Dining chairs, while serving an obvious purpose, do more than complete your table setting. They have the ability to define the comfort, style and overall functionality of your dining area. Whether you're furnishing a family dining room, a compact apartment nook or a casual kitchen eat-in space, knowing how to choose dining chairs can make all the difference.
From materials and sizing to comfort and design, this guide walks you through everything you need to consider when selecting chairs that suit your lifestyle and complement your table beautifully.
1. Start with Function: How Do You Use Your Dining Area?
Before choosing a style, think about how your dining space is used. This will help you decide what features matter most in your chairs.
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Everyday family meals: Look for durable, easy-to-clean finishes and supportive backs.
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Formal entertaining: Choose upholstered or timber chairs with refined detailing.
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Small space or occasional use: Consider lightweight chairs that tuck neatly under the table or stack easily.
If your dining table doubles as a workspace or homework zone, ergonomics and comfort become even more important, especially during long sits.
2. Get the Size and Scale Right
One of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of choosing dining chairs is ensuring the size is appropriate for your table and space.
Ideal Measurements:
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Seat height: The space from floor to seat
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Table clearance: The space required between the chair seat and tabletop for comfortable legroom
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Chair width: Important to consider to allow sufficient space between each chair
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Spacing tip: For round or small tables, armless chairs create a more spacious feel
If you're purchasing a Boori dining set, like the Ballet Dining Table (1.8m) with 6 Chairs Package, these size considerations are already balanced for you, but they're important if you're mixing and matching.
3. Match Chair Design with Table Style
Mixing materials and forms can create beautiful contrast—but cohesion matters too. Here’s how to match your chairs to your table without making it feel too uniform or too eclectic.
Style Pairing Tips:
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Timber tables: Pair with matching timber chairs for a classic look, or contrast with upholstered chairs for softness.
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Light-toned tables: Work well with neutral or pale fabric chairs in oatmeal, linen or warm greys.
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Modern or clean-lined tables: Opt for simple silhouettes with minimal ornamentation.
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Chunkier tables: Balance with solid-backed chairs or curved forms for contrast.
When in doubt, choose a consistent tone or material across the table and chair legs to tie everything together visually.
4. Prioritise Comfort and Support
Even the most stylish chair won’t get used if it’s uncomfortable. Always consider:
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Back support: High or curved backs are ideal for longer sitting periods.
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Seat padding: Upholstered seats add softness; timber seats are easier to clean and often more durable. Our Universal Dining Chair Cushions in Ochre pair well with many decor colour schemes.
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Ergonomics: Contoured seats or slightly tilted backs improve posture and comfort.
For family homes or homes with young children, look for chairs with wipeable surfaces and gentle edges to minimise mess and maximise usability.
5. Consider Material and Maintenance
Dining chairs are exposed to daily wear and tear—especially in busy households. Choose materials that match your maintenance preferences.
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Solid timber: Strong and long-lasting, perfect for everyday use; Boori chairs feature durable wood with family-safe finishes.
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Upholstered fabric: Adds softness and visual comfort; best for adult dining or low-mess zones.
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Faux leather or performance fabrics: Offer the plush feel of upholstery with greater stain resistance.
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Woven or rattan: Adds textural interest; best as accent chairs or in casual settings.
For Boori dining sets, the curved timber and padded designs strike a balance between tactile comfort and timeless visual appeal.
6. Think About Armrests (or Not)
Armchairs can add sophistication and comfort but take up more space. Reserve them for the ends of a rectangular table or use them in larger rooms.
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Armchairs: Ideal for the head of the table or creating contrast in a mixed-chair set. Try the Neat Dining Chair for a cosy chair with arms.
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Armless chairs: Easier to manoeuvre, tuck in, and more space-efficient, making them best for tighter dining areas. The Leaf Dining Chair offers an armless version with a high back.
7. Mix and Match with Intention
Mixing chair styles is on-trend, but it works best with a clear design strategy.
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Try pairing two styles in the same material or colour family.
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Mix upholstered and timber chairs while keeping lines consistent.
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Use different chairs at the table ends for subtle contrast without clashing.
Stick to a unified colour palette or design language to avoid a mismatched look that feels unplanned.
8. Number of Chairs vs. Room Size
Finally, consider how many chairs you need, and how they fit your space.
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Leave 60–70cm per person to avoid overcrowding.
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In open-plan layouts, choose visually lighter chairs to avoid crowding the room.
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If flexibility is important, keep one or two folding chairs or stackable extras on hand for guests. Stools are also a great option!
A Boori 1.8m table comfortably seats six with ample elbow room, while a 1.4m set suits four for everyday use and occasional entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dining chairs means balancing comfort, style and practicality. By considering how you use your space, the shape and size of your table, and the materials that suit your lifestyle, you can select chairs that serve your family well, day in, day out.
With Boori’s carefully curated dining chair and table packages, it's easy to create a cohesive, timeless dining setting that feels just as good to sit in as it looks. Whether you're starting fresh or updating your existing space, the right chair choice will make every meal feel more inviting.
