Yes, the table itself is typically the show-stopper in any dining room—but a star requires a set of supporting actors to shine its brightest. That’s where the best dining chairs on the market come in. A table without chairs isn’t worth much, of course, but it’s not all about practicality: As is the case with our favorite reading chairs and office chairs, a beautiful, thoughtfully styled chair can also lend so much style and individuality to your overall aesthetic. Our top pick is AllModern’s Kody Upholstered Side Chair Set, which pairs armless convenience with your choice of a faux leather or linen-style upholstery.

AllModern's Kody Upholstered Side Chairs are available in on-trend colors and offered at a ... [+] budget-friendly price point. Chair Dining Room Chairs

Shopping for dining chairs can be tricky, though. Will a non-upholstered chair fare better than a cushioned one in your home? Do you prefer a chair with arms, or one without? This granular level of thinking might seem superfluous, but it’s the best way to ensure that you’re shopping the right selection of chairs for you. Luckily, ahead, we’re providing a tightly curated list of the dining chairs that we believe to be the best on the market in 2022. Sift through our picks, and prepare to shop the best of the best.

This set of two dining chairs from AllModern can be rendered in either an upholstered, durable faux leather or a linen-style fabric, the latter of which adds a soft, supple touch to the seat. A contoured, bucket-seat silhouette adds to the appeal, as do plastic glides on the bottom of each leg (those will help to protect your floors from wear and tear, no matter how many times the chairs are pushed in and out of the table). The Kody chairs are also armless, which is certainly more convenient for everyday use. Available in on-trend colors and offered at a budget-friendly price point, they’re a no-brainer pick for most buyers.

In keeping with the style of old-school Tolix chairs, these industrial metal chairs are French-inspired and undeniably practical. They also offer an unbeatable price tag and several colorways to choose from—jet black or silver—and their no-nonsense, hard-wearing metal will add durability to your dining room for years to come. Decidedly contemporary, seriously sturdy and downright nice to look at, they’re a must-have for anyone with modern design sensibilities.

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for chairs for small spaces. For starters, you want to aim for sleek, streamlined details that’ll allow the chairs to tuck in easily underneath the dining table. Chunky legs and roomy backs will look and feel as if the chairs taking up too much room. Another option? Opt for chairs that are stackable—that way, you can move them away and utilize the space for other purposes if need be. These Pottery Barn chairs, which can be purchased individually or as a pair, work for that purpose—and they look good, too.

If you want your dining chairs to communicate a “go big or go home” style, you can’t go wrong with dramatic contemporary lines—like the ones provided by these chairs. With the ash wood frame juxtaposed against the warm boucle fabric, you’ll impart a current, “with it” vibe that isn’t too overpowering. We love the curved back and decidedly artful feel; it’s a bona fide winner.

Plastic Chairs Stacking Chairs Can you ever really go wrong with straightforward, wooden chairs? Visually, no—wood chairs will never go out of style, but you’ll want to be extra-cautious about quality—a wobbly chair isn’t ideal. For quality and an ageless quality, we enjoy this Shaker-style chair, which comes in several colors and offers a solid oak frame, it’s a great choice. There’s also no assembly required and a matching set of equally beautiful counter stools.