10 unexpected dining chair alternatives

unusual, but totally gorgeous!

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by Cora L. Diekman

Modern Wire Stools

Skip chairs altogether and opt for something fun and edgy, like these modern black wire stools. Space saving while also being a bit dramatic, these are definitely an unexpected addition to the dinner table.

Rustic Church Bench

Modern spaces dotted with traditional touches are seriously trending, and we’re loving this Romanian take on that aesthetic. In this Bucharest home, modern meets rustic with folksy textiles and a rustic church bench in place of traditional dining chairs.

Posh Upholstered Bench

A soft bench adds a punch of glam and contrast to a rustic kitchen that is overflowing with hardwoods, tile, and hard surfaces.

Simple Midcentury Rocker

You’ve likely never considered adding a rocker to the dining table, but this simple mid-century inspired rocker looks perfectly placed and ultra comfy in this retro dinner scene.

Oversized Ottoman

Benches are now commonplace at the dinner table, so why not try an oversized ottoman instead? With seating for multiple diners and lots of plush softness, this is soon to be the best seat in the house.

Mismatched and Monochromatic

Rather than traditional seating, opt for a gathering of

mismatched chairs

in all varieties, grounded by a single unifying color, like this bold canary yellow.

Natural Stump Stools

Natural wooden stump stools add a warm and organic feel to a space, and are also extremely versatile, doubling as side tables or foot stools. Varieties can be found as polished or rustic as you like, to suit any taste or design.

Full Sized Couch

No banquette, no problem!  Builtins are nice, but a full sized sofa is the next best thing, and decidedly more comfortable, too. This eclectic-meets-modern space is charming, inviting, and proves that your couch CAN do double duty at the dining table.

Folding Metal Chairs

These aren’t your average folding chairs. A coat of bold fuchsia paint has elevated this seating set from bland office staples to chic and unexpected statement pieces that totally compliment this fun dining space.

Wingback Chairs

Wingbacks at the dining table add a touch of drama, and in this case, a much needed punch of color in bold emerald green. While their style is traditional, this space proves that wingbacks play equally well with modern designs also.