What is a dining chair?

A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.

How tall should dining chairs be?

Dining chairs should be around 18 inches tall. Since most dining tables are 30 inches high, 18 inch tall dining chairs allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. As a general rule of thumb, there should be around 12 inches between a dining table and a seat.

What is a carver dining chair?

A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.

What is the difference between dining chairs and accent chairs?

The difference between dining chairs and accent chairs is primarily their function. Generally, dining chairs are used in dining areas, where they provide comfortable seating for people to use while eating at tables. You'll normally find accent chairs in seating areas and other parts of the home, where users can sit on them while they read, make conversation or enjoy other relaxing activities. Shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between an accent chair and a dining chair?

The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Are leather dining chairs worth it?

Many furniture lovers feel that leather dining chairs are worth it. Due to its natural beauty, leather can elevate dining rooms and add interest to interior designs by bringing in a new texture. Leather is also fairly easy to wipe clean, and top-grain and full-grain upholstery often hold up well to the effects of frequent use. Keep in mind that other factors contribute to the overall quality of a chair, such as its frame materials and construction methods. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of leather dining chairs.

Is it worth recovering dining chairs?

Yes, it may be worth recovering dining chairs. If the upholstery on your chairs is worn or stained, but the frames are in good condition, recovering them can restore their appearance and allow you to continue using your furniture for more years. However, there may be some downsides to recovering. Sometimes, the material and labor costs may be more than what you might pay for new chairs. Recovering some vintage or antique dining chairs may also diminish their value. If your chairs are vintage or antique, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or antique dealer to learn about the potential impact of replacing the fabric before you proceed with the recovery process. It is also a good idea to get estimates from a few professional furniture repairers to see how much the project will cost. Shop a large collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

What are the chairs at a dining table called?

The chairs at a dining table are generally just called dining chairs. Chairs without arms that go along the sides of a table are side chairs. Typically positioned at the ends of tables, dining chairs framed by arms are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.

What is a dining chair with arms called?

A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?

To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.

Is leather good for dining chairs?

Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.

Do chairs have to match the dining table?

Dining room chairs and dining tables do not necessarily have to match.

What is a dining room chair called?

A dining room chair is called a dining chair. However, depending on its style, you may also see a dining chair referred to by other names. Armless ones placed along the long sides of rectangular and oval tables are side chairs, while the chairs with arms that often go at the heads of tables are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.

Should dining room chairs have arms?

Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.

What are the head dining chairs called?

What the head dining chairs are called varies. With many dining room sets, the chairs designed to go at the heads or ends of the tables are flanked by arms. As a result, people often refer to them as dining armchairs or dining end chairs. If the chairs lack arms, they're usually described as end chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining chairs.

What is a good width for a dining chair?

A good width for a dining chair is generally considered to be 16 to 20 inches. Chairs within this size range typically provide enough space for most people to sit comfortably. Shop a collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Why are dining chairs with arms called carvers?

No one knows for sure why some dining chairs with arms are called carvers. However, it likely relates to the historical use of these chairs. Technically, carver is the nickname for a specific type of dining chair with arms, not for all dining armchairs. A Colonial American design, a carver chair features a backrest that wraps around the sides and forms arms. Traditionally, the carver chair went at the head of the table, and often the family member responsible for carving the primary entrée sat at this place. As a result, the chair's purpose for seating the carver of the meal is one potential explanation for the nickname. Another is that the name comes from John Carver, the governor of the Plymouth Colony. Reportedly, Carver owned one of these chairs, and people began referring to them by his name as a result. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of carver chairs.

What is the standard size of a dining room chair?

The seat of a dining room chair is typically 18 inches from the floor and 16 to 20 inches wide.

Do my dining room chairs have to match my table?

No, your dining room table and chairs do not need to match. Coordinated colors and styles can add visual flair to a space, and is a great way to show off your personal style. Shop a collection of dining room tables and chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do I protect my woven dining room chairs?

To protect your woven dining chairs, try a fabric protection spray designed for the specific type of material. Follow the application directions printed on the bottle for best results. Also, wipe your chairs clean after every meal with a slightly damp cloth to reduce the risk of stains. On 1stDibs, find a range of woven dining chairs.

Dining Chair Frame

Wooden Chair Seats

Modular Lounge

Gondola Chairs

1960s Dining Room Set

White Washed Oak

Mullca Stacking Chairs

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Leather Scandinavian Chair

Category

20th Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of Four Chrome and Vinyl Dining Chairs

$1,725

Set of Six Linge Roset Finn Dining Chairs

Located in Dallas, TX

Set of six modern dining chairs with a wood base frame with curved seat give an illusion of being

Category

20th Century French Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of Six Linge Roset Finn Dining Chairs

$1,450

Set Six Kai Kristiansen Teak "Compass" Dining Chairs

Located in Chicago, IL

Set of six dining chairs in refinished sculptural teak framing by the Danish designer, Kai

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Teak

Set Six Kai Kristiansen Teak "Compass" Dining Chairs

$6,300

Set Of Six Upholstered Dining Chairs, France, 1960s

Located in New York, NY

1960's French set of six dining chairs. Black metal frame. Upholstered arms and back. Arm height 27

Category

Vintage 1960s French Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Iron

Set Of Six Upholstered Dining Chairs, France, 1960s

$6,950 / set

Set of Six German Post Modern Dining Chairs

Located in Miami, FL

Set of six grey steel frame dining chairs with wood seats.

Category

Late 20th Century German Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of Six German Post Modern Dining Chairs

$12,000

Set of 6 French Art Deco Dining Chairs

Located in Troy, MI

Classic Art Deco era French dining chairs with streamlined wood frame featuring high backs and

Category

Vintage 1940s French Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Set of 6 French Art Deco Dining Chairs

$3,495

Eight Danish Dining Chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen

By Ib Kofod-Larsen

Located in Oakland, CA

8 Mid-century Danish dining room chairs. Solid walnut frame with molded teak plywood back rest with

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Eight Danish Dining Chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen

$7,000

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs

By Edward Wormley

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Handsome pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs. Jet black chair frames with arms

Category

20th Century American Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs

$2,500

Set of Ten High Backed Oak Dining Chairs

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

backed dining chairs having solid oak frames. The arched backs and seats are supported on reeded scroll

Category

20th Century French Country Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak

Set of Ten High Backed Oak Dining Chairs

$4,107 / set

Louis XV Style Dining Chairs Set of 12

Located in Pomona, CA

Set of 12 Louis XV style dining chairs. The frame has green painted accents. Original green velvet

Category

Vintage 1950s American Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Louis XV Style Dining Chairs Set of 12

$8,000 / set

Set of Six Dining Chairs by Maison Jansen

Located in Manhasset, NY

Set of French Louis XIV style dining chairs, distressed creme-peinte wood frame with parcel-gilt

Category

Vintage 1940s French Louis XIV Dining Room Chairs

Set of Six Dining Chairs by Maison Jansen

$4,750

Set of 8 Elegant 1950s mahogany dining chairs

Located in St. Louis, MO

Set of 8 (2 arm and 6 side) dining chairs, sculptural mahogany frames with curved bentwood backs

Category

Vintage 1950s American Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Set of 8 Elegant 1950s mahogany dining chairs

$5,800

SIX DINING CHAIRS UPHOLSTERED IN A LUXURIOUS ULTRASUEDE

Located in New York, NY

Set of six (2 arm and 4 side) brass framed dining chairs in the style of Milo Baughman, upholstered

Category

Vintage 1970s American Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

SIX DINING CHAIRS UPHOLSTERED IN A LUXURIOUS ULTRASUEDE

$4,800

Set of Six Vintage Melchiorre Bega Dining Chairs

By Melchiorre Bega

Located in New York, NY

Set of six vintage Melchiorre Bega dining chairs. Walnut frames with black velvet upholstery.

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of Six Vintage Melchiorre Bega Dining Chairs

$17,250 / set

Set of Eight CW Kittinger Mahogany Dining Chairs

By Kittinger

Located in Bridgeport, CT

An outstanding set of Mid-Century English style solid mahogany frame dining chairs in very good

Category

20th Century English Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set of Eight CW Kittinger Mahogany Dining Chairs

$4,000

Set of Six Dining Chairs by Niels Kofoed

By Niels Koefoed, Hornslet Møbelfabrik

Located in Oslo, NO

Set of six dining chairs on a mahogany frame. This is model 'Ingrid'. Designed by Niels Kofoed

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of Six Dining Chairs by Niels Kofoed

$4,000

White Bouclé Chrome 1970s Dining Chairs by DIA

By Design Institute America

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern dining chairs featuring chrome frames with newly upholstered off-white

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Chrome

White Bouclé Chrome 1970s Dining Chairs by DIA

$2,600 / set

Set of 8 Chippendale Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs

Located in Bradenton, FL

Stunning Set of eight Chippendale mahogany dining chairs. Solid mahogany frames with carvings all

Category

Early 20th Century French Chippendale Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set of 8 Chippendale Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs

$5,600 / set

Mid century leather and wood dining chairs, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage dining chairs with a black wooden frame and with a thin leather of nicely patinated leather

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid century leather and wood dining chairs, 1960s

$2,076 / set

Vintage Coastal Italian Carved Bamboo Dining Chairs - Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A spectacular pair of vintage Coastal dining chairs. Beautiful carved bamboo frame with inset cane

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Vintage Coastal Italian Carved Bamboo Dining Chairs - Pair

$1,450 / set

Set Of Eight Mastercraft Upholstered Ebonized Dining Chairs

Located in Chicago, IL

Designed in the Empire, or Napoleonic, style, these amazing dining chairs have frames of ebonized

Category

Late 20th Century American Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set Of Eight Mastercraft Upholstered Ebonized Dining Chairs

$14,400

French Directoire Style Set of Six Dining Chairs

Located in Austin, TX

Set of six French Directoire style dining chairs. Hand-carved frames with cream patined finish and

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Directoire Dining Room Chairs

French Directoire Style Set of Six Dining Chairs

$4,900

Vintage Brutalist Dining Chairs, Set of 10, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Midcentury Brutalist dining chairs with black wooden frames and white bouclé seats. Very sturdy

Category

Vintage 1970s German Brutalist Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Brutalist Dining Chairs, Set of 10, 1970s

$1,655 / set

Set of 4 Oak Brutalist Dining Chairs, 70s

Located in Landgraaf, NL

Set of 4 oak brutalist dining chairs, 70s. Solid oak frame with reupholstered seat in bouclé fabric

Category

Mid-20th Century European Brutalist Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Set of 4 Oak Brutalist Dining Chairs, 70s

$2,254

Set of Six Italian Chrome Leather Dining Chairs

Located in London, London

Six dining chairs Chromed steel tubular frames Red leather seats and back Postmodern style

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Six Italian Chrome Leather Dining Chairs

$1,362 / set

French Louis XVI Set of Six Dining Chairs

Located in Austin, TX

French Louis XVI style set of six, medallion back, dining room chairs. Hand-carved beechwood frames

Category

Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs

French Louis XVI Set of Six Dining Chairs

$4,900

Set of Eight Polished Black Nickel Dining Chairs

Located in New York, NY

Elegant set of eight polished black nickel dining chairs. The elegant frames have a high gloss

Category

Vintage 1970s American Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Nickel

Set of Eight Polished Black Nickel Dining Chairs

$3,800

Set of Six Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs

Located in Doylestown, PA

A nice set of 6 Louis XVI style dining chairs in white painted frames with base stretchers and

Category

Vintage 1940s French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Set of Six Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs

$5,500

Set of Ten Italian Country Style Dining Chairs

Located in London, London

Dining chairs Set of ten Elm frame Rush seats Seat height 45cm Italy Early to mid 20th

Category

Mid-20th Century European Country Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Rush, Elm

Set of Ten Italian Country Style Dining Chairs

$3,416 / set

Set of Six 1970s Gold Lacquered Dining Chairs

Located in London, London

A set of six dining chairs Gold lacquered frames Orange corduroy upholstery French 1970s Seat

Category

Late 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Six 1970s Gold Lacquered Dining Chairs

$677 / set

Danish Upholstered Wood Dining Chairs by Erik Buch

By Erik Buch

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A set of four dark wood framed dining chairs with oatmeal toned fabric, two arm chairs and two side

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Danish Upholstered Wood Dining Chairs by Erik Buch

$1,600 / set

Mid Century Modern Chrome and Vinyl Dining Chairs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful set of four Mid Century Modern dining chairs with chrome frames and upholstered in a

Category

20th Century American Dining Room Chairs

Mid Century Modern Chrome and Vinyl Dining Chairs

$3,800

Nils Jonsson Walnut Dining Chairs for Troeds Sweden

By Nils Jonsson

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A set of six walnut framed dining chairs with original green woven upholstered seats, a simple

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Nils Jonsson Walnut Dining Chairs for Troeds Sweden

$1,900 / set

Set Of Eight Mastercraft Upholstered Ebonized Dining Chairs

By Mastercraft

Located in Chicago, IL

Designed in the Empire, or Napoleonic, style, these amazing dining chairs have frames of ebonized

Category

Late 20th Century American Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set Of Eight Mastercraft Upholstered Ebonized Dining Chairs

$14,400

Set of 6 brutalist oak dining chairs, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Brutalist dining chairs with a bentwood oak frame and reupholstered white bouclé seats. The white

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Set of 6 brutalist oak dining chairs, 1970s

$1,364 / set

Set of 8 vintage scandinavian dining chairs, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Mid century scandinavian dining chairs. Beautifully crafted curved teak frames with the original

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Set of 8 vintage scandinavian dining chairs, 1960s

$1,364 / set

Modernist Dining Chairs Model SE18 for ’T Spectrum

By Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens, t Spectrum Bergeijk

Located in Antwerp, BE

tubular frame dining chairs. Rare set of six dining chairs with a modernistic appearance, like a mixture

Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Dining Chairs Model SE18 for ’T Spectrum

$3,600 / set

Set of Ten N. O. Møller Dining Chairs

By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Set of ten N. O. Møller dining chairs with frame of solid rosewood. Seats original upholstered

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Set of Ten N. O. Møller Dining Chairs

$5,933 / set

Set of six N. O. Møller dining chairs

By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Set of six N. O. Møller dining chairs with frame of solid rosewood. Seats original upholstered

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Set of six N. O. Møller dining chairs

$3,797 / set

Johannes Andersen for Uldum Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs

By Uldum Møbelfabrik, Johannes Andersen

Located in Oakland, CA

exclusively for Uldum Moblefabrik in 1960, Denmark, these dining chairs dazzle with a rosewood frame featuring

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

Johannes Andersen for Uldum Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs

$7,800 / set

Set of Eight Lion in Frost Dining Chairs

By Lion in Frost

Located in Dallas, TX

Set of eight lion in frost dining chairs with Lucite frame and upholstered seat and back.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Set of Eight Lion in Frost Dining Chairs

$10,800

Set of Six N. O. Møller Dining Chairs

By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Set of six N. O. Møller dining chairs with frame of solid teak. Seats new upholstered with black

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Set of Six N. O. Møller Dining Chairs

$4,746 / set

Set of eight N. O. Møller Dining Chairs

By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Set of eight N. O. Møller dining chairs with frame of solid teak. Seats new upholstered with tan

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Set of eight N. O. Møller Dining Chairs

$6,170 / set

Set of 4 Vintage Scandinavian Dining Chairs, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Mid century scandinavian dining chairs. Beautifully crafted curved teak frames with a fabric

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Set of 4 Vintage Scandinavian Dining Chairs, 1960s

$1,062 / set

Vintage Oak and Wicker Brutalist Dining Chairs, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage oak and wicker dining chairs. Sturdy ever lasting oak frames with thick wicker seats

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Brutalist Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Oak

Vintage Oak and Wicker Brutalist Dining Chairs, 1960s

$1,364

Set of Six Art Deco Period Dining Chairs

Located in Austin, TX

Strong and elegant set of six French Art Deco period dining chairs. Ebonized frame, rosewood back

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Rosewood, Velvet

Set of Six Art Deco Period Dining Chairs

$3,995

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 - 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Nicely designed brutalist dining chairs with oak frames and newly upholstered seats in bouclé

Category

Vintage 1960s German Brutalist Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 - 1960s

$1,780 / set

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 - 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Nicely designed brutalist dining chairs with oak frames and newly upholstered seats in bouclé

Category

Vintage 1960s German Brutalist Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 - 1960s

$1,364

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 - 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Nicely designed brutalist dining chairs with oak frames and newly upholstered seats in bouclé

Category

Vintage 1960s German Brutalist Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 - 1960s

$1,364 / set

Set of Six Midcentury Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs

Located in Troy, MI

Set of six midcentury Danish rosewood framed dining chairs, circa 1970s. Chairs have streamlined

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Set of Six Midcentury Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs

$2,995

BENSEN Tokyo Chair - walnut frame w/ Black leather seat

By Niels Bendtsen, Bensen

Located in Vancouver, BC

techniques. Tokyo is an active dining chair with beautiful wood and leather detailing. Made of solid wood

Category

2010s Italian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

BENSEN Tokyo Chair - walnut frame w/ Black leather seat

$904 / item

BENSEN Tokyo Chair - walnut frame w/ Black leather seat

By Niels Bendtsen, Bensen

Located in Vancouver, BC

techniques. Tokyo is an active dining chair with beautiful wood and leather detailing. Made of solid wood

Category

2010s Italian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

BENSEN Tokyo Chair - walnut frame w/ Black leather seat

$3,616 / set

Vintage Set of Six 1970s Bamboo Dining Chairs

Located in London, London

A set of six dining chairs Bamboo frame Velvet seats, can be reupholstered 1970s-1980s

Category

Late 20th Century North American Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Bamboo

Vintage Set of Six 1970s Bamboo Dining Chairs

$2,594 / set

Set of Two N. O. Møller Dining Chairs

By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Set of two N. O. Møller dining chairs with frame of solid rosewood. Seats new upholstered by J

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Set of Two N. O. Møller Dining Chairs

$1,898 / set

Set of Six White Washed French Dining Chairs

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Set of six oval back Louis XVI style dining chairs with fluted frames and legs finished in a

Category

20th Century American Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Six White Washed French Dining Chairs

$950

Set of Six Os de Mouton Dining Chairs

Located in Troy, MI

Set of six circa 1920s dining chairs with dark polished wood frames in a classic Os de Mouton style

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Set of Six Os de Mouton Dining Chairs

$3,995

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 - 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Mid century brutalist dining chairs with black wooden frames and white boucle seats. Very sturdy

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Vintage brutalist dining chairs, set of 6 - 1970s

$1,062 / set

Seating Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Seating

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Dining Chair Frame For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic dining chair frame available at 1stDibs. A dining chair frame — often made from wood, fabric and metal — can elevate any home. There are 282 variations of the antique or vintage dining chair frame you’re looking for, while we also have 66 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect dining chair frame — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A dining chair frame made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Modern — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one dining chair frame that is appealing in its simplicity, but Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik and Modshop produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Dining Chair Frame?

Prices for a dining chair frame can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $76 and can go as high as $36,400, while the average can fetch as much as $2,394.

Finding the Right Dining-room-chairs for You

No matter what your dream dining experience looks like, there is a wide-ranging variety of vintage, new and antique dining room chairs on 1stDibs. Find upholstered dining room chairs, wood dining room chairs and more to outfit any space designated for a good meal, be it in your home or in the great outdoors.

In the early 18th century, most dining room tables and other furniture was designed to look masculine. In America, dining rooms weren’t even much of a concept until the late 1700s, when a space set aside specifically for dining became a part of the construction of homes for the wealthy. Dining room chairs of the era were likely made of walnut or oak. In Europe, neoclassical dining chairs emerged during the 1750s owing to nostalgia for classical antiquity, while the curving chair crests of Queen Anne furniture in the United States preceded the artistically bold seat backs that characterized the Chippendale chairs that followed. If there weren't enough dining chairs at suppertime in the American colonies, men were prioritized and women stood.

In the dining rooms of today, however, there is enough space for everyone to have a seat at the table. Modern styles introduce innovative design choices that play with shape and style. Icons of mid-century modern dining room chairs are plentiful: With its distinctive bentwood back, there is the DCW dining chair by Charles and Ray Eames, while Hans Wegner's timeless classic, the Wishbone chair, remains relevant and elegant decades after its debut. Stefano Giovannoni's White Rabbit dining chairs, in their lovable polyethylene biomorphism, reinvent what dining can look like.

Today's wide range of dining room chairs also means that they can now be styled in different ways, bringing functionality and fun to any sumptuous dining space. No longer do tables have to be accompanied by a matching set of seats. Skillfully mixing and matching colors and designs allows you to showcase your personality without sacrificing the cohesion of a given space.

By furnishing your dining room with cozy chairs — vintage, antique or otherwise — family time can extend far beyond mealtime. The plush upholstery of Victorian-style dining room chairs is perfect for game nights that stretch from dinner to midnight snack. Outdoor tables and dining chairs can also present an excellent opportunity for bonding and eating — what goes better with a delicious meal than fresh air, anyway?

Whether you prefer your chairs streamlined and stackable or ornate and one of a kind, the offerings on 1stDibs will elevate your mealtime and beyond.

Questions About Dining Chair Frame

What is a dining chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.
How tall should dining chairs be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Dining chairs should be around 18 inches tall. Since most dining tables are 30 inches high, 18 inch tall dining chairs allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. As a general rule of thumb, there should be around 12 inches between a dining table and a seat.
What is a carver dining chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.
What is the difference between dining chairs and accent chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between dining chairs and accent chairs is primarily their function. Generally, dining chairs are used in dining areas, where they provide comfortable seating for people to use while eating at tables. You'll normally find accent chairs in seating areas and other parts of the home, where users can sit on them while they read, make conversation or enjoy other relaxing activities. Shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between an accent chair and a dining chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.
Are leather dining chairs worth it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
Many furniture lovers feel that leather dining chairs are worth it. Due to its natural beauty, leather can elevate dining rooms and add interest to interior designs by bringing in a new texture. Leather is also fairly easy to wipe clean, and top-grain and full-grain upholstery often hold up well to the effects of frequent use. Keep in mind that other factors contribute to the overall quality of a chair, such as its frame materials and construction methods. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of leather dining chairs.
Is it worth recovering dining chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
Yes, it may be worth recovering dining chairs. If the upholstery on your chairs is worn or stained, but the frames are in good condition, recovering them can restore their appearance and allow you to continue using your furniture for more years. However, there may be some downsides to recovering. Sometimes, the material and labor costs may be more than what you might pay for new chairs. Recovering some vintage or antique dining chairs may also diminish their value. If your chairs are vintage or antique, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or antique dealer to learn about the potential impact of replacing the fabric before you proceed with the recovery process. It is also a good idea to get estimates from a few professional furniture repairers to see how much the project will cost. Shop a large collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
What are the chairs at a dining table called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
The chairs at a dining table are generally just called dining chairs. Chairs without arms that go along the sides of a table are side chairs. Typically positioned at the ends of tables, dining chairs framed by arms are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.
What is a dining chair with arms called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.
Is leather good for dining chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.
Do chairs have to match the dining table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Dining room chairs and dining tables do not necessarily have to match.
What is a dining room chair called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
A dining room chair is called a dining chair. However, depending on its style, you may also see a dining chair referred to by other names. Armless ones placed along the long sides of rectangular and oval tables are side chairs, while the chairs with arms that often go at the heads of tables are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.
Should dining room chairs have arms?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.
What are the head dining chairs called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What the head dining chairs are called varies. With many dining room sets, the chairs designed to go at the heads or ends of the tables are flanked by arms. As a result, people often refer to them as dining armchairs or dining end chairs. If the chairs lack arms, they're usually described as end chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining chairs.
What is a good width for a dining chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
A good width for a dining chair is generally considered to be 16 to 20 inches. Chairs within this size range typically provide enough space for most people to sit comfortably. Shop a collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
Why are dining chairs with arms called carvers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
No one knows for sure why some dining chairs with arms are called carvers. However, it likely relates to the historical use of these chairs. Technically, carver is the nickname for a specific type of dining chair with arms, not for all dining armchairs. A Colonial American design, a carver chair features a backrest that wraps around the sides and forms arms. Traditionally, the carver chair went at the head of the table, and often the family member responsible for carving the primary entrée sat at this place. As a result, the chair's purpose for seating the carver of the meal is one potential explanation for the nickname. Another is that the name comes from John Carver, the governor of the Plymouth Colony. Reportedly, Carver owned one of these chairs, and people began referring to them by his name as a result. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of carver chairs.
What is the standard size of a dining room chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
The seat of a dining room chair is typically 18 inches from the floor and 16 to 20 inches wide.
Do my dining room chairs have to match my table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, your dining room table and chairs do not need to match. Coordinated colors and styles can add visual flair to a space, and is a great way to show off your personal style. Shop a collection of dining room tables and chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do I protect my woven dining room chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To protect your woven dining chairs, try a fabric protection spray designed for the specific type of material. Follow the application directions printed on the bottle for best results. Also, wipe your chairs clean after every meal with a slightly damp cloth to reduce the risk of stains. On 1stDibs, find a range of woven dining chairs.

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