What to Consider When Buying Dining Chairs

Choosing the right dining chair material is important for creating a comfortable and stylish dining space. With so many options available, from classic wood to sleek metal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

Each material has its unique strengths and drawbacks, so understanding these can help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of different dining chair materials to help you find the perfect match for your home.

What to Consider When Buying Dining Chairs

Comfort 

Comfort is arguably the most important factor when selecting dining chairs. A chair might look stunning, but if it’s uncomfortable, it won't serve its purpose. When evaluating comfort consider the following: 

• Support: The chair should offer good back support, especially if you tend to have long meals. 

• Seat Cushioning: Chairs with adequate padding on the seat can provide more comfort especially during extended use.

Style

The style of your dining chairs should harmonise with the overall decor of your dining space. 

• Design: Your chairs should complement your dining room's aesthetic.

• Colour: The colour of the chairs should either complement or contrast effectively with the dining table and surrounding decor. 

Durability

Durability is a crucial consideration, especially if you have a busy household with children or frequently entertain guests. Durable materials like metal, hardwood, and certain types of plastic can withstand heavy use and last longer. 

• Material Longevity: Wooden and metal chairs typically offer the longest lifespan, but their longevity can be compromised by poor maintenance or excessive wear.

• Resistance to Wear and Tear: Upholstered chairs, while comfortable, may show signs of wear more quickly, especially if the fabric is not of high quality or if the chairs are frequently used.

Pros and Cons to Each Material 

Faux Leather

Faux leather dining chairs are a popular alternative to genuine leather, offering a similar aesthetic at a more affordable price point. Here’s a closer look at their pros and cons:

Pros:

• Affordable: Faux leather is significantly cheaper than genuine leather, making it accessible for a wider range of budgets.

• Easy to Clean: Spills and stains can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth, making faux leather a practical choice for households with children or pets.

• Variety of Colours: Faux leather is available in a wide array of colours and styles, allowing for flexibility in matching your decor.

Cons:

• Less Breathable: Faux leather doesn’t breathe as well as natural materials, which can make it uncomfortable in hot weather.

• Not as Durable: While it’s resistant to some wear, faux leather may crack or peel over time, especially with heavy use.

• Chemical Smell: Some faux leather products can emit a chemical odour when new, though this usually dissipates over time.

Acrylic

Acrylic dining chairs are perfect for those looking to add a modern, airy feel to their dining space. Here’s a breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Modern Aesthetic: Acrylic chairs offer a sleek, contemporary look that can make a space feel more open and less cluttered.

• Durable: Acrylic is resistant to shattering and impact, making it a safe choice for homes with children.

• Easy to Clean: A simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep acrylic chairs looking pristine.

Cons:

• Scratches Easily: The surface of acrylic can scratch over time, which may affect its appearance.

• Prone to Smudges: Fingerprints and smudges are easily visible on acrylic, requiring frequent cleaning.

• Limited Style Options: Acrylic chairs are often limited to minimalist designs, offering less variety compared to other materials.

Velvet

Velvet dining chairs bring an element of luxury and sophistication to any dining space. However, they come with specific maintenance needs:

Pros:

• Luxurious Look: Velvet adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your dining area, making it ideal for formal settings.

• Soft Texture: The plush texture of velvet offers a comfortable seating experience, making it perfect for long dinners.

• Variety of Colours: Velvet is available in rich, vibrant hues that can enhance the visual appeal of your dining space.

Cons:

• Difficult to Clean: Velvet is prone to staining, and spills can be challenging to remove, often requiring professional cleaning.

• Attracts Dust: Velvet can gather dust and pet hair, which can be difficult to remove.

• Prone to Fading: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the vibrant colours of velvet to fade, so it’s best suited for rooms with controlled lighting.

Boucle

Pros:

• Unique Texture: Boucle offers a distinctive, stylish look that can add character to your dining space.

• Comfortable: The soft, cosy fabric of boucle makes for a comfortable seating experience.

• Durable: Despite its soft appearance, boucle is resilient and can be long-lasting with proper care.

Cons:

• Difficult to Clean: Boucle’s textured surface can be challenging to clean, especially if spills occur.

• Attracts Dust: Boucle fabric is prone to gathering dust and lint, which can affect its appearance.

• Limited Style Options: While boucle is stylish, it’s not as widely available as other materials, limiting your design options.

Upholstery

Upholstered dining chairs are a favourite for their comfort and versatility. However, they also require more maintenance than other materials:

Pros:

• Comfortable: Upholstered chairs offer cushioned seating, making them comfortable for long meals.

• Versatile Styles: Available in a vast range of fabrics and designs, upholstered chairs can easily match any decor.

• Elegant Look: Upholstered chairs can add a sophisticated touch to your dining space, making them ideal for formal dining areas.

Cons:

• Stains Easily: Upholstered chairs are prone to spills and stains, which can be difficult to remove.

• Regular Cleaning: To maintain their appearance, upholstered chairs require frequent cleaning, either through vacuuming or professional services.

• Durability Issues: Depending on the fabric, upholstered chairs may wear out over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

Find Your Perfect Dining Chair with Lakeland Furniture 

To explore a wide range of high-quality dining chairs in various materials, styles and finishes, visit Lakeland Furniture. With a carefully curated selection, you’ll find the ideal dining chairs that match your taste and lifestyle. 

Transform your dining area into a space of comfort and elegance with the right chairs from Lakeland Furniture. Browse our collection now and discover the perfect addition to your home!