Dining Chairs

Modern and contemporary dining chairs

Because modern dining table design tends to be more minimalist, contemporary dining chairs come in a wide variety, from whimsical and bold to sleek and understated. While the specific style is up to your personal aesthetic, here are some things to consider when shopping for modern dining chairs.

Arms or armless?

One of the first things to consider when shopping for modern dining chairs is the overall silhouette and whether you want armless chairs or armchairs. Armless dining chairs are a classically formal choice, with a more minimalist silhouette that often means you can fit more of these chairs around a dining table without any one place feeling too crowded. Armchairs for dining tables, however, provide the guests at your table with a place to sit and get comfortable. While some armchairs have traditional dining chair arms, an armchair is really any chair that has somewhere to rest your arms even if that means extended curves of the chair’s back.

Bright colors or neutrals?

While contemporary design aesthetics often err on the minimalist side, minimalist doesn’t mean dull. A well-designed modern home maintains a balance between calming neutrals and bold pops of color. Modern dining rooms are no different. If the dining room table you choose is a detailed statement piece, it might be a good idea to choose a simpler, more neutral design for your dining chairs. On the other hand, if a minimalist dining table is your centerpiece, you can choose dining chairs with a striking silhouette or that are upholstered with brightly colored material. 

Knoll dining room chairs

Whatever your dining room aesthetic turns out to be, Knoll has wide range of modern dining chairs available to suit your needs. An iconic piece for modern homes, the Saarinen Executive Armchair takes the elegance and ergonomic comfort of an office chair and transforms them into a chic, sculptural dining chair. Available in fabric, suede, and leather upholstery in a variety of colors, this versatile armchair is a stylish yet comfortable seat for any modern dining room. A more minimalist tulip chair design, the Tulip Armchair has a black or white molded fiberglass shell that enables its full upholstery or seat cushion to complement it or act as a pop of color.

With a clean, more industrial design, the Brno Chair is a simple Mies van der Rohe creation developed to emphasize the beauty of its surroundings. With a polished chrome frame and a large selection of seat upholstery options, this is a piece that can fit into any modern dining room. And the Platner Armchair is the ultimate in stunning architectural design paired with luxurious comfort. With a frame constructed almost entirely from bent steel wire rods and plush seat and back cushions, this modern armchair is both a beautiful dining statement piece as well as a wonderful place to pass a few hours with loved ones.