Buying two new chairs for your dining room or kitchen might sound straightforward. In practice, unclear weight limits, unsuitable materials or incorrect measurements can quickly lead to the wrong purchase. When choosing dining chairs in a set of 2, design and price shouldn’t be your only deciding factors.
Three common buying mistakes to look out for:
So, if you’re looking for kitchen chairs in a set of 2 for a small household, extra seating or a workspace at the dining table, compare the product details with the space you have at home.
Table height plays a major part in how comfortable a chair is to use. As a guide, there should be enough legroom between the seat and the underside of the tabletop. Armrests can make a chair more comfortable, but they need to fit under or alongside the tabletop.
Check the following:
A chair that’s 57 cm wide overall can take up noticeably more room at a compact table than a narrower chair measuring around 48 cm across.
Upholstered dining chairs feel different from unupholstered plastic models. Suede-effect microfibre has a textile feel and should generally be spot-cleaned with a soft cloth. Harsh cleaning products can alter the surface.
Faux-leather chairs and plastic surfaces can usually be wiped clean with a slightly damp cloth. Even so, wipe up spills on PU faux leather promptly. For households with children, frequent mealtimes or pets, easy-care upholstery may be more practical than delicate fabric.
Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions rather than using your own cleaning products. Abrasive sponges or strong chemicals can damage plastic, metal finishes and upholstery.
Stability depends on more than the material used for the legs. Joints, screws, floor contact and a level surface all matter too. Upholstered chairs with wooden legs can create a warm, Scandinavian or retro feel. Metal legs often have a clean, streamlined look and work well with modern interiors.
Before you buy, check:
If a chair has a stated weight capacity of 150 kg, do not exceed it. Take extra care with a product that doesn’t specify a maximum weight capacity. A chair’s weight capacity should not be taken as a guarantee that it’s suitable for every use.
Why it suits this profile: The beige colour and Scandinavian-inspired design pair well with light wood tables, minimalist kitchens and neutral interiors. The product description highlights an upholstered seat, a wraparound back and solid wood legs.
The upholstered design helps you avoid the common mistake of choosing a hard seat based on looks alone. Before buying, check the full measurements and weight-capacity details on the product page.
Beige upholstered seats, Scandinavian design and solid wood legs as described; supplied as a set of 2 for two seats.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of suede-effect microfibre, foam padding, a high back and armrests will appeal to buyers who value detailed material information and extra support from a dining chair.
Details about the materials, measurements and care help clear up uncertainty when product claims are vague. The seat also swivels 360 degrees, and the upholstery should be spot-cleaned with a soft cloth.
57 × 53 × 81.5 cm per chair, black metal legs, floor caps and a stated two-year guarantee against manufacturing defects.
Why it suits this profile: This set pairs a brown PU faux-leather seat with a polypropylene backrest and FSC-certified solid wood legs. It’s described as suitable for the dining room, kitchen, workspace or extra seating.
The product details state a maximum static weight capacity of 150 kg per chair and advise checking the screws regularly. This makes it easier to assess suitability than with chairs that don’t have a stated weight limit.
48 × 42 × 82 cm, 48 cm seat height, non-slip, noise-reducing feet, and easy-care plastic and PU surfaces.
Why it suits this profile: The white plastic surfaces are described as easy to care for. Armrests, a 46 cm seat height and a matt finish may make these chairs a good fit for kitchens, dining rooms or bar areas.
The care instructions recommend mild cleaning products and a soft cloth. The stated maximum weight capacity is 150 kg per chair, and the screws should be checked regularly.
Plastic seat and back, metal legs with a wood-effect finish, armrests, dimensions of 57 × 51 × 86 cm, and a stated weight capacity of 150 kg per chair.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Many dining tables are around 74 to 76 cm high. Chairs with a seat height of about 46 to 48 cm often work well with them. However, the distance between the seat, tabletop and armrests is what matters. Measure your table before placing an order.
Their lifespan depends on how they’re used, assembled, loaded and cared for. Check the screws after assembly and at regular intervals. Avoid putting weight on one side, leaning back beyond the chair’s intended design, or using it as a step or ladder.
Faux-leather and plastic surfaces are often quicker to wipe clean. Fabric and microfibre can offer a different feel and appearance, but stains need to be treated in a way that’s suitable for the material. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific care instructions.