DESIGNER FAQ: DINING ROOM CHAIRS & KITCHEN CHAIRS
How do I choose a dining room chair or kitchen chair?
There are many factors that go into choosing a dining room or kitchen chair. You will want to the style and finish of your chairs to complement your dining table. Comfort is another consideration—do you want an upholstered chair, an upholstered back and seat, or a wood seat? Our designers can help you choose fabrics and finishes, and unique custom elements like nailheads and tufting.
Are Ethan Allen dining room chairs and kitchen chairs well made?
At Ethan Allen, we take immense pride in our craftsmanship. You’ll see our talents in the details, like how we steam bend wood by hand to create our curved-back chair designs, how we cut and tuck fabrics by hand, and how stringent we are about the standards those fabrics must meet. Each chair we craft is of heirloom quality, built to seat your family for generations to come.
I really love the look, but is white fabric a good choice for dining room chairs?
It’s important to be realistic about whether a white fabric will fit your lifestyle. If you regularly eat family dinners and serve kids at your dining table, it may be challenging to keep that fabric clean. You can visit a Design Center to get advice from one of our interior designers, or if you’re ready to purchase now, safeguard your investment by adding a furniture protection plan.
Is leather durable enough to use on dining chairs?
Yes! Our variety of hand-selected full-grain and top-grain leathers are not only comfortable and stylish, but many can also resist spills and stains. Our artisans cut most hides and color-blend them by hand and use specialized techniques on leather upholstery, so you can expect the same quality with our leather dining chairs as you do with our sofas and living room chairs.
Why do some dining room chairs have arms?
Armchairs add support and make it easier to stand and sit. Traditionally, they would go only at the head and foot of a table. However, if your table space allows for them, they are a nice way to add comfort to all your guests’ seats.
Do all my dining room chairs and kitchen chairs need to be the same style?
Not at all! —though you will want to choose chair styles that complement each other as well as your table. You’ll also want to make sure whatever chairs you choose are the same height and that they sit comfortably under your dining room table or kitchen table. You can even swap the chairs on one side of your table for a gorgeous dining bench!
Should the chair leg finish match my table’s finish?
We think it’s a good idea to coordinate the finishes of all your dining room chairs and kitchen chairs with your table. If you do like the mix-and-match look, purchase unique upholstered host chairs for the head and foot of your table, or ask a designer about the best way to mix and match finishes for an eye-catching result.
What do I do with my extra dining room chairs if I have my table extension closed?
You can position your chairs to flank either side of your buffet or use them for extra seating in your living room. In our opinion, there is no such thing as too many chairs, and there are endless ways to use them!
How do I figure out how many dining room or kitchen chairs I need?
Easy! Many of our Ethan Allen tables have recommendations in their product descriptions. If you still have questions, you can connect with a designer online, over the phone, or in person at a Design Center.
What are the best chairs for a round dining table?
To mimic the flow of a round table, choose chairs with slightly rounded backs. Using our 3D Room Planner you can play with different chairs and tables to see what looks best in your space. If you already have a table you like and just need new chairs, try our EA inHome® app and see what our furniture will look like in your space through augmented reality.
Do you have more questions? Click the Designer Chat icon or contact your local Design Center—we’re happy to help!