A dining room isn’t just a place to eat—it’s where memories are made around the table each night. When you want to elevate both the comfort and style of your dining space, upholstered dining chairs are a perfect solution. With the right chairs around your table, family dinners become even more inviting.
Let’s start with the basics: upholstered dining chairs feature padded, fabric-covered seats and backs that provide extra comfort. They come in a huge variety of styles, from traditional tufted looks to sleek modern silhouettes. The lush fabrics not only keep you comfy through lingering meals but also warm up the dining room visuals for an elegant yet livable vibe.
In this guide, we’ll review the top 5 best-selling upholstered dining chairs on the market right now. We’ll also provide pro tips for choosing the perfect design for your needs and style, including:
- Matching your existing decor aesthetic
- Evaluating family needs and chair proportions
- Identifying quality construction and materials
- Prioritizing comfort features like cushion thickness
- Selecting durable, family-friendly upholstery
- Answering frequently asked questions
Let’s start by spotlighting the top 5 upholstered dining chairs dominating home trends now…
The Top 5 Best Upholstered Dining Chairs
Luxury High-Back Chair
This upholstered dining chair makes a glamorous statement with its tall, arched back and sumptuous tufting. The exaggerated wings and high back create a cozy, enveloping effect around the chair. A vintage-inspired look, it features ornate details like button tufting, exposed legs, and a curvaceous silhouette. Offered in designer velvets or soft linen upholstery.
What sets this luxury chair apart is its deep, generous seat cushioning and curved back that cocoons you in comfort. The upholstered channels and tufting offer both style and lumbar support. Expect a sturdy, quality construction with hardwood frame, durable foam cushions, and stabilizing stretchers. Dimensions approximately 24″ W x 29″ D x 47″ H. Seat height 19″, seat depth 23″. Weighs 67 pounds.
Priced in the $700+ range, with deals around $500. Reviews highlight the elegance, along with the superior comfort and support compared to regular dining chairs. Downsides are the lofty price point and weight – making moving or storing more difficult.
Modern Low-Back Chair
The sleek, low profile of this contemporary dining chair provides a minimal, modern look. A gently curved back and saddle-style seat offer body-contouring support. The tapered wood legs keep it airy and light. Upholstery options range from top-grain leather to easy-clean polyester or nylon.
Signature features include a lightly padded seat and back with moderate lumbar support. A neutral palette focuses the attention on the graceful silhouettes versus overt details. Dimensions approximately 25″ W x 23″ D x 32″ H. Seat height 18.5″, seat depth 22″. Weighs just 26 pounds.
Prices span from $180 to $450 based on materials. According to reviews, this chair offers surprising comfort despite its compact size. Limitations are the low back (no head rest) and basic cushioning. Best for intermittent dining versus prolonged hours around the table.
Tufted Parsons Chair
A contemporary remake of a classic Parsons chair, this upholstered dining chair introduces stylish details like symmetrical button tufting, tapered legs, and a wide range of leg finish options – from wood to acrylic to metal. The square back and seat offer a streamlined canvas for your choice of fabrics.
Thick foam cushioning provides comfort, with the deep button tufting adding tailored texture and character. An open, simplified silhouette makes these chairs versatile design-wise. Dimensions approximately 21″ W x 26″ D x 39″ H. Seat height 19.5″, seat depth 20″. Weights 19 pounds.
This well-priced chair costs $120 to $250. According to reviews, it assembles quickly and provides great value. However, some found the back too upright and rigid compared to curvier alternatives. Also runs smaller than other dining chairs.
Upholstered Saddle Seat Dining Chair
This chair gets its name from the distinctive saddle-inspired, convex shape of the seat – sloping downwards while still providing comfortable support. The sweeping curved back echoes equestrian styling as well. A deep button tufted back, exposed legs, and nostalgic design give it a classic feel.
With a roomy, contoured seat and arched back, it provides exceptional comfort and character. The tailored upholstery and generous proportions lend an upscale hotel lounge vibe. Durable hardwood frame construction. Dimensions approximately 24″ W x 27″ D x 38″ H. Seat height 19.5″, seat depth 20.5″. Weighs 26 pounds.
Priced affordably from $180-$350. Reviewers love the timeless style and comfort. Complaints include complicated assembly, back not as contoured as expected, and skimpy cushioning. Not recommended for tall/large diners.
Patterned Slipper Chair
Don’t let the name fool you – this armless, low-sitting slipper chair has the same proportions as standard dining chairs. A contemporary update, the sweeping slipper-style silhouette gets a modern lift from unique geometric or graphic print upholstery options. A refreshing substitute for traditional dining chairs.
Features a sturdy hardwood frame and foam cushioning. More relaxed and casual than many dining chairs but still offers good back support and seat comfort. Dimensions approximately 21.5″ W x 23″ D x 33″ H. Seat height 19″, seat depth 22″. Weighs 22 pounds.
Very affordable, priced $120-$200. Reviewers love the fun patterns and cozy ambiance. Drawbacks include less lumbar support, tricky assembly, and a too-low seat for some. Best for smaller spaces and occasional use.
How to Choose the Right Upholstered Dining Chair
With so many styles out there, narrowing down your options to find the perfect upholstered dining chairs can feel overwhelming. Here are the top factors to consider:
Consider Your Style
Upholstered dining chairs now fit seamlessly into nearly any decor scheme. Tufted designs emulate traditional sophistication. Curvaceous silhouettes and lush velvets bring vintage character. Simple Parsons chairs work in modern spaces. The key is choosing options harmonious with your existing furniture and design vision.
If you gravitate towards clean-lined, contemporary spaces, lean into that with low-profile or Parsons chairs. Love farmhouse style? Opt for a distressed wood finish on the legs paired with a classic slipper chair. Make sure to evaluate shape, color, leg style, and other details that will tie into your current decor and not compete.
Evaluate Your Needs
Before even looking at models, nail down the specific needs your new dining chairs must fulfill. Will they be used daily for family meals or saved for special occasion dining? If they’re your workhorse chairs, prioritize durability – components and upholstery that can withstand years of active use. Stain-resistance is key too for messy kids or wine spills at dinner parties.
Do you have family members with physical limitations – elderly, less mobile, or very tall/short? Make sure to accommodate their needs with cushioned, supportive chairs that are easy to get in and out of. Measure table height against chair dimensions to ensure everyone can dine comfortably.
Finally, assess your space. Make sure the chair size, proportions, and shape will complement your table size and shape, while suiting the room layout. Avoid overwhelming a petite breakfast nook or cramping a generous dining room.
Choose Quality Construction
The construction directly impacts both aesthetics and longevity when it comes to upholstered dining chairs. Prioritize sturdy hardwood frames, preferably made in the USA or Europe for artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable sourcing. Mortise and tenon joinery and corner blocks will ensure stability and integrity over years of use.
For the legs, solid wood options look luxe but can scratch over time – weigh the pros and cons versus easy-clean metal or plastic alternatives. Cushions should feature sturdy foam, ideally high-density and wrapped in Dacron for optimal resilience. Synthetic webbed bases enhance support and prevent sagging.
It’s worth reading reviews, comparing brands, and inspecting product photos closely to evaluate these structural details. Red flags include plastic legs, thin padding, and flimsy materials prone to quick wear. The construction directly impacts longevity.
Prioritize Comfort
An upholstered dining chair needs to cradle you in comfort so you can relax into long, lingering meals around the table. Don’t compromise on the details that directly impact your sitting experience.
Cushion thickness is number one – chairs with less than 2″ of high-density foam will flatten out quickly. Seek out deep, generous seat padding along with a rounded or curved back shape that properly supports the lumbar spine. Contoured bucket seats tend to be most comfortable.
The correct seat height keeps your legs and feet relaxed at the right angle. Adjustable or standard heights span 18-21 inches to accommodate most tables. Seat depth around 20″ prevents legs from hanging. Armrests provide cozying warmth and support if desired.
Take these ergonomic considerations into account to find chairs that truly pamper versus going for style alone. Comfort is key to joyful dinnertimes that invite friends and family to linger.
Select Durable Upholstery
The fabric covering your dining chairs will directly impact both their appearance and performance. Make sure to evaluate both aesthetics and practical factors when selecting upholstery.
For a timeless, sophisticated look, upholstery options like velvet or linen are hard to beat. But these delicately woven natural fibers can stain easily and show wear quickly – requiring professional cleaning and replacement sooner.
More family-friendly and indestructible options include faux leathers or performance polyester fabrics treated to repel water, oil, and resist stains and abrasions. These synthetic materials clean up easily and stand up to kid and pet damage.
Thicker, patterned fabrics like tweeds also disguise stains and wear well compared to dainty prints. Depending on your lifestyle, choose upholstery to match both your personal style and durability needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still debating which dining chairs fit your home best? Here are answers to some of the most common questions:
How difficult is assembly for upholstered dining chairs?
This varies by model, but most upholstered chairs require some basic assembly using provided tools and hardware. On average, expect 30-60 minutes to attach legs, secure cushions, and fasten seats to bases unless otherwise noted. More complex chairs with skirts or intricate frames tend to run more complicated.
How do I clean upholstered dining chair fabric and cushions?
Check your fabric tag before cleaning. Most cottons, polyesters, and synthetic blends can be spot cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Blot gently and allow to fully air dry. For removable cushions, check if machine washable. Velvets and woven fabrics may require professional cleaning.
Can I use upholstered parsons chairs at both the head and sides of my table?
The simple parsons silhouette works well throughout the dining table, not just on the sides. Square parsons chairs lined up neatly along each side is a classic arrangement. Using parsons chairs at both ends creates symmetry. Just be sure to evaluate proportions against your table size.
What is the standard dining chair height and seat depth?
The typical seat height for most dining chairs falls around 18-21 inches. This keeps the knees at a 90-degree angle for proper posture. Seat depth averages 20-22 inches deep – enough room for adults to sit comfortably without having legs dangle awkwardly off the edge.
How much do quality upholstered dining chairs cost?
While you can find basic models from $100-200, handcrafted upholstered chairs using high-end materials and construction range from $250 on the affordable end up to $1000+ per chair. Sweet spot seems to be $300-500 for chairs striking the ideal balance of quality materials, comfort, and durable construction.
Transform Your Dining Experience
We hope this guide provided a helpful overview of what to look for when selecting new upholstered dining chairs. With so many outstanding designs to choose from, you’re sure to find options that check all your boxes for style, comfort, and durable performance.
The right chairs have the power to elevate both the aesthetics and intimacy of your dining area. Imagine the memorable meals and conversations to come in a space designed for lingering. Our top picks offer inspiration to start your upholstered chair search today.