Dining Chair Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Size
When you are shopping for dining room furniture, you have the option of a table and chairs as a set, or of buying the components separately. If you are going the second route, selecting the right size dining chairs is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics in your dining space. Chairs should be proportionate to your dining table to ensure comfort and ease of use. When choosing chairs, consider their height in relation to the table; the seat should be at a comfortable level for dining, allowing ample legroom. The width of the chairs also impacts the overall look and feel of the room, as well as how many chairs can be comfortably accommodated around the table. Opt for chairs that enhance the room's ambience while providing sufficient seating for your needs. In this guide to dining chair dimensions, we offer tips for choosing the perfect chairs to create a dining area that is both inviting and stylish.
Importance of Chair Dimensions
Why is it so important to get your chair dimensions right? Well-proportioned dining chairs are crucial to the comfort of those dining at your table. Finding the right balance between seat height and chair-back height allows for proper posture and support during meals. Dining chairs should allow diners to sit with their knees at a 90 degree angle and their feet on the floor. The chair back should be supportive enough to prevent strain to the diners’ lower and mid-back, so that dining can be comfortable and relaxing.
Standard Dining Chair Measurements
There are different parts of the chair that need to be measured, taking into account the size of your dining room, the size of your table, and the most comfortable size for you and your dinner guests. To determine the right chairs for your table and your dining room, pay attention to the following measurements:
- Height: Measure from the top of the chair back to the floor. Taller chairs look more formal, and lower chairs create a more open dining space.
- Width: Measure across the seat, from side to side. The width of the chairs will determine how many chairs can fit around the dining table.
- Seat Height: This is an important measurement, from the floor to the bottom of the seat. This measurement will help determine how well your chairs will fit under the dining table.
- Seat Depth: Measure from the front of the seat to the back of the seat. This lets you know how far back you can sit in the chair.
- Back Height: Measure the height, not of the entire chair, but just the backrest. This is a big factor in the style of the chair, as well as the support it provides.
- Footprint: This is the measurement of how much floor space the seat occupies. This, along with seat width, determines how many chairs can fit around the dining table.
Choosing the Right Chair Height
How do you know the right height of dining chairs for your table? First, they need to be low enough to slide under the table. The ideal height will vary, but you will want the backrests to be slightly higher than the table and the seats considerably lower, low enough to allow legs to fit under the table comfortably. For optimal comfort, you will want to choose chairs with backrests that reach the mid to upper back of someone seated in the chair. Dining tables, on average, are about 30 inches high, so the seats of your dining chairs should be about 18 inches, to allow 12 inches between the seat and the tabletop.
Seat Depth and Width Considerations
Mass produced chairs are usually 38 to 43 cm in depth, with seat depth being based on the average horizontal length from the back of the buttocks to the back of the lower leg. Dining room chairs are often much deeper than that, to allow for more comfort and support. The width of dining room chairs is usually between 16 and 20 inches, but this can vary between chairs. Choose your chairs to fit your table and your space, looking for space saving chairs if your table is small, or your dining room area is limited.
Room Size and Chair Selection
When choosing your chairs, think not only about the size of the table, but also about the size of the room. If the chairs are too big, they can overwhelm the space, making it feel cramped. On the other hand, if you choose chairs that are too small, the room may feel empty and sparse. Ideally, your chairs should fit around your table, with 8 to 10 inches between each chair, and at least 36 inches between the chairs and the wall, or any other piece of furniture. Ideally, you would have 48 inches between the chairs and other furniture or the wall, so that people can comfortably manoeuvre your dining room.
Tips for Special Considerations
Finally, consider the specific needs of your household. For families with children, opt for chairs with durable, easy-to-clean materials and stable, sturdy designs to ensure safety. If elderly family members will be using the chairs, choose options with supportive backs and armrests to provide extra comfort and aid mobility. For smaller dining spaces, consider attractive, space saving chairs that fit well without compromising on style or comfort.