Unlike the prized WFH office chairs we know and love, the best dining chairs must cater to a wide range of butts (not just our own), coexist under one table, and look just as good as it feels. Depending on the eaters in your home, it’s also good to consider if the chairs can handle the occasional food stain or are able to be doused in Scotchgard. All in all, each living space has different dining chair needs, and we’ve found a hoard of unique seats that measure up, according to rave reviews.
For under $100, you can score a hidden furniture gem in Walmart’s vast inventory or head over to Urban Outfitters for an adorable breakfast bar + dining stool combo with one quick purchase. We also threw some fancy finds into the mix if you’re looking to decorate your dream house. Read on for the full scoop on what kind of dining chair is right for your space based on budget, design, comfort, and, of course, happy diners.
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Plastic doesn’t equal cheap, nor does it mean tacky. Take it from the dining room version of the iconic Eames chair. While definitely a luxury buy, it is quite low maintenance and made for messes. Per the care instructions, simply clean the plastic surface with a soft cloth damp with a mild detergent (no harsh cleaning products, please). Oh, and the plastic is 100% recycled.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 5 reviews
Happy diners say: “We enjoy sitting in these chairs everyday. I almost didn’t order them because I was told I couldn’t get them in time for a big open house we were hosting. One call to customer service and turned out that they were able to expedite my order and we received all the chairs we ordered before our party! We were so proud and happy to show them off. Thank you, Herman Miller!”
Shop Design Within Reach
Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Armchair, $, available at Design Within Reach
Here’s the sitch: This new-wave, solid-oak (also available in solid walnut) chair is luxe and sleek but absolutely made to last. “Sturdy,” “durable,” “comfortable,” and, “solid” are just a few amicable keywords sprinkled across its on-site review section, which has us thinking it’s worth every penny.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 44 reviews
Happy diners say: “Great chairs. The padding makes them comfortable to sit on for a few hours and the fabric is durable. Love that they came assembled.” —Jennifer N., Castlery Reviewer
Shop Castlery
Castlery Vincent Chair, Oak, $, available at Castlery
Dining benches are ideal for parties, big families, and people who never know just how many people are showing up for dinner. According to our anonymous shopping data, readers can’t get enough of Castlery’s set of coordinating chairs featured in this roundup — so it’s only natural that we put also place our faith in Castlery’s fetching bench.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 139 reviews
Happy diners say: “Our bench is so well made and exceeds every expectation I had prior to purchasing. The delivery process was seamless and assembly was minimal. This set is perfect for our space in every way — size, wood tones, fabric color, the list goes on and on. We would highly recommend Castlery to friends & family!” —Anonymous, Castlery Customer
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Castlery Miles Bench, $, available at Castlery
A dining chair truly fit for a family should be a few things: comfortable for a range of ages and body types, easy to clean for inevitable messes, and durable since you’ll most likely invest in more than one. It just so happens this chair checks all three boxes with cushy padding, stain-resistant faux leather, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 457 reviews
Happy diners say: “I love these chairs! They are just the right amount of comfort for a dining chair. They look good and are kid-friendly. I have two toddlers and I love how the seat cushion is attached by velcro and removable for easy clean-ups. They were packaged well and easy to assemble.” —Sara, Wayfair Verified Buyer & Reviewer
Shop Wayfair
Foundstone Terri Arm Chair in Cappuccino Brown (Set of 2), $, available at Wayfair
Introducing a practical, frugal, and impatient person’s dream: an under-$1,000 set of six dining chairs. Do a little math and you’ll discover these sleek, homey dining chairs retail for $135 each. Filling an empty dining room just got a whole lot easier, thanks to this top-rated sextuplet.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 25 reviews
Happy diners say: “These chairs are exactly what we were looking for. The seat is nicely cushioned and the material is quite soft. The chairs feel sturdy and look like they will last.” —Tom, Wayfair Reviewer; “The chairs are very comfortable and sturdy. Great for high traffic areas. I really like the Ashen color, very classy.” —Vladimir, Wayfair Reviewer
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17 Stories Abubakr Arm Chair (Set Of 6), $, available at Wayfair
All 22 reviews for these seats boast a golden five stars — handmade Etsy goods are always hard to beat. Each chair is crafted with handwoven rattan and comes in four different teak wood finishes: blonde, light brown, brown, or black. We think a set of two would look dashing in a space that leans more mid-century modern and could even serve as a thoughtful gift.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 24 reviews
Happy diners say: “Stunning chairs! IMO better than ones that go for more than double this price elsewhere. Even more gorgeous in person and are great quality all around. Shipped and arrived exactly as stated.” —Carlee B., Etsy Reviewer
Shop Etsy
TREEHAUSEshop Pierre Jeanneret Chair, $, available at Etsy
If you take a minimalist approach to interior design, it’s best to compensate for the lack of color with eye-catching silhouettes. This rule of design is one reason why the original iconic Wishbone chair has been continuously on sale since 1950. More than just a pretty face, it’s made with all-natural materials — FSC-certified beech and papercord — and its ergonomic craftsmanship provides long-lasting comfort.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 2 reviews
Happy diners say: “Elegant, sturdy but light. I love these, they make my dining room extra gorgeous.”
Shop Goodee
Carl Hansen & Son CH24 | Wishbone Chair, $, available at Goodee World
Plenty of us have shouted “Unique!” around our living spaces ever since Beyoncé dropped Renaissance (take a listen to “Alien Superstar” if you’re out of the loop) — so we found some “Unique!” dining chairs. And, while this unconventional design catches the eye, the simple, natural materials keep things nice and calm. Perfect for those looking to spice up their homes without relying on bright colors.
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 180 reviews
Happy diners say: “Beautiful design, very comfortable, extremely high quality, and fantastic sale price. I could not be happier with my purchase of six dining chairs from AllModern!” —Eleanora, Verified Buyer & AllModern Reviewer
Shop AllModern
AllModern Chen Velvet Upholstered Side Chair, $, available at AllModern
Get it while it’s hot! And by hot, we mean under $100. Full transparency, your best bet when it comes to under-$100 dining chairs is finding a seat on sale or just beneath the triple digits (i.e. Walmart’s Mid-Century seat). It’s a small price to pay for a lovely, refined design.
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 12 reviews
Happy diners say: “Pleasantly surprised with how comfortable this chair is! East assembly and looks of quality. 5 stars.” —S, Walmart Verified Purchaser; “High quality, reasonable price, easy to assemble and early delivery.” —Hagop, Walmart Verified Purchaser
Shop Walmart
3S Furniture Mid-Century Fabric Upholstered Arm Chair, $, available at Walmart
For a similar modern vibe (minus a few dollar signs), Mercury Row’s solid-wood chair set is a great way to go. Your tuchus will enjoy sturdy tapered legs, foam-padded seats, and curved oval seat backs.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 90 reviews
Happy diners say: “These chairs are much nicer in person than they appear online. They were easy to put together and are strong/sturdy. The seat can easily be adjusted to sit further back or forward when you’re putting them together. We are very happy with our purchase!” —Melissa, Wayfair Verified Buyer & Reviewer
Shop Wayfair
Mercury Row Forgey Side Chair (Set of 2), $, available at Wayfair
Funky rugs, funky cardigans, and now funky dining chairs. Anthropologie never shies away from color, and these cotton-linen, lacy seats are no exception. Add a few to your cart but only if your dining room is primed for bursts of comfy and kooky color.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 1 review
Happy diners say: “Chairs look exactly as they do online. Arrived on time and well packaged. I purchased the mustard color and they look amazing. Firm yet soft seat. I would highly recommend.” —catherinethegr8, Anthropologie Reviewer
Shop Anthropologie
Anthropologie Lacey Dining Chair, $, available at Anthropologie
No surprise here, Amazon is a dining chair wonderland — even if you’re looking to splurge on your shopping spree. Take this elegant plush seat. It features a cushy back wrapped in breathable linen, hidden wheels for easy maneuverability, and a luxe modern look.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 95 ratings
Happy diners say: “This chair is so comfortable and has the ‘non-office chair’ look I wanted. I love the height of the seat and the cushiness. It looks like an expensive chair. I had been searching everywhere including some high end furniture places but didn’t want to spend $800+ for an office chair. This chair is perfect!” —Cynthia, Amazon Reviewer
Shop Amazon
Stone & Beam Vivianne Modern Upholstered Armless Dining Chair, $, available at Amazon
Cozy, sophisticated, and functional, these seats can contribute some multifunctional flair to any space without taking up too much space. Plus, if you’re in a pinch, steal it from the table and pop it under your desk for impromptu work-from-home days. (Fun fact: It’s on of our bestsellers from our home office chair roundup.)
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 838 reviews
Happy diners say: “Great multipurpose chair! I bought it for my office desk. It’s comfortable, well made, and high quality. Love this chair. I can see it being used as a dining chair or accent chair.” —Toni, Wayfair Reviewer
Shop Wayfair
Corrigan Studio Brister Upholstered Swivel Accent Chair, $, available at Wayfair
Looking for the ultimate comfortable-butt experience? Target’s low-sitting dining chair, per its on-site description, comes “generously stuffed” with soft, squishy padding and will have you sitting on cloud nine.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 186 ratings
Happy diners say: “Perfect dining room chairs. Beautiful design, very comfortable, good quality for the price, and easy to assemble. If you plan to use these chairs as intended, then I can’t see why these chairs are anything but perfect.” —Andiw, Target Reviewer
Shop Target
Threshold Clearfield Swoop Arm Dining Chair, $, available at Target
Save both space AND time shopping for a table with this swanky UO set. For $500, you receive one natural wood mango high-top breakfast table and two matching dining chairs equipped with lacquered iron legs. Definitely ideal for our small-space dwellers also in need of a countertop.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 78 reviews
Happy diners say: “I have gotten this set about 10 months ago and it has been great. I really love that you can hang the chairs under the table when not being used —which is really good for small studio.” —Hieutran42, Urban Outfitters Reviewer
Shop Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Haskall Breakfast Bar, $, available at Urban Outffiters
CB2 deems this the “anywhere chair,” and we agree. From WFH desks to dining tables, living rooms, and the like, nab this Italian-made, 100% wool seat, and place it wherever you want, whenever you want. (Plus, it’s got the coolest ash wood armrests in the game.)
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 30 reviews
Happy diners say: “Bought four of these recently for our new house. We looked at SO many dining chairs from dozens upon dozens of companies. These were the best. They sit very comfortably, feel supportive and just ooze quality….Best of all, they come fully assembled! If you ever purchased dining chairs before that aren’t, you’ll know what a pain in the neck that can be. As far as we’re concerned, these are a home run.” —Will, CB2 Reviewer
Shop CB2
CB2 Warren Green Chair, $, available at CB2
Although it is against the official Hype Machine protocol to include a review-less item, we had to make an exception for Blu Dot’s Host Chair — specifically for the cozy category. Why? Not only is this 2-feet-long seat wide set, but it also comes coated in fuzzy velvet that your arms can rest on all dinner long.
Shop Blu Dot
Blu Dot Velvet Host Dining Chair, $, available at Blu Dot
Different climates call for different outdoor dining chair needs; however, it’s good to ask a few questions before buying a set. Is it foldable and easy to put away during bad weather? Are the materials durable or waterproof? And, if it doesn’t have cushions, is the chair comfortable? Birch Lane’s eucalyptus wood patio seats are not only stackable and easy to put away in the off season, but they’re also UV- and rust-resistant.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 103 reviews
Happy diners say: “Compact, comfortable and look great! I love that they stack so we can tuck them away when it gets windy.” —Stacey, Birch Lane Reviewer; “They are well made and go together easily. The chairs are very comfortable with or without cushions. We are very happy with the purchase. Delivery was timely and merchandise arrived in good condition.” —Melinda, Birch Lane Reviewer
Shop Birch Lane
Birch Lane Fitzhugh Stacking Eucalyptus Patio Dining Armchair, $, available at Birch Lane
We love a versatile outdoor dining chair that you snatch from the table and place on the porch, patio, and anywhere worth lounging. The Stella Outdoor Dining Armchair weighs a measly 11 pounds for easy pick-ups, It’s made out of durable plastic, polycarbonate, and marine-grade polymer, and it is adored by on-site reviewers.
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 198 reviews
Happy diners say: “Just as good as you think they are. Yes they are plastic but it’s durable and comfortable. I will be using outside but also looks great at a small table!”
Shop AllModern
AllModern Stella Outdoor Dining Armchair, $, available at AllModern
Prepare for cozy microfiber upholstery, sturdy birchwood legs, some stylish bronze metal accents, and an overall worthwhile addition to your dinner table with World Market’s high-back chair.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 112 reviews
Happy diners say: “I purchased these to replace dining chairs. The lower seat works well with my table. The chairs are very comfortable and look great. They were really easy to put together and seem very stable. Quality is great.” —Lydia, World Market Reviewer
Shop World Market
World Market Tufted Lydia Upholstered Dining Chairs Set of 2, $, available at World Market
We never thought we’d see the day that a set of dining chairs cashes in at, not just under $100 but under $75. Yes, for $60, score two simple and sleek dining chairs. Quite frankly, they’re not the highest of quality, but they get the job done (and for hundreds of dollars less than normal).
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 800 ratings
Happy diners say: “I bought 4 of these over 9 months ago and just ordered another 2. They are stylish, very easy to put together (5 minutes each), and still sturdy after a lot of use.” —Meredith O., Amazon Reviewer
Shop Amazon
CangLong Dining Room Side Chairs, $, available at Amazon
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