Types of Dining Chairs and Which One Suits Your Table
The right type of dining chair fits your table, room and routine: compare side chairs, armchairs, Parsons chairs, upholstered chairs and open-back styles by their footprint, comfort features and care needs.
On this page (6 sections)
The best type of dining chair suits your table, room and everyday routine. Start with the chair's shape and footprint, then choose the materials and upholstery you can live with.
A chair can be armless, have arms, or use an upholstered Parsons shape; these labels can overlap. Measure your table and the space around it before deciding which style looks right.
For a practical starting point, compare side chairs and dining chairs and armchairs and side chairs. The guides explain how those terms relate to the way chairs fit around a table.
What are the main types of dining chairs?
The main types of dining chairs are side chairs, armchairs, Parsons chairs and chairs defined by their material or back design. Many chairs combine more than one type, such as an upholstered side chair or an armchair with a curved back.
| Type | What defines it | Consider it if |
|---|---|---|
| Side chair | Armless dining chair | You want chairs that can fit along a table without arm clearance |
| Armchair | Chair with arms | You want arm support and have enough room at the table |
| Parsons chair | Usually an upholstered chair with clean, simple lines | You want a polished look that can work with different table styles |
| Upholstered chair | Seat, back or both have padding and a fabric or leather-like cover | You prefer a cushioned seat or back |
| Open-back chair | The back has an opening rather than a solid panel | You want a lighter-looking chair back |
| Wooden chair | Wood is a visible part of the seat or frame | You want a wood tone that relates to the table or floor |
| Metal-frame chair | Metal forms part of the chair frame or legs | You want a different material accent or a more open frame |
These names describe different traits, not separate boxes. A chair might be a Parsons side chair with fabric upholstery, while another might be a metal-frame chair with an open back.
Focus on the features that affect use first. Decide whether you need arms, how much space you have and what level of cushioning fits your routine, then narrow the style.
Which dining chair styles suit your table?
Choose a chair style that fits beneath and around the table, with enough room for the chairs and the people using them. A good visual match still needs to work with the table's height, legs and shape.
When do side chairs work best?
Side chairs work well along the sides of a dining table because they have no arms to interfere with neighboring seats. Their armless shape can also make it easier to push them closer to the table.
Measure each chair's width and check the space between table legs. For spacing guidance, see how much space to leave between dining chairs.
A set of four armless upholstered side chairs may suit a family dining area or an apartment table. The COLAMY wooden side chair set pairs a curved back with a rubberwood frame and foam-and-sponge fill.
When should you choose armchairs?
Choose armchairs when you want a place to rest your arms and have room for the added width. Arms can make a chair more comfortable for some people, but they can also limit where it fits around the table.
Check whether the arms can slide beneath the tabletop. Measure the distance from the floor to the underside of the table, and compare it with the chair's arm height before buying.
Armchairs often suit the table ends, where there may be more room than along the sides. A pair can mark the head and foot of a rectangular table without using arms at every seat.
What makes a Parsons chair different?
A Parsons chair is usually recognized by its simple, upholstered shape and clean lines. Nailhead trim or other details can add decoration without changing that basic silhouette.
This style can work with traditional, modern or industrial tables, depending on the chair's fabric, legs and trim. If you want the definition and common uses in more detail, read what a Parsons chair is.
A beige Parsons chair with nailhead trim and wood legs can add a polished detail to a dining room. The COLAMY set has a cushioned seat, padded back and an armless shape designed to pull up flush to a table.
How do back and seat styles change the look?
A chair's back and seat shape affect both its appearance and how much visual space it takes up. Compare the back design with your table and room, then consider whether the seat provides the features you want.
A solid back creates a more continuous shape behind the seat. An open back leaves a gap in its design, which can make the chair look less solid around the table.
A curved or padded back gives the chair a more shaped appearance than a plain, flat panel. Look at the back from the side as well as the front, especially if the chairs will sit in an open-plan room.
Seat upholstery adds color and texture. Corduroy has a ribbed surface, while faux leather has a smoother look that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
The VIRRMO dining chair set has a cream corduroy cover, open backs and black metal legs with rubber caps. Its armless design is worth comparing if you want a textured seat and an open-back look.
What materials fit your daily routine?
Choose chair materials based on the cleaning and wear your household can handle. Fabric, faux leather, wood and metal each bring a different surface and look to a dining space.
Fabric and corduroy
Fabric upholstery adds a soft surface and can offer more texture or color options. Corduroy has visible ribs, which give a chair a more casual, tactile look.
Care depends on the fabric and the cleaning instructions for that chair. For upholstered dining seats, follow the care guidance in our guide to cleaning upholstered dining chairs.
Faux leather
Faux leather has a smooth, leather-like surface. The HNY armchairs described here can be wiped with a damp cloth, which may suit a busy dining area where spills are a regular concern.
If you're weighing upkeep and feel, compare faux leather and fabric dining chairs. The better fit depends on how you use the room and how you prefer to clean upholstery.
Wood and metal
Wood can tie chair legs or frames to a wooden table, while metal adds a different frame material. Check the full chair design, since the seat and back may use other materials.
Floor protection matters if chairs move often over wood, tile or laminate. Look for footpads or rubber caps, and keep them in good condition to reduce the chance of scratches.
How do you pick a type of dining chair?
Choose a dining chair by checking fit, comfort features, maintenance and style in that order. This keeps a good-looking chair from becoming difficult to use around your table.
- Measure the table height and the distance from the floor to its underside.
- Measure the chair width and depth, then see how many can fit with useful elbow room.
- Check the table legs and apron for obstacles to chair legs or arms.
- Decide whether you want arms, a padded back, a solid back or an open one.
- Pick a cover and frame material that fit your cleaning routine and room style.
- Confirm the set size matches how many seats you need.
If comfort is your main concern, look beyond the style name. Check for a padded seat or back and consider how long people typically sit at the table.
For a mix of chair types around one table, keep a common detail such as color, leg finish or upholstery tone. That gives the room a connected look while letting the seats serve different needs.
What dining chair type should you choose?
Choose armless side chairs when you need flexible seating along the table, armchairs when you have room and want arm support, or Parsons chairs for a clean upholstered shape. Then choose a material based on the look and care you want.
Measure the table and chair clearances before you order, especially around arms and table legs. If you're deciding between common chair shapes, start with our guides to side chairs versus dining chairs and armchairs versus side chairs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of dining chairs?
Common types include side chairs without arms, armchairs with arms, Parsons chairs with a clean upholstered form, and chairs distinguished by materials such as wood, metal, fabric or faux leather. Some styles combine these traits, so compare the chair's shape, seat, back and frame instead of relying on one label.
Are dining chairs with arms better than side chairs?
Armchairs can give you a supported place to rest your arms, while armless side chairs usually take up less width and can slide closer to the table. Measure the table apron, leg spacing and usable chair width before choosing, especially if you need several seats along one side.
What type of dining chair is easiest to clean?
Smooth faux leather can be wiped with a damp cloth, while fabric and corduroy may need care suited to their material. Check the chair's care instructions before cleaning, and consider how often spills happen in your household when choosing upholstery.
How do I choose dining chairs for a small room?
Start with the chair's outside width and depth, then check how far it projects from the table when pulled out. Armless chairs can be easier to fit along a tight table, and chairs that slide under it can help keep the walking area clear when they're not in use.
Do dining chairs need to match the table?
Dining chairs can coordinate with a table through color, material or shape without matching it exactly. Check that the seat height works with the table and that the chair legs, arms and back leave enough room for people to sit and move around comfortably.
