8 Dining Chair Mistakes to Avoid

Dining chairs seem like a pretty straightforward purchase—four legs, a seat, somewhere to park yourself for Sunday lunch. Simple, right? Well. From style clashes to squeaky legs, there are more ways to get it wrong than you might think.

But don’t worry. Whether you're furnishing your first flat, or adding a dining room extension to the kitchen, here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when picking chairs for your dream dining space. 

Mistake #1: Not measuring properly

It’s tempting to wing it. But guesswork rarely leads to a comfortable setup. If your chair’s too high for the table, you'll be bumping knees. Too low, and suddenly you're eating from your chin.

Leave around 30cm between the seat and the underside of your table so everyone has enough room to sit comfortably. And don’t forget to factor in 60cm of width per person, so you’re not sparring elbows over dinner.

Mistake #2: Prioritising looks over comfort

We all love a good-looking chair—but if you’re having to switch positions every 2 minutes to get comfy, it’s not the right one. Dining chairs should support your back, keep your posture in check, and let you linger over dessert without squirming. Look for slightly curved backs, padded seats and a decent seat depth (around 45cm usually works well). 

Mistake #3: Ignoring build quality

Some chairs look great in photos but arrive squeaky or suspiciously light. A stylish design doesn’t count for much if it’s falling apart by Christmas. You want dining chairs with sturdy frames and solid joinery. 

Don’t just go by the photos—try them in store if you can, and if that’s not possible, make sure to read the reviews before you hit “buy”. 

Mistake #4: Getting too matchy-matchy

Buying a matching set is easy, but if everything looks identical, your dining space can end up feeling more “catalogue” than “curated”.  Try pairing different tones or materials—like light linen chairs with a dark wood table—for a bit of contrast. Just keep one or two elements consistent (think: legs, shape or fabric texture) so it still feels intentional.

Mistake #5: Breaking no rules

Who says the chairs at your dining table have to be dining chairs? 

Add a dining bench for a casual, space-saving twist, or make a style statement with a pair of armchairs at each end of the table. Just check they’re similar heights before you commit—no one wants to feel like they’ve been demoted to the kids’ table. 

Mistake #6: Clashing proportions

We’re all for mix-and-match dining setups, but pulling it off takes some planning. A table with a chunky wooden frame might look off-balance with delicate metal chairs. Or a small round table could feel awkward and cramped with huge chairs. The key is to mix your materials, but match your proportions. 

Mistake #7: Choosing fabric that’s a nightmare to clean

Upholstered dining chairs add a layer of luxury, but choose the wrong fabric and you’ll be scrubbing spaghetti stains for years. If your home includes kids, pets or messy eaters, opt for stain-resistant fabrics in more forgiving colours than say, a dazzling-white boucle. Removable seat cushions or washable chair covers can also be a game-changer. 

Mistake #8: Buying chairs that don’t tuck in

It might not seem like a big deal at first, but if your chairs don’t tuck in properly, your dining room could look a little off. You’ll also lose precious space. This is especially important in smaller rooms. Look for chairs that sit flush under the table when you’re not using them, or consider dining benches on one side to make the most of the space you have. 

There’s a lot to think about when choosing your dining chairs. Here are some of our other guides to help you pick the right ones:

• How can I tell if a dining chair is good quality?
• How to clean upholstered dining chairs
• The dos and don’ts of dining benches
• Which dining chairs should I pair with a round dining table?
• Should dining chairs be lighter or darker than my dining table?
• 10 dos and don’ts for decorating your dining room