Dining chairs are the furniture you interact with most at the table — sat in every day, moved constantly, sometimes stacked or stored. A good one is comfortable for an entire dinner, durable enough not to wobble after a year, and good-looking enough to make the table better. Here are two that check all of it.
Rattan Accent Chair Pick: Zesthouse Rattan Dining Chairs Set of 2
ZESTHOUSE
Rattan Dining Chairs Set of 2, Wicker Accent Kitchen Chairs
$189.99
Rattan chairs have been trending for a while, and Zesthouse's version is one of the better examples at an accessible price point. The natural woven back adds texture to a dining room without overwhelming it — which is the trick rattan chairs have to pull off. At $189 for a set of two, these aren't bargain chairs, but they're priced correctly for what they are: a pair of chairs that will photograph well, sit comfortably, and hold up with normal use. They work well against light walls and natural wood tables, where the organic texture of the rattan can actually be seen.
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Classic Dining Chair Pick: Ashley Ladderback Set of 2
ASHLEY
Ladderback Dining Room Chair, Set of 2
$134.99
The ladderback is a chair design that's been around for centuries because it works. Straight lines, good back support, sturdy construction — there's nothing wrong with it. Ashley's version is $135 for two and inherits the quality standards of a brand that's been making home furniture for decades. If the rattan chairs are the choice for someone building a thoughtfully curated room, the Ashley ladderbacks are the choice for someone who needs chairs that seat people well and fit virtually any dining table without requiring a design decision. They're especially good as a second set of chairs when you need to seat more than four.
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How to Choose
The Zesthouse rattan chairs ($190 for two) are a style statement — they elevate the room and work well when you want the chairs to be noticed. The Ashley ladderbacks ($135 for two) are the right tool for the job — neutral, well-made, and universally compatible. If you're going to mix chair styles at a long table, the ladderbacks are the easier base to mix from. If you're buying one set and want them to stand out, go rattan.