Dining Chairs & Kitchen Chairs

Dining Chairs: Where Every Meal Becomes a Moment

Picture this: it’s Sunday dinner with the family, and everyone is actually sitting still for once. The pasta is hot, the conversation is flowing, and nobody is complaining about their chair being uncomfortable. Or perhaps it’s Tuesday morning, and you’re rushing through breakfast, but at least your back isn’t hurting. That’s the difference a great dining chair makes.

Here’s the truth about dining chairs that often goes unsaid: you use them far more frequently than you realize. Breakfast before work, kids doing homework at the table, late-night snacks when you’re trying to be quiet, and game nights that stretch past midnight. Dining chairs aren't just for special occasions; they work overtime every single day. So yes, getting them right truly matters.

At Ashley Canada, we understand this. Finding the right dining chairs means balancing comfort, style, and the practical reality that spills are inevitable. It’s not just about creating a magazine-perfect dining room (although we can help with that too); it’s about chairs that withstand the rigours of daily life while looking presentable when guests drop by.

Breaking Down Your Dining Chair Options

Every household has different needs, and your dining chairs should align with how you actually live. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:

Upholstered Dining Chairs - If you want extra comfort for long dinners, upholstered chairs with cushioned seats make lingering at the table much more appealing. They’re perfect for those who love dinner parties that evolve into hours of conversation. Many come with performance fabrics that handle spills better than you might expect, which is great when you have kids or that one friend who gestures wildly with their wine glass.

Wooden Dining Chairs - Classic, sturdy, and built to last through years of family dinners, wood chairs bring warmth to your dining space and are easy to clean. Spilled maple syrup? Just wipe it off. Crayon marks from the kids? Gone in seconds. Plus, wood ages beautifully, developing character over time instead of simply looking worn out.

Metal Dining Chairs - If you’re looking for a modern, industrial vibe, metal chairs fit the bill. They’re incredibly durable, ideal for households that put furniture through its paces, and they add a contemporary touch to your dining room. Bonus: they’re typically lighter than wooden chairs, making them easy to move around when you need to accommodate extra guests.

Upholstered with Arms vs. Armless - Chairs with arms feel more formal and provide a place to rest your elbows during those long Sunday brunches. Armless chairs? They slide under the table more easily, take up less visual space, and allow you to fit more people around the table when needed. Some people mix both styles, placing armed chairs at the heads of the table and armless chairs along the sides.

Finding Chairs That Actually Work for Your Space

Choosing dining chairs isn’t just about what looks good in the showroom. You need to consider your actual dining situation.

Measure Your Table and Space - This is more important than you might think. Ensure there’s at least 12 inches between the seat of the chair and the table for comfortable legroom. Leave 36 to 48 inches between the table edge and the wall so that people can get in and out of their chairs without doing an awkward shuffle. Nobody wants to feel trapped at dinner!

Think About Who's Sitting - Do you have elderly parents who visit regularly? Chairs with arms provide extra support for them when getting in and out. Have kids who fidget through meals? You might want to skip the fancy fabrics in favour of something more forgiving. If you host dinner parties often, comfortable chairs encourage guests to linger (for better or worse).

Match Your Table Style (Or Don't) - Here’s a secret: your chairs don’t need to match your table perfectly. Mixing wood tones or pairing a rustic table with modern chairs can look fantastic. The key is to ensure they’re the right height and that there’s something tying them together, whether that’s colour, finish, or overall vibe.

Fabric, Wood, or Faux Leather?

Let’s be honest about life in Canada. We deal with everything from muddy boots to pet hair and the occasional red wine mishap. Your dining chairs need to handle it all.

Fabric chairs offer endless style options and tend to feel cozier for long dinners. Look for performance fabrics with stain resistance if you've got an active household. Some come with removable, washable seat covers, which is basically a game-changer when someone inevitably spills spaghetti sauce.

Wood Chairs are the workhorses of dining furniture. Wood chairs are easy to clean, incredibly durable, and complement almost any design style. A quick wipe-down after meals will keep them looking good for years to come.

Faux Leather Chairs bring that sophisticated look while being surprisingly practical. Spills wipe right off, they're comfortable without needing cushions, and they get better looking as they age. Perfect if you want that upscale feel without the high-maintenance upkeep.

Frequently Asked Dining Chair Questions

How many dining chairs do I need? Count your regular household members, then add one or two extra for guests. Most people find that having chairs for 6 to 8 people works well, even if daily dinners are smaller. Extra chairs can always live somewhere else until you need them.

What's the standard height for dining chairs? Most dining chairs are between 18 and 20 inches from the floor to the seat, which pairs well with standard dining tables that are 28 to 30 inches high. For counter-height tables, you'll need taller chairs (24 to 26 inches), and bar-height tables require barstools (28 to 30 inches).

Should all my dining chairs match? Not necessarily! Mixing chair styles can create a more personalized look. Some people use matching chairs on the sides and different ones at the ends of the table. Others mix colours within the same style. As long as the heights are compatible, you have plenty of options.

How do I clean my dining chairs? For wooden chairs, use a slightly damp cloth along with an appropriate wood cleaner. For upholstered chairs, vacuum them regularly and spot-clean spills immediately with a fabric-safe cleaner. Faux leather chairs require occasional conditioning to maintain their appearance. Always check the care instructions first.

Can I mix wooden and upholstered chairs? Absolutely! This combination is quite popular. You might use upholstered chairs at the heads of the table for a formal look and wooden or metal chairs along the sides. Alternatively, you can do the opposite. It’s all about your personal style!

Ready to Find Your Perfect Dining Chairs?

Dining chairs are where life happens. They’re where kids reluctantly eat their vegetables, where you catch up with your partner at the end of the day, and where holiday dinners turn into hours of stories and laughter.

Whether you’re looking for comfortable upholstery, durable wood, or sleek modern metal, Ashley Canada has dining chairs that fit your space and style.

Browse our dining chair collection and discover the seats that make coming to the table something everyone truly wants to do!