Finding the right dining chairs for your space can feel seemingly impossible because there are many things to consider. Do you need them to push in flush with your dining table? Are you working with an open floor plan and need chairs that help zone the space? If your kids are in the juice box ages, what material will work best for easy cleanup? Instead of beginning your search from scratch, look to Best Seller pages. When decorating a new space, this is one of the best ways to gather inspiration for your mood board. Best Seller pages offer a nice composite of what the home design company has and what aesthetics it caters to.
West Elm is a home design retailer known for modern and functional designs that lean bohemian, midcentury-modern, and Scandinavian. Browsing through their catalog may give you a case of sticker shock, but it should be noted that West Elm focuses on creating sustainable, durable furniture, so there is a significant markup when compared to similar retailers. We did a thorough review of their Best Sellers listings to find some of the best dining chair choices, considering things like material, price point, and style.
The Jack Metal Frame Dining Chair is a stunning, modern option that can easily skew more glam high-end or industrial contemporary, depending on the fabric color and leg finish. From the quick-ship fabric options, you can choose from Dove Chenille Tweed, Green Spruce Distressed Velvet, and Java Performance Coastal Linen. There's a myriad of other customization options, but these will take longer to ship and typically cost more, as the piece has to be constructed on a made-to-order basis.
The curved back of the chair offers lumbar support, and we love that the metal structure extends over the back. To keep the chair looking new, brush it often with a dry, clean cloth. In case of a spill, immediately blot it with a damp cloth. If you need a fabric that can better withstand daily use and more frequent spills, opt for the Performance Coastal Linen. Performance fabrics are more durable and typically easier to clean, says Johnson's Fabrics, making it a good choice for households with kids and pets. A set of two costs around $300, depending on the finishes chosen.
If your vibe is a bit more relaxed and you are drawn to natural fibers like jute, cane, and wicker, then the Holland Dining Chair is a great choice. West Elm describes it as "farmhouse made modern," meaning it can work well with more traditional, cozy designs, as well as contemporary preferences for clean lines. So if you and your partner are having difficulty finding a compromise in your tastes, this is a happy medium.
The frame and tapered legs are made from kiln-dried solid wood, and the seat is tightly woven cording. Kiln drying prevents wood from cracking and distorting over time, says Octane Seating — another reason you might opt for the Holland chairs. It is available in three variations: Walnut or dark walnut wood with light beige weaving or black wood with black weaving. The beige better shows off the woven design, but the black looks sleek and seamless. They are sold individually, but a pair of two will cost $778.
While the Porto Outdoor Dining Chairs are intended for outdoor use, there is no reason these stylish but functional chairs couldn't be used both indoors and out. The curved back and arms make the patio chairs feel ultra-luxe, and they'd be as gorgeous by your formal dining table as they would under an oak tree. The cushions are weather-resistant, so they can withstand inclement conditions like rain and sleet. However, the Porto cushions can be susceptible to mold if left wet for long periods. West Elm recommends letting the cushions dry completely and standing on end before covering them with a weather tarp or just bringing them indoors during wet seasons.
Since these chairs are built to withstand harsher conditions than your typical dining chair, Patio Productions notes that outdoor furniture used indoors can be great for high-use, high-spill households. The corded backing and arms are made from nylon, while the legs are made from kiln-dried mahogany. You can choose from dark grey cording and a driftwood frame or oatmeal cording and a warmer-toned reef frame. A set of two goes for $799, making this the priciest pair on our list, but their versatility makes them a good value.