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

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 8

Should dining room chairs have arms?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

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 10

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 11

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 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

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 15

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 16

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 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 end chair called for a dining table?

Accepted Answer

The end chairs are called an armchair. Typically found at the head of the table, these specific chairs have armrests and give off a more formal feel. You can shop a collection of armchairs and dining tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 19

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.

Question 20

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.

Tudor Dining Chairs

Early 20th Century English Regency Dining Room Chairs

Set of 10 English Regency Style Dining Chairs

20th Century English Tudor Dining Room Chairs

Oak Dining Chairs Traditional English Tudor Style

20th Century English Tudor Dining Room Chairs

English Solid Oak Spindle Back Dining Chairs Set of 8

Antique Early 1900s British Tudor Dining Room Chairs

English Cromwellian Style Tan Leather & Oak Side Chairs, Early 1900s

Antique 17th Century English Tudor Dining Room Chairs

English-Made Late 17th Century Style Solid Oak High Back Side & Arm Chair

Recent Sales

2010s English Elizabethan Dining Room Chairs

Set of Eight English Elizabethan Style Tudor Oak Dining Chairs

Early 20th Century English Chairs

Set of Twelve Tudor Dining Chairs

Antique Early 19th Century Tudor Dining Room Chairs

Antique Carved English Oak Tudor Dining Chairs, Set of 6

Antique 19th Century Belgian Louis XIII Dining Room Chairs

Set of Six Baroque Style Dining Side Chairs

Vintage 1940s British Tudor Dining Room Chairs

Tudor Style Cromwelian Design Leather Dining Chair set, England 1940's

Vintage 1930s Belgian Rustic Dining Room Chairs

Tudor Style Design Oak & Rush Dining Chair set, Belgium 1930's

Mid-20th Century American Jacobean Dining Room Chairs

Set of Ten English Tudor Jacobean Style Dining or Side Chairs

Vintage 1930s Chairs

Set Oak Dining Chairs Tudor Farmhouse

Mid-20th Century British Tudor Windsor Chairs

Vintage English Elm and Oak Windsor Chairs - a Pair

Mid-20th Century Belgian Tudor Dining Room Sets

Antique Table with Chairs, circa 1910

Mid-20th Century Belgian Tudor Dining Room Sets

Antique Table with Chairs and Armchairs, Western Europe, circa 1920

Vintage 1920s Tables

Oak Dining Set Drop Leaf Table and Tudor Chairs Farmhouse

Early 20th Century American Jacobean Dining Room Chairs

Six Jacobean Revival Dining Chairs

Antique Late 19th Century American Jacobean Dining Room Chairs

Four Antique Jacobean Style Dining Chairs

21st Century and Contemporary American Tudor Dining Room Chairs

Set of Ten Upholstered Tudor-Style Dining Chairs with Turned Legs & Stretcher

Vintage 1950s American Tudor Armchairs

Set of 4 Tudor Style Mahogany Armchairs Dining Chairs with Barley Twist Legs

Early 20th Century English Tudor Dining Room Sets

20th Century Carved Oak Refectory Table and 8 Lancashire Chairs

Vintage 1930s Scottish Tudor Dining Room Chairs

Set of 8 Carved Oak Tudor Style Dining Chairs, Scotland 1930, B2177

Vintage 1950s American Dining Room Chairs

Set of 12 Reproduction Boston Tudor Dining Side Chairs

Antique Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Night Stands

Oak Arts & Crafts Period Shapland and Petter Dressing Table

Early 20th Century British Tudor Dining Room Chairs

1920s English Tudor Style Dining Chairs

People Also Browsed

Vintage 1950s French Rustic Dining Room Chairs

Charles Dudouyt French Woven Leather Dining Chairs

21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Benches

New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Cushion, Savonarola, Throne

2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals

Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...

LU Swing Sconce

2010s British Louis XVI Sofas

Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London

2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs

The Albert, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair

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

Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Sterling Silver

19th Century Paul Storr Silver Tea Urn

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Center Tables

Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal

Antique Early 18th Century French Louis XIV Doors and Gates

Exceptional 18th Century Carved Giltwood Door

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

20th Century Large Exotic Embossed Leather Vertical Valet Wardrobe Trunk

Antique 1870s English Victorian Bookcases

Antique English Break-Front Bibliotheque Bookcase in Mahogany, circa 1870

2010s Belgian Modern Sofas