West Elm Walnut Dining Chairs

West Elm Walnut Dining Chairs

The 14 Best Dining Chairs of 2021

Complete your dining room with the perfect chairs

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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

A great dining table needs seating to match; dining chairs are a necessary purchase. Your dining chairs might be used daily or just occasionally, but either way, it's important to find ones that are comfortable, sturdy, and stylish. There's no shortage of dining chairs to choose from, and they're available in a vast range of styles, so you're sure to find something that suits your tastes.

Here are the best dining chairs for any home style.

Our Top Picks

These traditional dining chairs are made from solid rubberwood with mortise-and-tenon joinery for durability.

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With a Y-shaped backrest and curving arms, these solid wood chairs would look great in a farmhouse or Scandinavian-style home.

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This modern, comfortable, and affordable dining chair has a sleek acrylic seat supported by a chrome base.

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Choose from several colorful upholstery options—including green, grey, and yellow—for this set of two chairs.

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These leather chairs are available in numerous colors, including both real and faux leather options.

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Made from handwoven rattan, these chairs dining have a beachy appearance, with a silhouette inspired by Parisian bistro chairs.

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These contemporary armchairs are crafted from molded plastic, have comfortable armrests, and come in several colors.

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Choose from dozens of upholstery fabric options, including performance velvet, soft boucle, and more.

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This chair has a distinctly midcentury appearance, thanks to its walnut finish and unique elbow rests.

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This incredibly affordable set of four metal chairs can be stacked for compact storage and can be used outside or in your home.

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Dimensions: 22 x 23.5 x 37 inches |Material: Rubberwood |Weight Capacity: 275 pounds |Arms: Available with or without arms

What We Like

• Durable construction

• Comes in various colors

• Available with or without arms

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

For a classic chair that will never go out of style, you can't go wrong with the Aaron Dining Chair. These well-made chairs are crafted from kiln-dried rubberwood with mortise-and-tenon joinery and corner blocks for exceptional stability, and they have a beautiful X-shaped back.

These dining chairs are available in a wide range of wood finishes, and they're finished by hand and sealed with a protective lacquer. Plus, you also have the choice between regular armless dining chairs and dining armchairs, depending on your home style and personal preference.

Dimensions: 20.1 x 21.7 x 29.5 inches |Material: Wood frame and rope seat |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No

What We Like

• Durable construction

• Comes in various colors

• Can sit close to the table

What We Don't Like

• No warranty

Are traditional wooden chairs too plain for your tastes? You can infuse a bit of personality into your dining room with the Tomile Wishbone Chair, which features a popular design from Danish designer Hans Wegner. The chairs are solid wood, and they feature a Y-shaped backrest and curving arms, all constructed with mortise-and-tenon joinery for durability. The seats have a light natural finish, and their seats are interwoven rope in a similar hue.

Dimensions: 21.62 x 22 x 32.25 inches |Material: Chrome-plated steel and polycarbonate plastic |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No

What We Like

• Affordable

• Comes in various colors

• Flexible

What We Don't Like

• Can scratch easily

For a more modern home, the TOBIAS Chair is a cool and affordable pick. These chairs have transparent polycarbonate seats mounted on a chrome C-shaped base, and they come in clear and blue color options. The seat of this chair is flexible to make it more comfortable to sit in, and you can't beat the reasonable price, especially if you need to buy several of them or are shopping on a budget.

Dimensions: 17.7 x 20.1 x 32.7 inches |Material: Uphostery with metal legs |Weight Capacity: 250 |Arms: No

What We Like

• Comes in various colors

• Comes in a set of two

• Includes warranty

What We Don't Like

• No arms

The Kora Upholstered Dining Chair will add a pop of color to your dining room—they're available in eight different upholstery colors. The chairs come in a set of two, and they're covered with polyester velvet that's delightfully soft to the touch. The chairs are mounted on four angled wooden legs, and you can even choose from several finish colors to match your space.

Dimensions: 18 x 23.5 x 32.5 inches |Material: Leather or vegan leather with iron legs |Weight Capacity: 275 |Arms: No

What We Like

• Made with genuine leather

• Durable construction

• Comes in various colors

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Leather will add an elegant touch to any dining room, and the best-selling Slope Dining Chairs come in genuine top-grain leather or animal-friendly vegan leather in a variety of colors. These chairs have a wooden seat with foam padding, supported by powder-coated iron legs that form an interesting X-shape design.

Choose between several leather colors and several metallic finishes for the base, customizing these beautiful chairs to match your style perfectly.

Dimensions: 18 x 23.5 x 35 inches |Material: Rattan |Weight Capacity: 300 |Arms: No

What We Like

• Comes in various colors

• Available with or without arms

• Easy to maintain

What We Don't Like

• No warranty

For a beachy and airy vibe, the Riviera Dining Chair is handwoven rattan on a hand-shaped rattan frame. The silhouette is inspired by Parisian bistro chairs and made using classic French techniques, and you can choose from four colors, including a natural tan hue and three shades of blue. Plus, the brand has a matching bench if you want to offer different types of seating around your table.

Dimensions: 22.6 x 21 x 30.3 inches |Material: Polypropylene plastic |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: Yes

What We Like

• Comes in various colors

• Stackable for easy storage

• Easy to clean

• Includes warranty

What We Don't Like

• Made of plastic

All your guests are sure to comment on the unique Ripple Chair, formed from injection-molded polypropylene plastic. These modern chairs come in several muted color options, and they feature comfortable armrests and an intricately curved frame.

However, the best part has to be that the Ripple Chair is stackable, allowing you to easily store away extras until they're needed around your table. Because they are plastic, they can also be wiped down with soap and water, making them a wonderful option for homes with young kids.

Dimensions: 18.5 x 22 x 32.5 inches |Material: Upholstery with oak legs |Weight Capacity: 300 |Arms: No

What We Like

• Comes in various colors and fabrics

• Easy to clean

• Offers back support

What We Don't Like

• No arms

The Layton Upholstered Dining Chair offers a simple, classic appearance that would mesh well with just about any style of home decor. The chairs are mounted on solid oak legs that can be finished in several colors, and you get to choose from a vast collection of upholstery fabrics, including everything from performance velvet to soft boucle and chenille options. The seat and back are a combination of foam and polyester fibers for comfort, and the backrest is slightly curved, so it supports you without chair arms that can take up too much space at the table.

Dimensions: 30 x 21.5 x 22.5 inches |Material: Rubberwood and semi-aniline leather |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: Yes

What We Like

• Comes in various colors and fabrics

• Durable construction

• No assembly needed

What We Don't Like

• Arms are short

For a midcentury modern option, you'll love the Zola Dining Chair, which has an interesting, angular shape. This chair has a solid wood frame and padded foam seat, and you can choose between dark gray or black fabric or black leather for the seat. The back legs of the chair are slanted to create a cool Z-shape with the short armrests, and the whole piece is finished with a wood veneer in a walnut stain—the perfect match for most midcentury furniture.

Dimensions: 21 x 17 x 33 inches |Material: Metal |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No

What We Like

• Durable construction

• Comes in a set of four

• Stackable for easy storage

What We Don't Like

• No warranty

The FDW Metal Dining Chairs are durable, convenient, and affordable, and their metal construction is perfect for a farmhouse or industrial-style home. The chairs come in a set of four, and they're available in nine different colors. The chairs feature a comfortable ergonomic backrest, and they even have non-slip rubber feet to protect your floors.

The metal construction is covered in scratch-resistant paint, which is beneficial, given that you can stack them on top of each other for more compact storage. The chairs are hearty enough for outdoor use on a balcony or porch.

Dimensions: 16.5 x 19.25 x 35.37 inches |Material: Pine |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No

What We Like

• Affordable

• Durable construction

• Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

• Must re-tighten assembly screws periodically

The IKEA STEFAN Chair is a more affordable take on a traditional dining chair. It has a classic design with a simple slatted back, and despite its affordable price, the chair is solid pine wood. It's finished with a black lacquer that makes it easy to clean, and the only real caveat is that the brand recommends re-tightening the assembly screws periodically for stability—a small price to pay for such a budget-friendly find.

Dimensions: 19.75 x 23.5 x 40.25 inches |Material: Oak, rubberwood, and upholstery |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No

What We Like

• Comes in a set of two

• Comes in various colors and fabrics

• Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Another traditional style option is the Paige Dining Chair, an upholstered seat that comes in a set of two. These chairs are oak wood, and they feature a round back mounted on an ornate base. The wooden parts of this chair have a slightly distressed finish that highlights the carved details, and you can choose from several upholstery options, including linen, microfiber, and velvet fabrics.

Dimensions: 30.25 x 25 x 21.5 inches |Material: Rattan |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: Yes

What We Like

• Comes in various colors

• Durable construction

• Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

• Indoor use only

The Pari Rattan Chair will add boho flair to any dining room. Its natural rattan is carefully manipulated into a beautiful curved form and sealed with clear lacquer. The chairs are available in a natural rattan color, but they also come in several painted hues that will brighten up your dining room. Even though rattan is often used for outdoor furniture, these chairs are indoor use only, and they would look perfect in a sunny dining corner or a sunroom.

Dimensions: 41 x 25.25 x 31 inches |Material: Upholstery and manufactured wood|Weight Capacity: 250 |Arms: Yes

What We Like

• Comes in three colors

• Provides back support

• Includes warranty

What We Don't Like

• May require some assembly

Many people like to place more prominent, more stately dining chairs at either end of their table, and the Lila Tufted Linen Arm Chair is up for the job. These attractive armchairs come in a few neutral shades, and their linen upholstery features piped edges and button tufting for added sophistication. The seat and back are foam-padded for comfort, and the wooden legs have a slightly distressed finish.

Final Verdict

For a classic dining chair that will last for generations to come, you'll want to look at the Aaron Dining Chair (view at Pottery Barn), which uses the best materials and construction techniques. If you want something a bit more modern, the Slope Leather Dining Chair (view at West Elm) has an attractive leather finish that comes in several colors.

Size

One of the most important considerations to take into account when shopping for dining chairs is their size. You'll want to measure your dining table to see how many chairs can fit around it—be sure to leave several inches of space between each chair and ensure there's space around the table for chairs to be pushed out. As a general rule of thumb, there should also be 12 inches between the seat of a dining chair and the tabletop, as this will provide adequate room to sit without bumping your knees.

Material

Dining chairs are made of various materials, each of which provides a different look and feel. Wooden chairs are typically one of the most sturdy and versatile, as you can change their finish if desired. Metal chairs are durable but can have reflective properties. Other common chair materials include upholstery fabric, which is comfortable and attractive but harder to clean, and rattan, which will add texture to your space.

Arms

Dining chairs are available with or without arms, and you'll need to decide which style suits your needs. Armless dining chairs take up less space than armchairs and are often used along the long sides of dining tables. However, armchairs are usually more comfortable, as they provide somewhere to rest your elbows and stability when you're standing up and sitting down.

FAQ

• How do you prevent dining room chairs from scratching the floor?

  One way to prevent dining room chairs from scratching the floor is to use felt floor protectors. Most are adhesive-backed and stick easily to the bottom of your chair legs, and they're also one of the most inexpensive ways to prevent scratching. If your felt protectors don't stick very well, try cleaning the bottom of your chair legs with an appropriate cleaning agent before putting new ones on. Another relatively inexpensive way to prevent your dining room chairs from scratching the floor includes covering the surface with an area rug.

• How much room do you need between dining room chairs?

  To have sufficient elbow room, you should leave around 24 inches of space for each chair at the table. This allowance will help prevent people from hitting elbows at the table and allow plenty of room to slide chairs in and out without squeezing or discomfort. If your dining room chairs have arms, leave a few extra inches of space to be safe, as arms can take up more room around the table. Always make sure to measure your dining table beforehand so you know how many chairs can fit comfortably around it.

• How do you clean dining room chairs?

  Cleaning your dining room chairs will depend on what kind of material they're made out of. If cleaning upholstered dining chairs, always check the fabric care instructions. Some upholstery requires professional cleaning. If you're spot cleaning a stain, you should still check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for the appropriate cleaning agent for the specific kind of fabric. You should clean liquid spills as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.

  If cleaning wooden dining room chairs, you'll still want to check the care instructions, but generally, you can use a small amount of mild dish soap and a microfiber cloth to clean them.

This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce, The Spruce Pets, and The Spruce Crafts. With a background in textiles and design, she's an expert in selecting the best fabrics and furnishings for the home. For this list, she considered each chair's dimensions, whether it's available with or without arms, and the materials used.

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West Elm Walnut Dining Chairs

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-dining-chairs-4154196

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