There’s a science to comfortable sitting. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all for dining seating. For some, it comes in the form of an upholstered seat that perfectly matches a favorite rug or a hand-sculpted wooden seat that tucks neatly under the edge of the table, allowing for maximum use of the room before and after meals. And for others, it’s a bench that can be pulled from the entryway or living room to accommodate a few extra guests for a neighborhood supper.
The Eastward Side Chair and Eastward Bench
Height
One of the best places to look when you begin to select your dining room seating is your table itself. What is the height of your table? With this measurement, selecting or customizing seating that will perfectly place you at the table will easily fall into place. Most dining tables range in height from 28 to 31 inches. Many of our tables fit comfortably within this range at 30 inches high. Our dining chairs will average in height, from the top of the seat to the floor, from 17 to 21 inches high, leaving you with a distance from the seat to the tabletop ranging from 8 to 14 inches. The average person will find a seat-to-tabletop distance of around 10-12 inches most comfortable.
- Most dining tables are 28" - 31" high.
- The average seat height from the floor is 17 " - 20".
- The average height from chair seat to table top is 10" - 12".
There are a few things to consider with these measurements. First, what is the thickness of the tabletop itself, and if there is an apron around the table, how far does that extend toward the floor? Be sure to account for these measurements, especially if you select chairs with armrests.
The Wishbone Table, Cumberland Chairs, and Cumberland Sideboard
Depth
The depth of a dining chair influences two important aspects of comfort and function: how far the chair will tuck beneath the table when not in use, and where you will naturally sit in relation to the tabletop when seated. A chair with excessive depth may prevent the chair from sliding fully under the table, while also positioning the sitter farther back than intended. In some cases, this can cause the sitter's legs to come into contact with the table’s pedestal or trestle base. Thoughtful chair proportions help ensure both comfortable seating and ease of movement around the table.
How to Select the Right Number of Chairs
Determining how many chairs can comfortably fit around a dining table begins with understanding proper spacing. As a general guideline, allow approximately 28 inches between the centers of adjacent seats to give each guest adequate personal space and freedom of movement. It is also important to maintain at least 2 inches between chairs so seating does not feel crowded. For chairs placed at the ends of the table, allow roughly 14 inches from the seat center to the tabletop edge to create a balanced and comfortable arrangement. Using these measurements helps ensure the table feels welcoming, functional, and proportioned for gathering.
The Boat Top Table and Harpswell Side Chairs with back.
A Chair's Footprint
The chair’s footprint is the width and depth of the chair. For some chairs, especially if they have a splayed or bowed leg, this measurement will include the furthest two reaching points of the legs. When deciding how many chairs to place along the length of the table, it’s helpful to know the width of the chairs so you can be sure there's enough clearance underneath without bumping into each other or the table's base. If the chairs touch when tucked underneath, your guests can feel cramped. Generally, allow 28 inches from the center of the seat to the next to comfortably accommodate most people or at least 2 inches between chairs. For chairs at the end of the table, allow 14 inches from the seat center to the end of the table.
Upholstery: The Softer Side of Dining Chairs
Upholstered chairs offer a variety of ways to express one's style. They can be a wonderful way to tie colorful elements of the room together or offer a neutral palette for the eyes to rest. A few of our chairs, Aria and Harpswell, offer upholstered cushions for added comfort. Our fabric selections range from fine leather, like our full-grain Riverside, ideal for heavy to medium use, to some of our most durable upholstery materials.
The Pasadena Side Chair and Aria Arm Chair
Arm Chairs and Side Chairs
Many of our chairs come as both side and arm chairs. If you prefer your chairs to sit fully under the table top, we recommend choosing a table design without an apron. Two of our favorite armchairs that do slide underneath our tables without an apron are the Harpswell chair and Eastward Chair. For a sleeker companion to an arm chair, our side chaisr offe the same exquisite design and style. Another consideration when choosing chairs is the difference between the table height and the overall chair height. The overall height of your chair is measured from the top of the crest to the floor. How high is the crest of the chair in comparison to the top of the table? Unless you are selecting stools as your seating, you’ll want the crest of the chair to be roughly 1 inch to 2 inches higher than your tabletop, giving visual intrigue to your dining set.
The Intervale Table, Continuous Arm Chair, and Freeport Bench
Alternative Seating
Beyond the classic dining chair, you have options. Benches and stools offer an alternative to traditional seating and can be moved into another room when additional seating is required. Many of our benches and stools seamlessly pair with our dining tables and are customized to fit your dining situation. Our smaller, studio-sized chairs and 18" stools can easily slide underneath the table when they are not in use, and benches, like our Edo, Eastward, Freeport, and Vita, can be moved into a living room or hallway, allowing for flexible use of your furniture when it is not needed at the dining room table.
The Eastward Bench and Trestle Table
When you begin to think about adding the perfect chair to your space, remember these basic guidelines: height, overall footprint, and upholstery. Know your style and know your space. With these guidelines in your back pocket and our team of knowledgeable furniture specialists willing to help you, the hardest part will be deciding which one to choose.
