The perfect dining chair fits your table, suits the way you live and stays comfortable through a three-hour dinner. Most people choose the table first and leave the chairs until last, but chairs are what you actually sit in. They also shape the look of the room more than almost any other piece.
At Cocolea we help clients across Melbourne furnish dining rooms of every size. These are the questions we hear most often in our Port Melbourne showroom, with the answers we give.
What size dining chair do I need?
Measure before you shop. Leave 25–30 cm between the top of the seat and the underside of the tabletop. Most dining tables stand 72–76 cm high, so most people need a seat height of 43–48 cm.
| Measurement | Guide | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 43–48 cm | Suits a standard 72–76 cm table |
| Seat to tabletop | 25–30 cm | Room for your legs without hunching |
| Arm height (carvers) | At least 2–3 cm below the table apron | Lets armchairs slide right under the table |
| Chair width | 45–55 cm (armchairs 55–65 cm) | Decides how many chairs fit |
| Space per person | 60–70 cm of table edge | Elbow room for every guest |
| Space behind chairs | 90 cm to the wall or furniture | Room to pull a chair out and walk behind |
How many chairs fit around my table? Divide the length of each side by 60–70 cm. A 180 cm table seats three a side, or six in total. A 240 cm table seats eight, or ten with chairs at the ends.
Bench seating or counter height? Benches follow the same 25–30 cm rule. For kitchen islands, choose counter stools with a 63–66 cm seat for a 90 cm bench top, or bar stools with a 74–76 cm seat for a 105 cm bar.
What are the different types of dining chairs?
The right type depends on how long you sit, who uses the table and the look you want. These are the styles we're asked about most.
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstered dining chair | Padded seat and back in fabric, velvet, bouclé or leather | Long dinners, formal dining rooms, softening a hard-edged space |
| Parsons chair | Clean-lined chair, fully upholstered from the seat to the floor | Classic and transitional interiors, head-of-table seats |
| Timber dining chair | Solid wood frame, often with a woven or timber seat (the wishbone is a well-known example) | Scandinavian, Japandi and coastal homes; everyday family use |
| Dining armchair (carver) | A chair with arms, usually placed at the head of the table | Adding presence and comfort at each end |
| Cantilever chair | A chair with no back legs, supported by one bent frame | Modern spaces; a light, floating look |
| Rattan or cane chair | Natural woven seat or back | Relaxed, organic and resort-style interiors |
| Metal dining chair | Steel or aluminium frame, often stackable | Industrial looks, outdoor dining, small spaces |
| Swivel dining chair | Rotates on a pedestal base | Open-plan homes and casual family tables |
| Dining bench | Backless or low-back bench along one side | Kids, banquette nooks, fitting in an extra guest |
| Tub or barrel chair | Curved back that wraps around the sitter | Round tables, lounge-style dining |
Trending dining chairs for 2026: our most-loved designs
Curves, rich velvets, bouclé and sculptural details lead this year's dining trends. These are the chairs our clients are choosing right now, from everyday favourites to statement pieces handmade in Portugal by KOKET, the luxury brand Cocolea is an authorised Australian retailer for.
| Chair | Why it's trending | Size (W × D × H) | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estelle Dining Chair by KOKET | Draped, kimono-inspired back with polished brass details; looks finished from every angle | 63.5 × 58.7 × 99 cm | $7,500 |
| Lucienne Dining Chair by KOKET | Softly rolled back, cascading velvet fringe and high-gloss copper legs | 54 × 62 × 88 cm | $6,500 |
| Nahéma Chair by KOKET | Detached back, black lacquer frame and brass hand details; a true head-of-table piece | 60 × 50 × 80 cm | $6,400 |
| Tellus Dining Chair | High velvet back with nailhead trim; custom frame stain and studs | 61 × 58 × 84 cm | $1,750 |
| Bailey Dining Chair | Curved, contoured back on splayed black legs, in olive, tan, biscuit, grey or black | 56 × 57 × 80 cm | $850 |
| Byron Ivory Bouclé Dining Chair | Curved shell seat in ivory bouclé, the texture of the moment | 52 × 56 × 77 cm | $850 |
| Luno Tub Dining Chair | Rounded velvet tub shape; ideal around a round or oval table | 65 × 66 × 76 cm | $1,700 |
| Katarina Dining Chair | Sculptural solid timber frame with a velvet seat and curved arm support | 58 × 55 × 70 cm | $1,200 |
| Bellagio Rattan Dining Chair | Woven rattan back on a black timber frame; the natural, organic look | 43 × 53 × 80 cm | $720 |
KOKET chairs are handmade to order in about 10–12 weeks, in any size, colour or fabric. Browse the full dining chairs collection for more than 60 designs.
What is the best material for dining chairs?
For most family homes, the best choice is a solid timber frame with a performance fabric or leather seat. It lasts for years and wipes clean.
| Material | Durability | Care | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid timber (oak, ash, walnut) | Very high | Dust, wipe, re-oil now and then | Scratches from rings and buckles |
| Metal | Very high | Wipe clean | Can feel cold; check for floor protectors |
| Leather | High, and it ages well | Wipe, condition twice a year | Pet claws; direct sun |
| Performance fabric | High | Spot-clean; resists stains | Pick a tight weave if you have cats |
| Velvet | High in commercial grade | Vacuum and brush the pile | Deep pile can crush; choose a short, dense pile |
| Bouclé | Medium | Vacuum; spot-clean quickly | Loops can snag; lighter colours mark |
| Rattan or cane | Medium | Dust, wipe with a damp cloth | Can sag or split if very dry |
Best dining chairs for kids and pets? Choose leather, faux leather or a tightly woven performance fabric in a mid-tone. Avoid loose loops and very pale colours, and look for removable or washable seat covers.
Are bouclé dining chairs practical?
Yes, as long as you choose the right bouclé and care for it from day one. Bouclé is a looped, nubby fabric that adds softness and texture, which is why it's one of the most searched dining chair styles. A tight, low loop in a synthetic blend is the most hard-wearing. Large, loose loops look beautiful but can snag on jewellery, belt buckles and pet claws.
How to clean a bouclé dining chair:
- Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment to lift crumbs and dust from the loops.
- Blot spills straight away with a clean, damp white cloth. Never rub, because it pushes the stain in and frays the loops.
- Use a mild, pH-neutral upholstery cleaner only if the fabric's care code allows water.
- Snip any pulled loop level with sharp scissors. Never pull it.
- Book a professional upholstery clean once a year for ivory or cream bouclé.
For a dining room used every day, our Byron Ivory Bouclé Dining Chair can also be made in a performance bouclé or a darker oatmeal or taupe tone.
Which dining chair fabric is easiest to maintain?
Performance fabric and leather are the easiest to live with. Velvet and bouclé give the most luxurious look but need a little more care. When comparing fabrics, ask for the rub count (Martindale test). It measures how many rubs a fabric survives before it shows wear.
| Fabric | Rub count to look for | Ease of cleaning | Look and feel | Long-term value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance fabric | 30,000+ | Very easy: most spills bead and wipe off | Matte, woven, casual to refined | Excellent for families, pets and daily use |
| Leather | Not rub-tested; choose full or top grain | Very easy: wipe, condition twice a year | Warm, tailored; gains character with age | Excellent: often outlasts the frame |
| Faux leather | 50,000+ | Very easy: wipe clean | Sleek, consistent | Good, but cheap versions can crack |
| Velvet (polyester) | 30,000+ | Easy: vacuum, brush the pile, blot spills | Rich colour, light-catching sheen | Very good; polyester outlasts cotton velvet |
| Bouclé | 25,000+ | Moderate: vacuum often, blot spills | Soft, textured, sculptural | Good with a tight loop and a mid-tone colour |
| Linen or linen blend | 15,000–25,000 | Moderate: stains can set | Relaxed, natural, creases easily | Best for formal or lightly used dining rooms |
| Chenille | 25,000+ | Easy to moderate | Soft, cosy, textured | Good everyday choice |
As a guide, 15,000 rubs suits light domestic use, 25,000+ suits everyday family dining, and 30,000+ is commercial grade.
What do fabric cleaning codes mean? Check the label before cleaning anything.
- W: water-based cleaners are safe.
- S: solvent-based cleaners only; no water.
- W/S: either is fine.
- X: vacuum or brush only; professional cleaning for anything else.
Which fabric should I choose? For the best mix of looks, easy care and long life, choose a performance velvet or tight-loop bouclé in a mid-tone like olive, caramel, taupe or charcoal. For a formal dining room used a few times a month, go for ivory bouclé or silk-blend velvet. Ask us for samples: most Cocolea and KOKET chairs can be upholstered in any fabric.
Are velvet dining chairs a good idea?
Yes. The idea that velvet isn't suitable for dining chairs is a myth. The right velvet is one of the most durable, easy-care fabrics you can choose. Restaurants, hotels and bars use commercial-grade velvet on dining chairs every day. The key is choosing the right type of velvet, because not all velvets wear or clean the same way.
Types of velvet and how they differ
| Velvet type | Look and feel | Durability | Cleaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial-grade performance velvet (polyester) | Rich colour, soft hand, available matte or with a sheen | Very high: often 50,000–100,000+ rubs | Very easy: stain-resistant, most spills blot off with water | Family homes, kids, pets, hospitality |
| Suede-finish (velvet-look) velvet | Short, brushed nap; soft and matte like suede | High | Easy: wipe or blot, brush to lift the nap | Everyday dining, modern and relaxed looks |
| High-sheen or coated velvet | Shinier, smoother surface | High | Very easy: the finish is less absorbent, so spills bead on top | Glamorous dining rooms that still need easy care |
| Cotton velvet | Matte, deep, classic | Medium | Harder: absorbs spills and can water-mark | Formal dining rooms with light use |
| Silk or viscose velvet | Lustrous, fluid drape | Lower | Delicate: professional cleaning only | Occasional statement chairs |
Does pile height matter?
Yes. The pile is the short, upright fibres that give velvet its softness, and its height and density change how the fabric wears.
- Short or thin pile: lies flatter, so it resists crushing and pressure marks. Crumbs and spills sit on top, which makes it the easiest velvet to clean. It's the best choice for everyday dining chairs.
- Thick or deep pile: plusher and richer in colour, with more light play. It can crush or "bruise" where you sit and holds crumbs deeper, so it needs regular brushing. It suits formal dining rooms or statement head chairs.
- Dense pile: whatever its height, a tightly packed pile wears far better than a loose one. Press your thumb into a sample. If it springs straight back, it will handle daily use.
How to clean velvet dining chairs
- Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment, working in the direction of the pile.
- Blot spills straight away with a clean, damp cloth. Don't rub.
- Lift crushed areas with gentle steam held 10–15 cm away, then brush with a soft clothes brush.
- Check the care code (W, S, W/S or X) before using any cleaner.
The bottom line: a commercial-grade performance velvet, a suede-finish velvet or a less-absorbent high-sheen velvet with a short, dense pile looks luxurious and stays easy to maintain for years. Save deep-pile, cotton and silk velvets for chairs that see lighter use. Our Tellus, Luno Tub, Katarina and Bailey dining chairs, including the Bailey in Olive Suede, can all be upholstered in commercial-grade velvet. Ask us for samples.
Should dining chairs match the table?
No, they don't have to. Chairs that complement the table usually look more considered than a matching set. Repeat one element, like the timber tone, metal finish or colour, so the room still feels connected.
- Round or oval tables: curved backs, tub chairs and armless chairs help more people fit around the curve.
- Long rectangular tables: use six matching side chairs, then add two carvers or statement chairs at the ends.
- Mixing and matching: keep one thing constant (the same chair in two colours, or different chairs in one fabric) and keep seat heights the same.
- Heavy timber or stone tables: balance them with lighter chairs, such as open backs, slim legs or cane.
- Glass or slim tables: this is the place for more sculptural, upholstered chairs.
- Colour: neutral chairs last longer; a coloured velvet chair adds personality without overwhelming the room.
How do I know if a dining chair is comfortable?
Sit in it for at least five minutes, at a table, the way you would at dinner. Then check these six things:
- Your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees sit at about 90 degrees.
- The seat is deep enough (about 40–45 cm) to support your thighs without pressing behind your knees.
- The back supports your lower back, and a slight backward tilt (about 100–105 degrees) feels relaxed.
- Seat padding is firm enough that you don't sink and feel the frame.
- Carver arms let you get in and out easily and slide under the table.
- The chair is light enough to pull out with one hand, but steady when you lean back.
Dining chair FAQs
Should dining chairs have arms? Armless chairs save space and fit more people. Many homes use armless side chairs along the length and two carvers at the ends, which gives comfort and a sense of occasion.
How much space should be between dining chairs? Leave about 15–20 cm between chairs, and allow 60–70 cm of table edge per person.
How long should dining chairs last? A well-made solid timber or metal chair can last 15 years or more. Upholstery may need refreshing after 7–10 years of daily use, so a reupholsterable frame is good value.
How much should I spend on dining chairs? Spend on what you sit in daily. A quality chair with a solid frame, proper joinery and good foam costs more upfront, but it outlasts several cheaper sets.
How do I clean fabric dining chairs? Vacuum weekly and blot spills straight away with a damp cloth (don't rub). Always follow the fabric's cleaning code, and use a professional cleaner for velvet and bouclé.
How do I stop dining chairs scratching the floor? Fit felt pads to every leg and replace them every few months. Use soft caps on metal legs over timber floors.
Are upholstered dining chairs practical? Yes, if you choose a performance fabric, leather or a removable cover. They're the most comfortable option for long meals.
What dining chairs are in style in 2026? Curved silhouettes, warm timbers, bouclé and textured fabrics, cane details and earthy tones like olive, rust and caramel. Mixing two chair styles at one table is also popular.
Find your perfect dining chair at Cocolea
The best way to choose a dining chair is to sit in it. Visit our showroom at 400 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, to try our range of upholstered, timber and statement dining chairs. You can also book a consultation and we'll help you match chairs to your table, your space and the way you live.
Warmest Regards,
Dorina Cocolea