Our Favorite Dining Chairs + Seating Capacity Guide

The modern days of Netflix & constant streaming opportunities at our fingertips has transitioned the traditional dining table into a coffee table in front of the TV; however, there’s something so special about enjoying a meal by yourself or with your loved ones in a true dining room. If you’re short on space, we even recommend getting a small bistro table with two chairs that can double as an entryway area, and if you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated dining space, try to have seating for at least 4-6 people. Since you don’t want to have too many chairs cramped around a small table – or too few chairs surrounding a larger table – we’ve provided a seating capacity guide below!

Seating Capacity Guide

  • If you need to seat 4 guests, go for either a 36”-48” square table, 42-48” round table, or a 48” long rectangular table.

  • If you’d like to seat 6 guests, you’ll likely want a 60-72” long rectangular table or a 48-60” round table.

  • For larger dining rooms that need to seat 8 guests, we recommend an 84-96” rectangular table – though you could fit eight around a 72” table, but it’ll be tight!

  • For small spaces, we recommend a 30” round table for two people, a 36” round table for three, or a 42” round table for four guests.

  • To ensure the most comfort, we suggest choosing a dining chair/table combo that allows for 12” of space between the seat of the chair and the tabletop. If you’re interested in dining chairs with arms, try to leave 7” of space between the chair arm and bottom of table (if possible)!

Depending on the flow of your abode, you’ll likely have a round or rectangular dining table. Whether you choose a dining table in a sturdy reclaimed wood, a modern metal and glass/marble, or a sleek mid-century style, one of our favorite ways to make a statement and decorate the space designed for eating and entertaining is with dining chairs. Unless you’re incorporating a pop of color into the room with your dining chairs, most of the styles we source for our clients are neutral. But remember: neutral doesn’t have to mean boring!

For classic-styled spaces, we love incorporating a timeless armchair – or a slipcovered chair all around or at the head of the table (it’s also a great way to achieve a kid-friendly white option since it can just be thrown in the wash!). Eclectic and boho-chic abodes create a wonderful canvas for mid-century styles, leather dining chairs, or natural cane and woven looks. Give your dining room a modern-farmhouse look with a black wooden chair, a vintage-inspired French look with a rattan bistro chair, or a modern-chic look with beautifully curved styles in sleek materials... The options are endless! To get started on your search, take a look at some of our favorite (and most-frequently sourced styles for clients) below & click each photo to shop your favorites!

Our Favorite Neutral Dining Chairs // The Inspired Abode

SHOP 15 OF OUR FAVORITE NEUTRAL DINING CHAIRS:

Hayneedle Safavieh Bandelier Arm Dining Chair

“Bandelier”

Safavieh arm chair, $338.65; Hayneedle

West Elm Slope Leather Dining Chair

“Slope”

Leather dining chair, $399; West Elm

West Elm Mid Century Dining Chair

“Mid century”

Dining chair in Linen Weave, Platinum, $299; West Elm

Williams Sonoma Fitzgerald Dining Armchair

“Fitzgerald”

Dining armchair in Chunky Linen, Natural, $350; Williams-Sonoma

CB2 Nadia Cane Chair

“Nadia”

Cane dining chair, $349; CB2

Wayfair Dayanara Wishbone Chair

“Dayanara”

Wishbone dining chair, $174; Wayfair

CB2 Kaishi Chair

“Kaishi”

Curved dining chair, $599; CB2

Home Depot Viscount Dining Chair

“Viscount”

Fabric dining chair, $122; Home Depot

West Elm Holland Dining Chair

“Holland”

Dining chair, $299; West Elm

West Elm Modern Curved Dining Chair

“Modern curved”

Dining chair in Yarn Dyed Linen Weave, Stone White, $249; West Elm

Serena & Lily Carson Side Chair

“Carson”

Woven side chair in Ebony, $598; Serena & Lily

CB2 Antonio Chair

“Antonio”

Acrylic chair with pillow, $439; CB2

Serena & Lily Riviera Dining Chair

“Riviera”

Side chair in Fog, $248; Serena & Lily

Wayfair Vecchia Dining Chair

“vecchia”

Dining chair, $125 (set of 2); Wayfair

Crate and Barrel Slip White Slipcovered Dining Chair

“Slip”

Slipcovered dining chair, $199; Crate and Barrel

For more ideas, tips & inspiration, view our rug size guide, see our favorite mirrors, and view our favorite king-sized beds under $1,000! Also, we’re excited to announce that we now offer e-design packages! Get more details here.