How to Choose Dining Chairs for Different Table Shapes

Consider height, clearance, cohesion and balance when choosing dining chairs for your table. Seating that suits some will not work for others. You could risk disturbing the visual flow of your dining area if you are unaware of the core principles. 

The General Principles of Selecting a Dining Chair

Before purchasing dining chairs, make sure you measure the dimensions of your table. Consider the length and width of the tabletop, whether there is a skirt below, the height of the table legs and their distance from each other. These factors will determine whether you can fit the type and number of chairs you want around your table.

Along with the standard measurements, consider the spatial requirements of those sitting around your table. Nobody likes being elbow-to-elbow while enjoying a meal. You should also consider the height of the chair to the tabletop to ensure your guest’s legs can rest comfortably. To address these potential problems:

• Add at least 15cm of width to each chair to maintain a nice distance. 

• Ensure a clearance zone of at least 70cm (if you can!) so your guests can leave the table without disturbing others.

Remember that your table and chairs should be sisters, not twins. Cohesion is key. However, directly matching the aesthetics of your table can dull the area. Aim for visual interest and have fun with the possibilities!

How to Choose Chairs for a Dining Table - Considering Shape

Round Dining Tables

Round tables, naturally, have a limited seating capacity. Ensuring your chairs are as narrow as possible is the best way to maximise the space around the table. For this reason, armless chairs are preferable, as they are less bulky than chairs with arms. Regarding shape, rounded chairs are most stylistically cohesive with round tables and create a soft, airy feel across the set.

Recommended Dining Chairs for Round Table Styles

• Modern - Sleek metal or plastic.

• Traditional - Upholstered, minimalistic wood.

• Rustic - Cross or spindle-back.

• Eclectic - Mix colours and textures but maintain a rounded shape.

(https://www.lakeland-furniture.co.uk/hart-green-velvet-dining-chair-with-black-legs)

Oval Shape Dining Tables

Similar to rounded tables, oval-shaped dining tables have limited seating capacity. Therefore, we recommend surrounding the sides with slightly curvy armless chairs and including rounded armchairs at the ends to offer a visual anchor. Upholstered chairs balance the elongated, rounded appearance of oval dining tables and provide a plush feeling that works nicely with a rounded tabletop. 

Recommended Dining Chairs for Oval Shape Dining Table Styles

• Traditional - Upholstered wood.

• Modern - Plastic, metal, mid-century modern.

• Farmhouse - Cross or slat-back, distressed wood.

(https://www.lakeland-furniture.co.uk/ava-gel-orange-acrylic-dining-chair-with-chrome-legs)

Rectangular Dining Tables

Rectangular dining tables have more seating capacity due to their straight and even sides. They allow more flexibility for slightly larger armchairs than rounded dining tables and are not as confined to specific chair styles. You could choose tall, narrow chairs that flow with the length of the table or shorter, slightly curved chairs. They also create the perfect setup for statement chairs at either end of the table to achieve a point of visual interest.

Recommended Dining Chairs for Rectangular Table Styles

• Modern - Minimalist metal or plastic.

• Traditional - Upholstered wood.

• Rustic - Cross or slat-back.

• Eclectic - Mix upholstery textures and woods.

(https://www.lakeland-furniture.co.uk/conrad-dining-chair-cream-boucle-black-leg)

Square Dining Tables

The key to square dining tables is visual harmony. Opting for identical chairs on all sides, rather than a mixture of styles, helps balance the setting. Armless chairs will maximise space, but may get lost at a bigger table. However, armchairs may overpower a smaller table. Consider the size of your table in relation to your chairs to keep sizing consistent. If you do not have a lot of clearance from the walls and other furniture, compact, low-back dining chairs can help your table space feel more breathable.

Recommended Dining Chairs for Square Table Styles

• Modern - Sleek, straight-lined metal, plastic and minimalist wood.

• Rustic - Wooden, cross / ladder-back.

• Contemporary - Mix materials, eg. wood with leather, metal with upholstery.

• Formal - Fully upholstered.

(https://www.lakeland-furniture.co.uk/kendal-vintage-brown-faux-leather-dining-chair-with-black-legs)

Irregular Shape Dining Table

Irregular-shaped dining tables are often the focal point of the set. It’s important to remember this when choosing your chairs to avoid competing with the visual interest of the table. Low-profile, minimalist chairs are more suitable for visually complex tables, as they maintain an open, airy feel that prevents the set from feeling heavy.

Armless chairs are great for tighter spots like curves in the tabletop, and curvier chairs can effectively echo the organic shapes of an asymmetrical table. 

Recommended Dining Chairs for Irregular Table Styles

• Organic - Rounded / sculpted.

• Asymmetrical rectangle - Mixed chairs but symmetrical in finish and height.

• Triangular - Lighter chairs with slim legs.

• Hexagonal - Armless low-backs.

(https://www.lakeland-furniture.co.uk/montadale-dark-grey-velvet-modern-dining-chair-with-chrome-legs)

Purchase Dining Table Chairs at Lakeland Furniture

Whether furnishing a new dining room or refreshing your current setup, Lakeland Furniture supplies dining chairs for all table types. We offer statement pieces, basic sets and a range of colours and styles to suit your aesthetic and design mission.

Discover our full range of dining table chairs here.