Dine in style: How to choose dining chairs for your space

Family gatherings, holiday celebrations, long lunches…the dining area is where we share in many of life’s precious moments.

Most homes put the spotlight on the dining table, but dining chairs are an essential part of a memorable dining experience. Get this part right, and your loved ones have a comfortable place to perch while indulging in good food with good company. Stylish dining chairs also complement the rest of your dining space — and in some cases, they even serve as a focal point for the room.

Like any piece of furniture, dining chairs come in a variety of styles and materials. So how do you find the perfect dining chairs for your space? In this post, we’ll share our favourite dining chair styles and materials to help you choose the best one for your home.

Rattan: the best dining chairs for sustainable living

Rattan is experiencing a much-deserved renaissance, thanks to its laidback style. But did you know that rattan is also one of the most eco-friendly materials for dining chairs?

Made from a naturally renewable plant, rattan can be fully grown and harvested within two years, compared to some hardwoods which can take decades to mature. What’s more, the rattan plant relies on other trees and vegetation for survival, so harvesters are encouraged to preserve the rainforests where it is found. Rattan also grows in harsh conditions, such as in floodwater, that would be unusable for other purposes. All of this means it’s a sustainable product that is truly environmentally friendly.

The best part is, when you choose rattan furniture, you don’t need to compromise on looks. Rattan dining chairs are available in a range of styles and sizes, from high stools to cafe-style seating. Choose the Arlo Dining Chairs for natural charm, or opt for black dining chairs to achieve the industrial-chic look.

Wishful thinking: The Ark Dining Chair channels the iconic design of wishbone dining chairs in a lightweight curvy frame. Constructed from solid ash wood and rattan, this gorgeous mid-century-inspired seat is as comfortable as it is classic.

Fabric: the most comfortable dining chairs for families

When you have little ones in tow, you need furniture that’s good-looking and practical. This is where fabric dining chairs have the upper hand. Polyester fabric is hard-wearing, long-lasting and incredibly easy to clean, making it the ideal material to handle everything that life throws at it.

Fabric dining chairs slot into any interior scheme, whether it’s a marble table, concrete benchtop or timber counter. Most fabric dining chairs also feature cushioning for maximum comfort — so you won’t have to worry about the kids wriggling away before dinner is done!

Months of style: The Riga is one of those grey fabric dining chairs that offers maximum comfort and style around the clock. Choose from with arms or without, based on your preference and needs.

Velvet: the best luxe dining chairs

Want to make a statement? If so, you can’t go past a velvet dining chair. The opposite of minimalist style, this is a show-stopping material that demands to be seen. Velvet is our go-to to infuse a dining room with a hint of old-world elegance, or to achieve a funky retro style that clashes in all the right ways.

Marble and velvet are fast friends, as are velvet and timber. However, velvet is a high-maintenance material, so it’s best in homes without kids or pets.

Fit for royalty: The Paragon Dining Chair’s lustrous velvet upholstery is a Lounge Lovers favourite, and it’s no surprise to see why. Its gorgeous blue hue is fit for royalty, while the highly resilient foam cushioning offers just the right level of support when dining.

Polypropylene: the best chairs for outdoor use

It’s no secret that us Aussies love to host outdoor soirees. And if you’re a fan of alfresco dining or summer BBQs, you’ll need dining chairs that can withstand the elements. Enter polypropylene.

Polypropylene contemporary dining chairs are designed for covered outdoor use, making them a prime choice for anyone with a backyard or terrace. You don’t need to worry about rain or stains either — this durable material is made to be quickly and easily wiped down to keep it looking fresh and dust-free. 

Tip: pick a chair that’s UV stabilised. This way, your chairs will retain their good looks and be protected from sun damage, even after years of use.

Stacks of style: With a name like the Honcho, it’s no surprise that the Honcho Dining Chair is the guest of honour in plenty of outdoor entertaining spaces. The Honcho’s gorgeous design contours to your body’s curves; plus, the stackable design allows you to store them away during the colder months.

Timber: the best classic dining chairs

After all these years, timber is still the top dog of the dining chair world — and for good reason. Timber dining chairs pair with almost all dining tables, from metal to marble and everything in between. This versatility, coupled with timber’s unrivalled durability, means a timber dining chair never goes out of style.

We love a classic solid beech dining chair matched with a timber dining table, or a crisp white elm wood dining chair with a marble dining table. No matter which style you pick, timber is a safe bet that won’t fail to impress.

Branching out: Inspired by the Bentwood dining chairs of the 1850s, the replica Cafe Dining Chair has elegant rounded features and a high arch for style and comfort. This timeless timber dining chair is available in black or white, as well as a gorgeous natural solid beech hue.

Ready to find your perfect dining chairs? Shop our sale on dining chairs below.