair the most budget-friendly find on our list, but it’s also suited for both indoor and outdoor use and is offered in nine colorways. Talk about versatility. You can also choose between a chair with or without arms. The wide variety of color options allows you to put a unique spin on Scandinavian style, whether you want to keep it minimalist or go extra vibrant. The brand says that these chairs can be assembled within 15 minutes and are easy to keep clean with just a damp cloth, which is great for families with small children and frequent entertainers. Shipping lead times range between four days and three weeks, depending on your location, and all shoppers will have 30 days to return any items from their delivery date.

Price at time of publish: $69

Birch Lane

Affordable yet beautiful, this dining chair set from Birch Lane offers just the right blend of rustic meets traditional. This set comes in seven colorways to suit your style preferences, and the gently contoured seats bring an extra dose of comfort. Plus, you can always add cushions if you want them to be even more inviting. The set does require full assembly, but the brand’s Expert Assembly services are available for an additional fee. You can also add on a five-year protection plan for peace of mind. This product qualifies for a speedy three- to five-day delivery and 30-day returns.

Price at time of publish: $200

Wayfair

Love the French Country look but not the price of antiques? Modeled after the iconic King Louis chair that features a rounded back, fluted legs, and comfortable upholstery, this chair set will elevate your breakfast nook or dining room. The chairs are made with eco-friendly rubberwood and stain-resistant polyester blend fabric to ensure durability for years to come, no matter how highly trafficked your dining table is. Plus, this product comes with eight different fabric options. Partial assembly is required with an option to add on Wayfair’s Expert Assembly services for an additional fee. Shoppers will enjoy speedy shipping and 90-day returns for a seamless buying experience.

Price at time of publish: $314

Ballard Designs

This vintage-inspired dining chair by top designer Suzanne Kasler for Ballard Designs is a favorite of Costa’s and Renee’s. The pair loves the casual, classic vibes that are perfect for a sun-drenched breakfast or dining room, and it works well as a set or mixed with other chairs for a well-collected look. This means you can mix in other less expensive options if you’re on a budget while still being able to snag two to four of these beauties. Plus, the chairs are hand-woven for a bit of heirloom flair that you’ll cherish for years to come. When in stock, this item ships within one to seven business days and you’ll have 90 days to make a return.

Price at time of publish: $559

Pottery Barn

Slipcovered dining chairs bring an inviting yet elegant vibe to any dining table, and where else better snag this classic design than Pottery Barn? The brand goes all out on this chair, crafting the seats with memory foam for the ultimate comfort while offering a host of fabric and color choices to ensure you score the dining set of your dreams. (Note: the fabric you choose will have an impact on shipping time.) Plus, the slipcovers are easily removable to streamline cleaning. Pottery Barn’s White Glove Delivery service is recommended with your purchase so you don’t have to think about assembly or waste. You’ll have 30 days to return the product, unless you select a quick-ship fabric, in which case, you’ll only have seven.

Price at time of publish: $499 - $749

Kathy Kuo Home

While you’ll find many wonderful options for cane dining chairs these days, Kathy Kuo Home has a selection of designer options at accessible prices, according to Renee and Costa. This gorgeous dining chair offers plenty of comfort with a fabric cushion and a stylish back that brings a bit of earthy elegance to any dining space. It’s also offered in a black frame if you’re looking for more of a modern feel. The brand recommends opting for its White Glove Delivery service, though that will come at an additional cost depending on how many chairs you order. You’ll have seven days to get a full refund.

Price at time of publish: $360

Hay

Inspired by Swiss designer Bruno Rey’s 1971 chair collection, this style has remained iconic as it’s sleek, stackable, and oh-so-stylish. Hay has teamed up with Dietiker to create this ultra-durable product that arrives at your door fully assembled, and it also comes in nine design-forward colorways. This is a great pick for small spaces as these chairs can be stacked four at a time and tucked away when you need extra space or used throughout the home as desk chairs or additional living room seating. Shipping methods are determined by order, and you’ll have to contact the company within three days of delivery if you’d like to make a return. However, every Hay product comes with an included warranty for stress-free shopping.

Price at time of publish: $505

It’s likely a big priority that this new furniture investment is a reflection of your personal taste. If you’ve already purchased a dining table, you’ll want to find chairs that either match or complement the piece, and depending on how open your dining area is, you may also want to consider the design of the other nearby furnishings. Plus, you’ll want to think through the shape of the chair, such as if you prefer a piece with or without arms and if you prefer a rounded or square seat.

Everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to dining chair materials, and there are plenty to choose from these days. Cane has become a trendy option over the last few years, but you may want to lean on a more traditional upholstered seat if you’re looking for extra comfort. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the care specifications. If you have a large household, pets, and/or small children, you’ll want to think through your willingness to keep your dining chairs in ship-shape so they’ll last for years to come. It may be worth opting for faux leather, performance fabrics, or easy-to-clean metal if your cohabitants are prone to messes to avoid professional cleaning service fees.

Height may not be the first factor you think of when shopping for dining chairs, but it’s important to ensure you and others who dine at your table feel comfortable. If you have a growing family, you may want to shop in-store with the whole clan to ensure you’ve found the Goldilocks of chairs, and those living in small spaces may benefit from a counter- or bar-height setting.

“A good quality dining chair has to be well-made and comfortable, but most importantly, beautiful,” says Fraizer. “I prefer a combination of materials — upholstery and wood or metal, for example — to make it interesting.”

You’ll want to ensure you have all the tools you need if any assembly is required to make sure your dining chair stays in shape, and it may be worth taking advantage of a company’s professional assembly or white glove services for peace of mind. It may also be worth checking out customer reviews to best understand how much labor is required and how strong the quality is over time.

Dining room chairs don’t necessarily need to match the table. In fact, it can be more stylish to create a mismatched look, according to Frazier, who adds that having distinct dining tables and chairs versus a matching set creates more visual interest. Just make sure the styles complement each other.

This depends on table size, but the average dinner party should fit a minimum of six guests and a maximum of eight, according to Frazier. You also want enough room to fit your favorite dinnerware at each setting while leaving space for a centerpiece or placing a few dishes in the middle of the table to enjoy family style.

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor with more than five years of experience writing for lifestyle brands, including home and design publications. For this piece, she interviewed interior designer David Fraizer, along with Deborah Costa and Kristine Renee of Design Alchemy. She used their expert advice, along with market research and her own expertise to curate this list of top dining chairs.