The dining table often gets the spotlight, but chairs do more of the visual work than people expect — they're what guests actually sit in, touch, and notice up close. Choosing the right chairs can lift an ordinary dining room into something that feels genuinely high-end.
1. Fabric matters more than shape
A simple chair shape in the right fabric can look more luxurious than an elaborate shape in a flat, budget material. Velvet is the standout choice for a luxury feel — it catches light, adds texture, and pairs well with most table finishes (marble, wood, glass). Boucle and textured weaves are a close second if you want a softer, more understated finish.
2. Consider a mix, not a matching set of six
Six identical chairs is the safe choice, but a curated mix can look more considered — for example, velvet chairs down both long sides with two contrasting carver chairs (arms, different colour or material) at each end of the table. This works especially well with a marble or statement table, where the chairs can play a supporting role rather than competing for attention.
3. Gold or brushed metal legs elevate instantly
Chair legs in gold, brass, or brushed metal tones read as noticeably more premium than standard black or natural wood legs, especially paired with a marble tabletop. It's a relatively small design detail that has an outsized effect on how "expensive" the whole set looks.
4. Get the proportions right
A luxury look falls apart quickly if the chairs don't fit the table properly. Check that seat height allows comfortable legroom under your table (generally 25-30cm of clearance), and that the chair width allows guests to sit without elbows constantly touching their neighbour.
5. Comfort is part of "luxury"
A genuinely high-end dining experience isn't just visual — a chair with a supportive, well-padded seat and a back height that actually supports sitting through a full meal reads as more premium than a stylish but thin, uncomfortable seat pad.
6. Don't ignore the underside
Cheap-feeling chairs are often given away by visible construction underneath — check for a solid, well-finished frame rather than exposed staples or a flimsy base, especially if you're paying a premium price.
Quick pre-purchase checklist
- Chosen a fabric (velvet or boucle) that suits the room's overall style
- Decided on a full matching set or a curated mix with contrasting end chairs
- Checked leg finish (gold/brass reads more premium than black or natural wood)
- Confirmed seat height and width fit your table properly
- Prioritised seat padding and back support, not just appearance
Shop dining chairs
Browse our dining chairs collection, or see them paired with a table in our dining sets.
Not sure which chairs will suit your table? Get in touch and we'll help you put the look together.
