Solid Wood vs. Upholstered Dining Chairs: Which Are Better?

There are many ways to make your dining space feel comfortable and inviting. From using the right light bulbs to choosing soft rugs, small details can transform the atmosphere of a room. However, none of this comfort and warmth can be fully achieved without the right furniture, or in this case, dining chairs.

Dining chairs are one of the most important elements when designing a dining area. Whether your goal is to create a classic, elegant, modern, or minimalist look, the right chair design makes all the difference. Style is key, but so are the materials and construction, which determine comfort, durability, and practicality. In general, when it comes to dining chairs, the choice usually falls between solid wood and upholstered.

Solid Wood

Solid wood dining chairs are among the oldest and most popular types of seating. As their name suggests, they are made entirely from natural wood, which makes them strong, durable, and built to last. Their timeless design and natural grain patterns allow them to suit a variety of décor styles. The main reason to go for solid wood dining chairs is that they can easily stand the test of time without compromising the overall look of your home.

Upholstered

Upholstered dining chairs generally feature a wooden or metal frame, with padded seats and backs for extra comfort. They are usually finished with fabric, leather, or vinyl, which makes them highly versatile and available in countless colours, textures, and patterns. From traditional styles to contemporary designs, upholstered chairs offer flexibility in creating a luxurious or modern dining space.

Comparing Their Features

Appearance and Style

When choosing dining chairs, appearance matters. Your chairs should complement the overall design of your dining area, whether that’s modern, industrial, vintage-inspired, or traditional.

Solid wood chairs are renowned for their classic, timeless appeal. Their natural grain and finishes add character, while their surfaces can be repainted or stained for a customised look. If you change your colour scheme, it’s as simple as sanding and refinishing. While wood is often associated with rustic or traditional settings, these chairs also blend beautifully with Scandinavian-style spaces and even some modern interiors.

Upholstered chairs, by contrast, are valued for their versatility. With a wide choice of fabrics, leathers, and patterns, they can add a bold statement or a subtle touch of sophistication. This makes them especially popular for contemporary or formal dining rooms. However, unlike wooden chairs, they cannot simply be repainted if you want a new look. Reupholstering is possible but generally more expensive and time-consuming.

Durability and Longevity

Solid wood chairs are widely considered one of the most durable seating options. They handle daily wear and tear well, and even when scratches or minor damage occur, they can often be repaired with sanding, polishing, or refinishing. With proper care, these chairs can last for decades.

Upholstered chairs vary more in durability. While the underlying frame may be strong, fabrics and leathers inevitably wear down with time. Fabrics are prone to fraying, fading, and staining, while leather (although usually longer lasting) can crack without proper maintenance. Spills and stains are particularly problematic, often shortening the lifespan of upholstered options compared with solid wood.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Wooden chairs are relatively low maintenance. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep them clean, and occasional polishing helps maintain their finish. They are less prone to staining than upholstered options, making them especially practical for households with children or pets. If scratches do appear, a fresh coat of paint or polish usually restores their appearance.

Upholstered chairs, on the other hand, demand more effort. Fabrics absorb spills quickly, and some stains can be extremely difficult to remove without professional cleaning. Leather is easier to wipe down but requires regular conditioning to prevent cracking. Both materials are more susceptible to visible scratches, particularly in homes with pets. Repairing damage often means replacing the entire upholstery, which is costly and inconvenient.

Cost

When comparing costs, solid wood chairs are generally more affordable in the long run. While upholstered chairs often carry a higher initial price tag due to fabric, padding, and labour, they also incur ongoing expenses in cleaning and eventual reupholstery. Daily use can flatten cushions and wear out coverings, meaning replacements are inevitable. Wooden chairs, by contrast, require little more than occasional polishing to maintain their good condition, keeping long-term costs down.

Which Ones to Choose?

Both solid wood and upholstered dining chairs have their advantages, and your decision will largely depend on your priorities. If you value long-lasting durability, low maintenance, and timeless style, solid wood chairs are the better option. They are versatile, easy to care for, and can adapt to changing décor with a simple refinish.

If comfort and variety in colour, fabric, and texture are more important to you, upholstered chairs may be worth considering. They provide a softer, more luxurious seating experience and allow for greater customisation in design, though this comes with higher maintenance and replacement costs.

Ultimately, your dining space should reflect both your personal style and your lifestyle needs. For busy households or anyone looking for longevity and ease, wooden chairs are hard to beat. For those willing to invest in upkeep and seeking maximum comfort and visual impact, upholstered options may be the right choice.