Dining Chairs + Benches
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Modern Dining Room Seating
It’s no secret that kitchen and dining chairs are some of the most frequently used seats in the home — whether for meals, homework, or even office work. It’s important to choose well-designed pieces, such as contemporary kitchen chairs or a mid-century modern dining chair set, that are equally ergonomic and stylish. Comfortable dining chairs that work well with your dining table and mesh with the rest of your home’s decor can be huge parts of a welcoming and well-designed home. At Design Within Reach, shop modern dining chairs and benches that will set your dining room apart and encourage guests at your table to stay a while.
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Types of Modern Dining Room Seating
Dining Chairs
Modern kitchen and dining chairs boast endless versatility. They’re rendered in a plethora of materials, including molded plastic, powder-coated steel, and solid wood; some also feature plush upholstered seat cushions. Remember, it’s best to choose a chair that allows for 10” to 13” of space between the seat and the underside of the table.
Bar & Counter Stools
Modern bar stools pull up to a kitchen counter or bar top overhang. Select stools depending on the height of your counter or bar. Standard counter height is approximately 34” to 36” high, while standard bar height is roughly 40” to 42” high. Choose stools that range from 23” to 27” tall for a counter and those that range from 28” to 33” for a bar top. This type of chair may feature a streamlined, backless design, while others are equipped with a seat back, footrest, and even armrests.
Dining Benches
Kitchen bench seating is a space-savvy choice for a family since it can accommodate more people than individual chairs can seat around a table. Although this type is often backless, you can opt for a loveseat bench if you’re looking for a style with a back. A modern dining bench (or a built-in dining bench) is also referred to as a banquette. It’s a statement-making design element that looks equally chic built into a windowed breakfast nook or rendered in a high-backed version along the wall of a formal dining room.
How to Pick Dining Seating
Select chairs from among a variety of styles and materials.
Upholstered Dining Chairs: Upholstered dining chairs may be covered in velvet, bouclé, leather, or suede, among other fabrics. Choose a material that complements your dining table and interior design style. Velvet and bouclé are sumptuous, providing unique visual contrast to glass- or marble-top tables. Alternatively, fabrics like leather, suede, and cotton twill pair well with wood dining furniture.
Wood Dining Chairs: Wood dining chairs — available in walnut, ash, oak, and more — deliver durability and an easy-to-clean finish. Some chairs combine a wood frame with an upholstered cushion, a cane seat, or even wicker, offering a tactile finish.
Metal Dining Chairs: Metal dining chairs are ultra-sleek and showcase an industrial-inspired aesthetic. Often rendered in powder-coated steel, this type of chair plays well with a range of dining table styles, from glass-top pieces to wood tables.
When choosing pieces for your home think about creating a unique visual landscape. Mix a long dining bench with upholstered seats for a versatile seating arrangement; combine a pair of armchairs with molded plastic designer dining chairs; or opt for steel seats mixed with ghost chairs. The options are nearly endless.