Best Dining Chairs Under $175 (2026) | Bobby Berk’s Designer Picks

Of all the rooms in your home, the dining room might be the most forgiving when it comes to budget shopping. A great dining table anchored by a mix of well-chosen, affordable chairs can look completely intentional and even more interesting than a perfectly matched set. I lean into the mix-and-match approach almost always, and at under $175 per chair, you have the freedom to be creative.

Whether you’re outfitting a new space from scratch or finally replacing chairs that have seen better days, there are genuinely beautiful options at this price point. Rattan, velvet, wood, and metal all have strong representation in the best dining chairs under $175 category. Here are twelve of my current picks, each chosen for a combination of style, durability, and value.

Shop more of my favorite budget-friendly furniture: Sofas Under $1,000, Beds Under $500, and Coffee Tables Under $300

best dining chairs under $175

What to Look for in a Dining Chair Under $175

Frame Material
Solid wood frames last significantly longer than engineered wood or MDF at this price point. Look for beech, rubberwood, or acacia, all of which are durable and look beautiful. Metal frames are also excellent for longevity.

Seat Height
Standard dining chairs are 17-19 inches from floor to seat. If your table is counter height (34-36 inches), you need counter height chairs (24-26 inch seat height). Measure before you buy.

Upholstery Practicality
An upholstered seat looks beautiful but requires more maintenance. Performance fabrics, leather, and faux leather are easier to clean than standard velvet or linen. Wipe-clean surfaces are worth prioritizing if kids are in the picture.

Stackability
If storage is limited, stackable chairs are worth seeking out. Several of the options below stack cleanly, which is a significant practical advantage.

best dining chairs under $175

The Mix-and-Match Dining Chair Strategy

You don’t need a matching set of dining chairs. In fact, a thoughtfully mixed set almost always looks more interesting than a perfectly matched one. Here are a few combinations that work reliably well:

• Two upholstered chairs at the heads of the table with four matching wood or rattan chairs along the sides.

• All matching chairs in one material, with two accent chairs at the ends in a contrasting color or texture.

• A bench on one side of the table with chairs on the other — a casual, relaxed approach that also frees up visual space.

• Two styles of chair in the same color — different silhouettes that share a finish feel cohesive without being matchy.

best dining chairs under $175

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dining chairs do I need?

For a standard rectangular table, allow at least 24 inches of width per chair. A 60-inch table seats 4 comfortably, a 72-inch table seats 6, and an 84-96-inch table seats 8. Always measure before ordering.

Can I mix different dining chair styles?

Absolutely, and I’d encourage it. The key is finding a common thread, whether that’s color, material, leg style, or scale. Two very different chairs in the same finish feel intentional. Two completely random chairs with nothing in common feel unfinished.

Are upholstered dining chairs practical?

They can be, especially in performance fabrics or faux leather. Standard velvet and linen require more care. If you have children, a wipeable surface (faux leather, performance fabric, acrylic) will make your life significantly easier.

What height dining chair do I need?

Standard dining tables are 28-30 inches tall and pair with standard chairs (17-19 inch seat height). Counter height tables are 34-36 inches and need counter stools (24-26 inch seat height). Bar height tables are 40-42 inches and need bar stools (28-30 inch seat height).