Should You Buy Dining Chairs with Arms or Without?
People don’t usually argue about dining chairs. Until they have to buy them.
Then suddenly, one simple question causes real hesitation: should dining chairs have arms, or should they not?
It sounds minor. It isn’t.
In Australia, dining areas are shrinking in apartments while growing more multifunctional in houses. According to recent interior design market data, over 62% of homeowners now use their dining table for more than just meals, working, entertaining, studying, even relaxing. That shift changes everything about the kind of chair that actually works long-term.
Comfort matters more. Space matters more. Flexibility matters more.
And armrests? They can either elevate your dining experience or quietly get in the way.
Let’s break this down properly. No fluff. No design jargon. This guide provides clear answers to the what, why, and how of choosing the best dining chairs with or without arms, particularly for Melbourne homes where space, style, and lifestyle all intersect.
What’s the Real Difference Between Dining Chairs With Arms and Without?
At a glance, the difference is obvious. One has armrests. The other doesn’t.
But in practice, the distinction affects comfort, layout, visual flow, seating capacity, and how often your chairs actually get used.
Dining chairs with arms often called armchairs, offer added support and a more relaxed seating posture. Armless dining chairs prioritise flexibility, space efficiency, and ease of movement.
Neither option is “better” by default. The right choice depends on how you dine, who you dine with, and how your space functions day to day.
Why Dining Chairs With Arms Appeal to So Many Buyers
Let’s start with armrest dining chairs, because they’ve seen a noticeable surge in popularity, particularly in higher-end and design-led homes.
1. Comfort That’s Immediately Noticeable
The biggest reason people lean towards dining chairs with arms is comfort. Plain and simple.
Armrests allow your shoulders to relax, reduce pressure on your lower back, and encourage longer, more comfortable seating. That’s not just opinion—it’s supported by ergonomic research showing that chairs with arm support can reduce upper-body muscle strain by up to 20% during prolonged sitting.
If your dining table doubles as:
- a work-from-home spot
- a place for long dinners with friends
- or a casual hang-out area
Armrests quickly stop feeling like a luxury and start feeling essential.
2. A More Premium, Grounded Look
From a visual standpoint, dining chairs with arms naturally read as more substantial. They anchor the table. They feel intentional.
In open-plan homes which dominate modern Melbourne builds, armchairs help the dining zone feel defined rather than floating awkwardly between kitchen and living areas.
That’s one reason designers often use armchairs at the head of the table. They subtly signal importance and balance the layout without saying a word.
If your idea of dining involves slow meals, conversation that stretches past dessert, and guests lingering with a glass of wine, armrest chairs support that lifestyle.
They invite people to stay seated longer. They create a sense of comfort rather than formality. And for older family members or anyone who values physical support, they make sitting down and standing up easier.
When Dining Chairs With Arms Can Become a Problem
Now for the other side of the story, because armchairs aren’t perfect for every space or household.
1. Space Constraints Are Real
Dining chairs with arms take up more physical and visual space. There’s no getting around that.
- limit how many chairs fit around the table
- make the area feel crowded
- restrict movement when pulling chairs in and out
Design guidelines suggest allowing at least 15–20 cm of clearance per chair for comfortable movement. Armrests eat into that allowance quickly.
If your dining area already feels tight, armchairs may tip it from cosy to cramped.
2. Table Height Compatibility Matters
Not all dining tables work well with armchairs.
If the armrests don’t slide neatly under the table, chairs stick out permanently. That disrupts flow, creates tripping hazards, and visually clutters the space.
This issue is especially relevant in Melbourne homes with compact dining nooks or narrow walkways, common in townhouses and apartments.
3. Reduced Seating Flexibility
Armchairs are less adaptable. You can’t easily squeeze in an extra guest. Rearranging becomes harder. Stacking or storing chairs is rarely an option.
If you host often and value flexibility, armless chairs tend to perform better.
Why Armless Dining Chairs Remain a Classic Choice
Despite changing trends, dining chairs without arms remain the most common choice—and for good reason.
1. They Maximise Space Without Sacrificing Style
Armless chairs allow you to seat more people around the same table footprint. That’s especially valuable in urban homes where every centimetre matters.
They slide in neatly. They tuck away cleanly. And visually, they create a lighter, more open feel, ideal for smaller rooms or minimalist interiors.
Armless dining chairs give you freedom.
- move them between rooms
- add extra seating when guests arrive
- mix different styles without overwhelming the space
This flexibility explains why over 70% of Australian dining chair purchases are still armless models, according to recent retail sales data.
They simply work in more scenarios.
3. Cleaner, More Versatile Aesthetic
Without armrests, chairs feel less dominant. That makes them easier to pair with bold tables, statement lighting, or textured flooring.
If you enjoy changing decor, armless chairs adapt without demanding a full redesign.
Can You Mix Dining Chairs With Arms and Without?
Yes and it’s often the smartest solution.
- armchairs at the head of the table for comfort and visual balance
- armless chairs along the sides for flexibility and space efficiency
This approach works particularly well with rectangular tables and larger dining areas. It’s also a favourite among interior designers because it adds depth without clutter.
And that’s worth choosing carefully.