Dining Chairs

Modern Dining Room Seating: Dining Room Chairs, Dining Benches & More

Accentuate the table with modern dining chairs that play up your home's aesthetic. Whether you love to host for the holidays or prefer a smaller group when dining, make sure there's enough seating for everyone who comes to gather around your table. When choosing the perfect contemporary dining chairs to complement your table, consider not only the number, but style, material and color palette as well. For more compact floor plans, think narrow or small dining chairs, which save on floor space. After you've found the perfect dining or kitchen chairs, round out the look of your eating area with a tablecloth, centerpiece bowl and tableware to get it ready for company.

In Style: From Minimalist to Mid-Century Dining Chairs

Before selecting your dining chairs, take into account the look of your existing pieces and the vibe you want to create. A set of traditional dining chairs can support a variety of looks. If you're hosting the gang for a formal affair, seat everyone at the dining room table with high-back dining chairs for an upscale feel. Mid-century styles with armrests look elevated but are still comfortable enough for lounging in long after the meal is over. Or, take your dining room in a tropical direction with rattan chairs to give the space some texture. To tie everything together, display a few palm leaves in a vase on the credenza, and bring in color with the rug and curtains. Looking for a more-laid back alternative to the classic seating arrangement? Dining benches offer a cozy approach for intimate parties.

Material World: Metal, Velvet & Wood Dining Chairs

Take your pick from modern dining room chairs made from leather, velvet, wood or metal—after all, substance and style go hand in hand. Just because wood dining chairs are simple doesn't mean they have to be boring; high-gloss black wood dining chairs offer a sleek appeal, while mixed-material wood options fit right in with an avant-garde setting. Love the luxe look? You can't go wrong with a set of velvet dining room chairs. Complement these seats with gold flatware and jewel-toned plates for a regal aesthetic. (Bonus: their polished look means you can even use a velvet dining chair as a desk chair in your home office. We won't tell.) If the smooth feel of hide is more to your taste, mix things up with leather dining chairs. Their simple elegance is endlessly versatile and never goes out of style, so you can redecorate as often as you want. Or, for a dash of contemporary glamor, coordinate modern metal dining chairs made from black iron or stainless steel with the material of your chandelier for an overall chic effect. Keep the room from getting too matchy-matchy by opting for a dining table made from an unexpected material such as stone or travertine.

Living Color: Navy, White, Grey & Black Dining Room Chairs

When it comes to setting the mood, color is a major player. While pieces with muted palettes contribute to a contemporary, even minimalist feel, unexpected hues such as blue or bold white create eye-catching drama. If you've made bold design choices in other parts of the room, think brown, black or grey dining chairs to allow those other features to take the spotlight. You can also spice up your simple-colored seats by choosing complementary chairs in a different style for the head of the table. Or, make decorating a cinch by choosing modern kitchen chairs in colors and silhouettes that speak for themselves. Think navy dining chairs accented by wood decor and furniture for an old-school vibe, or try white dining chairs to brighten up an otherwise dark room. Worried about spills? White leather dining chairs look haute but are still easy to clean.