Sit pretty with these to-dine-for designs...
Add instant grown-up glamour to your dining area with a set of stylish, upholstered dining chairs. The sumptuous chairs ahead will transform your dining space into something special and give everyday dinners, or even a deliveroo, the wow factor. Those with padded seats and backrests will provide extra comfort too if you’re in the habit of sitting around the table, chewing the fat until the small hours.
Quick, easy, and more cost effective than completely redecorating, a new set of smart upholstered chairs can inject a splash of colour and instantly refresh a dining space. Many of the chairs in our edit are available in a choice of fabrics to suit a number of schemes. Some of the seats can be covered in fabrics that are easy to clean, or in the case of the TV chair at Lignet Roset are removable, if sticky little fingers are an issue in your home.
Find ideas for decadent dining spaces here.
There are classic styles, new silhouettes and high street heroes in the mix – from Jonathan Adler‘s modern keyhole form, Gubi’s sleek Beetle and Heal’s slender Bronte (available as a pair) to retro shapes like the wire frame velvet chair from West Elm at John Lewis & Partners (inspired by a traditional school chair) or the Molina from Soho Home, a vintage staple at Kettner’s townhouse.
Alongside the chic modern styles and mid-century influences, there is a contemporary update of the DSW mid century classic by Charles and Ray Eames, a timeless design from Pierre Paulin and a sculptural piece at Poliform.
There is much to choose and with upholstered dining chairs as smart and stylish as these, it’s a good excuse to invite some friends over for a slap up dinner to celebrate.
Check out these 7 Steps to a Stylish Dining Space.
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Molina chair with arms, £395, Soho Home
A House hero, you'll find this comfy dining chair everywhere from High Road House to Soho House Berlin, as well as a vintage version in Kettner's Townhouse.
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DSW plastic side chair in black maple and hopsak upholstery, £585, The Conran Shop
Designed in 1950 by iconic duo Charles and Ray Eames and manufacturd by Vitra, the Hopsak-upholstered DSW Plastic Side Chair showcases the signature ‘Eiffel’ base with black maple legs and a refreshed colour palette.
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Bronte chair, £399 for two, Heal’s
Upholstered in moda fabric and plush velvet, which conceal a strong internal metal frame, this slender chair has a padded backrest and seat to ensure a comfortable sit.
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Wire frame velvet chair, £199, West Elm at John Lewis & Partners
This chair takes inspiration from traditional school chair shapes, with a mid-century spin.
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TV chair, from £514, Ligne Roset
This timeless piece was originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1953.
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Beetle by Gubi, £902, Viaduct.co.uk
Upholstered in beautiful Kvadrat canvas fabric with a black leather trim, this Gubi beauty is available in a wide range of colours to suit any number of schemes.
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Newport chair in Loison Chalk and Brera Lino Denim linen, from £695, Designers Guild
The Newport chair's contemporary, box-like shape can be customised, with either a high or low back, with or without arms. Plus with over 4,000 different upholstery fabrics to choose from, the chairs can be made completely bespoke to suit your style.
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Vera chair in Orange linen-mix, £495, Jonathan Adler
With its classic keyhole shape, lithe ebonized legs and bright orange colour, Jonathan Adler's Vera dining chairs will brighten the mood in a formal dining space, while adding unexpected shape and a cheeky pop of colour. Available in a more classic white, too.
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Guest armchair in Persia velvet in Perla, £2,320, Rodolfo Dordoni at Poliform
At the other end of the spectrum, Poliform's smooth and sculptural chair is upholstered from top to toe – legs and all – with a rounded, covered back which hides legs from view. Tidy.
