37 Different Types of Dining Chairs (Designs and Styles)

Choosing dining room furniture is a daunting task. From coordinating styles, colors, and materials to envisioning the finished look, dining room interior design is no easy feat. Dining room chairs are an important part of your room. With so many different types of dining chairs around, there are a few things to consider when you look for your perfect set.

We get it. The many choices can be overwhelming. That's why we created this complete guide to all the different types of dining room chair designs and styles. Now you can make a confident choice that best suits your unique space.

Arm Chair vs. Side Chair

Let’s jump right in with the 2 main types of dining chairs: the side chair and the arm chair. Usually, arm chairs are placed at the ends of a table, surrounded by side chairs. However, some opt for all side chairs for a more casual look or even choose all arm chairs for extra comfort and formality. For a trendy look, many chairs at Cabinfield can be customized as a bar-height dining chair or even a swivel bar stool. Finally, a dining bench gives you extra seating space for family and friends.

2 main types of dining chairs: the arm chair vs. side chair.
(Pictured: The Santa Rosa Mission Dining Furniture collection)

25 Types of Dining Chair Designs

There are many different types of dining chairs, with variations in back, leg, arm, and seat designs. This comprehensive guide to dining chairs details the history and uses of each chair type. We cover classics like the slat back, to more unique designs such as the fan back and even an upcycled wine barrel chair. Let’s dive in!

A-Z glossary of different types of dining chairs:

Different types of dining chairs: A complete guide

1. Bow Back Chairs

Bow back dining chairs often feature a Windsor chair-style design. This colonial dining chair is handcrafted from solid wood and boasts a wooden spindle backrest and continuous arms. A classic American side chair, the bow-back chair looks attractive from any angle. Dating back to the late 16th century, this timeless dining chair works best in traditional or farmhouse-style dining room settings.

2. Crossback Dining Chairs

Crossback dining chairs (otherwise known as X-back chairs) lend charm and character to any space. These French Country style chairs feature a curved X back, offering an ergonomic backrest. Crossback chairs look great in farmhouse-style kitchens. A popular look for these much-loved farmhouse dining chairs is a two-tone wood and white paint finish.

3. Cut-Out Back Dining Chair

A cut-out back dining chair offers something a little different. These striking chairs feature geometric cutouts in their backs and are often associated with Mission style. The cut-outs showcase the craftsman’s woodworking expertise and accentuates the beauty of the wood grain. Depending on the shape of the cut-outs in a wooden chair back, this chair design can range from traditional to contemporary.

4. Fan Back Dining Chairs

A unique take on the classic slat-back design, this elegant dining chair style features a striking fan backrest. Handcrafted from solid wood, the back is expertly contoured for ergonomic comfort and an attractive side profile. Fanback chairs are versatile in style, and look at home in Mission, traditional, Postmodern, and contemporary settings.

5. Floating Arms Dining Chairs

The unique feature of this contemporary-style chair is floating arms. The arms of this sleek and chic style chair are not joined to the backrest, giving an illusion of floating. This modern arm design lends the chair a striking side profile. Floating arm chairs look best when paired with side chairs. The Sierra Amish Dining Chair pictured, together with our other floating arm chairs, are all available as side chairs as well.

6. Keyhole Dining Chairs

Keyhole dining chairs literally reflect their name. These wooden dining chairs feature a cut-out in a keyhole shape in their backs. Both the keyhole shape and the chair back are square, lending the chair a modern, minimalist look. An added benefit of keyhole-back chairs is that they are cool and comfortable, with the hole allowing for airflow.

7. King Louis Dining Chairs

This traditional style chair, also known as King Louis XVI, features a signature oval backrest. The high backrest with its inward concave design provides lumbar support and ergonomic comfort. An upholstered seat and back give this dining chair a touch of luxury. The oval-shaped backrest also makes this chair perfect for retro-inspired dining rooms.

8. Ladder Back Dining Chair

Also known as wooden slat back chairs, this popular dining chair style features horizontal slats or spindles on the backrest. So-called because it resembled the rungs of a ladder, the ladder back is a very versatile design. Classic and uncomplicated, it can be paired with turned legs for a farmhouse or traditional style dining room, or with straight legs for a sleek modern look.

9. Lattice Back Chair

A lattice back chair features an eye-catching cut-out back, representing a lattice. Iconic of Mission style where emphasis is placed on expert craftsmanship, these solid wood dining chairs are wonderful statement pieces. The lattice design can vary from perpendicular crossing lines like the Harlen pictured to a diagonal double X-shaped chair back.

10. Live Edge Chair

A live-edge dining chair features one or more edges where the natural shape of the wood is preserved. These rustic-style chairs invite nature’s raw beauty indoors, bringing woody character and charm to your space. With the Evergreen Live Edge Dining Chair pictured, a large live edge wood slab strikingly forms the back of the chair. For an even more naturally rustic look, try pairing these chairs with a live-edge dining table.

11. Low Back Chair

Low-back chairs provide great lumbar support for people with lower back problems. These chairs are often contemporary in style, with sleek lines and a clean profile. Solid wood low-back chairs like the Wilton (pictured) also work well in a mid-century modern or retro-style kitchen.

12. Open Back Chair

With clean lines and a striking silhouette, open-back dining chairs are here to make a statement. These contemporary-style dining chairs work well in a minimalist-style dining room, due to their simplicity and use of negative space. The straightforward design also calls attention to the natural beauty of the wood grain.

13. Parsons Dining Chair

Created in the 1930s and named for the Parsons School of Design in Paris, parsons dining chairs were intended as an alternative to the excessively ornate designs of the time. This versatile chair style is fully upholstered with a straight back, offering comfort and classic good looks. Parsons dining chairs work great in traditional fine dining settings, but their modern streamlined profile also lends them beautifully to transitional or contemporary décor.

14. Queen Anne Dining Chairs

Queen Anne dining chairs are recognized for classic elements and graceful curves. These can include urn-shaped or fiddleback splats, cabriole legs, and upholstered seats. Named after Queen Anne of England, this traditional style dining chair creates an elegant, light look while still offering plenty of comfort. The Berkshire chair pictured offers a modern Queen Anne style with tapered back legs.

15. Sheaf Back Dining Chairs

Also known as wheat back dining chairs, these solid wood chairs reflect the look of bundled wheat. A variation on the classic Windsor style chair, sheaf back chairs share similar design elements. These include an arched back (bow back) and turned legs. Wooden sheaf back chairs are perfect for a traditional-style dining room or kitchen.

16. Slat Back Dining Chairs

A classic favorite, the slat-back chair is one of the most traditional styles of chair backs. The rectilinear form and vertical slats are especially associated with the Mission style. The straightforward slats create an attractive silhouette and accentuate the beauty of the wood grain. This timeless dining chair works well in traditional, casual contemporary, or Mission style dining room settings.

17. Splat Back Chairs

A splat means the central vertical element in a chair back. Chair back splats can range significantly in style, from an ornate traditional look to a sleek contemporary design. Different eras and countries are associated with specific splat designs, from English to Gothic, French, and more.

18. Tufted Dining Chairs

These elegant dining chairs feature tufted upholsteries. Comfortable and attractive, these solid wood chairs have buttons on their backs for an extra padded backrest. Tufted dining chairs look best in formal dining room settings. They also work well as an accent chair at the ends of the table.

19. Turnbuckle Dining Chairs

Turnbuckle chairs lend your setting industrial style and rustic charm. These solid wood chairs feature metal turnbuckle accents in place of stretchers. Turnbuckles are essentially used for creating tension in cables, and the turnbuckles in chairs provide both strength and a stylish edge. Dining chairs with turnbuckles suit a coastal, industrial, or farmhouse style dining room.

20. Two-Tone Dining Chairs

Two-tone dining chairs are built from two wood types for a striking contrast effect. They can also be constructed from the same wood but finished with two different stain colors. Mixing woods in décor lends creative interest and attractive boldness to your room setting. White paint and wood are also commonly paired together for painted farmhouse dining furniture.

21. Upcycled Dining Chair

Upcycling is trending in 2023. Taking unwanted materials and creatively reusing them is a must for sustainable living. It also creates unique furniture, full of character and whimsical charm. Upcycled dining chairs can be created from anything, such as the King’s Inn dining chairs which are handcrafted from barrels.

22. Upholstered Dining Chair

Upholstered dining chairs offer an extra level of comfort. Choose from a fully upholstered dining chair or a chair with an upholstered seat. Upholsteries can range from plain or patterned fabrics to leather, and offer an opportunity to coordinate your dining set with your room décor. Upholstered chairs look great in formal, traditional settings, but also work well with contemporary looks.

 Did you know? Dining chairs at Cabinfield are fully customizable, including an enticing range of fabric and leather upholsteries. Grab your free fabric samples here!

23. Windsor Dining Chairs

Windsor dining chairs are characterized by a slender spindle back, a wooden seat, and splayed legs. Named for the English town of Windsor, this popular type of solid wood chair originated in the early 16th century. Windsor chair backs can be found on arm chairs, side chair,s and even pub stools. This classic beauty is perfect for traditional or farmhouse-styled dining rooms.

24. Wingback Chair

Also known as club chairs or fireside chairs, wingback chairs originated in 15th-century England. The winged sides were designed to trap heat and keep the sitter warm. However, they still continue to be popular today. With their grand profile, wingback chairs work well as an accent chair at the head of the table, or as a standalone accent by a wall.

25. Wraparound Chair

A wraparound chair surrounds you in full-body support. These chairs usually sport upholstered seats and back for extra comfort. Style does not lose out to comfort here, and the wrap-around design provides a bold and striking profile. These trendy chairs will be statement pieces in any contemporary space.

Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Browse Cabinfield's exciting and extensive collection of solid wood dining chairs.

Different Dining Chair Styles

The style of your dining chair is also important to consider. Dining chairs have fascinating origins, and different styles have developed over the course of history. While some chair designs are versatile and work with almost any décor theme, other chair types are suited for a specific style. From Mission and Farmhouse to rustic and more, this in-depth post covers all you need to know about different types of dining chair styles.

Glossary of dining chair styles:

There are many types of dining chair styles, to suit any décor theme

Art Deco Dining Chairs

Art Deco seating is characterized by rich colors and bold geometry. Elements of Art Deco dining chairs can include metallic accents, symmetrical or angular shapes that are pleasing to the eye, and lavish patterns or prints. Art Deco-style dining furniture infuses your space with decadent luxury and glamour. Fun and exuberant, this style is designed to make an impression.

Fairmont Amish Wingback Dining ChairsSalwick Amish Dining ChairsNemo Wingback Dining ChairsArt deco dining chair inspiration: Bold prints and luxury curves give these chairs an exuberant look

Contemporary Dining Chairs

Characteristics of contemporary-style dining furniture include square or gently curved edges, a clean design, and slender legs. A modern dining chair will have minimal ornamentation or intricate details, with the drama focused solely on geometric shapes and angles.

Explore more:
Furniture
How to Use 7 Days Teeth Whitening Powder?
Top 5 Striking Chandeliers for Hotel Lobby
The Best Patio Furniture, According To Our Home Experts
Four Hands Buyer's Guide

Macy Amish Dining ChairsWren Modern Crossback ChairDelphi Contemporary Amish Side ChairModern dining chair ideas: sleek lines and bold profiles

Farmhouse Dining Chairs

Farmhouse dining furniture brings warmth and character to your kitchen. Also known as country cottage style, it focuses on simplicity and rustic charm and usually features painted or distressed finishes. A popular farmhouse dining chair is the cross-back or ladder-back style.

Lorelai Reclaimed Wood Dining ChairsStanton Double Crossback Dining ChairsFargo Farmhouse Ladder Back ChairsRustic farmhouse style chair inspiration: White paint, two-tone wood and distressed finishes combine with ladder back or cross back designs

Industrial Dining Chairs

Industrial-style home décor is inspired by factories and building materials. Steel, brick, reclaimed wood, concrete, and exposed rafters are all commonly found in an industrial-style dining room. Industrial dining chairs often incorporate metal elements, such as steel stretchers or turnbuckles.

Loftwylde Industrial Dining Chairs with TurnbucklesCarla Industrial Dining ChairsTaylor Urban Industrial Dining ChairsIndustrial-style dining chair ideas: metal stretchers or turnbuckle accents contrast with the wooden chair frame and create a trendy urban factory look

Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs

Mid-century modern style room décor focuses on clean lines, angles, and geometric shapes. Sharing similarities with minimalist style, mid-century modern interiors emphasize simplicity and function. Mid-century modern dining chairs feature little ornamentation, wood with natural finishes, and tapered legs.

Wilton Amish Dining ChairsMarque Amish Side ChairArcola Amish Kitchen ChairsMid-century modern dining chair ideas: Simple designs, natural wood finishes and tapered legs

Minimalist Dining Chairs

Minimalist dining décor is centered around the theme of “less is more”. With clean lines, a limited neutral color palette, and a focus on functionality, beauty is achieved through simplicity. Minimalist-style dining chairs often feature bold angles or geometric shapes, creating drama through the use of negative space.

Hans Designer Dining ChairsMyra Designer Dining ChairsWind Amish Dining ChairsMinimalist dining chair ideas: Simple lines and bold shapes create drama through negative space

Mission Dining Chairs

Mission style emphasizes expert craftsmanship and solid wood integrity. Also known as Craftsman or Arts & Crafts style, the furniture is simple, durable, and functional. Traditional woodworking techniques are showcased by exposed tenons or corbels. Mission-style dining chairs are characterized by vertical or horizontal lines, chunky square legs, and iconic slats or spindle backs.

Del Mar Amish Dining ChairsConestoga Amish Dining ChairsBoulder Creek Amish Dining ChairsMission Craftsman style dining chair ideas: iconic slatted chair backs, exposed tenons and ebony inlays

Rustic Dining Chairs

Rustic dining furniture transforms your space into a magical mountain lodge retreat or charming log cabin. Elements of rustic-style dining chairs include log chair construction, rough-sawn or distressed finishes, and metal accents. For sustainable dining chairs full of character and natural beauty, reclaimed wood dining chairs are very popular.

Cedar Grove Amish Dining Set in rustic style

Hickory Game Table Amish ChairsElkhorn Log Dining ChairsHickory Bentwood Amish Dining ChairsRustic dining chair inspiration: Hickory twigs or red cedar log construction for warmth and character

Scandi Dining Chairs

Scandi, or Scandinavian style, can be summed up as chic minimalism. With a focus on clean, simple lines and fresh beauty, Scandi style first became popular in mid-20th century. Scandi-style dining chairs are usually built from a light stained wood, and blend comfort and support with modern style.

Fjord Designer Dining ChairsBaza Amish Dining ChairsSkaland Modern Wingback ChairsScandinavian dining chair ideas: Fresh white upholsteries and light wooden tapered legs

Traditional Dining Chairs

Common elements of traditional style dining furniture include rich colors, luxury fabrics, and ornate woodwork designs. Darker woods like cherry and walnut are popular for traditional furniture. Windsor and Queen Anne, amongst many other elaborate or formal designs, are traditional-style dining chairs.

Cumberland Dining ChairsSeneca Bent Paddle Windsor ChairsChelsea Dining ChairsTraditional style dining chair inspiration: Turned legs, tufted fabrics or Windsor-style backs for a classic look

Transitional Dining Chairs

Transitional style furniture is a fusion of traditional and modern. Fresh colors, soft lines and modern curves make a statement instead of ornate embellishments and vintage fabrics. Transitional style dining chairs feature bold patterned upholsteries on a classic style chair design.

Niles Dining ChairsSheldon Parsons Quick Ship ChairsBayfield Dining ChairsTransitional dining chair ideas: fusing classic form with contemporary fabrics

Did you know? Our dining chairs are fully customizable, including an extensive choice of fabric or leather upholsteries. Patterned or plain, you can dream up your transitional-style dining chairs exactly how you want. Get your fabric samples!

What kind of dining chair is best for me?

In summary, there is a vast range of dining chair designs and styles to choose from. Whether your taste is conservative, trendy, rustic, elegant, casual, or flamboyant, there is a dining chair for you. At Cabinfield, the journey does not stop here. Types of dining chairs can also differ in materials and finishes. With choices in wood species and an enticing selection of fabric and leather upholsteries, our solid wood dining chairs are fully customizable. With options for seat and leg styles too, your dream dining chair set is within your reach.

Grab your free wood samples and dream up the dining chair set that best suits your space. With solid wood integrity and heirloom construction, discover handcrafted dining chairs designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

We are with you every step of your journey. Still debating between types of dining chairs? Not sure which chairs to pair with your table? Confused about seat styles? Our friendly furniture experts are only a phone call away.
Call: 866-450-9663
Email: sales@cabinfield.com

Shopping for dining chairs isn’t easy! There are SO many options where even the “most affordable” ones still add up to A LOT of money because you at least need four for most dining tables. But Emily discovered one easy way to narrow your search…The curved-back chair. There’s honestly no downside. They feel great to sit on, you can comfortably converse with the person next to you, AND they look great. Why do they look great, do you ask? Well, if you know us, you know we love to mix and match shapes (ie. you don’t want all squares or all curves in one space). What a curved-back chair does, especially for a rectangular table, is nicely contrast that shape. Your guests will ask you if you hired a designer! Isn’t that what we all really want?? But the truth is you are just smart and learned all this good design advice for free, here:) It’s all about visual interest baby (and comfort)!

Ceremonie Green Mohair Dining Chair

This green mohair dining chair from Crate & Barrel was an INSTANT love match for Emily and her sunroom. It’s also what really made her “team curved-back” dining chair after getting some real use out of them.

Sure, they are clearly beautiful, but more than that, they are so comfortable to sit in. And I can attest to that! I usually sit in that middle one on the right (my unofficial farmhouse sunroom work chair). So while this table is a pill shape and isn’t technically a rectangle, there are SO many other straight, graphic lines in this room. These chairs really soften the overall look. Then when you want to chat with the person next to you, that little curve gives you a really comfortable armrest. 10/10!

So in hopes of helping you find a functional AND beautiful dining chair. Here are our favorites online right now:

Let’s start out real strong with what looks (and is rated high) to be a beautiful and comfortable dining chair! The color is gorgeous and also comes in three other more neutral options. At $399 it’s not cheap (few good dining chairs are) but it is a stunner and a bestseller so that is saying something, right?! Also, it could easily be a great accent chair:)

A modern take on the classic wishbone that I truly love. The light ash wood is so pretty with that natural flecked wool-blend fabric (which also looks very forgiving with spills). The curved back may not be upholstered but I’ve sat in wishbone chairs because and love how they feel. Originally, this chair was $349 but Crate & Barrel is having a Dining Room Event (aka a good sale) so right now this puppy is $279 each. Oh, and it’s made from sustainable wood!

Back to upholstered backs! If you know me you know I love this one. The scale of the tubular back is slim and chic but still looks substantial enough to be comfortable for maximum eating and conversation time around the dining table! While this cutie is $648 each, it’s a very special and unique chair. If you go to the product page and see it in people’s homes you’ll see what I mean.

Modern and moody! This is the same fabric in a different color as the first one but this one is clearly more sleek and minimal. I also think the style and color are wildly versatile and can work with a ton of different home styles. This cutie comes in at $379 with a 4.6-star rating!

What a vintage Shaker-inspired stunner. But I also feel like the design very much took cues from the Scandinavian vintage dining chairs we saw Em considering for the farmhouse. Honestly, it makes total sense since the style/vibe of Emily’s house is Scandinavian Farmhouse:) It’s also a beautiful dining chair that looks comfortable and is easy to clean up with that leather seat.

More leather and more modern shapes! This pricey ($995) but beautiful chair would elevate anyone’s home. It’s current yet timeless at the same time. I just think it’s the coolest.

I found an affordable AND colorful option at $100 a pop! Target came through with a simple, luxe, and fun dining chair. A gently curved back with a gentler piece tag. It also comes in cream and green however those colors seem to be sold out online but you can check back for them.

Man, I love this one too! Very similar to Emily’s chairs but the wooden, darker, warmer version. Look at that joinery detail that says “modern” instead of “only farmhouse”. The seat also comes in a cream but I feel like this color is a bit more forgiving. Both are beautiful though. Love the options!

Another vintage-inspired piece that is made from real wood and is still only $269 (I know that is still a lot but it’s a great price for a piece like this). It also comes in a few different colors if you love the shape but want another tone.

I clearly needed to add in some other materials so rattan it is! This chair truly looks like it’s giving you a hug and how the seat is shaped also looks really comfortable. It comes in this natural color, black as well as white, and is $520 each. It would add not only that beautiful contrasting shape but also help you mix in another texture into your home!

For this one, it’s a little less rattan and a little more cushion which is nice for you and your guests. It’s neutral but still interesting and again looks really comfortable chair! The price tag of $600 isn’t nothing but if you have the budget and want a beautiful chair, this could be it.

Another far more affordable option at $130! No assembly is required and this sleek but rounded design is perfect for almost every home. It also comes in a light wood:)

Yikes, I also love this one. You can lean back with extra cushion and comfort, the frame wood is kiln-dried which they say makes it sturdier, and it’s gorgeous. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive at $449.

Reid Wood Upholstered Dining Chair (Set of 2)

How good is that wood detail under the arms? It’s super simple but a nice touch. This one also comes in a handful of other colors and for two chairs it costs $750.

This one might be cheating because calling this a curved-back dining chair is a stretch but look how COOL it is. The shape of the back is too good and that dark mauve color is just to die for. This chair comes in at $349.

That’s it for curved back chairs! More than anything I hope this helps you think about mixing shapes and profiles when designing a room. This is a great start if you are in the market.

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Emily Henderson and ARCIFORM | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: My Favorite Spot In The Farmhouse: Our Sunroom Reveal!

0

0

votes

Article Rating