Surrounded by family and friends, enjoying a meal together is one of life’s most enjoyable experiences. While the formality of dining rooms has shifted over the years, sitting at a dining table and enjoying the company of those around you remains a tradition that many of us still love. Whether it’s a simple meal with your other half and your children or inviting friends around for a relaxed dinner party.
The comfort level of your dining chairs is something you will want to consider when choosing which style to purchase. If you use your dining table for more than just quick meals – perhaps it serves as a makeshift office when you work from home or it’s the place the kids do their homework each evening – then you’ll want to ensure your chairs are comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time.
You’ll also want to consider the seating’s durability. Since we typically eat and drink while sitting on our dining room chairs, they are more prone to stains, and as part of daily family life, need to be robust.
So, what factors do you need to consider when choosing the right chair for your needs? Read on to find out what you need to know when choosing the right upholstery for your dining chairs.
What is upholstery?
Otis chair | Oliver console table
To start off, what do we mean by an upholstered dining chair? Usually, this refers to the materials that make up the soft coverings of a chair, which often include the fabric, padding, webbing, and springs. While these internal materials are generally covered and unseen, they make a big difference in whether your dining chair will provide the comfort and support you’re looking for.
The outer visible fabric can be changed years down the line, whether that’s due to wear and tear or simply for a change in style. However, the inner support layers will ensure your chair is built to last. So, with this in mind, you’ll want to look for high-quality materials when making your choice.
Choosing the right fabrics
Harper chair | Henley dining table
It’s important to consider how much and who will be using your dining room chairs, as these factors will play a big role in which fabrics will have staying power.
Many materials age over time, so you’ll want to consider not just how they look when purchased new, but also how they will look years down the line after many uses. For example, leather is easy to look after but will develop a natural patina over time. If your dining room has a sunny window, be aware that some fabrics may fade when exposed to sunlight.
Choosing the right colours
When considering which colours to choose for your dining chairs, most of us will simply want them to work well with colours already used in the room. However, because dining chairs tend to be a bigger investment piece, especially since they are usually purchased in multiples, you may want to consider a more neutral shade. This can give you flexibility in the future, should you decide to redecorate.
What’s the Martindale rub test and why should it matter?
Bette chair | Parquet dining table
Most fabrics are graded using the Martindale rub test, which is a unit for quantifying the abrasion resistance of textiles, especially when used in upholstery. The test stimulates the natural wear of a seat cover by rubbing the textile sample against a standard abrasive surface with a specified force.
Commercial grade fabrics are usually rated at 100,000 to 250,000 double-rubs. whereas residential use fabrics fall between 10,000 to 25,000 double-rubs. Essentially, the higher the Martindale unit of your fabric, the more wear and tear it will be able to withstand.
The best upholstery for homes with kids and pets
Durham dining table set | @at_my_surrey_chalet
For a busy family life or homes with pets, you’ll want to pay greater attention to the fabric you use. While a velvet fabric or vintage silk chair seat may look stunning, constant use may make it an impractical choice long-term. Avoid delicate fabrics that can easily pull and mark. Instead, look for new materials on the market that are more robust and stain-resistant. Consider slip-covered dining chairs, which will allow you to easily launder any stains regularly, or opt for leather, as it’s easy to wipe down and refresh your chairs.
For more information, head to our dining chair range page or if you need similar advice for your settee, check out our blog post on choosing the right fabric for your sofa. Tag us in your exciting dining room updates over on Instagram and use #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome when you post.
