Kitchen Chairs – What are the Essential Qualities to Look for?

A kitchen chair is one of the most important investments you will make in your house. As the kitchen is the heart of the home, you will most likely spend many hours seated around the table as you eat, chat, cook, work, and socialise with friends and family.

Additionally, the hub of the social scene frequently ends up in the kitchen. Therefore, a lot of thought should go into the kitchen chairs that you choose, so that they are practical, robust, attractive, and comfortable.

There are a huge variety of kitchen and dining chairs on the market to choose from, so you will have no problem finding one to suit your individual décor and taste. The ideal kitchen chair should be functional, and it is also important to factor in quality, comfort, durability, and style when selecting the perfect one for your home.

The following blog is a guide to help you select the ideal kitchen chair to suit your needs, and it outlines several things to consider prior to purchasing one that will serve you well for many years to come.

A kitchen chair to suit your space

Before you choose your ideal kitchen chair, it is important to look at the overall size of your kitchen and the general space available to you. Start by measuring your kitchen table and dining area, as well as measure the space between the chairs and kitchen table.

A good rule of thumb is that kitchen chairs should be between 16 and 22 inches in height, and it is a good idea to leave between 10 and 13 inches between the chair seat and the underside of the table. You should also allow approximately 24 inches of space for each individual chair.

If you are tight on space, you have the option of using a kitchen bench that can seat more than one person. You can also select kitchen chairs with no arms, and legs that don’t protrude outwards; this way they can be tucked away neatly under the table. A round table will also work better in smaller spaces.

If you have a small kitchen, then stackable and foldable chairs will also work very well as a space-saving option, and they are a great way of providing extra seating for guests.

For larger kitchen spaces, then you may opt for larger, cushioned chairs, with arms and wider legs, which will provide a comfortable, elegant, and stylish effect.

Choosing comfortable kitchen chairs

The comfort of the kitchen chair you choose is vital; after all, you will most likely be sitting on it for a considerable amount of time daily, whether you are enjoying meals, doing homework with the kids, or perhaps working, reading, or writing.

To ensure maximum comfort, look for chairs with good back support and cushioning. There are many ergonomic chairs on the market that will support your posture in general, so make sure to factor this in when considering the function of the chair you are selecting.

We also recommend that you select a kitchen chair with a scoop or imprint, which has a rounded and soft seating area, as this will make it much more comfortable to sit on. Equally, you may opt for a chair with a curved back as opposed to one that is straight up and down, as this will allow you to tilt back a little and provide a much more comfortable seating option.

Durable kitchen chairs

Kitchen chairs will go through a lot of wear and tear in their lifetime, particularly in busy homes with lots of footfall. Make sure to choose a kitchen chair with high-quality materials and construction. These will stand the test of time, and they will save you money in the long run, as they will last longer and require less maintenance.

It is recommended that a good kitchen chair be strong enough to support approximately 250lbs, and there are a variety of chair frames that accommodate this. Sturdy kitchen chairs come in lots of durable materials such as, metals like steel and iron, and hardwoods, such as walnut, beech, oak, and maple.

Depending on your household requirements, you may wish to select a kitchen chair that is resistant to spills and stains, such as leather, faux-leather, plastic, vinyl, and a variety of stain-resistant fabrics. These are great for little ones and the elderly, as well as for homes with pets, or for those who like to host lots of parties.

Alternatively, if you like to spend time relaxing and lounging at the dining table, then an upholstered kitchen chair may be the right choice for you. They come in a variety of textures that are both comfortable and elegant, and many are designed with stain-resistant properties, or have washable covers, which are ideal for any household.

Showcase your style via your kitchen chair

No matter what your style preference is, you can express your design goals through the kitchen chairs that you choose. Whether traditional, contemporary, minimalist, or flamboyant, you will find one that will reflect your individual style and taste.

You can select chairs that blend into your overall design scheme, or you can choose quirky, accent chairs to add a bit of glamour to your kitchen table. You can also mix and match your kitchen chairs for a unique and personalised effect. For example, some of the most popular dining chair colour pairings we see in Irish homes are yellow and grey, duck egg blue and taupe and navy blue and orange. Regardless of what your preferences are, it is important to select a chair that complements the overall colour scheme of your kitchen furniture, furnishings, and flooring.

If you want a more mainstream look, then select chairs that match your table. Alternatively, you can get creative and allow your kitchen chairs to act as a key design feature in your space.

You can also add cushions in contrasting colours, fabrics, and textures, to your kitchen chairs to create that additional layer of individuality, comfort, and style. Cushions are also a clever way to liven up your chairs and give them a whole new look, as you can change the cushion covers seasonally, which will instantly add a new design element to your space.

Safety features of your kitchen chair

Safety is key when it comes to selecting the ideal kitchen chair for your home; this is particularly true if you have elderly family members or young children.

There are numerous kitchen chairs on the market offering fantastic safety solutions which will work well no matter what your design preferences are. For example, ergonomic chairs and chairs with swivel designs, rounded edges, and non-slip feet will help to prevent accidents, and they will also create more stability and security in the home.

Selecting the ideal kitchen chair to suit your needs can be fun, and the overall look and style of the chairs that you choose will enhance the design scheme of your kitchen. Whether you choose a kitchen chair as a statement piece or for purely functional reasons, the overall goal is to select one that is comfortable and durable and the perfect size for your space.

Your kitchen chair will be your trusty friend for many years to come, it will support you through endless cups of tea and chats, and memorable moments, and gastronomic gatherings. So let your creativity shine as you select the perfect kitchen perch for your space.

For inspiration, check out some of our best dining chairs below, or view our full fabulous range of kitchen and dining chairs here.