Are Upholstered Dining Chairs Better Than Non-Upholstered?

Written by: Shihan Zhou, ZM Home

Published on March 11, 2025

Time to read 8 min

Feature	Upholstered Dining Chairs	Non-Upholstered Dining Chairs
Comfort	More comfortable, better for long meals	Less comfortable, harder seating surface
Cleaning	Difficult to clean, stain-prone	Easy wipe-clean surface
Durability	5-10 year lifespan, fabric wears down	Can last decades, highly durable
Cost	30-50% more expensive	More budget-friendly
Look	Formal, luxurious appearance	Clean, modern, casual appearance
Sound	Better sound absorption	Can be noisy when moved
Climate	Warmer in cold weather	Cooler in warm weather
Space	Takes up more visual space	Space-saving, lighter
Best For	Adult homes, formal dining, cold climates	Families with kids, casual dining, small spaces

Compromise Options

Padded seats only: Comfort with less fabric to stain
Removable cushions: Washable and adaptable
Performance fabrics: Stain-resistant upholstery
Ergonomic designs: Comfortable non-upholstered options

What Makes Upholstered Dining Chairs So Popular?

Upholstered chairs have won over many homeowners for good reasons.

Extra Comfort for Longer Meals

The padding of upholstered dining chairs supports your body during those long dinner parties or family game nights. Instead of adjusting uncomfortably after 20 minutes, you can relax and enjoy the conversation. This comfort makes your dining area more than just a place to eat but an area where people actually want to stay.

Better Sound Quality

Ever notice how noisy a dining room can become? Fabric-upholstered chairs actually do help to dampen sound, particularly in rooms that have a lot of hard surfaces, such as wood floors and glass tables. This makes for a quieter space where you can talk without having to yell or be distracted by echoing dish clatter.

More Style Options

Upholstered chairs come in endless fabric choices-different colors, patterns, and textures to suit your own personal style. Bold prints or soft solids, there's something for everyone. The texture of the fabric also counteracts rooms that have too many hard surfaces, adding visual warmth to your dining area.

Warmer in Cold Weather

Nobody will want to sit on a chair of ice in the morning! Upholstered chairs are warmer against a person's body in winter than wood or metal. This small comfort improves dinner or breakfast when it's cold-no more cold shock as one sits down.

What Are the Drawbacks of Upholstered Dining Chairs?

Those cozy, stylish upholstered dining chairs aren't for everyone and every situation. There are a couple of major drawbacks you need to consider before you make a decision on these popular seating arrangements.

Harder to Clean

The beautiful fabrics on upholstered chairs is also their worst enemy. When red wine or pasta sauce splatters-and in dining rooms, something will splatter-and washing is a hassle. Unlike non-upholstered chairs that you can simply wipe down, seats made of fabric hold onto stains and odors, especially in families with children or frequent dinner parties.

More Expensive

Your wallet will definitely feel the pinch. The cost of upholstered chairs compared to non-padded chairs will usually cost 30-50% higher. Additional materials for fabrics, padding substances, and advanced skills of craftsman labor enter into that high cost.

Shorter Lifespan

Don't expect upholstered chairs to outlast solid wood or metal furniture. The padding wears thin, the padding compresses, and the stitching comes undone over time. In a household where dining chairs are used every day, this wear and tear happens more quickly. What could be just exquisite at the time of purchase may be tired and worn out in three years.

Too Warm for Hot Weather

That cozy padding feeling so great in winter could become warm and uncomfortable during summer months. Body heat traps body heat and offers limited airflow, which can leave you sweaty and uncomfortable after a long meal. This is especially inconvenient in hot climates or poorly air-conditioned homes.

What Advantages Do Non-Upholstered Dining Chairs Offer?

Non-upholstered dining chairs have remained popular for generations, and these practical seating options bring several important benefits to your dining space.

Built to Last

Durability is where non-upholstered chairs truly shine. Made from solid wood, metal, or quality molded materials, these chairs can handle decades of daily use. They won't sag, compress, or develop worn spots like fabric chairs often do.

Super Easy to Clean

Spilled spaghetti sauce? Knocked over wine? No problem. Just grab a damp cloth and wipe it away. This simple maintenance is a huge advantage, especially for homes with young children, pets, or frequent entertaining. There's no scrubbing, and no lingering stains or odors to worry about.

Budget-Friendly

Without the added costs of fabric and padding materials, these dining chairs typically come with a more attractive price tag. You can often get high-quality, well-designed non-upholstered chairs for significantly less than their padded counterparts.

Modern Aesthetic Appeal

Non-upholstered chairs offer clean lines and simpler profiles that work beautifully in contemporary and minimalist spaces. It's no accident that many iconic chair designs-from Eames to Wishbone chairs-feature non-upholstered construction. Their sleek, uncluttered appearance creates a timeless look that doesn't go out of style.

Cooler in Warm Weather

During hot summer months, non-upholstered chairs stay cooler and more comfortable. Without heat-trapping padding and fabric, these chairs allow better air circulation and won't leave you sweaty during a meal. For homes in warmer climates, this improved airflow makes a noticeable difference in comfort.

Space-Saving Design

Looking to maximize your dining area? Non-upholstered chairs are usually lighter, less bulky, and take up less visual space than their padded alternatives. This makes them perfect for smaller dining areas or for creating a more open, airy feeling in any space.

What Limitations Do Non-Upholstered Dining Chairs Present?

While non-upholstered dining chairs have plenty of practical advantages, they come with some notable downsides, too.

Less Comfortable for Long Meals

Let's be honest: sitting on a hard wooden dining chair for three hours isn't exactly cozy. Non-upholstered chairs can feel uncomfortable during extended periods, like holiday dinners or game nights. Without cushioning, you might find yourself shifting position frequently.

Too Hard for Some People

For elderly family members, people with back issues, or anyone who prefers a softer seat, non-upholstered dining chairs can be genuinely uncomfortable. The lack of padding puts more pressure on the tailbone and back, which some people find painful even during shorter meals.

Sometimes Too Casual Looking

For formal dining rooms or elegant entertaining spaces, non-upholstered dining chairs might look too utilitarian or plain. They typically lack the luxurious, sophisticated appearance that upholstered options provide. If you're going for a high-end, refined aesthetic in your dining area, bare wood or metal chairs might undermine that vision.

How Should You Choose Between Upholstered and Non-Upholstered Dining Chairs?

Choosing between chairs is all about striking a balance between practicality and looks. Your lifestyle, eating habits, and family composition will all factor into determining the best solution for seating.

Consider Your Household Demographics

Families with young children might benefit from the easy-clean nature of non-upholstered chairs. Sticky fingers and food spills are inevitable with little ones, making wipeable surfaces a sanity-saving feature. Conversely, adult-only households might prioritize the comfort of upholstered options without worrying as much about stain resistance.

Evaluate Your Dining Habits

The way you use your dining room should strongly influence your decision about the dining chair. Do you entertain formally with guests lingering for hours and enjoying multiple courses? Upholstered chairs might be worth the extra maintenance. Do you use your dining table only for fast weeknight meals or as a workspace? The utilitarian nature of non-upholstered pieces might be more appropriate.

Assess Your Space

The size of the dining space matters when selecting chairs. Tiny spaces benefit from the visual lightness of non-upholstered chairs, which can make a room look more spacious. Larger dining rooms can accommodate the visual weight of upholstered chairs without feeling crowded.

Consider Climate Factors

Regional climate and home temperature should factor into your decision. Homes in cooler climates or with drafty dining areas might benefit from the warmer feel of upholstered chairs. Conversely, warm-weather locations might find non-upholstered options more comfortable year-round.

Be Honest About Maintenance Preferences

Your willingness to do regular maintenance should guide your choice. If you're one who prefers easy care and low-maintenance cleaning, non-upholstered chairs will likely be best for you. If you'll vacuum, spot-clean, and deep-clean every now and then, upholstered chairs are more feasible.

Is There a Middle Ground Between These Options?

For those who just can't decide between comfort and practicality, there are some compromise alternatives that combine aspects of both kinds of dining chairs. These in-between alternatives offer smart solutions that might be perfect for your specific needs.

Dining Chairs with Padded Seats Only

Semi-upholstered dining chairs provide you with padding where you need it most-the seat-while leaving the back and legs free of fabric. This smart design allows you to have sitting comfort but also greatly minimizes the amount of fabric surface that can get stained.

Dining Chairs with Removable Cushions

Need flexibility? Dining chairs with removable seat cushions or covers offer the ultimate adaptability. You have the comfort of padding with the ability to take off covers to wash when accidents happen. Some are machine washable, making cleaning a breeze. You can even switch cushions seasonally-lightweight fabric in summer and warmer textures in winter.

Dining Chairs with Stain-Resistant Fabrics

Modern performance fabrics have changed the game for upholstered furniture. These specialty textiles are water-repellent, stain-proof, and hold up to heavy use without losing their softness and comfort. Yes, they cost more to purchase, but they last longer and cause less hassle when that red wine inevitably gets spilled.

Ergonomic Non-Upholstered Dining Chairs

Today's ergonomically designed non-padded wooden or molded plastic chairs can be surprisingly comfortable without any upholstery. Their curved seats and backs support your body in all the right places.

FAQs About Dining Chairs

What is the best way to clean upholstered dining chairs?

Regular vacuuming with an upholstery attachment helps remove dust and crumbs. For stained areas, utilize the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, which often involve blotting (never rub) spills immediately with a clean, wet cloth. Professional cleaning of heavily-used chairs on a yearly basis is recommended.

What materials are best for non-upholstered dining chairs?

Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut are extremely durable. Plastic chairs molded into shape are surprisingly comfortable and easy to clean. Metal chairs provide industrial strength and appearance but may need cushions for comfort during long sitting periods.

How long do upholstered vs. non-upholstered dining chairs typically last?

Well-maintained, non-upholstered dining chairs can last for decades. Upholstered chairs typically need to be reupholstered every 5-10 years under average use, though this varies widely based on quality and usage patterns.

Key Takeaway

The discussion of the dining chair is basically a matter of personal priorities. Upholstered chairs are more comfortable and better in appearance but require more upkeep and investment. Non-upholstered chairs give functionality, toughness, and easy maintenance at the possible expense of comfort.

The majority of homeowners find that a balanced approach works best. This may be done by choosing half-upholstered chairs, investing in high-quality non-upholstered models with ergonomic features, or even mixing chair designs in the same dining set.

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