Your guide to choosing dining chairs that match your home

Investing in a durable, aesthetic set of dining chairs should be an easy task, and Naco’s Secret to Living team has made sure of it.

If you've been on the hunt for the perfect dining chairs, we got you covered in this article - how to choose the right dining chair, how to guarantee durability, how to pair dining chairs with tables and how to pick the right fabric and finish that matches your home’s interior and your lifestyle.

Choosing the perfect table and chairs for your space can be daunting. With so many options available, how do you ensure you're making the right investment? Should you invest in special fabric? Is it better to choose hardwood or another material?

Let’s explore how you can find the right finish, invest in durability and impress with style.

The style and durability of your dining chairs can set the tone for your entire dining space (and if you have children and pets - not investing in quality furniture can affect your bank account and the environment). Before we look at certain styles that match your interior space, make sure you are buying chairs with solid foundations. 

Highlighting the longevity and sustainability of materials like solid wood is key, especially types like oak and teak. Solid wood is the best option because it’s durable, better for the environment and very customisable based on the type of finish you choose. If you book a free consultation, we will guide you to the right finish, and show you a rich variety to pick from. 

Once you have the foundations of a chair that will last the test of time, let's look at some styles and chairs that match them.

The modern interior style is easy to recognise - you will see a lot of clean lines, sleek designs, and often a mix of materials with focus on the quality and feel of the finish rather than on ornaments and accessories. 

Modern interiors often lean towards a neutral colour palette. Think whites, blacks, grays, and beige - even light sage if you are a fan - all aiming to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. That makes introducing colour (if you want) much easier  - you can do so through artwork, a single piece of furniture, or decorative items to add vibrancy and personality (think cushions or table accessories).

When it comes to picking out the right set of dining chairs, you can say a lot with sleek lines and wood inspired and sourced by local forests near Melbourne:

• Shape: Look for chairs with clean lines and geometric shapes. Avoid overly ornate or curvy designs.
• Material: As mentioned, natural materials are preferred. Consider chairs with wooden legs or frames and match your dining table with them.
• Upholstery: Choose neutral tones. However, a bold colour can be a statement piece if the rest of the room is neutral.
• Functionality: Modern design values function. Chairs should not only be stylish but also comfortable and durable.

By locally sourcing our timber, we not only uphold the highest quality standards but also contribute to a more sustainable and community-centric approach to furniture design.

Naco’s Choice: Modern dining chairs, like our Charon Dining Chair, with its sleek design and textured fabric, or the best-selling Colba Dining Chair are both a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.

Complement with minimalist light fixtures and art pieces that have geometric designs.

The traditional chairs often feature intrinsic designs and a more robust appearance, but you can also keep your dining chairs minimal and opt for a colourful fabric instead. While we don’t offer those online yet, there is a huge level of customisation on all of our Warwick fabrics - get in touch with us or come for a free design consultation in store.

Naco’s Choice: The Cori Dining Chair, with its blend of Australian Oak and classic Warwick fabrics, resonates with traditional charm. Depending on your interior, you can opt for fabric or leather (the latter creating a more luxurious feel to your space).

The Colba is also a classic that wins again and again because of its blend of Australian Oak and classic fabrics, and the fact that it pairs well with solid wood tables.

How to match this with the perfect dining table?

To create a modern interior dining space, pair Charon or Colba with Tuli Black Legs or Tilbe.

Traditional style evokes a sense of timelessness, often featuring intricate designs, wood carvings, and rich, warm colours. Consistency is key in traditional design - there's a sense of symmetry and order, seeking to create a calm, orderly space where everything just goes together. 

Shape: Opt for chairs with classic designs, often featuring intricate carvings and details. Avoid overly modern or simplistic shapes.

Material: Hardwoods like oak, mahogany, or cherry are often used in traditional furniture. Consider chairs with detailed woodwork to match your traditional dining table.

Upholstery: Rich, warm tones are preferred. Fabrics like brocade, velvet, or chenille can add a touch of luxury and tradition.

Functionality: While traditional design values aesthetics, ensure that the chairs are also comfortable for prolonged seating and are built to last.

The traditional chairs often feature intrinsic designs and a more robust appearance, but you can also keep your dining chairs more minimal and opt for a more colourful fabric instead. While we don’t offer those online yet, there is a huge level of customisation on all of our Warwick fabrics - get in touch with us or come for a free design consultation in store.

Naco’s Choice: The Coorah Dining Chair with its blend of Australian Oak and classic Warwick fabrics, resonates with traditional charm. Depending on your interior, you can opt for fabric or leather (the latter creating a more luxurious feel to your space).

The Colba is also a classic that wins again and again because of its blend of Australian Oak and classic fabrics, and the fact that it pairs well with solid wood tables.

Pairs well with: Tari in Tasmanian Blackwood

When it comes to luxurious dining sets, you may think plush fabrics, rich textures, glided edges, marble and designs that exude opulence. But luxury is sometimes found in the minimal, quality items of your home - such as a quality leather chair.

• Shape: Opt for chairs with sophisticated designs, often featuring plush cushioning, elegant curves, and high-end finishes. Avoid anything that looks mass-produced.
• Material: Premium materials like polished hardwoods, gold or silver accents, and marble are often associated with luxury furniture. The craftsmanship should be impeccable, with attention to every detail.
• Upholstery: Luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, high-grade leather, or even exotic materials are preferred. Colours should exude opulence, with rich tones like burgundy, emerald, deep blues, or even metallics.
• Functionality: In luxury design, while aesthetics are of utmost importance, chairs should also offer unparalleled comfort and durability, ensuring they stand as statement pieces in your dining space for years to come.

Naco’s Choice: Luxurious chairs, like Naco's Calga Dining Chair crafted in plush Italian Leather, deserve a grand setting. If you want something more minimal but with a luxurious finish - the Cori Dining Chair in Italian Leather is the one for you. 

Simple designs, understated elegance, and functionality are key in minimal interiors. Minimalism thrives on simplicity, and it is therefore characterized by uncluttered spaces, neutral colour palettes, clear lines and a focus on functionality. Every piece in a minimalistic space is purposeful, and minimal homes are designed to be aesthetic and effective places to live in.

• Shape: Opt for chairs with simple, unembellished designs. Avoid any unnecessary details or ornamentation.
• Material: Natural materials, especially light woods or metals, are preferred. The design should emphasize simplicity and purity.
• Upholstery: Neutral tones like whites, grays, and beiges are ideal. The focus should be on creating a calm, uncluttered space.
• Functionality: Minimal design highly values function. Chairs should be comfortable, durable, and serve their purpose without excess.

Naco’s Choice: Minimalistic chairs, such as the Charon, Cori Dining Chair and the Colba Bar chair are our top choices. With focus on clean lines, quality fabrics and solid wooden frames, they pair best with simple, unadorned tables - featuring straight lines and no unnecessary embellishments. Complement the space with simple pendant lights, monochromatic art, and sheer curtains to complete the look.

Pairs well with: Tula Dining Table

The Scandinavian style, originating from the Nordic regions, has gained global admiration for its clean, functional, and nature-inspired aesthetics.

To re-create the Scandinavian feel and look in your home’s dining space, opt for chairs that showcase the region's love for nature, often made from woods like oak or beech - in this case, local Australian oak dining sets are your best shot. Look for designs that are functional, rectilinear, and clean, often complemented by soft fabrics:

• Natural Materials: Embrace natural materials like local woods, rattan, linen, cotton, and leather.
• Colour Palette: Stick to neutral shades such as white, gray, and beige. Light pastel shades can be used for accents.
• Design Objects: Incorporate iconic Scandinavian design objects, like the Kobenstyle Cookware (1954) from Jens Quistgaard or lamps from Louis Poulsen.
• Sub-trends: Consider the cozy 'hygge' from Denmark, focusing on warmth and comfort, or the minimalist 'lagom' from Sweden, emphasizing just the right amount of everything.
  
  

Naco’s Choice: The Colba Dining Chair in Australian Oak & Keylargo Zinc or Charon in Light Sage Textured Fabric - both made from local Australian Oak, with the right amount of everything - aesthetics and comfort that comes in pastel shades. 

Pairs well with: Tilbe Dining Table

Japandi, as the name suggests, is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies. It beautifully merges the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design with the elegance and cultural depth of Japanese design.

Seeking to re-create the Japanese dining chairs and table experience in your home - seek chairs that blend the minimalism of Scandinavian design with the craftsmanship and detail of Japanese design. Materials like bamboo, teak, stained oak or ash wood, often combined with woven elements or soft fabrics, are common.

• Nature Connection: Both cultures value nature, so incorporate materials like natural stone, paper, and wood.
• Colour Palette: While it retains the neutral tones of Scandinavian design, Japandi introduces darker, richer colours like black, dark green, terra-cotta, and eggplant.
• Feng Shui: Though of Chinese origin, Feng shui principles, focusing on harmony and balance, are often integrated into Japandi interiors.

Naco’s Choice: The Colba Chair in Japanese Black & Italia Leather - featuring locally sourced to Melbourne materials, Japanese Black finish and Italian Leather for extra comfort, these chairs are made to last and leave an impression, their dark and simplistic features making them the perfect Japandi addition.

Pairs well with: Tuli Dining Table in Japanese Black/ Tuli Tasmanian Blackwood with Black Legs

Selecting the right fabric for your dining chairs is a delicate balance between aesthetics, functionality, and durability. You want something that looks good, but also can stand the test of time - especially if you are hosting parties, have children or pets! 

Here's how to choose a fabric for your chairs:

• Understand Your Needs: If your dining area is frequented by young children or is the setting for regular dinner parties, you'll need a fabric that's easy to clean and resistant to stains. For such scenarios, Naco's partnered with OnGuard fabric so you get the option to pick a design fabric that is resistant to stains - yes, even white shades! Designed to resist spills and stains, OnGuard ensures longevity without compromising on aesthetics. It also comes in a variety of colours, and despite the limited options online, we can always show you a brochure in store and give free design advice on the right colour for your dining chair set.

• Feel the Texture: The tactile experience is crucial. While some love the plush feel of velvet, others prefer the smoothness of Italian Leather, or the natural touch of linen: Naco offers a range of fabric choices to cater to diverse preferences.
• Consider the Aesthetics: The fabric should complement the overall design of your dining space. Naco's range of Warwick fabrics, from the luxurious Italian Leather to the durable OnGuard options, ensures that there's something for every aesthetic and interior style.

When to add a bench to your dining space? Incorporating a bench into your dining setup can add a touch of contemporary flair. Here's why you might consider this option:

• Versatility: Benches can accommodate more people, making them perfect for gatherings or families with children.
• Space-Saving: In smaller dining areas, a bench can be tucked under the table when not in use, saving space.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A bench can break the monotony of traditional chair setups, adding a unique design element to the dining space. 

Naco’s Choice: The Orimba Bench, crafted with precision, showcases the beauty of natural wood grains and is a testament to contemporary aesthetics as it makes your dining space more versatile and fun while keeping it stylish - truly an all-time family favourite.

One of the standout features of Naco Design's chairs is the option to use OnGuard Fabric. As we touched on earlier, this speciality fabric is designed to resist spills, stains, and daily wear and tear, ensuring longevity without compromising on aesthetics.

It's not just any fabric; it's a promise of durability that makes you feel relaxed knowing your investment in quality furniture will not go in vain. 

For those with a penchant for luxury and sleek feel, Naco Design's chairs crafted with high-quality Italian Leather are a dream come true. This leather is synonymous with elegance, comfort, and timeless beauty, but if they are by your taste - they are also easier to maintain than any standard fabric. 

Naco's strength lies in its continuous development and our desire to craft furniture that truly reflects your personality and helps you build a home that you adore. We constantly explore new design ideas, pushing the boundaries in the furniture industry and keep the local Australian heritage and clients in mind in every piece of furniture we craft. 

Because we believe that furniture should last you your whole life, which helps protect the environment and allows us to make more sustainable and budget-friendly choices, we made it easier to not compromise on having options - you can highly customise every piece of furniture on Naco’s website - get in touch or visit us in store to enquire. 

When you think of wooden dining chairs, think of Naco Design. With our commitment to quality, sustainability, and design excellence, every chair tells a story - a tale of passion, tradition, and a commitment to a better quality of life. Whether it's the durability of OnGuard fabric, the timeless luxury of Italian Leather, or the myriad finishes to suit your style, Naco ensures your investment is worth every penny.