Continental Dining Chairs

Questions About Continental Dining Chairs

• What is a dining chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024

  A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.

• How tall should dining chairs be?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  Dining chairs should be around 18 inches tall. Since most dining tables are 30 inches high, 18 inch tall dining chairs allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. As a general rule of thumb, there should be around 12 inches between a dining table and a seat.

• What is a carver dining chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021

  A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.

• What is the difference between an accent chair and a dining chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023

  The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

• What is the difference between dining chairs and accent chairs?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024

  The difference between dining chairs and accent chairs is primarily their function. Generally, dining chairs are used in dining areas, where they provide comfortable seating for people to use while eating at tables. You'll normally find accent chairs in seating areas and other parts of the home, where users can sit on them while they read, make conversation or enjoy other relaxing activities. Shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.

• What is a good width for a dining chair?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023

  A good width for a dining chair is generally considered to be 16 to 20 inches. Chairs within this size range typically provide enough space for most people to sit comfortably. Shop a collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

• What are the head dining chairs called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024

  What the head dining chairs are called varies. With many dining room sets, the chairs designed to go at the heads or ends of the tables are flanked by arms. As a result, people often refer to them as dining armchairs or dining end chairs. If the chairs lack arms, they're usually described as end chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining chairs.

• Should dining room chairs have arms?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

  Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.

• Is it worth recovering dining chairs?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024

  Yes, it may be worth recovering dining chairs. If the upholstery on your chairs is worn or stained, but the frames are in good condition, recovering them can restore their appearance and allow you to continue using your furniture for more years. However, there may be some downsides to recovering. Sometimes, the material and labor costs may be more than what you might pay for new chairs. Recovering some vintage or antique dining chairs may also diminish their value. If your chairs are vintage or antique, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or antique dealer to learn about the potential impact of replacing the fabric before you proceed with the recovery process. It is also a good idea to get estimates from a few professional furniture repairers to see how much the project will cost. Shop a large collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

• What is a dining chair with arms called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

• Is leather good for dining chairs?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023

  Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.

• How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024

  To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.

• Do chairs have to match the dining table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

  Dining room chairs and dining tables do not necessarily have to match. 

• What are the chairs at a dining table called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024

  The chairs at a dining table are generally just called dining chairs. Chairs without arms that go along the sides of a table are side chairs. Typically positioned at the ends of tables, dining chairs framed by arms are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.

• Are leather dining chairs worth it?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024

  Many furniture lovers feel that leather dining chairs are worth it. Due to its natural beauty, leather can elevate dining rooms and add interest to interior designs by bringing in a new texture. Leather is also fairly easy to wipe clean, and top-grain and full-grain upholstery often hold up well to the effects of frequent use. Keep in mind that other factors contribute to the overall quality of a chair, such as its frame materials and construction methods. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of leather dining chairs.

• What is a dining room chair called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024

  A dining room chair is called a dining chair. However, depending on its style, you may also see a dining chair referred to by other names. Armless ones placed along the long sides of rectangular and oval tables are side chairs, while the chairs with arms that often go at the heads of tables are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.

• How can you tell if a dining chair is good quality?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024

  To tell if a dining chair is good quality, first push on the backrest. Wobbling or creaking may indicate that a chair is poorly made. Next, look over every visible part of the frame. Good-quality dining chairs should display even finishes and tight-fitting joints. If the chair has upholstery, examine it for any gaps or wrinkles, which may suggest poor craftsmanship. Find a large selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

• What is the end chair called for a dining table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  The end chairs are called an armchair. Typically found at the head of the table, these specific chairs have armrests and give off a more formal feel. You can shop a collection of armchairs and dining tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What is the best fabric to reupholster dining chairs?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  Choosing a fabric for reupholstering dining chairs is dependent on a number of factors. Cotton, faux suede, leather, tweed, velvet and vinyl are all popular options though each has different benefits. It is important to consider durability, ability to clean, and coordinating with decor.

• What is the back of a dining room chair called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  The entire back of a dining chair is simply called the chair back. It may have another name that more accurately describes the shape such as an X back or a cross back. The individual parts of a chair back include the ear, top rail, cross rail, stile and back post. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary dining chairs from top sellers around the world.