I’m currently working on the dining room design for our new home and I’ve fallen in love with SO many chairs….seriously, it's been so hard to choose. 😊

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Anyway, I thought it might be helpful to share some key things to consider when selecting dining chairs for your family to make the process easier for you the next time you’re in the market for new chairs.

In our family, dining chairs are not only used at meal times, but also when we play games, do homework, work on art or crafts and when we’re building Lego. Because dining chairs serve such an important role in our everyday life, they have to meet certain criteria in order to live up to tasks we use them for.

So with that in mind, here are some key factors to consider when buying the perfect dining chairs to fit your family’s lifestyle.

1. COMFORT IS KEY
Your dining chairs should be comfortable enough for both quick meals and long conversations. Look for chairs with cushioned seats, ergonomic backs or even upholstered options that provide extra support. If you’re concerned about spills (hello, children!), opt for easy-to-clean materials like wood, metal, leather (real or faux) and performance fabrics.

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2. DURABILITY MATTERS
With kids, pets and the general hustle of life, your dining chairs need to withstand daily wear and tear. Solid wood, metal or sturdy plastic (if you still have little ones) are excellent choices for frames. If you prefer upholstered dining chairs, ensure the fabric is stain-resistant or removable for easy cleaning. Also ensure the weight capacity of the chair is suitable for your family and visitors so that you get the most longevity out of your chairs.

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3. BALANCE STYLE & PRACTICALITY
While aesthetics are important, practicality should never take a backseat. Choose a style that complements your dining table and overall decor but also works for your lifestyle. For example, mid-century modern chairs with clean lines are timeless and easy to maintain, while farmhouse-style chairs with a distressed finish can hide minor scratches or dings and cushy, upholstered chairs are perfect for long dinner conversations when entertaining.

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4. SIZE & SCALE
Measure your dining area and table before shopping to ensure your chairs will fit comfortably. Leave at least 24 inches of space between each chair to allow for elbow room and easy movement. Also, consider the height of the dining chairs relative to your table—most dining tables are around 30 inches tall, so aim for chairs with seat heights of 18-20 inches and if the chair has arms, make sure they will fit under your table when tucked in.

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5. LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY TO MOVE
If you regularly rearrange your space for hosting or need to move chairs around for other activities, lightweight chairs are a practical choice. Look for options with sturdy yet portable designs.

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6. PROTECT YOUR FLOORS
Avoid the frustration of scratched or damaged flooring by choosing chairs with protective features. Look for chairs with rubber or felt pads on the legs or consider using a rug or adding stick-on pads to prevent scratches and reduce noise when chairs are moved.

Hendesi Heriz Cream Washable Rug by Ruggable

7. KID-FRIENDLY FEATURES
For moms with young kids, prioritize chairs with rounded edges to avoid bumps and bruises. Chairs with wipeable surfaces or slipcovers are lifesavers for managing spills and crumbs.

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8. BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS
Finally, set a budget before you start shopping. There are plenty of stylish and durable options at various price points. Consider mixing and matching chairs to save money while adding visual interest to your dining space.

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I hope you found this helpful.  Did you know that Orangetree Interiors specializes in creating family-friendly homes that work as hard as you do. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or transform your entire home, our virtual interior design services are tailored to busy moms like you.  Let us handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.