Dining Chair vs Side Chair: Differences Explained

Dining Room Table and Chairs

At a Glance:

6 Stylish Side Chair Designs for the Dining Room

Side chairs play a pivotal role in your dining room, effortlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. These versatile seating options are designed to complement the central dining table, providing a comfortable and stylish accompaniment to the overall decor. Side chairs serve as more than just places to sit; they contribute to the overall design scheme, reflecting your taste and enhancing the dining experience. From classic wooden designs to modern upholstered styles, side chairs offer a spectrum of options to suit diverse preferences, making them an essential element in creating a welcoming and visually pleasing dining space.

In this dining chair buying guide, we’ll answer the question “What is a side dining chair,” explain the difference between side chairs and other dining chairs, give an overview of typical side chair dimensions, and discuss when to use a side chair. Then, we’ll recommend 6 stylish dining room chair designs for dining rooms of every style from Liddiard Home Furnishings.

Explore Our Dining Chair Selection

If you're looking to add more style to your dining room, check out Liddiard's selection of dining and side chairs.

Liddiard Dinning Room Chairs

Side Chair vs Dining Chair

Along with a table, chairs are the central furniture component of any dining room. Typically, dining rooms feature two types of dining room chairs: armchairs and side chairs. What is a side chair? Simply put, a side chair is an armless dining chair. In traditional dining room layouts, side chairs are arranged on the sides of the table while dining chairs (also known as armchairs) are placed at the ends of the table. Armchairs can offer a more formal, defined look in your space while side chairs are easy to move around and allow for diners to sit comfortably next to others.

Of course, some dining rooms might feature pub-style tables with backless, armless bar stools. Others may include banquette or bench seating, only armchairs, or only side chairs. There is no hard and fast rule for the dining chairs required in your space. Ultimately, it will depend on the size of your space, the shape of your table, and the design style you are seeking to emulate.

Here are some pros and cons of side chairs.

Pros

Versatility: Side chairs come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and designs, allowing homeowners to choose options that complement their dining room decor or create a contrasting statement.
Space Efficiency: Compared to larger dining chairs, these space saving dining chairs are often more compact, making them an excellent choice for smaller dining rooms or when you want to maximize space around the table.
Easy to Move: Side chairs are typically lightweight and easy to move, making it convenient to rearrange seating arrangements for different occasions or to accommodate varying numbers of guests.
Cost-Effective: In many cases, side chairs are more budget-friendly than larger, more elaborate dining chairs, making them a cost-effective option for those on a budget.
Mix-and-Match Options: Their smaller size and varied designs make side chairs ideal for mixing and matching, allowing homeowners to create a diverse and eclectic dining room aesthetic.

Cons

Limited Support: Depending on the design, side chairs may offer less back support than larger dining chairs, potentially affecting comfort, especially for individuals who prefer a more supportive seat.
Not Suitable for All Body Types: The one-size-fits-all approach of some side chair designs may not accommodate individuals of all body types, potentially leading to discomfort for some users.
Mismatched Heights: When not chosen thoughtfully, side chairs may end up being too low or too high in comparison to the dining table, creating an uncomfortable or visually unappealing dining experience. We’ll talk more about side chair dimensions in the next section, so you can avoid this common pitfall.

Learn More: 7 Ashley Furniture Dining Room Sets by Design Style

Side Chair Dimensions

Technically, there are no set dimensions for a side chair. However, there are some common guidelines for typical dimensions. Keep in mind that these are general measurements, and actual dimensions may vary between different chair models and manufacturers. Here are some standard dimensions for dining room side chairs:

Seat Height: The standard seat height for dining chairs is around 18 inches (46 cm) to 20 inches (51 cm) from the floor. This height allows for comfortable seating at a standard dining table, which is usually around 30 inches (76 cm) high.
Seat Depth: The seat depth, measured from the front to the back of the chair, is typically around 16 inches (41 cm) to 18 inches (46 cm). This provides enough space for a person to sit comfortably without feeling cramped.
Seat Width: The width of the seat can vary, but a common range is between 16 inches (41 cm) and 20 inches (51 cm). This provides enough room for individuals to sit comfortably without feeling squeezed.
Backrest Height: The backrest height influences the overall look and comfort of the chair. It's often around 16 inches (41 cm) to 20 inches (51 cm) above the seat. Taller backrests may provide more support but could affect the overall aesthetic.
Overall Height: The overall height of the chair, including the backrest, is typically in the range of 32 inches (81 cm) to 40 inches (102 cm). Taller chairs may be suitable for more formal dining spaces, while shorter chairs are often preferred for a casual setting.
Width and Depth of the Chair: The overall width and depth of the chair can vary, but a common range is approximately 16 inches (41 cm) to 20 inches (51 cm) for both dimensions. These dimensions ensure that the chair fits well at a standard dining table.

It's essential to consider these dimensions in the context of your dining table's height and size. Additionally, personal comfort preferences and the overall style of your dining room should influence your choice of side chair dimensions. Before purchasing, it's a good idea to test the chair for comfort and compatibility with your dining table.

When to Use a Side Chair

Side Chairs

Side chairs are known for their versatility. Although they’re common in dining rooms, they are typically lightweight and easy to move, so you can bring them into any room where you need a little extra seating. They would be lovely in a breakfast nook or even in a living room as accent chairs. There are many designs available whether you prefer leather, wood, or upholstery. They’re also available in a wide range of design styles from modern to farmhouse to coastal and glam.

With a Standard-Height Table

Although you can find side chairs that are suitable for counter-height and pub-height tables, they are most commonly paired with standard-height tables.

In a Traditional Dining Room

The most common application of side chairs is positioning them along the sides of a long, rectangular dining table with an armchair at each end. Of course, plenty of people break the mold and find what works best for them. Some love the simplistic and sleek look of dining chairs and prefer them over armchairs. Others use all side chairs around a dining room table while still others prefer the arm support and luxury of an armchair and opt to use only armchairs around their table. It is up to you!

In a Small Dining Room

Side chairs are great for small dining rooms whether you have a round, square, rectangular, or oval dining table. They take up less space than armchairs and are easier to rearrange when needed.

6 Stylish Side Chair Designs for the Dining Room

Keep reading for 6 of our favorite side chairs for the dining room from Liddiard Home Furnishings.

Liberty Montage Platinum Upholstered Side Chair

This elegantly upholstered side chair is perfect for a traditional, upscale, and sophisticated contemporary, or luxurious glam dining room. However you choose to accessorize and style the rest of your dining room, this chair promises to instantly elevate your space. The neutral upholstery and simple silhouette easily work with a variety of color palettes and dining table styles, making this a highly versatile option.

Signature Design by Ashley Centiar Brown Dining Side Chair

Signature Design Centiar Brown Dining Side Chair

This leather side chair is simple but brings a totally different feel to your dining room with its brown hue, black metal base, and simple curved seat. It is ideal for a modern or mid-century modern dining room. It’s also a budget-friendly pick that instantly adds personality and warmth to your space.

What Customers Are Saying:

Super comfortable, great aesthetic, lightweight, and easy to assemble. We were able to add small felt pads underneath to prevent any potential scratches on the hardwood floor. Very happy with our purchase.

Aspenhome Beckett Dark Cocoa Dining Side Chair

This tailored farmhouse side chair stands out because of its contrast. Light upholstery and a dark cocoa finished base that continues up the seat back give an air of sophistication to this chair. Your guests will be comfortable enough to linger around the table thanks to the plush upholstery. With its simple color palette and silhouette, this side chair would be perfect in a modern farmhouse or contemporary dining room design.

Liberty Vintage Navy Side Chair

This dining room chair uses shapes in an unusual way to add visual interest to your room. It has a vintage character with a lovely navy finish, making it perfect for a bright and airy breakfast nook. With a small round table and two of these side chairs, you can create an intimate and impactful dining space that mimics the feel of a Parisian cafe. On the other hand, the heavily distressed finish and X-shaped chair back would also work well in a farmhouse dining room.

Liberty Space Savers Grey/Satin Walnut Side Chair

Liberty Space Savers Greysatin Walnut Side Chair

This wooden side chair is another mid-century modern pick, this time marrying a walnut-finished frame with a seat upholstered in grey linen. It would pair well with a number of tables, no matter their shape. The unique shape of this chair adds visual interest without being overly busy thanks to its refined materials.

Millennium by Ashley Dellbeck Brown Dining Upholstered Side Chair

Millennium Brown Dining Upholstered Side Chair

This modern side chair features a simple silhouette and subtle channel stitched detailing. It’s perfect for a modern or contemporary dining room design thanks to its crisp and tailored look, neutral color palette, and high-contrast feel. It would also work well in an elegant coastal dining room.

What Customers Are Saying:

These chairs are comfy, cute, and easy to assemble. My only note is that if you are looking for cream-colored chairs, these are not. These are grey. They look creamy/ivory in the website photos, but they're grey. I like them so much, though, I'm going to keep them even though I was looking for a cream/beige option.

Side chairs offer a simple, practical, and stylish seating option for your dining room. They take up less space and provide a comfortable place for diners to sit, and you can find options in every popular design style. At Liddiard Home Furnishings, you can find a wide selection of stylish side chairs whether you prefer modern, traditional, or farmhouse style.

Why Trust Liddiard Home Furnishings?

For over 65 years, Liddiard Home Furnishings has been providing Utah with premium home furnishings. This family-owned business has worked to deliver a better kind of shopping experience to the greater Salt Lake City area. Whether it’s the carefully laid out showroom or the outstanding customer service, when you shop at Liddiard’s, you’ll feel like family. The team at Liddiard has crafted a catalog full of incredible products made by brands with reputations for quality. Shop online or visit our showroom to discover what makes Liddiard Home Furnishings so unique.

Shop Side Chairs at Liddiard Home Furnishings

For the home furnishings you need, visit Liddiard Home Furnishings in Tooele, UT. You’ll find the best prices when you shop for dining room furniture online. Check out Liddiard reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you learn the difference between a side chair and a dining chair and other questions you might have — whether you call us at 435-882-0964 or use our online chat feature. Visit our Tooele showroom today!

Learn More: Signature Design by Ashley: Buying Guide + Top Picks