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STYLE
A Guide to the Most Common Dining Chair Styles
STYLE
A Guide to the Most Common
Dining Chair Styles
Have you ever struggled to describe a specific kind of dining chair to a friend, partner, or furniture salesperson? You’re not alone. There’s a dizzying array of terms, names, and general interior design parlance that’s hard to nail down. That’s why we’ve prepared a simple primer on the most popular dining chair styles. Instead of exact brand names, we’ve compiled general dining chair styles that can be found in any furniture or vintage store. Keep reading to start shopping with confidence:
CLASSIC ARCHETYPE
Dining Chairs by Back Design
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LADDER-BACK
WINDSOR
CROSS-BACK
BARREL-BACK
WINGBACK
What’s the easiest way to identify a dining chair? Take a look at its back. A cross-back chair is marked by a large intersecting X, whereas ladder-back has multiple rungs running down the back. Such wood dining chairs, constructed with slats on the back, tend to skew classic in style, making them incredibly popular in nostalgic aesthetics like traditional or transitional homes. A trendy example is the Windsor chair, which is a quintessential element of popular farmhouse and cottagecore styles.
If you’re looking for more of a modern look, go for upholstered and shapely chairs that offer both plush comfort and sculptural beauty. Chair styles commonly found in contemporary spaces include barrel-back chairs that encircle your torso as well as wingback chairs that add height and drama to a glam home.
If you’re looking for more of a modern look, go for upholstered and shapely chairs that offer both plush comfort and sculptural beauty. Chair styles commonly found in contemporary spaces include barrel-back chairs that encircle your torso as well as wingback chairs that add height and drama to a glam home.
PERIOD PIECE
Dining Chairs by Era
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QUEEN ANNE
KING LOUIS
PARSONS
FRENCH BISTRO
CLEAR KING LOUIS
If you’re looking to infuse traditional style or a baroque flair into your home, you’ll love the ornate Queen Anne-style chair. The elegant 18th century wood dining chair, beloved for its flashy curves and embellishments, is a staple in a traditional-style home.
But just because a chair has rich history doesn’t mean it has to look like an antique. Enjoy a chic Parisian aesthetic with a King Louis or Parsons style. While both French designs are usually upholstered, Louis XVI-style armchairs have a more regal effect with a circular medallion back. The Parsons style is cleaner and simpler, constructed with straight wood legs and back that feel surprisingly contemporary. For outdoor-friendly options, consider a checkered French bistro style made of rattan or wicker, or a clear plastic King Louis-style chair which has quite a following.
But just because a chair has rich history doesn’t mean it has to look like an antique. Enjoy a chic Parisian aesthetic with a King Louis or Parsons style. While both French designs are usually upholstered, Louis XVI-style armchairs have a more regal effect with a circular medallion back. The Parsons style is cleaner and simpler, constructed with straight wood legs and back that feel surprisingly contemporary. For outdoor-friendly options, consider a checkered French bistro style made of rattan or wicker, or a clear plastic King Louis-style chair which has quite a following.
CURVACEOUS CRAFT
Dining Chairs by Technique
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CANTILEVER
BENTWOOD
MONOBLOC
FRENCH BISTRO STYLE
PLASTIC KING LOUIS STYLE
One of the reasons we love nerding out about chairs is that it makes us appreciate the innovative work that went into creating the forms we now know and love. For example, cantilever chairs are a marvel of 20th century modern design. The seat appears to float, supported by a single, continuous piece of molded metal. The minimalist and futuristic look is often associated with mid century modern and Bauhaus styles that fully appreciate the chair’s sinuous form.
Another example of pioneering molding technique is the 19th century bentwood chair. Made of smooth, curved wood bars, bentwood chairs look delicate but are surprisingly durable — making them a mainstay as café chairs in bistros around the world. You can find them in various wood finishes, and sometimes paired with accents of woven rattan for a boho flair.
Another example of pioneering molding technique is the 19th century bentwood chair. Made of smooth, curved wood bars, bentwood chairs look delicate but are surprisingly durable — making them a mainstay as café chairs in bistros around the world. You can find them in various wood finishes, and sometimes paired with accents of woven rattan for a boho flair.
Updated March 27, 2025
Charlotte Weld
Director of Digital Content
I’m Charlotte, the Director of Digital Content at Furniture.com, where I lead the creative direction for our Inspiration blog and the marketing layer of our website.
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Dining Chair Styles
Dining chair styles make or break a room. They help maintain a balanced, cohesive aesthetic throughout the space.
With hundreds of options to choose from, choosing the right dining chair feels overwhelming. We created this guide to take the guess work out of finding the perfect dining chair style.
Popular Dining Chair Styles
There are hundreds of possibilities when it comes to dining chair styles. There’s a style to fit every need, from minimalist, sleek designs to distressed, eclectic aesthetics. Let's explore several of the most common dining chair styles.
Traditional Dining Chairs
Traditional dining chairs balance elegance with comfort. Upholstered seats, ornate legs, and sophisticated details combine to create a rich design that doesn’t overwhelm the space. They are made from rich, dark woods and are great for formal dining rooms.
Modern Dining Chairs
Modern dining chairs focus more on clean lines and neutral colors to avoid overwhelming the eye. Modern dining chairs are usually made from materials like molded plastics and lacquered wood and work well in open, minimalist spaces.
Rustic Dining Chairs
If you’re going for a vintage look, rustic dining chairs are the best option. Crafted from natural, unfinished, or distressed wood, they add a touch of warmth and character to any room. Pair with farmhouse wood tables to complete the look.
Industrial Dining Chairs
Industrial dining chairs are like modern chairs, but they have a raw aesthetic that complements a loft or warehouse aesthetic. They achieve this through using durable materials like metal and like exposed hardware.
Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs
Mid century modern dining chairs achieve a retro look. Featuring bold color accents, organic shapes, and tapered legs, they are a fantastic choice if you’re going for a vintage yet timeless vibe.
Farmhouse Dining Chairs
Farmhouse dining chairs create a cozy and inviting atmosphere through distressed finishes, neutral tones, and understated details. This style of dining chair works best with large wooden dining tables with homey details.
Coastal Dining Chairs
Coastal dining chairs offer a light, airy feel through a combination of rattan, wicker, and whitewashed wood. The soft color palette inspires a breezy atmosphere perfect for the warmer months.
Scandinavian Dining Chairs
Scandinavian designs prioritize functionality and simplicity. Neutral, understated upholstery and light wood are key features. This style of dining chair works well with Nordic-style interiors that feel modern yet inviting.
Bohemian Dining Chairs
Bohemian dining chairs are highly eclectic, mixing and matching different styles with unique materials and patterns. The only rules for bohemian design are creating a laid-back space that’s your own.
How To Choose the Right Dining Chair Style
Choosing the right dining chair style involves balancing comfort, aesthetics, and functionality to complement your dining space. Start by considering the overall style of your dining table and room — whether modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic—so the chairs enhance the cohesive look. Comfort is key, so evaluate seat height, cushioning, and back support, especially if you host long meals. Material choice also matters; wood, metal, upholstered, or plastic options each offer different durability, maintenance levels, and visual appeal. Additionally, consider the number of chairs needed and whether armchairs or armless designs best suit your layout and space constraints. Ultimately, the right dining chairs should align with your lifestyle, providing both style and practicality for everyday use.
Where To Buy Dining Chairs in Different Styles
Shopping for dining chairs at Furniture.com is a seamless experience designed to help you find the perfect blend of style, comfort, and quality. Our carefully curated collection features a variety of designs, from modern and minimalist to classic and cozy, ensuring there's a match for every dining space at a retailer near you. Whether you’re drawn to the plush elegance of upholstered seating, the sleek sophistication of metal frames, or the timeless charm of wooden craftsmanship, our selection is thoughtfully chosen to suit diverse tastes and needs. Use our store locator to see your favorite dining chairs in person or find a style that’s ready to ship directly to your home—bringing effortless style and convenience to your dining space.
Finding the Perfect Dining Chair Style for Your Space
Finding the perfect dining chair style depends on your personal preferences and your room's decor and furniture. Don’t be afraid to mix a few styles to create a unique, inviting space. If you’re ready to take your dining room to the next level, browse our selection of dining chair styles.