The 11 Best Affordable (But Still Comfortable) Dining Chairs

A dining chair can make or break a meal for me. That isn’t to say that all of my dining chairs have been top-tier examples of swish Scandinavian design; many have been rare curb finds, shoddy hand-me-down chairs, or just straight up floor poufs. The best dining chairs, however, should inspire a near-subconscious level relaxation. Sometimes, they can even stack and fold themselves away. But they should always encourage lingering and languid dinner chat, and bring some dignity to the head of the table.

As someone who has furnished several apartments of various sizes in the 12 years in which I moved around Paris and New York, I have had to be resourceful with both my budget and the way I use space. As much as I would love to spend my tax return on a flight of Brutalist dining chairs for a Beowulf-esque wood dining table, I sadly do not live in a kingly mead hall. I live in Bushwick, and my railroad apartment begets more budget- and size-friendly solutions.

I believe in mixing and matching. I think you can splurge on a prominent head-of-the-table chair, and then collect comfortable, more affordable dining chairs with time; as Stacey London once taught us all on What Not to Wear: things don’t have to match, they just have to “go.” Look for dining chairs with any or all combinations of wide seats, plush cushions, and versatile designs. Keep your eyes out for designer dupes, visit secondhand sites often, and remember that your bum deserves the best.

The best dining chairs under $100

This Japandi chair (that looks way more expensive than it is)

A pop of color

Bainbridge Slat Back Side Chair (Set of 2)

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This might be a controversial pick because of the slatted back (which are hit or miss for some), but they sure do look sleek (and those 17-inch wide seats make up for it). This set is so Copenhagen chic, and at about $50-per chair, this color-popping duo is one of the most affordable dining sets on our list. 

Keep tabs on vintage and second-hand picks

Vintage Brown Leather Chair

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Look at this sturdy brown leather chair. It’s the kind of piece that could easily go for over $300 at Room & Board, but costs a fraction of the price on a vintage and second-hand site such as Chairish. 

The best dining chairs under $200

A set of Cesca dupes

Zesthouse Natural Rattan Dining Chairs (Set of 2)

Prices taken at time of publishing.

A single Cesca chair costs almost as much as my monthly rent, but these doppelgängers from the brand Zesthouse are a much more affordable option for emulating the Knoll Bauhaus classic. There are also a lot of intriguing textures to these chairs, whose seats boast caramel-colored faux leather seats with caned backs.

This Scandinavian-inspired chair

Grewood Solid Oak Wood Dining Chair

Prices taken at time of publishing.

I personally own this chair, and it is definitely the most coveted seat during meal times and parties. The smooth, curved design makes for an ergonomic sitting experience. 

Give me ample seat space

Article Chantel Dining Chair

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Glorious. If I ever settled into a dinner party in this plush, 22.5-inch wide seat, you would have a hard time getting me to leave. Article has become a top name in the world of contemporary midcentury modern furniture (remember when the Sven sofa took over the internet?) and the Chantel dining chair is a testament to its eye for comfort. 

The best dining chairs under $300

This Middle Ages Modern chair

Invest in a swivel dining chair

AllModern Kyo Chenille Swivel Dining Chair

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This plush chenille barrel chair has a built-in swivel function, which means no more awkward struggling-to-push-the-chair-back moments for your guests. 

Soft around the edges

West Elm Anton Dining Chair

Prices taken at time of publishing.

A bestseller on the site for a reason, West Elm’s Anton chair feels like it could be equally at home in the house of a 1970s architect or a contemporary Topanga Canyon A-frame house. There are several upholstery options, but the linen weave feels calm and rustic. 

This Wegner Wishbone chair alternative

Now you’ll look really good sitting next to your best tablecloth.