Question 1

What is a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.

Question 2

How tall should dining chairs be?

Accepted Answer

Dining chairs should be around 18 inches tall. Since most dining tables are 30 inches high, 18 inch tall dining chairs allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. As a general rule of thumb, there should be around 12 inches between a dining table and a seat.

Question 3

What is a carver dining chair?

Accepted Answer

A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.

Question 4

What is the difference between an accent chair and a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is the difference between dining chairs and accent chairs?

Accepted Answer

The difference between dining chairs and accent chairs is primarily their function. Generally, dining chairs are used in dining areas, where they provide comfortable seating for people to use while eating at tables. You'll normally find accent chairs in seating areas and other parts of the home, where users can sit on them while they read, make conversation or enjoy other relaxing activities. Shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a good width for a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

A good width for a dining chair is generally considered to be 16 to 20 inches. Chairs within this size range typically provide enough space for most people to sit comfortably. Shop a collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Should dining room chairs have arms?

Accepted Answer

Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.

Question 8

What are the head dining chairs called?

Accepted Answer

What the head dining chairs are called varies. With many dining room sets, the chairs designed to go at the heads or ends of the tables are flanked by arms. As a result, people often refer to them as dining armchairs or dining end chairs. If the chairs lack arms, they're usually described as end chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining chairs.

Question 9

Is it worth recovering dining chairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it may be worth recovering dining chairs. If the upholstery on your chairs is worn or stained, but the frames are in good condition, recovering them can restore their appearance and allow you to continue using your furniture for more years. However, there may be some downsides to recovering. Sometimes, the material and labor costs may be more than what you might pay for new chairs. Recovering some vintage or antique dining chairs may also diminish their value. If your chairs are vintage or antique, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or antique dealer to learn about the potential impact of replacing the fabric before you proceed with the recovery process. It is also a good idea to get estimates from a few professional furniture repairers to see how much the project will cost. Shop a large collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is a dining chair with arms called?

Accepted Answer

A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Is leather good for dining chairs?

Accepted Answer

Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.

Question 12

How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.

Question 13

Do chairs have to match the dining table?

Accepted Answer

Dining room chairs and dining tables do not necessarily have to match.

Question 14

What are the chairs at a dining table called?

Accepted Answer

The chairs at a dining table are generally just called dining chairs. Chairs without arms that go along the sides of a table are side chairs. Typically positioned at the ends of tables, dining chairs framed by arms are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.

Question 15

Are leather dining chairs worth it?

Accepted Answer

Many furniture lovers feel that leather dining chairs are worth it. Due to its natural beauty, leather can elevate dining rooms and add interest to interior designs by bringing in a new texture. Leather is also fairly easy to wipe clean, and top-grain and full-grain upholstery often hold up well to the effects of frequent use. Keep in mind that other factors contribute to the overall quality of a chair, such as its frame materials and construction methods. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of leather dining chairs.

Question 16

What is a dining room chair called?

Accepted Answer

A dining room chair is called a dining chair. However, depending on its style, you may also see a dining chair referred to by other names. Armless ones placed along the long sides of rectangular and oval tables are side chairs, while the chairs with arms that often go at the heads of tables are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.

Question 17

How can you tell if a dining chair is good quality?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a dining chair is good quality, first push on the backrest. Wobbling or creaking may indicate that a chair is poorly made. Next, look over every visible part of the frame. Good-quality dining chairs should display even finishes and tight-fitting joints. If the chair has upholstery, examine it for any gaps or wrinkles, which may suggest poor craftsmanship. Find a large selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is the back of a dining room chair called?

Accepted Answer

The entire back of a dining chair is simply called the chair back. It may have another name that more accurately describes the shape such as an X back or a cross back. The individual parts of a chair back include the ear, top rail, cross rail, stile and back post. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary dining chairs from top sellers around the world.

Question 19

What are dining chairs without arms called?

Accepted Answer

Dining chairs without arms are called side chairs. Their counterpart, the armchair, is often found at the head of the table, with the side chairs filling in the seats along the side of the table. Shop a collection of side chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is the best fabric to reupholster dining chairs?

Accepted Answer

Choosing a fabric for reupholstering dining chairs is dependent on a number of factors. Cotton, faux suede, leather, tweed, velvet and vinyl are all popular options though each has different benefits. It is important to consider durability, ability to clean, and coordinating with decor.

Clear Dining Chair

2010s American Art Deco Chairs

2010s American Art Deco Chairs

2010s American Art Deco Chairs

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

2010s American Art Deco Chairs

2010s American American Craftsman Chairs

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chairs

2010s American Art Deco Chairs

Recent Sales

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1930s French Dining Room Chairs

Early 2000s American Side Chairs

Vintage 1970s Chairs

20th Century French Chairs

2010s British Modern Dining Room Sets

2010s Philippine Art Deco Table Lamps

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1960s Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1970s American Modern Dining Room Chairs

Late 20th Century American Modern Dining Room Sets

2010s French Industrial Dining Room Chairs

2010s French Industrial Dining Room Chairs

Antique Early 19th Century European Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1970s Italian Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1970s Unknown Dining Room Chairs

Early 2000s Italian Minimalist Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

21st Century and Contemporary Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1980s Mexican Modern Dining Room Chairs

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

People Also Browsed

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

2010s American Console Tables

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

2010s Mexican Art Deco Side Tables

2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern End Tables

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Nesting Tables and Sta...

2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and ...

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Planters and Jardinieres

Antique Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Musical Instruments

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Beds and Bed Frames

Clear Dining Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Clear Dining Chair?

Finding the Right Seating for You

Read More

All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways

This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing

More Ways To Browse