Fabric Dining Chairs: Timeless Comfort at the Table
A fabric dining chair is one of the most versatile choices for the dining room. Softer than faux leather, calmer than velvet, and available in an enormous range of colors and textures. Whether you're looking for a neutral, timeless chair that always fits, or a striking color that instantly adds character to the dining room, in our collection of fabric dining chairs you'll always find a model that matches your interior and lifestyle.
Why choose a fabric dining chair?
Fabric as upholstery has a number of properties that make it a popular and logical choice for the dining room. Fabric is soft and pleasant to sit on, even for longer dinner conversations. The material breathes better than faux leather, which feels more comfortable in warmer conditions. And fabric comes in a multitude of colors, patterns, and textures, from finely woven linen to heavy, woven jacquard, allowing you to perfectly match the chair to your interior.
Combine fabric dining chairs in a neutral shade with a rug in a warm earthy tone for a cohesive, calm dining room that still feels layered and interesting. Or opt for fabric chairs in a distinctive color as a deliberate color accent in an otherwise neutral space.
What types of fabric are there and what are the differences?
Not all fabric dining chairs are the same. The type of fabric determines the look, feel, and maintenance of the chair. The most common types of fabric in our collection:
Woven polyester or polyester blend: the most common type of fabric for dining chairs. Durable, colorfast, and relatively easy to clean. Resistant to daily use and available in countless colors.
Linen look: a fabric with a linen-like structure that gives a natural, Scandinavian look. Fits perfectly in a warm, minimalist interior. Slightly more susceptible to stains than synthetic fabrics.
Jacquard: a heavier, richer woven fabric with an interwoven pattern or structure. Gives the chair more depth and visual richness. Durable and resistant to intensive use.
Chenille: a soft, ribbed fabric with a slight sheen. Pleasant to sit on and gives the chair a luxurious yet approachable look.
Fabric colors and combinations: how to choose well
The color of a fabric dining chair determines the atmosphere of the dining room. Neutral colors like gray, beige, natural, and sand tones are timeless and suit almost any table and interior. They are also the safest choice if you want to use the chairs for a long time without them quickly feeling dated.
Adding color can also be done very well through the fabric dining chair. A chair in olive green, dark blue, or terracotta is a conscious color choice that immediately gives the dining room its own identity. Combine colored chairs with a pendant lamp in a matching color or material for a cohesive and thoughtful dining room. When choosing a color, always pay attention to the tone of your floor, walls, and table for a balanced result.
Maintenance of fabric dining chairs
Fabric requires a little more maintenance than faux leather, but it can be well maintained with the right approach. A few practical tips:
Regular vacuuming: use a soft brush attachment to remove dust, crumbs, and skin flakes from the upholstery. Do this weekly for a fresh and well-maintained look.
Treat stains immediately: blot stains as quickly as possible with a dry, clean cloth. Never rub a stain, as this spreads it and works it into the fabric. For stubborn stains, use a mild stain remover suitable for fabric upholstery.
Stain-resistant treatment: many fabric dining chairs have a stain-resistant treatment. Preferably choose a model with this treatment if you use the chair intensively or if there are young children in the house.
Protect the fabric from direct sunlight: prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the color of fabric upholstery. Keep this in mind when placing the chairs in a bright dining room.
Combining fabric chairs with other materials
Fabric dining chairs combine excellently with other types of chairs at the same table. Combine chairs with armrests in fabric at the ends with velvet chairs without armrests on the sides for a layered, eclectic table arrangement. Or mix a fabric chair in gray with a bouclé chair in cream for a subtle texture mix that still looks cohesive. Always choose a common color or a matching leg finish as a connecting element.
Combine your fabric dining chairs for a complete dining room
At MooierThuis, you can easily order your fabric dining chairs online. All dimensions, fabric types, and colors are clearly listed per product. We deliver quickly throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. Do you have doubts about the right color or fabric type for your interior? Our customer service will be happy to help you.
Frequently asked questions about fabric dining chairs
Are fabric dining chairs suitable for daily use?
Yes, absolutely. Fabric dining chairs are designed for daily use at the dining table. The durability depends on the fabric quality and the finish. Choose a fabric with a high abrasion resistance rating, also known as the Martindale value, for the best durability. A value of 25,000 or higher is suitable for intensive daily use in a household environment.
What is the Martindale value and why is it important?
The Martindale value is a measure of the abrasion resistance of fabric upholstery. It indicates how many rubbing cycles the fabric can withstand before it starts to wear out. For dining chairs in household use, a Martindale value of at least 25,000 is recommended. The higher the value, the more durable the fabric. The Martindale value is listed in the product specifications of our chairs where available.
How do I remove a stubborn stain from a fabric dining chair?
Blot the stain as quickly as possible with a dry, clean cloth without rubbing. Then use a mild stain remover suitable for fabric upholstery and always test it first on an inconspicuous part of the chair. For grease or oil stains, you can sprinkle baking powder on the stain, let it soak for 15 minutes, and then gently brush it away before using the cleaner.
What color fabric chair goes with a white dining table?
With a white dining table, you have a lot of freedom in color choice. A fabric chair in gray, beige, or natural gives a calm, cohesive look. Do you want more character? Then choose chairs in a distinctive color such as olive green, dusty blue, or terracotta. These colors contrast beautifully with white and immediately give the dining room its own identity without dominating the space.
Can I steam clean the upholstery of a fabric dining chair?
For many fabric upholsteries, steaming is an effective way to freshen the fabric and remove light stains. Use a hand steamer on a low temperature and keep the steamer at some distance from the fabric. Always test first on an inconspicuous part. Check the product specifications to see if steaming is allowed for your specific chair, as not all fabrics are suitable for steam cleaning.
