Chairs for the dining table come in almost all shapes, designs, colors, and price ranges - here we want to put together the criteria that are important for selection, so that the dining room ultimately looks (and functions) exactly as you envision it.
Today, the dining room is far more than just a place to eat meals. Anyone who owns a separate dining room or dining area will quickly realize that more often happens here than in the classic living room.
Of course, people eat here too. In addition, when celebrating with guests, the dining table is also the place where people drink, chat, and simply gather socially. Children play here, crafts are made here, discussions take place here... in short: this is the communication hub of every home.
When furnishing the dining room, the various uses should therefore be kept in mind. Comfort, space, and functionality should ideally be balanced. And one should also consider who typically uses the dining room chairs - certainly, the requirements for older people and children, for example, are quite different.
In this article, we want to show you what you should pay attention to when furnishing your dining area. This primarily includes finding the right size dining table and then combining it with the right chairs for the dining table.
Planning is half the battle
This is especially true when furnishing a dining area. It's worth taking your time beforehand to think about what happens in the dining room. And even if it sounds obvious: What should the dining room look like to make you feel comfortable in it?
Older readers may still remember what the dining room as a 'good room' used to look like. You were only allowed in when necessary, and then only ate there and did not 'live'.
Fortunately, those times are over. The task of optimally furnishing the dining area is therefore not so easy today. The intended functions of your dining area are just as important as the size of the dining table, the choice of suitable chairs for the dining table, and the style in which everything should be kept.
How big should the dining table be and what shape should it have?
First, you need to determine the space available to you. So, before designing your dining area, carefully measure everything. Do not underestimate the space required for a dining table and chairs. After all, you need to be able to move around, the chairs for the dining table need some room to maneuver, and everything on the dining table should be easily accessible.
Table shape: Round or rectangular?
A round table usually requires more space and a larger room to look good optically and for everyone to sit comfortably around it. A round table is usually not extendable; you cannot add an extra table or, as with rectangular tables with extension leaves, create additional table surface with extension panels.
A rectangular table usually makes better use of space, and tables with extension leaves are ideal when it comes to flexibility in seating capacity. Here, you can extend the table size and thus create more space for additional guests.
Table size and number of people
Consider how many people will usually sit at the table. Per person, you should calculate a space requirement of 60 cm in width and 40 cm in depth. If you assume 4 people, the minimum size would be 120 x 80 cm; for more comfort and with wider chairs, a size of 140-160 cm in length and 80-100 cm in width is recommended.
For round tables, there is also a rule of thumb to determine the table size: Multiply the number of people by 20, and you will get the approximate required diameter of the table in centimeters. So, if you plan for 6 people, the table should have a diameter of at least 120 cm.
How much space do dining chairs need?
Freedom of movement backwards:
One seat should offer about 60 cm of space at the table; that was the rule of thumb from the table size calculation. The distance from the table to the wall or to the furniture behind it should be about 80 - 90 cm - after all, you need some space to move and sit down. The main paths to the kitchen or living room should be more generously dimensioned, as possible traffic routes must be taken into account here.
Also, consider the frame design of the dining table in your considerations to determine where each chair can be placed. Spider frames are the most "legroom-friendly" as the frame does not extend to the outer edge of the table here.
Pay attention to the height of the table and chairs. The standard height of most tables is about 75 cm and that of chairs about 45 cm. There should be about 25-30 cm of space between the bottom edge of the table and the seat height. However, these figures can vary depending on body size. The exact sizes and heights of our tables and chairs can be found in the detailed measurements in the respective product descriptions.
Finding the right chairs for your dining table
Which chairs best suit which table? We at Baumkantentische.de are fans of solid wood dining tables and especially live edge tables. In terms of style, almost any chair goes with such a natural, somewhat rustic-looking table – be it modern as a deliberate contrast or made from natural materials like wood or rattan.
Again, the first rule is: your dining room should please you. It's about your taste and your furnishing ideas - we can offer you some suggestions and present the various options for chairs for the dining table, but ultimately you have to decide.
Therefore, we present a few options and discuss the types of chairs available to you.
Cantilever Chairs as Dining Room Chairs
A cantilever chair has a curved metal frame, which enables the characteristic swinging effect. The suspension provides comfortable seating and, through the movement, promotes ergonomic sitting. The swinging effect of the chair also stimulates blood circulation. By using fabric or artificial leather as upholstery, the cantilever chair is easy to clean. Cantilever chairs without armrests also fit very well under the dining table and are a good choice as dining room chairs for modern furnished homes or as a deliberate contrast to a solid wood dining table.
Swivel Chairs
Swivel chairs with 180-degree rotation allow relaxed seating at the dining table and provide flexibility for eating, playing, discussing, and working. These chairs are ideal for tables with less space behind them, as the chair does not need to be pushed back to get up or sit down; a simple swivel is enough. Swivel chairs for the dining table also make sense for people with limited mobility. There's no need to move the chair; a turn is enough to sit at the table.
Armchairs
When it comes to versatility and variation, nothing beats classic armchairs. This chair type encompasses a variety of designs, sizes, and shapes. An armchair is characterized by its namesake armrests and offers particularly high seating comfort. Due to their versatility, the possible uses of these chairs for the dining table are almost limitless. The upholstery of armchairs consists of various materials such as suede, fabric, or velvet and looks good in all interior styles.
Please note the slightly wider form and the armrest height, which should not be too high so that the chair can be pushed under the table.
Shell Chairs
Shell chairs are available with or without armrests – what both types have in common is that the ergonomic shape of the seat allows for comfortable sitting. Chairs without armrests are perfectly suitable as dining room chairs, as they will definitely fit under the dining table. Our plastic shell chairs are also a good choice for families with children... an occasional spill won't harm the chair.
Rattan Chairs
Dining chairs made of rattan are an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice, as the basic material of the chairs (the rattan palm) is harvested by hand and in an 'ecologically correct' manner. The wickerwork of the chairs is made from braided rattan fibers, which makes the chairs lightweight, robust, and durable. These chairs are characterized by their longevity and are an excellent choice for dining tables, especially in summer.
The wicker allows air to circulate, significantly reducing perspiration and unsightly sweat marks. The natural material rattan brings a tropical flair into your home. Rattan chairs perfectly match a mango wood dining table and are a great idea for all fans of natural fibers.
Wooden chairs
Wooden chairs are virtually timeless and easy to care for. As a natural material, wood inherently brings a good deal of coziness and naturalness into your dining room. A big plus of wooden chairs is their indestructibility. They are robust and durable, can be sanded down and repainted if necessary, and create a comfortable living atmosphere in country house or Scandinavian interior styles.
