Kirk
When you’re buying seating for your home, you usually have to take account of how sturdy it is as well as how good it looks. The third criteria, naturally, is comfort. If you want to discover how to choose dining chairs for your guests, keep these elements in mind when you’re making decisions.
Construction details
Always check the quality of materials used and the methods of construction as well as the length of guarantee your retailer is offering. This is a good indicator of what kind of punishment your chairs are likely to withstand. If your chairs fit with your dining room décor your guests will find them aesthetically pleasing, however if they’re comfortable enough to spend a couple hours on during a dinner party they’ll absolutely love them!
Styles
The style you decide on for your dining area should depend on how it will be used and the space available. Remember that high backed chairs work best for formal occasions, however they have the appearance of taking up more space and so can make a smaller room look crowded. For open plan or smaller dining spaces opt for a low backed chair. These are also better for children and will promote a relaxed look.
Finishes
Finishes also make a difference to the overall impact of your dining set. If you prefer a matching set pay attention to the color and style and how this will fit in your available space. For a shared kitchen and dining area, you might want to select chairs made from rattan or wood, along the lines of a traditional country kitchen or rustic theme. These also look great if you use your conservatory as a dining space. If you prefer an industrial look opt for metal and wood chairs instead. A contemporary décor is suitable for molded plastic chairs and you can play around with different complementary colors for added effect.
Color
In terms of color generally, remember that paler colors reflect light and can thus make a space feel larger, while the opposite is also true: darker finishes make chairs look heavier. Mismatched dining tables have become popular in recent years, in restaurants as well as in interior home design, and these create an ambience that is informal and relaxed.
When styling a dining chair, designers often experiment with finishes until they achieve a satisfactory solution. You can do the same. If you already have a table, make sure the chairs you choose are the correct height so that guests can comfortably sit underneath it. Normally this is in the range 17 –18 inches. The width of the seat should be able to allow guests to sit comfortably, and this is often in the range 18 – 22 inches, depending, of course, on the style of the chair.
Detail
If you’ve chosen a stylish chair with a hard seat, you may want to consider adding cushions for dinner parties, otherwise upholstered chairs may be a better choice. Arm rests can be a bonus if you love to linger over a coffee and chat with a friend although if space is at a premium choose an armless variety. Traditional British dining room sets often combined both, with armless seating around the table and the ‘carver’ or larger chair with arm rests, being reserved for the person who would carve the meat. Your dining chairs, whether low backed or high backed, should trace the curve of your back so it’s worth testing a few to see what works for you.
Maintenance
Other considerations when choosing your dining room furniture include how easy it will be to clean your chairs. With a growing family you will want to be able to wipe clean any spills without spoiling the finish. Better still if there are removable covers these can be washed or dry cleaned on a regular basis. If you have chosen an upholstered dining chair check to see if the foam filling is high or low density. A quality seat will use high density foam, which will last longer and will not sag. Low density foam is not so robust and may flatten out over time. Remember that the color of wood can change over time and make sure you know how to maintain wooden dining chairs, so they retain their smart finish.
Make sure your chairs sit firmly on the floor without wobbling or rocking as, just like a wonky table, this can become a major issue and is likely to make your guests feel uncomfortable.
