Dining Room Chairs

A dining room set consists of a table with a certain number of matching chairs, stools or benches - usually two, four or six but occasionally a greater number if the dining table is very large. However, there are some people who want the flexibility of selecting their dining room table and chairs separately. For example, they might specifically require an odd number of dining room chairs, perhaps five (rather than the four or six typically provided in a set), or they might appreciate the design of a table in a set but not be so keen on the chairs (or vice versa). In any case, it is usually possible to purchase a dining table and extra chairs as necessary. Some people - especially those that don't spend much time at home - might feel they don't require a dining table at all, and so choose to invest in two or three sturdy bar stools which they place by the kitchen counter, which serves as a makeshift dining table.

As with the dining table, there are a number of practicalities to think about when selecting your dining room chairs. Of course the chairs should offset the table to create an appealing ensemble, but it is not necessary to match them perfectly. In fact, some people find that a stark contrast helps make their complete dining set all the more distinctive, and there are no rules which state you cannot have a chunky, rustic solid pine table teamed up with modern bistro chairs (for example, Serenity Living's light textured bronze bistro chairs by Powell Trent) or decadent cushioned chairs (such as the black metal-framed Cierra Dining Chair by Hillsdale, with faux suede seat in a choice of colors). Equally, a modern table, such as one with a smoked glass top and intricate metal pedestal can still look great with a more traditional style of chair, such as a plain pine ladder-back or captain's chair - it depends on your own individual tastes and how much you like to mix up your styles, as well as how much of a focal point you wish your dining suite to create.

An important factor is, of course, comfort. You may wish to have dining chairs with plush cushions in soft fabrics. Many people like to take hours over dinner, which means the seating should ideally provide back support. A luxurious example of such a chair at Serenity Living is Hillsdale's Monaco design, upholstered in leather with contrasting stitched accents. Other seating materials available include velvet microfiber, suede, plastic, brushed metal, vinyl and acrylic.

If you like an unusual, contemporary twist to your dining room chairs, the Powell-Hamilton Swivel-Tilt dining chair sits on castors and has curved arm rests and a diamond shaped back that tilts. Walker Edison's sleek Tuxedo Chair has a sturdy metal frame and futuristic contoured shape.

For outdoor dining, Serenity Living features metal or treated wood chairs with metal or woven/rush seating, although Rustic Natural Cedar's appealing range of chunky log-style outdoor furniture has a natural light wood finish and is naturally robust and durable, with a choice of custom-fit cushions.