Modern Side Chairs

What is a Side Chair?

A side chair is a versatile piece of furniture commonly used in various settings, from dining rooms to kitchens and living areas. Characterized by its lack of arms, a side chair offers a streamlined, compact design that easily fits under tables or stands alone in a space. These chairs are typically lightweight and easy to move, making them ideal for both daily use and special occasions. Their simplicity in design allows for a broad range of styles and uses, making them a practical choice for many interior design needs.

Dining Side Chair Styles

Side chairs come in a myriad of styles, catering to different aesthetic preferences and interior themes. From the classic elegance of traditional designs to the clean lines of modern and contemporary styles, there's a side chair to suit any taste. Mid-century modern side chairs often feature unique shapes and wood finishes, while industrial styles might showcase metal accents and a more rugged look.

Popular Brands of Side Chairs

From rustic side chairs that seamlessly blend into themes with wood tones to ultra-modern designs that are irresistible additions to decor, there is a side chair to suit every preference. Gus Modern offers chairs that fulfill a mid-century aesthetic with Eames-inspired options reminiscent of the 1950s.

Iconic side chairs, including the renowned Panton Chair from Verner Panton, are available in the selection from Vitra, while Carl Hansen presents the familiar Wishbone Chair. Blu Dot provides a vast assortment suitable for both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and Domitalia offers an array of patio-friendly choices. For luxurious dining spaces seeking elegant seating, the fine Italian designs from Calligaris are an ideal match. With the selection of any side chair, an impactful addition to decorating efforts is assured.

Other Considerations for Side Chairs

When selecting a side chair, it's important to consider factors such as comfort, durability and compatibility with existing decor. The chair's intended use, whether for dining, accenting a room or for office purposes, will also influence the choice of style and material. Additionally, considering space constraints and whether the chair will be used frequently or primarily for decorative purposes can help narrow down the options.

Side Chair Buying Guide

Size: How big should a side chair be?

The size of a side chair should correspond to its intended use and the space it will occupy. Typically, a standard dining side chair is about 18 inches wide, with a seat height of 17-19 inches. For living room or accent chairs, the dimensions might vary slightly larger for added comfort.

Fabric: What type of fabric should a side chair have?

The choice of fabric for a side chair depends on its use and the desired aesthetic. For dining chairs, durable and easy-to-clean fabrics like leather, microfiber or synthetics are ideal. For accent chairs, options like velvet, linen or cotton offer more texture and color variety, suiting decorative purposes.

Material: What types of material can side chairs be made of?

Side chairs can be made from a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, plastic and upholstered fabric. Wood chairs offer a classic, sturdy option, while metal chairs can provide a more industrial or modern look. Plastic chairs are often lightweight and versatile, and upholstered chairs offer additional comfort and style options.