Knowing how to choose the right dining room chairs means selecting chairs that combine several qualities, which we won’t cover in detail here (design, comfort, decorative style, classic sizes, or Scandinavian-style models, etc.).
After all, if there is one important factor to consider for a comfortable seat, it is the height of that seat in relation to the table and the user. To explore this topic further and understand its implications, we will first examine the possible configurations in a dining room and the factors that can influence the choice of chairs.
Next, we can list the other options based on the people who will be using the space in the house—particularly in the dining room. After all, to choose the right chair, stool, or seat, you need to consider who will be using it so you don’t pick the wrong size.
Possible Dining Room Layouts
Without going over every piece of furniture that makes up a dining room—or even delving into the decorative aspects of this room—we’ll take a look at the various options available.
The dining room, separated by a partition within a single room
Sometimes, depending on the era or personal preferences, the dining room is a separate room in the house, enclosed by four walls and separated from the kitchen by a door or a hallway. This layout is no longer in vogue, but it may be part of a floor plan chosen and defined by the homeowners. In such cases, the dining room will be furnished with a dining table and rarely with any other type of seating for meals (a half-height or full-height bar, a high table, etc.).
In this case, the setup is fairly basic, and the height of the chairs should be determined based on the height of the tabletop (typically a horizontal wooden surface supported by the table legs). Its height usually ranges from 68 cm to 72 cm. Consequently, a chair designed for such a table will have a seat located 25 cm below the tabletop, or approximately 45 cm from the floor. Whether with or without a backrest (also known as a “low stool”), this seat will allow an average adult to sit comfortably and enjoy a meal.
The dining room and kitchen are combined
In more modern layouts, the dining room is never far from the kitchen and is sometimes even combined with it in a larger space for greater convenience. In this case, the dining table remains standard, and its dimensions don’t really differ from those of a freestanding dining table. The chairs are the same as well.
However, high tables or bar-style countertops are now common and change both the layout and the types of chairs used. In addition to standard-height dining chairs, you’ll also find what are known as high chairs or bar stools. The difference between a high chair and a bar stool is that the stool has no backrest, while the high chair sometimes resembles a single-leg armchair. This is a matter of design and style, depending on individual preferences.
The height of the bar therefore calls for new dining chairs, whose height will depend on that of the bar. Generally, a high dining table set at counter height is about 90 cm from the floor, whereas a bar is higher (about 110 cm from the floor). In this case, the seat of a high dining chair should be about 65 cm from the floor. For a bar chair or stool, however, the seat should be no more than 70 or 75 cm above the floor. Keep in mind that you should be able to easily get onto the chair.
The low dining table, or “Japanese-style” table
Not very common in the West, this type of dining table is not suitable for all body types, particularly those of Western populations such as Europeans. However, although it is uncommon in European countries, this style may be appreciated by some, who will eventually get used to the physical constraints it imposes at first.
In this case, chairs are often not necessary, depending on the height of the table. Users sit cross-legged or in the seiza position. However, small chairs or stools may be used. In this case, a seat height of 10 to 15 cm above the floor will suffice.
Choices Based on Chair Users
As mentioned earlier, the style of the dining room determines the chair model and, therefore, the seat height. But to be thorough and get it right, we mustn’t forget that seat height depends not only on the tables but, above all, on the people using them. What family hasn’t faced this height issue with children growing up in the family home?
Infants and Toddlers
This is by no means a problem, but rather a reality that applies to every human being: a child grows up, and so does the height at which they sit at the table. High chairs allow the newest member of the family to join in on the fun of mealtime with the rest of the family, despite their small stature. Generally, these chairs range from 65 to 90 cm in height (adjustable) to accommodate all possible setups in the home.
Be sure to always choose a certified and appropriate model. For example, a backrest that is at least 35 cm high is required for the baby’s safety. A wooden seat on four legs will not work, even if it has armrests.
Later, as the baby grows into a child and their proprioception develops, they can begin using chairs. But these chairs are still too high to sit on comfortably, yet too low to allow them to eat properly at the grown-ups’ table. A booster seat can then bridge this height gap for a while by artificially raising the seat of the chair. This allows you to maintain the same style as the existing chairs without having to invest in new ones that won’t be used in the long run.
Seniors and older adults
Conversely, older people will have a harder time climbing into high chairs, as the seat is too high for their declining flexibility. In this case, choosing chairs with a traditional seat height (70 cm) allows you to welcome older guests without forcing them to perform physical maneuvers that are uncomfortable for their age. Of course, this also requires having a dining table of traditional size.
In conclusion, choosing chairs is more often a matter of:
- the proposed upholstery (leather, fabric, wood);
- colors and styles;
- how it complements the rest of the furniture and the room's design;
- etc.
However, seat height is a key factor in ensuring comfort and making sure there’s a place for everyone. While tables are just as important as the users when it comes to choosing the ideal chair, it’s also important to think ahead and select chairs that will grow with your family.
We recommend these other pages:
- What material should you choose for your dining room chairs?
- Why Choose Solid Wood Dining Chairs?
- What backrest height should you choose for your dining chairs?
- With or without armrests: Which type of dining chairs should you choose?
- Which chair legs should you choose for your dining room chairs?
- What should you look for when choosing sturdy dining chairs?
- How do you choose the right chairs to match your dining room?