Chairs and stools: How to Match Them Correctly with Your Table

Over time, the table has increasingly become the true protagonist of the living space. Whether placed in a dining area, an open-plan layout or a living room, it represents the meeting point between aesthetics and comfort in our daily life.

For this reason, choosing the right seating deserves special attention.
It is not simply about completing the décor, but about creating a visual balance that enhances the entire space.

How to Properly Match Chairs, Stools and Table

In this context, chairs and stools play a key role. No longer just functional elements, they have become true design features capable of redefining a room’s style, directly influencing both comfort and functionality.

Knowing how to correctly match chairs and stools to your table is therefore essential to create visual harmony within the space.

Chairs and Stools in an Open-Plan Space: Matching or Mixing?

When furnishing an open-plan space that includes both chairs and stools, a common question arises: should they match, or should they be different?
There’s no one right answer, as it depends on the available space and the desired effect. 

Coordinated chairs and stools create visual continuity and make the space feel harmonious. On the other hand, mixing different chairs and stools can add personality and movement to the room – provided that stylistic consistency is maintained.

The secret lies in keeping a common thread in the interior design such as a finish, color combination, or style detail. In this way, even different pieces can work together to create a cohesive and balanced environment.

Right Height and Comfort: How to Choose the Perfect Chairs and Stools

How to choose the right chair height

One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing chairs – beyond size – is their height. If the seat height is not properly proportioned to the table. If the height doesn’t suit the chosen table, comfort will inevitably suffer.

For a standard table at about 75 cm high, opt for chairs between 45 cm and 50 cm.
A comfortable chair should feel stable and allow natural freedom of movement.

Bontempi’s Opera chair fits perfectly into harmonious interiors thanks to its die-cast aluminum frame and refined materials. It pairs beautifully with a table featuring a lacquered steel structure, like Bontempi’s Millenium Table.

Bontempi Millennium table with Opera chairs, steel frame.

How to choose the right stool height

The kitchen island is more than just a worktop – it is a space for breakfast, conversation, working on a laptop or sharing an aperitif. As a result, stools for kitchen islands have become essential elements in contemporary interiors.

When choosing stool height, first consider the island’s height, typically between 90 cm and 95 cm (36-37 inches).

The ideal kitchen stool should therefore:

• Have a seat height between 65 cm and 70 cm (25-28 inches)
• Allow approximately 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) of space between the seat and the underside of the countertop
  

Island stools: comfort in the kitchen

Beyond height, it is important to consider seat depth, the presence of a footrest, and whether the stool offers sufficient comfort for daily use. Comfort isn’t a detail: an uncomfortable stool risks going unused, even if it fits the room’s design. 

Bontempi’s Rebecca stool exemplifies comfort blending functionality and design. Available in two style variations, it enhances any environment and adapts to diverse trends.

How to best match chairs and stools to your table: practical tips

After reviewing the criteria for choosing chairs and stools, here are some practical tips for pairing them with your table.

Choosing the right materials for a cohesive look

Material selection greatly influences both aesthetics and durability of chairs and stools.

For warm and welcoming interiors, natural wood frames – a strong trend this year – are an excellent choice. For more contemporary or industrial-inspired spaces, prefer steel or metal.

Glass or marble tables, on the other hand, highlight metal or designer seats. 

The most important rule is to maintain visual consistency among all furnishings.

For example, the Amelie chair perfectly blends design and comfort. With its wooden structure and tapered legs, it pairs seamlessly with a wooden table echoing the same tones.

Bontempi Amelie Chair in Premium Ecological Leather Beige Upholstery.

Colours and finishes: creating visual balance

Seat colours also play a decisive role in the kitchen’s visual balance.

A natural wood table pairs beautifully with chairs upholstered in neutral fabrics or warm tones. Stronger contrasts – such as matte black – work well for a more contemporary aesthetic.

White or lacquered tables offer an extremely versatile base, allowing for bold colour choices or more dynamic shapes.

Finally, surfaces such as glass or marble combine perfectly with upholstered seating in velvet, bouclé or leather.

A thoughtful approach to furnishing an open-plan space helps you create a functional and satisfying environment, enhancing both comfort and the longevity of your furniture.