Wondering which dining chairs go best with a glass dining table?

I’ve been in your shoes!

If you’re like me… you probably love the clean, open feel a glass table gives, and you’re not sure which dining chairs won’t clash or feel too heavy.

I’ve had my glass dining table for 7 years now and I’ve changed my dining chairs twice. So, trust me when I say I’ve done my fair share of dining chair shopping!

In this post, I’m presenting the best dining chairs that pair beautifully with glass tables.

If your interior style leans towards modern and minimalist, you’ll love these dining chair picks!

Each one is carefully chosen to complement a glass table while keeping your space feeling light, cohesive, and timeless.

Plus, I’m sharing six key factors to look out for when shopping for dining chairs.

My goal is to help you find beautiful and comfortable dining chairs that hold up well over time.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you. I may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.

Related: Pros & Cons Of Glass Dining Table: 7 Years Of Honest Experience!

Dining Chairs That Go With A Glass Dining Table

• Faux leather or leather upholstered dining chairs
• Fabric upholstered dining chairs
• Wooden dining chairs
• Rattan dining chairs

My Picks: Dining Chairs That Go With A Glass Dining Table

Style Tip: If your glass dining table has natural wooden legs, I highly recommend going for upholstered chairs for softness and comfort, or wooden chairs for texture and warmth, or a mix of both for a more layered, relaxed look.

Here’s a round-up of my favorite dining chairs to pair with a glass dining table with wooden legs.

I kept the palette warm and neutral (mostly browns and creams), so everything looks cohesive when the dining chairs are placed around the table.

All of these options also offer proper back support, which is a must in our home, especially for long meals.

These dining chairs work especially well with interior styles like modern mid-century, modern farmhouse, transitional, Japandi, and Scandinavian.

1. Port 18” H Armchair // 2. Hamberg 18” H Upholstered Side Chair // 3. Sharlene Upholstered Side Chair // 4. Beore Velvet Upholstered Armchair

If your glass dining table has wooden black legs or powder-coated steel legs, I suggest pairing it with simple dining chairs with clean lines to keep the space feeling modern and effortlessly-styled.

If your personal pick is a wooden chair, look for ones stained in black to match the dining table.

But, if you want something with a bit more warmth and texture, look for wooden dining chairs with rattan or cane webbing (like I did!)

The woven texture breaks up all the sleek surfaces, making the dining area feel more cozy and lived-in.

Style Tip: Get your hands on wooden dining chairs without visible joints! They’re often handmade, which makes them pricier, but they’re incredibly well-crafted and give off that quiet, luxurious feel.

1. Chassidi Wood And Rattan Upholstered Arm Chairs // 2. Cambrielle 18” H Upholstered Accent // 3. Jahmal 18.3” H Solid Wood Side Chair // 4. Valdez Boucle Dining Chair

Now, if your glass dining table has chrome or brass legs, I suggest going for contemporary dining chairs to stay in line with the clean, minimalist design aesthetic.

For chrome, I suggest pairing it with dining chairs that have chrome or black steel legs.

But, if your table has brass legs, go for dining chairs with brass accents to match.

Mixing metals in this setup can feel a little too busy, so it’s best to stick to one metal.

Upholstered, leather, or faux leather chairs also work beautifully here, as they will give that clean, elevated finish to the overall space.

Just be sure to stick to solid-tone fabrics, as prints or patterns may clash with the clean lines or reflective surface of a glass dining table.

1. Valdez Boucle Dining Chair // 2. Chromium Upholstered Dining Chair // 3. Bralan Polyester Blend Upholstered Side Dining Chair with Casters // 4. Ellenberger Velvet Upholstered Dining Chair

How To Choose The Right Dining Chairs For A Glass Dining Table

When you’re choosing dining chairs for a glass dining table, there are six key things to keep in mind.

These factors will help you pick chairs that don’t just look great, but are comfy to sit in, fit your home nicely, and last for years.

Chair Material

When it comes to choosing dining chairs, I always start by looking at the style and colour of the dining table first.

Look at the dining table legs – are they made from wood, powder-coated steel, chrome, or brass?

From there, look for materials that complement rather than compete.

Wooden and upholstered chairs add warmth and feel more relaxed, while powder-coated steel or chrome legs keep things feeling sleek and modern.

Chair Height

You may not notice how important chair height is… until you sit down at the dining table and realise something feels off.

Make sure there’s enough legroom between the seat and the underside of your dining table (typically about 25–30 cm or 10–12 inches).

If your table is thicker or has a structural bar underneath, double-check the seat height before purchasing your dining chairs.

Any dining chair that is too tall or too low for the dining table will cause discomfort.

p/s: no reasonable adult wants to feel like they’re sitting at a kids’ table!

Chair Width

Chair width is one of the most overlooked details, but also one of the most important.

Before purchasing any dining chair, check the width of the dining chair and measure it against the length of your dining table.

This simple trick helps you to identify how many chairs will comfortably fit along your table (without anyone elbowing each other!)

You want to make sure you’re not cramming six wide chairs into a space better suited for four.

Upholstery Material

If you’ve got pets or little ones, it’s worth choosing an upholstery that can handle spills, scratches, and messes.

These days, there are many performance fabrics that are water-resistant, tear-resistant, and stain and scratch-resistant.

Leather or faux leather are great choices too since they’re super easy to wipe down.

But, be careful, they can tear pretty easily!

My sister learned this the hard way. Her faux leather dining chairs didn’t stand a chance against my nieces’ curious little fingers!

If you can’t find a performance fabric you love, you can always do what I did.

Use a waterproof spray to help protect the fabric from everyday spills and stains.

(I swear by this waterproof spray – I spilled chocolate milk on my white boucle dining chair and it survived! No unsightly brown stains, phew!)

Chair Design

To soften the edges of a glass dining table, I look for chairs with curves with rounded backs or seats.

Bonus: these silhouettes provide great back support!

Curves add a bit of visual balance and keeps the dining space from feeling too harsh or cold.

Armchairs can work beautifully at the heads of the table to create a more inviting, relaxed look, especially in open-concept spaces.

Just sure the arms don’t knock into the table or other chairs!

Assembly

Lastly, don’t forget to check how the chairs are assembled.

If you’re buying them online, some chairs come fully assembled while others require a bit of DIY.

I’ve definitely underestimated how long it takes to screw on legs and align everything perfectly…

Dining Chair Review

My glass dining table has warm walnut wooden legs, so I picked chairs that would complement both materials.

I ended up going with four white upholstered dining chairs with black powder-coated steel legs, and two black wooden dining armchairs with rattan webbing at each end of the table.

I love how the black frames anchored the space and added a bit of contrast against the glass without feeling too harsh.

Since I don’t have any other black furniture or decor in my dining area, bringing in a touch of black made the dining area stand out more.

Meanwhile, the rattan webbing added a natural texture that softened the look and warmed up the space.

I’ve had these dining chairs for about two years now, and I still love them just as much as the day they arrived.

But, if I had to pick a favorite, it’s definitely the solid black wooden armchairs with rattan webbing.

Each piece was about three times the price of a white one, but honestly, I understand why.

They’re incredibly sturdy, well-made, and so comfortable to sit in, even for long meals.

The white boucle chairs, on the other hand, are a bit lighter.

They sometimes tip over if I get up too quickly, and the cushions feel a little thin. They do sink in quite a bit after sitting on them for a while.

I didn’t think spending a lot of money on a dining chair was worth it… until I sat on both chairs.

Now, I really think it’s one of those investments that makes a HUGE difference.

It’s something you use every single day, and there’s nothing like sitting on a comfortable chair while enjoying a home-cooked meal!

Do Transparent Acrylic Dining Chairs Go With A Glass Dining Table?

Technically, yes, they do. And, I know this because they were my first dining chairs!

When I bought my glass dining table 7 years ago, I chose acrylic dining chairs to match the table.

I thought the combination worked well since I wanted to make my dining area look bigger.

Since both materials are see through, I liked the light and airy feel they brought to the overall space.

To keep my dining area from feeling too sterile, I added two upholstered dining chairs at each end of the dining table.

But… I’ll be honest. After a few years of having this dining room setup, it started to feel a little… flat.

Everything blended in, and while it was cohesive, it just didn’t pop.

It was missing that little spark – the kind of contrast that makes a room feel alive and interesting.

Not to mention, one of the chairs had a deep crack after my husband sat on it a little too heavily one day.

And, there was no way of fixing it even if I wanted to! I’d have to repurchase a brand new chair.

Even before the incident, guests would always hesitate before sitting on the acrylic chairs because they were afraid the chairs wouldn’t be able to hold their weight.

(I don’t blame them – after all, the clear material really does make it feel like you’re about to sit on glass!)

After five years of this dining area set up, I finally made the switch and bought new dining chairs as part of my no-reno dining room makeover.

If your heart is still set on transparent acrylic dining chairs, I say go for it!

Ultimately, it’s about what you LOVE, and there are many ways you can still make your dining area look warm and cozy.

Do Dining Chairs Need To Match The Table?

As you can see from my home, I’m a HUGE fan of mismatched dining chairs.

I know it’s a lot easier to buy matching dining chairs, but I actually like that I get to be creative and find pieces that add character to my dining area.

(With mismatched dining chairs, the chances of having the exact dining set up as someone else is pretty low. And, come on, who doesn’t love a unique home?)

Plus, it’s a lot more affordable and easier to swap out over time if your style (or family size) changes!

Personally, I think matching dining chairs look too formal, and I prefer my dining area to look more relaxed and lived-in.

That’s why I think mismatched chairs work so well in interior styles like modern farmhouse, transitional, coastal, boho, industrial, Scandinavian, and eclectic homes.

The post Which Dining Chairs Go With A Glass Dining Table?  appeared first on That Isle Life.

Ever find yourself staring at your dining area and wondering how to style a dining table when you’re not using it?

If you answered yes, you’ve come to the right place!

In this post, I’m sharing 10 simple yet stylish ideas for decorating your dining table when it’s not being used, complete with real-life photos for inspiration.

From timeless centerpieces to realistic styling tips, keep reading to discover what to put in the middle of your dining table.

Plus, I’m sharing 4 practical tips for choosing dining table centerpieces so you can learn how to style a dining table that is both functional AND beautiful!

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you. I may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.

Related: 10 Easy Seasonal Tablescape Ideas for Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter

10 Easy Ways To Style Your Dining Table When It’s Not In Use

1. Leave the dining table bare
2. Use a tablecloth
3. Use a table runner
4. Add placemats
5. Display a floral arrangement
6. Group candles or candle holders together
7. Arrange fruits on a cake stand or in a bowl
8. Place a woven bowl or wooden tray
9. Stack everyday dinnerware
10. Put a real or faux potted plant

Leave the dining table bare

Who says your dining table needs to be decorated at all times?

Sometimes, the simplest way to style your dining table is to leave it bare, especially if you have a beautiful surface like a sleek glass dining table (like mine!), a rustic wooden table, or a luxe marble tabletop.

I’m a fan of a bare dining table because it brings a sense of calm and minimalism to the space, especially in smaller rooms or in an open-plan setting like our apartment.

Keeping our glass dining table clean and clutter-free adds an airy, modern touch to the space.

Plus, I love that the table reflects natural light beautifully.

Use a tablecloth

On the other hand, using a tablecloth is a simple yet effective way to completely transform the feel of your dining space.

It’s perfect for adding softness, texture, and a sense of warmth, especially if you’re are looking for a cozy, layered look.

Bonus: they’re great for protecting your table surface from spills and scratches while still keeping things stylish.

Style Tip: Keep things interesting by using a patterned tablecloth. Whether it’s blue and white chinoiserie prints for a spring table setting or a chevron print for a summer tablescape, a beautiful print or pattern can act as the focal point of your dining area.

Use a table runner

If you want to decorate your dining table without covering it up completely, a table runner is the perfect solution.

Not only is a table runner more affordable than a full tablecloth, but it’s great for showcasing your dining table’s beautiful surface while still bringing in a pop of color or a touch of texture.

Style Tip: Drape the table runner down the center of the table for a classic look. For something a little different, use two shorter runners and lay them horizontally across the width of the table. This simple trick gives your dining table a fresh, unexpected twist!

Add placemats

Placemats can protect your table from spills and scratches, but also double as decor.

You can layer them over a tablecloth or use them directly on your dining table to get a peek of your tabletop.

I love mixing it up with different colors, patterns, and textures depending on the mood or season.

Woven placemats bring in an earthy, natural vibe, while linen or cotton ones feel soft and relaxed.

For something a bit more fun, patterned placemats can really liven up the table, especially if the rest of your setup is quite neutral.

For a more practical everyday setup, choose placemats that are easy to wipe down, especially if you’re using your dining table for regular meals.

This saves time because you don’t have to keep replacing them after every use.

Display a floral arrangement

I can see why people love placing floral arrangements in the middle of a dining table.

In addition to making the dining area feel fresh and inviting, it instantly brings life to a dining table!

You can go big and bold with a dramatic centerpiece like I did, or keep it simple with a few stems in a smaller vase.

The best part? You can use either real or faux flowers, depending on what works best for your lifestyle.

For a low-maintenance option, I personally opted for dried hydrangeas.

They look beautiful and realistic, but they don’t require any watering or upkeep (which is perfect if you don’t have the time to care for fresh flowers every week!)

Plus, they last for months, and their neutral tones blend seamlessly with almost any table setting.

Style tip: Make sure the vase size suits your dining table. A tiny vase on a large dining table can look out of place, while an oversized one on a small table might overwhelm the space. Scale matters, so choose something that feels balanced and proportionate to the table.

Group candle holders together

Candles instantly elevate a dining table by adding warmth and a cozy ambiance.

I love using candles to style a dining table because they are affordable, come in endless colors and styles, and can easily be swapped out depending on the season.

For casual dinners, I love grouping a trio of pillar candlesticks in the center of the dining table.

For special occasions, I prefer using a trio of gold tapered candlesticks for a modern and elegant tablescape.

Style tip: Don’t have candle holders? Don’t worry! You can add a cluster of pillar candles directly on the table without any holders at all. Alternatively, a large dough bowl candle can also make a bold, beautiful statement.

Arrange & display fruits on a cake stand or in a bowl

One of my favorite styling tricks? Using everyday items like fruits as decor.

It’s a practical and affordable way to style your dining table, especially if your family goes through a lot of fruits like mine does!

A bowl of lemons, a pile of red apples, or even seasonal fruits like pomegranates or figs can add color and life to a dining table.

My fruits are elevated on a cake stand because I like that the added height makes the fruit display feel like part of the design, not just an afterthought.

But, you can also use other vessels to hold your fruit like a wooden dough bowl or a handwoven basket for more texture.

Style tip: For a minimal look, stick to one type of fruit in bulk like a big bowl of oranges. But for practicality (and a hint of playfulness!), go for a rainbow medley of whatever’s in season.

Place a woven bowl or wooden tray

Placing a woven bowl or wooden tray in the middle of a dining table is one of the most simple dining room decor ideas.

The wood or woven texture brings warmth to the space, especially if your dining table is made out of glass or natural stone.

Beyond just looks, a bowl or a tray is incredibly practical. You can use it to corral everyday items like salt and pepper shakers, napkins, and coasters.

I love this setup for families or anyone who actually uses their dining table every day, as it creates a styled “zone” that’s both beautiful and functional.

Plus, woven trays or wooden bowls are often lightweight, inexpensive, and come in all shapes and sizes.

So, it’s easy to find one that suits any type of aesthetic and budget.

Stack everyday dinnerware

Stacking plates or bowls in the center of your dining table is more than a simple decor trick.

If you eat at your dining table regularly, having your go-to dinnerware within arm’s reach just makes sense.

I like to keep a neat stack of our most-used plates or bowls in the middle of the table.

It gives off a casual, lived-in feel – and honestly, it’s just so handy not having to dig through kitchen cabinets for plates.

Style tip: Layer smaller plates on top of larger plates (like salad or dessert plates on top of dinner plates) for an elevated look. You can even tuck in a folded linen napkin and add a utensil caddy on the side to complete the look.

Put a real or faux potted plant

Adding a potted plant, whether real or faux, is one of my most-used simple dining room decor ideas.

What’s great about using potted plants is that they’re not just pretty, but they are also low-maintenance.

Unlike a fresh floral arrangement that needs weekly changing, a potted plant can live on your table for months.

I’ve had my ZZ plant for over five years now, and whenever I’m stuck on what to use as a centerpiece, I just pop it on the table.

It’s completely fuss-free and instantly makes the area feel fresh and lively.

I recommend using any potted plants that don’t need much attention like a small olive tree or a ZZ plant like mine.

Just make sure the size of the plant works with your table – you don’t want something so tall it blocks conversation across the table!

Style tip: Place the potted plant in a stylish woven basket, a sculptural bowl, or a vintage ceramic vase for a stunning centerpiece.

What can I put in the middle of a dining table?

One of the most common questions I get is: what should I put in the middle of my dining table?

If you want more ideas on how to style a dining table when it’s not in use, keep scrolling to view the round-up of all my favorite practical and decorative items.

You can easily mix and match a few of these to create a simple and functional centerpiece that works for your dining table.

How To Choose Dining Table Centerpieces For Everyday

When in doubt, I always go back to these four tips to help me create an easy, everyday centerpiece that works for my home.

Think About Scale

The size of your centerpiece should make sense for the size of your table.

Before purchasing something, ask yourself: does this piece feel balanced, or is it going to look off sitting in the middle of my dining table?

Remember, a small item on a large table can feel underwhelming, while something too big can overpower the dining table.

Keep Decor Low and Unobtrusive

Opt for centerpieces that don’t block conversation or line of sight, especially if you use your dining table daily.

Low-profile arrangements like shallow bowls, short potted plants, or candles keep the table looking styled without getting in the way.

Choose Easy-to-Move Items

Go for pieces that are lightweight or easy to shift around if you need to clear the table quickly for meals, work, or kids’ activities.

Make It Multi-Functional

No clutter on the dining table, please! Pick centerpieces that double up as useful items like a fruit bowl, a lidded basket with napkins inside, or a tray that holds salt, pepper, and other daily condiments.

The post How To Style A Dining Table When Not In Use [10 Simple Ideas!] appeared first on That Isle Life.

As I grow older, I’ve been more intentional with my home decor choices, and that usually means I take my time to make decisions. So, trust me, this makeover definitely did not happen overnight.

The dining room makeover has been a long time in the making, but I’m so pleased with how everything turned out.

The dining room is hands-down my favourite space in our home now.

Keep scrolling to see the dining room makeover before and after photos!

Related: Simple & Casual Blue And White Tablescapes

Before Dining Room Makeover

Six years ago, my interior style was more bohemian, so I wanted my dining room to have a vibrant, tropical vibe.

I loved using plants as decor, bringing in natural elements that added to the room’s airy feel.

To complement the bright and airy vibe I loved so much, I opted for a glass dining table and clear acrylic chairs, keeping the space light and uncluttered.

However, over time, I noticed that the elements started blending together, lacking the visual contrast I had hoped for.

A few years ago, I hung a tree-print artwork on the wall.

I thought it would add more character to the dining room, but the piece didn’t quite fit the tropical-bohemian vibe.

Not to mention, its size was too small for the wall, making it feel out of place.

Although the dining room didn’t look terrible, it never truly felt like me.

The space lacked a clear identity and felt disjointed.

It just didn’t align with the vision I had in mind, and despite the effort I put into decorating, it never clicked the way I wanted it to.

The room wasn’t cohesive or personal – it felt more like a collection of ideas rather than an intentional reflection of my style.

In the end, I just didn’t feel connected to the space, which made it hard to fully enjoy.

After Dining Room Makeover

After making a few thoughtful adjustments, the dining room finally feels like the space I had envisioned all along.

It now feels warm, cozy, and inviting, all of which perfectly aligns with my personal style at this stage of my life.

The room no longer feels forced; instead, it reflects a cohesive, intentional design that feels like me.

The transformation lies in the small but impactful details, which made all the difference.

In the next section, I’ll share the key elements behind this transformation, so you can see how minor tweaks can have a big impact.

Related: A Minimal And Classy Black And Gold Tablescape

Dining Room Decor Details

A Fresh Coat Of Paint

In 2022, I collaborated with Vasari to repaint the apartment using their limewash paint. We used Vasari’s Linen White for the dining room wall.

The moment I saw the new wall colour, it gave me the creative spark I needed to dive into a full dining room makeover.

I immediately thought the soft, textured finish of the limewash added so much depth to the space, making the room feel both moody and inviting at the same time.

The subtle warmth of Vasari’s Linen White created the perfect backdrop and set the tone for the entire dining room makeover.

Swap Out The Furniture

The next step in the makeover was swapping out the furniture.

I had been meaning to replace the acrylic chairs for a while — one had broke, and more importantly, they weren’t comfortable enough for long meals.

I know, I know, what was I thinking in the first place?!

Anyway, when I came across this set of white boucle chairs, I instantly fell in love.

Their soft, curved shape felt like the perfect contrast to the hard edges of my dining table, adding balance and visual interest to the space.

What also drew me to the chairs was their sleek and sophisticated black legs.

Since black naturally draws attention and gives the space a sense of focus, I’ve been wanting to introduce touches of black to the dining room.

These new chairs not only made the dining area more comfortable but also brought in the right mix of softness and structure.

That’s not all! Since I’ve always loved the charm of mismatched dining chairs, I wanted to carry that concept into the dining room makeover.

This time, I decided to pair the boucle chairs with natural rattan and wood armchairs.

The wood armchairs are my husband’s favourite. They’re made from real wood, so the beautiful natural grain stands out.

I love how these two chair styles complement each other: the softness of the boucle contrasts well with the rattan and wood textures.

Plus, both chairs are SO comfortable.

One thing’s for sure – I learned my lesson the hard way. So, it was very important to me that the dining area is as practical as it is stylish!

Related: 6 Surprising Things I Learned About Limewash Paint

Choose The Right Artwork

The hardest part of the dining room makeover was choosing the right artwork.

This time, I wanted something personal that truly resonated with me. Nothing generic or mass-produced!

Fortunately, I connected with a local artist, Carissa from Wildflower Culture, who offered to create a custom piece based on a story I wanted to express.

I immediately jumped on board. I’d be crazy to turn down a unique and meaningful piece of art!

I shared with her how I’ve been navigating grief over the past few years and how my love for the beach has been a source of comfort during that time.

She understood my vision perfectly and designed a piece called Beach Mornings to reflect those emotions.

This time, I also made sure the artwork was the right size and scale for the wall.

When the artwork arrived, it fit seamlessly into the room’s design.

Be Intentional With Decor

Sadly, all of my plants have died, but I still wanted a green element to bring life to the space.

I decided to invest in my first large faux plant, which fits perfectly in the corner of the dining room.

If you’re buying a faux plant, it’s essential to repot it.

Faux plants often come in small plastic containers that immediately give away their artificial nature.

I chose a larger decorative pot and filled the top with moss to create a more natural, realistic look.

You should also look out for the colour of the leaves and the texture of the branches. Avoid leaves that are bright green and branches that are too smooth.

When shopping for faux plants, I like to go for ones with small imperfections because they mimic the natural flaws of real plants, making them appear more lifelike.

Related: Simple & Casual Blue And White Tablescapes

Get The Look

There are so many beautiful ways to style a dining table, but these are my go-to picks: classic, versatile, and effortlessly modern.

Think clean lines, warm textures, and evergreen pieces that go well with every season and celebration.

1. Artificial olive leaf arrangement in ceramic pot // 2. White ceramic pitcher // 3. Boucle dining chairs // 4. Isaiah vase // 5. Aileen Fitzgerald artwork // 6. Acacia wood bowl // 7. Rattan utensil caddy // 8. Faux moss in gold bowl // 9. Rattan decorative tray // 10. Modern traditional taper holder // 11. Goulding woven bowl // 12. Barrel back cane dining armchair // 13. Faux olive tree with ceramic pot

The post Our Dining Room Makeover – Before & After Transformation! appeared first on That Isle Life.