The 12 Best Dining Chairs of 2023 for Every Style
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Our top pick is the Levity Scandinavian Dining Chair for its washable fabric, classic design, and comfortable seat.
Real Simple / Brian Kopinski
From minimalist Scandinavian designs for those who prefer clean lines to colorful upholstered options that add a layer of comfort to every meal, there are various styles to choose from when searching for the best dining chairs.
To narrow your search, we compared dozens of options for its seat height, materials, comfort, durability, and price. We also consulted with Kate Gray, principal and founder of the interior design firm Hamilton Gray Studios, for her insight on selecting the perfect dining room chair to complete your setup.
“When shopping for a dining chair, prioritize quality over price,” Gray says. “If it sounds too good to be true, or too cheap to last, it probably is.”
Our top pick is the Levity Scandinavian Dining Chair for its chic, washable upholstery fabric, bountiful color and style options, and sleek overall appearance. Scroll on for more of our best dining chair recommendations below and Gray’s advice on what to look for when shopping.
Levity Scandinavian Dining Chair
Best Overall Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a comfortable dining chair that’s easy to keep clean.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a dining chair with arms.
This best-seller stands out for one key factor: its machine-washable upholstery. Ideal for young children or easy cleaning, the Levity Scandinavian Dining Chair’s seat pops off so you can seamlessly remove the covers. But that’s not the sole reason we love this dining chair—its sleek, mid-century design is also comfortable and supportive.
Available in a world of colors and fabrics (we particularly love the off-white linen), this chair blends seamlessly with your existing decor. And if you get bored with the color and want a change, you can buy a new seat and interchange as you wish. The fabric is also stain-resistant, so even if you don’t have time for a wash cycle, you don't have to worry about hard-set stains.
Price at time of publish: $199
Product Details:
Material: Rubberwood, polyester seat
Dimensions: 18.25 x 22.5 x 31.5 inches
Arms: No
Project 62 Copley Upholstered Dining Chair Set
Best Budget Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want chic dining chairs without breaking the bank.
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want upholstered chairs.
The Copley Upholstered Dining Chairs from Target’s Project 62 line come in a set of two, making them an affordable yet quality option for furnishing your dining room. Whether setting up a large table or picking up extra seats for holiday gatherings, these modern, upholstered dining chairs can suit just about any decor. The chairs come in 17 colors and fabrics, from a unique rust tone to faux leather, so you can customize your dining table depending on your style preferences.
The price may be budget-friendly, but these chairs don’t sacrifice quality. With metal, wood-finished legs and linen upholstery, the Copley chairs achieve a high-quality look at a fraction of the cost.
Price at time of publish: $130 for 2
Product Details:
Material: Plywood and metal, polyester seat
Dimensions: 22.8 x 18 x 34 inches
Arms: No
AllModern Athena Fabric Arm Chair
Best Upholstered Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a comfortable, luxe-looking dining chair.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a colorful dining chair.
If you’re looking to make a statement, opt for boldness with the AllModern Athena Fabric Armchair. This unique chair features a chic faux bouclé upholstery (choose from either forest green, black, cream, or gray) and a curvy back ideal for lounging in through long meals.
However, this dining chair is not suited for eat-in kitchens or more casual settings, especially due to its full upholstery which might stain easily with daily wear and tear. It’s also good to keep in mind the arm height, as it may not fit under some dining tables.
Price at time of publish: $300
Product Details:
Material: Solid wood frame with fabric upholstery
Dimensions: 21 x 25 x 27 inches
Arms: Yes
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Anthropologie Leather Hagen Dining Chair
Best Leather Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a classic, durable dining chair made of genuine leather.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer vegan leather.
Leather is a timeless, high-quality material that can actually become better with age. Take the Anthropologie Hagen Dining Chair as an example—the curved back offers support during meal times while the subtle padding adds even more comfort.
Crafted from real top-grain leather, this upholstery can weather a fair amount of daily use. We recommend a leather-specific cleaner and polish, but allowing every scratch and scuff to happen as time and wear will only add character and warmth to your dining set. Also note that genuine leather is more expensive than vegan leather, but lasts a lot longer.
Price at time of publish: $598
Product Details:
Material: Poplar wood frame, top-grain leather upholstery
Dimensions: 24 x 23.5 x 31 inches
Arms: Yes
Edloe Finch Nora Dining Chair Set
Best Cane Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a retro-style dining chair with a modern touch.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a full cane dining chair.
You might know the Cesca Chair by Marcel Breuer, a cult classic that took social media by storm this year. And for a good reason—the sleek steel frame, ‘70s-era cane weaving, and upholstered seat lend it a great deal of charm and character. For a more comfortable alternative (just look at that thick, velvet cushion), the Edloe Finch Nora Dining Chair tops our list as the best cane dining chair.
Sold as a set of two, the Nora gives an instant impact in your space, no matter the cushion color you choose. Without arms, the seats tuck seamlessly under any table. For maximum comfort, the steel frame also allows for a subtle rocking chair effect.
Price at time of publish: $313 for 2
Product Details:
Material: Solid wood, cane, and steel
Dimensions: 20 x 19 x 33 inches
Arms: No
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Pottery Barn Cline Bistro Dining Chair
Best Wood Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a high-quality wood chair in various finishes.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a dining chair with a cushioned seat.
Ideal for small spaces, the Pottery Barn Cline Bistro Dining Chair has a slight silhouette that makes an impact without taking up too much room. Crafted from solid rubberwood, this dining chair is sturdy without being too heavy. The high back offers lumbar support, but the vintage-inspired design keeps it from feeling too cumbersome.
Because of the solid hardwood construction, you’ll need to avoid harsh chemical and all-purpose cleaners and instead dust with a microfiber cloth or a hardwood-specific cleaner. The darker stains have a tendency to fade if exposed to direct sunlight for too long, but with care, these chairs can last you for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $358 for 2
Product Details:
Material: Solid rubberwood
Dimensions: 20.5 x 20 x 39 inches
Arms: No
17 Stories Lilian Slat Back Stacking Chair Set
Best Metal Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People looking for a timeless design that can also be used outside.
Who it isn’t for: People who spend hours sitting at the dining room table.
Whether you use the 17 Stories Lilian Stacking Chairsin your dining room or outdoor patio, the powder-coated steel frame can withstand snowstorms and coffee spills. Inspired by the iconic Tolix Marais A Chair from France, these chairs are great for those looking to switch it up from traditional furniture materials like wood or fabric.
While these chairs are highly versatile, they are not the most comfortable option on our list since they don’t have any padding. But, their ability to stack makes them perfect for short-term and seasonal use.
Price at time of publish: $246 for 4
Product Details:
Material: Powder-coated steel
Dimensions: 20.25 x 17.3 x 33.5 inches
Arms: No
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AllModern Moselle Dining Chair Set
Best Plastic Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a versatile, weather-resistant dining chair that is easily moveable.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a formal dining chair.
AllModern’s Moselle Dining Chair (which comes in a set of two) may be made entirely of plastic, but it’s still chic enough to be used as your everyday dining chair. It is exceedingly easy to clean—any all-purpose cleaner or wipe will do the trick—so it’s ideal for growing families and people with pets.
A lack of cushioning means that this isn’t the ideal chair for lounging or working long days from home, but these dining chairs are light enough to be easily moved, and are small-space friendly to boot.
Price at time of publish: $390 for 2
Product Details:
Material: Molded plastic
Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 32 inches
Arms: No
The Inside Classic Dining Chair
Best Parsons Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want a traditional dining chair with clean lines and a supportive back.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a less expensive dining chair.
Aptly named, The Inside’s Classic Dining Chair has a traditional silhouette that can suit just about any dining space. It comes in over 90 colors and fabrics, and the tall, rectangular back gives even weekday breakfasts a hint of grandeur. The seat leaves plenty of room for crossing your legs or maneuvering comfortably, thanks to extra padded foam that condenses when you sit down.
It’s expensive, but the ability to customize makes this a great splurge-worthy choice. Choose from black, espresso, or natural-hued wooden legs to round out the customizable model.
Price at time of publish: $369
Product Details:
Material: Wooden frame, fabric upholstery
Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 37 inches
Arms: No
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West Elm Windsor Dining Chair Set
Best Windsor Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want an updated version of a classic dining chair.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a chair with arms or a cushioned seat.
West Elm’s Windsor Dining Chair is somehow both modern and timeless. The solid rubberwood frame is stained black to ensure lasting quality, which also means it’ll never go out of style. While spindle-backed chairs aren’t typically the most comfortable option (they tend to poke and prod in strange places), West Elm’s version of the Shaker silhouette is suitable for hours of conversation. For added comfort, the retailer also sells accompanying seat cushions.
Price at time of publish: $199 for 2
Product Details:
Material: Solid rubberwood
Dimensions: 20.7 x 17.2 x 33 inches
Arms: No
Poly & Bark Weave Dining Chair Set
Best Wishbone Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People who want to incorporate natural materials into their decor.
Who it isn’t for: People who want an upholstered or foam seat.
An iconic design, the Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner is a favorite amongst interior enthusiasts, and the Poly & Bark Weave Dining Chair is a nearly identical replica—at a fraction of the cost. It is also our pick for the best wishbone dining chair thanks to its superior quality and solid, kiln-dried wood frame.
The signature high back and rounded arms are comfortable enough to sit in for hours, while the tightly woven cane seat offers plenty of support. This chair comes in black, natural wood, and white, and will be a conversation-starting piece you treasure for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $319 for 2
Product Details:
Material: Beech wood, cord-woven seat
Dimensions: 20.75 x 21.5 x 30.5 inches
Arms: Yes
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Hay About A Chair 16 Chair
Best Stackable Dining Chair
Who it’s for: People with small spaces who want stackable seating.
Who it isn’t for: People who want to furnish their entire dining table on a budget.
Ideal for small city apartments or extra event seating, Hay’s About A Chair stacks easily (up to 12 chairs) and looks good enough to leave out all the time. Any spills will roll right off the molded plastic frame for easy cleaning, and the chrome legs keep the chair lightweight enough to move from room to room.
The best part of this chair is the wide seat—at nearly 20 inches wide, shifting and turning is no problem. It's available in a myriad of fun colors (we’re partial to the dusty blue and warm red), so you can mix and match the hues for a fun alternative to folding card chairs.
Price at time of publish: $275
Product Details:
Material: Powder-coated steel legs, polypropylene shell
Dimensions: 19.69 x 22.84 x 30.71 inches
Arms: No
Final Verdict
Ideal for mess makers, small spaces, and family gatherings alike, the Levity Scandinavian Dining Chair tops our list as the best overall dining chair. We can’t get enough of its machine washable (and interchangeable) cushions, plus its sleek mid-century modern design. For a more budget-friendly option, the Target Project 62 Copley Upholstered Dining Chairs come in almost as many colors and are comfy enough to work in.
How to Shop for Dining Chairs Like a Pro
Material
Solid wood or metal legs are Gray’s go-to when shopping for dining chairs. “Painted legs or upholstered ones don't hold up well,” she says. “They’re prone to chipping or tearing.”
Metal legs are the most durable, as they are weather-, spill-, and pet-proof. Solid wood legs, however, suit a greater variety of design styles. But if the legs have a veneer or wood coating (as opposed to a solid wood all the way through), they can wear out and peel over time. Metal legs also have much more durability around the joints and a higher weight threshold when compared to wood.
Height
The standard seat height for dining chairs is 18 inches. However, with padded seats that will sink, or condense, when sat upon, the seat height can go up to 20 inches. The average dining table has a height between 28 and 32 inches, and it's ideal to leave approximately 10 inches for your body between the seat and the table. Any less, and you may find it difficult to cross your legs or maneuver in and out of the seat. More room, while perhaps more comfortable, will leave you at an awkward angle in relation to your plate.
Arms
For Gray, selecting armchairs depends on the table. “In tighter spaces I typically avoid arms,” she explains. “And often I'll just use armed chairs at the ends of the table.” If the chair’s arms are too high, however, they can present difficulties when tucking in the chair or maneuvering your arms while eating. Arms are most helpful for older family members or those who may need something to hold onto when standing or sitting.
Support
Gray recommends evaluating the chairs you already have to gauge your plushness preference. Keep in mind that while dining chairs should be comfortable, they should not be as plush or padded as a recliner or lounging chair.
Questions You Might Ask
What height and depth should a dining chair be?
While there’s not a set height or depth that will suit every dining table, the average is 18 inches high and 20 inches deep. The average dining table has a height between 28 and 32 inches, leaving approximately 10 inches for your body between the seat and the table for maximum comfort and ease of eating.
Do dining chairs have to match the dining table?
Gray actually prefers when the dining chairs don't perfectly match the dining table. “I might not mix too many different woods, but they do not need to be an exact match—or I might prefer a different material entirely,” she says. Pair a metal frame with a wood table for a more industrial look, or opt for upholstered seats for a more formal feel.
Also, consider how often you use your dining table and who will be seated at it. In a family kitchen that you use on a daily basis, upholstered chairs will stain easily, while plastic, metal, and wood chairs are easier to clean.
How can you tell if a dining chair is good quality?
When determining quality, focus on assembly and materials. Self-assembled chairs tend to wear out faster due to incomplete joints or because the screws may need tightening over time. In terms of materials, look for solid materials (rather than a coating or veneer) for the legs to ensure minimal chipping or peeling.
For the chair frame itself, solid woods, plastics, and metals wear over time much better than fabrics (which can be prone to discoloration, tearing, and staining). However, slip-covered chairs or machine-washable cushions can be a longer-lasting alternative if a cushioned seat is non-negotiable.
Take Our Word For It
Kate McGregor is a design and market editor who has written about the best in furniture for publications such as ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, The Expert, and Domino. To write this article, she researched a wide range of dining chairs, keeping in mind dimensions, materials, comfort, durability, design, and price. She also consulted Kate Gray, an interior designer and the founder of Hamilton Gray Studio, a firm based in Brooklyn that specializes in residential projects.
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