From rustic wooden ladder-backs to bistro-style designs fashioned from colorful metal, dining chairs are a staple piece of furniture — they’re practical, they’re available in countless different styles, and, for the most part, they’re comfortable. So why are interior designers increasingly forgoing them, or at least using them in tandem with other seating solutions around a table?
Banquettes, freestanding sofas, and even low stools tap into the rise of a dining room trend that makes the space go from simply conversational to luxe and clubby. These alternate perches create an environment that encourages gathering and intimacy. “It’s a way of creating a dining space that feels intimate, cocooning, and a little bit indulgent,” agrees Simpson & Voyle’s Angela Simpson.
