The right dining chairs can transform a dining space, bringing together comfort, natural textures and personal style. Whether you're furnishing a contemporary Dubai apartment or a spacious villa, choosing dining chairs involves more than finding a design you love.
From solid oak and woven rattan to linen and bouclé upholstery, each material offers a different look and seating experience.
At The Attic Dubai, we believe dining furniture should be both beautiful and practical. Here's how to choose chairs that complement your table, suit your lifestyle and enhance your interiors.
TL;DR: Which Dining Chair Should You Buy?
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For Japandi and Scandinavian homes: Choose natural oak, woven textures and simple silhouettes.
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For contemporary interiors: Consider dark wood finishes, curved backs or bouclé upholstery.
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For everyday family dining: Prioritise comfort, durability and ease of cleaning.
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For smaller spaces: Armless chairs and open-frame designs can create a lighter appearance.
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For longer, leisurely meals: Upholstered seats and supportive backrests are worth considering.
Explore our Dining Chairs Collection to discover designs in natural wood, rattan, linen and bouclé.
1. Which Dining Chair Material Is Right for You?
The material you choose influences not only the chair's appearance but also its comfort, maintenance and suitability for everyday use.
Natural Wood: Timeless and Versatile
Wooden dining chairs introduce warmth and organic character. Light oak finishes complement Japandi, Scandinavian and minimalist interiors, while darker woods add richness and contrast.
Our pick: Wishbone Chair, Natural
With its distinctive curved back and woven seat, the Wishbone Chair brings understated elegance to a dining room. Its airy silhouette works particularly well with solid wood tables and neutral interiors.
Oak & Rattan: Natural Texture
Rattan adds warmth and handcrafted character, making it a natural companion to wood, stone and textured finishes.
Our pick: Hanoi Natural Oak & Rattan Dining Chair
The Hanoi combines an oak frame, curved rattan backrest and upholstered seat. It's an attractive choice for relaxed contemporary, Scandinavian and coastal-inspired spaces.
Explore the Hanoi Dining Chair
Upholstered Wood: Comfort Meets Design
For a softer seating experience, consider dining chairs upholstered in linen or bouclé.
Linen offers a natural, understated appearance, while bouclé adds texture and a cosy, contemporary feel. Both work beautifully with wooden dining tables.
Our pick: Hartford Linen Wooden Dining Chair, Dark Brown
The Hartford combines a solid oak frame with beige linen upholstery. Its warm dark-brown finish adds depth to neutral interiors without overwhelming the space.
Our pick: Aruba T-back Bouclé Dining Chair
Featuring a distinctive T-shaped backrest, oak frame and cushioned bouclé seat, the Aruba introduces a sculptural element to modern dining spaces.
Explore the Hartford Dining Chair | Explore the Aruba Dining Chair
2. Getting the Dining Chair Dimensions Right
Even the most beautiful chair needs to fit comfortably around your dining table.
Before buying, check these three measurements:
| Measurement | General guideline |
|---|---|
| Seat height | Approximately 43–48 cm for many standard dining tables |
| Seat-to-tabletop distance | Aim for around 25–30 cm |
| Table-edge space per person | Allow roughly 60 cm, more for wider chairs |
For dining armchairs, remember to check the armrest height against the underside of your table. A chair may be comfortable to sit in but too tall to slide beneath the tabletop.
Also measure the available space between the table legs, not just the tabletop length.
3. Which Dining Chair Style Suits Your Home?
Japandi & Scandinavian
Think pale oak, natural rattan, woven seats and understated silhouettes. These materials create an airy, balanced look that works beautifully with neutral interiors.
The Wishbone and Hanoi chairs are particularly suitable for this aesthetic.
Wabi-Sabi & Organic Interiors
Wabi-sabi celebrates natural textures, subtle imperfections and quiet simplicity.
The Florence Wood & Rattan Curved Back Chair is an attractive choice, combining a sculptural wooden frame with a woven rattan backrest and soft upholstery.
Contemporary & Modern
For a more dramatic dining room, consider dark wood frames, contrasting upholstery and distinctive shapes.
The Hartford and Aruba chairs bring warmth and texture to modern interiors without sacrificing a clean, refined appearance.
4. Should Your Dining Chairs Match Your Table?
Not necessarily. Mixing complementary materials and finishes often creates a more interesting dining space than purchasing an entirely matching set.
Try these combinations:
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Reclaimed wood table + rattan chairs: Adds softness and organic texture.
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Light oak table + dark brown chairs: Creates contrast and visual depth.
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Wooden table + bouclé chairs: Introduces warmth and tactile comfort.
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Rectangular table + dining armchairs at either end: Creates a more formal, balanced arrangement.
The secret is to maintain harmony through proportions, materials and colour rather than matching every finish exactly.
5. Comfort & Practicality: What Else Should You Consider?
If your dining chairs are used daily, comfort should be just as important as appearance.
Consider seat depth, back support, upholstery and how easily the chairs can be moved.
For family homes, think about how the materials will cope with spills and frequent use. Wooden frames are generally straightforward to maintain, while upholstered seats require care appropriate to their fabric.
For homes where dining often extends into long conversations, cushioned seats and supportive backrests may be particularly appealing.
Whenever possible, test a chair before purchasing. Comfort varies from person to person.
6. Caring for Your Dining Chairs
A little regular maintenance helps preserve the beauty of natural materials.
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Wood: Dust with a soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaning chemicals.
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Rattan: Clean gently with a soft brush and avoid excessive moisture.
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Linen and bouclé: Vacuum regularly and follow the product's fabric-care instructions.
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General care: Wipe spills promptly and use protective pads beneath chair legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for dining chairs?
It depends on your lifestyle. Wood offers versatility and natural character, rattan adds organic texture, and upholstered chairs provide a softer seating experience.
Are wooden dining chairs comfortable?
Yes, provided their dimensions and backrest design suit the user. Woven seats, curved backs and upholstery can offer different seating experiences.
Can I mix different dining chair styles?
Absolutely. Mixing chairs can create a distinctive, curated look. Choose designs with complementary materials, colours or proportions, and ensure their seat heights work with your table.
How many dining chairs fit around a 180 cm table?
A 180 cm rectangular dining table will often accommodate six people, depending on the table-leg placement and chair width. Always check the usable space between the legs.
Find Your Perfect Dining Chairs at The Attic
From the natural simplicity of oak and rattan to the refined comfort of linen and bouclé, the right dining chairs bring personality and warmth to your home.
Discover our curated range of wooden and upholstered dining chairs, selected for their distinctive materials, thoughtful design and timeless appeal.