Should Dining Chair Legs Match Dining Table Legs?

Decorating a home is a fun and exciting process, but it can also be overwhelming. In fact, one of the things that people struggle with the most is choosing the right furniture for their space.

With over three decades of experience in interior design, we know that a fairly common concern is should dining chair legs match dining table legs? And it’s a tough one because essentially there is no one-size-fits-all answer. 

Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal taste and the overall aesthetic of your room.

If we take a look at current trends, they suggest that matching chairs and tables are a thing of the past. But will the eclectic dining room look soon become passé, or is it here to stay?

Read on to find out where we stand on the matter, leaving you to make up your own mind. 

Matching dining chair legs to your dining table legs

Our interior designers advise that a dining table and its chairs should be sisters and not twins; not identical but alike. 

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to use the style of your table as a guide. For example, a mid-century design will be better suited to seats in a similar style, without having to completely match it.

So what do you do if you want to successfully elevate the visual impact of your room? We suggest exploring contrasting textures, finishes, and colours. 

Consider pairing a dark table like the Latour dining table by Naos (demonstrated below) with light chairs, or vice versa.

The general rule to keep in mind is that too much of the same material can feel overwhelming and tend to look uninspired. So varying elements, even subtle ones, is a great way to introduce depth and dimension to your décor. 

Just be sure not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a look that’s messy and disjointed. At the end of the day, there’s a balance between being so subtle that it’s unnoticeable and so radical that it lacks cohesion.

Factors to consider in your dining room

Here are some things to think about when planning your dining room furniture:

Style

First, take into account the overall style of your space. If it’s formal or traditional, matching chair legs to the table will help create a unified, polished look. The same thing goes if the pieces are ornate or highly detailed. 

On the other hand, if your dining room has a more modern or minimalist aesthetic, a mismatched look will work well.

Colour

Similar to style, matching the colour of your chair legs to the table is recommended if the general feel of your home is that of a classic aesthetic. Doing so will ensure that the room is tied together seamlessly.

However, if you have splashes of colour in different sections of the house, you will do well to carry them through to the dining area. And extending this feel to your seating choices is a fun way to do it.

Designs like the Tate Color dining chair by Cappellini bring pops of bright hues that can transform the ambience of the space into a more lively one. 

If you decide to go this route, think about the impact colour has on mood. Neutrals like sage greens will bring relaxation and calmness, while a racy red is sure to energise your room.

Should your dining chairs match?

If you have decided that you prefer an eclectic look, you might want to take it a step further and have a full set of mismatched chairs. The good news is that this is a perfectly acceptable choice if done brilliantly. So, if you need a little help creating this look, contact our dynamic design team - we’d be delighted to guide your choices. 

When it comes to selecting your dining chairs there are three main routes to take:

• a neat, sophisticated single-style set
• a casual-looking, eclectic mishmash of seating options
• one style for the side chairs and another for the seats at the head of a rectangular or oval-shaped table 

Whilst it’s a lot of fun to mix and match chair shapes, make sure that there is one common thread that ties all the pieces together. This could come down to colour, texture or a similar genre. 

If you plan on having head chairs that are different from the side ones, ensure cohesion in either the finishes or upholstery so that the overall effect looks intentional.

How to choose the perfect dining chairs?

Now that you have an idea of your styling options, these tips will help you choose a dining chair that will perfectly enhance both your table and home.  

Chair height

This important factor will affect how comfortable the chair is to sit in.

By rule of thumb, there should be at least 25 cm of space between the bottom of the tabletop and the seat of the chair. This will allow for enough legroom and an ergonomic seating position.

Additionally, you should choose chairs that can be tucked under the table when not in use, saving space and keeping the room feeling open and uncluttered. 

Finally, for a cohesive look, make sure the back of each chair is at least two inches taller than the tabletop.

Seat width

The width and depth of the chairs are just as critical. 

Make sure that they slide comfortably under the table with a couple of inches of space between them, ensuring that they won’t bump into the legs or base. This is particularly important if it’s a pedestal or has an unusual shape like Sancal’s Vesper dining collection. 

Note that if the chairs are too close, guests will feel uncomfortable and cramped. So, if you’re working in a small space, focus on maximising the seating area.

Scale and composition

Apart from the legs, your chairs must also be compatible with the table in terms of their size.

Proportions can make or break the balance of a room so be sure to pay attention to how all your furniture items scale up together.

Material

Finally, consideration should be put into the materials you choose for your chairs. Think about how they will be used and who will be using them.

If they are going to be sat on every day or your home is filled with children and pets, it’s imperative to select something durable and easy-to-clean. Wood, leather, washable cotton, linen, plastic, or acrylic are all great options.

Upholstered chairs in materials such as velvet or suede may be better suited for formal dining rooms that are only used on special occasions.

In conclusion

Ultimately, the decision on whether to match dining chair and table legs is a personal one based on your style and the overall aesthetic of your home.

If you want to try a more eclectic interior but are unsure how to do so, chat with our design professionals who will help you find the perfect furniture items for your décor scheme.

We believe your home should be unique and interesting, so we encourage you to approach your interiors with an open mind. Visit our showroom to see some dining sets up close or get in touch for a chat with our expert team.