Side Chair vs Dining Chair: What Sets Them Apart? (October 2026)

On this page (8 sections)

1. Side Chair vs Dining Chair: What Sets Them Apart?
2. Side chair vs dining chair: what is the difference?
3. Which type fits around your table?
4. How do you compare comfort and support?
5. How many chairs can you fit?
6. Which chair is easier to care for?
7. Which should you choose?
8. Sources

Side Chair vs Dining Chair: What Sets Them Apart?

A side chair is usually armless, while a dining chair is any chair used at a dining table. The terms overlap: an armless side chair can be a dining chair, and an armchair can also serve as one.

The useful difference is the chair’s shape and how it fits your table. Think about arms, seat comfort, available space and how many seats you need before choosing by name alone.

Side chair vs dining chair: what is the difference?

A side chair describes a chair style, while a dining chair describes where a chair is used. Side chairs are often armless, but dining chairs can be armless or have arms.

That means the categories aren't opposites. A side chair can stand at a dining table, in a bedroom or beside a desk.

A dining chair might have a curved back, upholstered seat or padded arms.

Product names can use both terms for the same chair. Focus on the features that affect your room: overall width, seat height, back shape and whether the chair has arms.

For a wider overview of common shapes and details, see our guide to types of dining chairs. It can help you decide which style matches your table and room.

What does “side chair” mean?

A side chair is generally an armless chair designed to sit beside a table or along a wall. Without arms, it can be easier to slide close to the table or reposition when you need another seat.

The name doesn't guarantee a narrow frame or a particular seat height. Check the dimensions and compare them with the space you have.

What counts as a dining chair?

A dining chair is a chair intended for sitting at a dining table. It may be an armless side chair, an armchair or another shape that fits your table and meals.

Comfort and clearances matter more than the label. A chair that's difficult to pull in, or whose arms hit the table, may not work well even if its name includes “dining.”

Which type fits around your table?

Choose armless side chairs when you need flexible seating along the table; consider armchairs for seats where extra arm support matters. In either case, check how the chair moves and sits under your table.

An armless chair has fewer parts to catch on the table edge. That can make it easier to tuck away, but the chair's width and back still affect how many fit.

An armchair can feel more defined as an end seat or a place for a longer meal. Its arms need enough space above the seat and below the tabletop.

To plan a full layout, use our guide on how much space to leave between dining chairs. It covers spacing between seats so people can sit and move more comfortably.

Will chair arms fit under the table?

Measure from the floor to the underside of the table, then compare that clearance with the chair arms. Also check for an apron or support rail below the tabletop, since it can reduce usable space.

A chair that fits beneath the tabletop may still bump into the apron. If it can't slide in far enough, it may take up more floor space when not in use.

The MALOL chairs have rounded padded arms and an arm height of 27.17 inches. Compare that figure with your table's underside and apron before deciding where to use them.

How do you compare comfort and support?

Compare the seat, back and arms in the chair description, then match those features to how long you sit. Upholstery can add cushioning, while an open or firm chair may be easier to wipe down.

A high or padded back isn't automatically more comfortable for every person. Seat depth, back angle and the space between the chair and table also affect how it feels to sit and stand.

The COLAMY Parsons set has padded back supports and thick cushioned seats. Its armless shape is designed to pull up flush to the table.

The curved-back COLAMY set combines a cushioned fabric seat with a gently curved backrest. Its seat height is 17.91 inches, a detail you can compare with your table height.

For a more specific look at a tailored, straight-sided design, read what a Parsons chair is. That style can help you narrow down the look you want.

How many chairs can you fit?

Use the chair's full width and your table's usable edge to estimate how many seats fit. Leave enough room to pull a chair out and avoid crowding people shoulder to shoulder.

Don't count only the gaps between chair legs. A wide back or padded arms may occupy more usable space than the seat base suggests.

Compare the chair width with the table side where it will sit. Then check whether the end seats can move without hitting a wall, cabinet or another chair.

Our guide to dining chair width explains what measurements to check as you plan. Recheck the dimensions for the exact chair style before ordering.

Which chair is easier to care for?

An easy-care choice depends on its upholstery and the cleaning directions for that material. Faux leather can be wiped clean, while fabric may need a gentler approach.

The MALOL chair has a faux leather surface described as wipe-clean. The COLAMY options use fabric upholstery, so check their care directions and clean spills promptly.

Avoid assuming all upholstery can take the same cleaner. For fabric seats, our guide on cleaning upholstered dining chairs covers practical care steps.

Which should you choose?

Choose a side chair when you want an armless seat that can tuck closer to the table; choose a dining chair by the comfort and features you need at mealtime. Remember, a side chair can also be your dining chair.

Pick the COLAMY Parsons set if you want an armless, padded chair with a classic outline. Choose the curved-back COLAMY set if that back shape and its listed seat height suit your table.

Consider the MALOL pair if you want padded armrests and have enough clearance for them. For a different comparison of arm support and an armless profile, see arm chair vs side chair.

Sources

• U.S. Access Board: Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces
• COLAMY Upholstered Parsons Chairs
• MALOL Leather Arm Chairs
• COLAMY Curved-Back Upholstered Chairs

Frequently asked questions

Is a side chair the same as a dining chair?

A side chair is commonly an armless chair, while a dining chair is any chair used at a dining table. A side chair can be a dining chair, but dining chairs can also have arms, upholstered backs or other shapes.

Check the chair's dimensions and table fit instead of relying on the name.

Can you use side chairs at a dining table?

Yes, side chairs are often used around dining tables because their armless shape can make it easier to sit close and fit more chairs along a side. Measure the chair width and the available table edge, then leave room for people to pull chairs out and sit down.

Are dining chairs always sold in sets?

No. Dining chairs may be sold individually or in sets, and the number in a set varies.

Count your current usable seats, consider whether you need matching chairs at the ends, and check the package quantity before choosing a set.

Do armchairs need more space than side chairs?

Armchairs often need more room at the table because their arms can hit the apron or prevent the seat from sliding underneath. Compare the arm height with the underside of your table and leave enough width for each chair to move without bumping its neighbor.