When it comes to home decor, there’s no denying that the dining room is more than just a place to eat. It’s where gatherings happen; bonds are strengthened; and memories are made for a lifetime. But if your dining chairs are outdated, they may be bringing down the aesthetic of your home. So why settle for the ordinary when you can elevate your dining experience with modern dining room chairs?
You may be revamping the chairs with your existing table. Or picking them for an entirely new set. Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for the buyer’s ultimate guide to modern dining chairs!
What to Consider When Buying Modern Dining Chairs
Style
Minimalist and Scandinavian; industrial and mid-century modern—there are plenty of different styles you can choose from when it comes to modern dining chairs. When choosing, you want to make sure your chairs complement the existing interior design style of your dining room. Typically, your modern dining chairs will have a sleek silhouette and geometric shapes. You can also go for curved or sculptural chairs, which add character. (Stay tuned till the next section for more on styles).
Comfort
If anything, a dining chair should be comfortable enough for long meals—and conversations. The standard dining chair seat height is 18 inches. This goes well with most dining tables (28-30 inches high). You want to make sure there’s a supportive backrest, which is good for comfort. Armrests can provide some extra relaxation.
Material
Your choice of material not only affects the aesthetic but also the durability of your chairs. Some common choices are:
Wood. For example, oak, walnut, teak. These chairs are a classic and work great in modern rustic interiors (like the mid-century modern style).
Metal. For example, stainless steel, aluminum. This is a sleek and industrial choice in modern interiors. It’s also a pretty durable option.
Plastic and acrylic. These options are lightweight and also easy to clean. We especially love acrylic for compact interiors. You can see through it, which means it creates the illusion of more space.
Upholstered. Fabric (or leather) can add warmth to your modern dining room chairs.
Proportion
You want to make sure your dining table fits well with your table as well as room size. A standard dining chair would be somewhere between 16 and 22 inches wide. The choice of inches depends on how much space you have available (you don’t want to overcrowd). When placing your modern dining chairs, make sure to leave at least 6 inches of space between them. This keeps the setting ergonomic. If space is at a premium, you can consider stackable chairs. These can be tucked away when not in use.
Cleaning
The material you choose also determines how you will be cleaning it. Some quick tips to keep in mind are:
Wood: Wipe with a damp cloth. Polish occasionally.
Metal: Clean with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Plastic: Simply wipe it clean.
Fabric upholstery: Regularly vacuuming. Spot clean stains.
Leather: Condition periodically (this keeps it from cracking).
Modern Dining Chair Styles
Let’s see what options you have in styles when it comes to modern dining chairs.
Mid-Century Modern
The mid-century modern design style was inspired by the mid-1900s. These chairs have clean lines and an organic shape. The legs usually use wood or metal. One of our favorite mid-century modern pieces is the Eames Molded Plastic Chair.
Scandinavian
These chairs are minimalist but inviting. Scandinavian chairs have wooden frames and natural (or light-colored) finishes. You will often find soft upholstery in these chairs.
Industrial
These edgy chairs have an urban feel. They’re made of metal (or a mix of wood and steel). A good choice is a Tolix-style chair.
Contemporary Upholstered
These are sleek, modern, and comfy. The upholstery fabric can be velvet, linen, leather, etc. The legs are usually wooden or metallic.
Acrylic
Acrylic chairs give a chic and airy look. For example, the Ghost Chair. This offers a modern and minimalist aesthetic, all while making a small space look bigger.
Best Modern Dining Room Chairs
Shinto Dining Chair
Product: Shinto Dining Chair - Black
Price: $790
Shop: House of Leon
Create a statement in your dining area with these black chairs. They have a sculptural yet sleek look, which adds luxury to the interior. We love these chairs because they complement the modern style, but also work with so many others.
Oakic Series Modern Dining Chairs
Price: $290
Shop: Homary
A modern Scandi style can be seen in this modern dining chair. It features a tufted back, which adds warmth to the interior. Yet, it retains a sleek white build and gold legs which factor in luxury. The leather upholstery makes this piece incredibly comfortable!
Farmhouse Dining Table Chairs
Price: $88
Shop: Aosom
If you have a compact space, these white modern chairs make for a good fit. They work well with compact tables. We love how the seat is wooden, adding an element of warmth to the space.
Quatrefoil Wood Dining Chair
Price: $379
Shop: Her Nest
These wood dining chairs are modern but with a twist of bold. The zebra print upholstery sticks to a neutral palette of white and black while adding a punch of visual interest. The back of the chair is also sculptural.
Artless C2 Armchair
Product: Artless C2 Armchair
Price: $1512
Shop: House and Hold
This armchair is great to use at the end(s) of your dining table setting. It’s ergonomic and comfortable, and keeps your special guests sitting with ease for hours. Simultaneously, the gray upholstery and black legs make sure it’s a modern pick.
Solid Wood Dining Chair
Product: Solid Wood Dining Chair (Set of 4)
Price: $499
Shop: Plank and Beam
This set of chairs is a minimalist wooden pick. It’s made from solid wood—so it’s incredibly durable. These chairs pair well with a variety of tables, from marble to wood. Laying a black and white striped rug underneath can really showcase the beauty of these chairs.
Carrie Modern Light Camel Boucle Dining Chair
Price: $749
Shop: Scout and Nimble
This chair goes big on modern style as well as comfort. The boucle upholstery is incredibly soft, and the chair is nice and spacious. The black, sleek legs keep the overall vibe of the chair minimalist.
Giantex Folding Dining Chairs
Price: $140
Shop: Giantex
These foldable dining chairs feature a wooden build and black leather upholstery. They’re great for small spaces (you can fold them and tuck them away when not in use).