15 Dining Chairs With Button-Back Detailing You’ll Love

Button back dining chairs combine comfort with tailored detail, and they work in far more homes than their traditional reputation suggests. The fifteen styles below range from deep buttoned velvet classics to minimal modern designs with a single row of buttons, so whether your dining room leans contemporary, glamorous, rustic or period, there is a version that will suit it. The main things to consider are the fabric, the depth of the buttoning, the shape of the back and the finish of the legs.

Buttoning, sometimes called tufting, is created by pulling upholstery tight and securing it with fabric covered buttons. It adds structure, keeps the padding in place and gives a chair a crafted, finished look. Here are the styles we think deserve a place at the table.

Classic and traditional styles

1. The deep buttoned velvet chair

This is the style most people picture: a high, rounded back with deep diamond buttoning in a rich velvet. It feels opulent and suits period homes with tall ceilings, cornicing and fireplaces. Deep greens, burgundy and navy look particularly handsome. Pair with a dark wood or marble table for a formal dining room.

2. The spoon back chair

Inspired by Victorian designs, the spoon back has a gently curved, balloon shaped back that cradles the shoulders. Buttoning emphasises the curve. It works beautifully at the ends of a table as a pair of statement chairs, with simpler chairs along the sides.

3. The high back wing style

Some dining chairs borrow from wingback armchairs, with slight side wings and a tall buttoned back. They bring a sense of occasion and feel cosy during long dinners. In a large room, a full set creates a dramatic, enclosed feel around the table.

4. The buttoned chair with turned wooden legs

Turned legs in oak or a dark stain give button back chairs a warm, country house character. They look at home in farmhouse kitchens and rooms with exposed beams. Linen blend fabrics in stone or soft grey keep the look relaxed rather than formal.

5. The ring pull back chair

Many button back dining chairs include a metal ring or handle at the back, which makes pulling the chair out easier and adds a decorative touch. Chrome rings look sharp and contemporary, while brass rings feel warmer and more classic.

Contemporary and modern styles

6. The single row buttoned chair

For a quieter look, some chairs use a single horizontal row of buttons across the back. It adds interest without the full traditional effect, and it suits modern kitchens and minimal dining rooms. Grey, oatmeal and charcoal upholstery keep it understated.

7. The square back buttoned chair

A straight, square back with a neat grid of buttons feels tailored and architectural. It pairs well with rectangular tables in glass or high gloss, where its crisp lines echo the table. Faux leather versions are practical and easy to clean.

8. The buttoned chair with slim metal legs

Swapping wooden legs for slim black or brass metal instantly modernises the button back. The result feels light and fresh, with just enough detail to add interest. It is a good choice for smaller dining spaces where heavy chairs would feel crowded.

9. The buttoned tub dining chair

Rounded tub chairs with buttoning on the inside of the curved back are relaxed and enveloping. They suit round tables and open plan spaces where the dining area needs to feel soft and welcoming. Velvet and boucle both work well.

10. The channel and button combination

Some designs combine vertical channel stitching with a few buttons, creating a layered, retro inspired look. These chairs have a strong personality and suit glamorous or midcentury interiors. Jewel tones and brass legs complete the effect.

Relaxed and informal styles

11. The linen buttoned side chair

Buttoning in a soft linen blend feels effortless and understated. It suits coastal, Scandinavian and country interiors. Pale natural colours look calm and fresh, especially with light oak tables.

12. The low back buttoned chair

A lower back with a row or two of buttons keeps sight lines open and lets the table be the focus. It is a sensible option for open plan spaces, where tall chairs can block the view across the room.

13. The buttoned carver

Carvers with buttoned backs and padded arms make comfortable head of table seats. They bring a sense of occasion and give older guests something to lean on when sitting and standing. Mix two carvers with plainer side chairs for a considered look.

Statement styles

14. The colourful velvet button back

Bold colours such as teal, ochre or blush pink give traditional buttoning a playful, modern twist. A set of chairs in a single striking colour can transform a neutral dining room. Alternatively, choose two or three coordinating shades for a relaxed, collected feel.

15. The buttoned faux leather chair

Buttoned faux leather combines the classic look of a Chesterfield with the practicality of a wipe clean surface. It is a smart choice for family homes and suits both modern and traditional settings. Rich browns and blacks feel timeless, while grey and taupe feel more contemporary.

How to choose the right button back chair

With so many styles available, a few practical questions help narrow things down.

How deep should the buttoning be?

Deep buttoning creates pronounced pockets and a traditional look. Shallow buttoning is subtler and more modern. Deep buttoning can trap crumbs, so households with young children may prefer a shallower finish.

Which fabric suits my home?

Velvet brings richness and shows off buttoning beautifully. Linen blends feel relaxed. Faux leather is the easiest to maintain. Our fabric dining chairs UK and modern leather dining chairs UK ranges both include buttoned designs.

Will the back height suit my room?

Tall buttoned backs look dramatic but can feel heavy in small rooms. Lower backs keep things light. Consider your ceiling height and the size of your table.

What legs work best?

Turned wood suits traditional homes, tapered wood suits midcentury schemes and slim metal suits contemporary spaces. Always check that the legs bolt firmly into the frame.

Checking the quality of the buttoning

Well executed buttoning is a sign of careful upholstery. Look for buttons spaced evenly in straight lines or a regular diamond pattern, with fabric folding neatly between them. Each button should sit firmly in its dip rather than standing proud of the surface. Pleats running between buttons should be crisp and consistent, without puckering.

Press gently around a few buttons. The padding should feel firm and spring back, and the button should not move. If the fabric around a button looks strained or thin, it may wear through sooner. On faux leather, check that the material is soft enough to fold without cracking at the creases.

It is also worth checking the back of the chair. Many button back designs have a plain outer back, which should be smooth, taut and neatly finished at the edges. Since the backs of dining chairs are often the first thing you see when entering a room, a tidy finish here matters.

Where button back chairs work best in UK homes

Victorian and Edwardian terraces, with their high ceilings and period features, are a natural home for deep buttoned chairs. The detailing echoes original cornicing, ceiling roses and panelled doors. In newer homes with lower ceilings, a lower back and shallower buttoning keeps the look without overwhelming the room.

In open plan kitchen diners, buttoned chairs help the dining area feel distinct from the kitchen, adding softness to spaces dominated by worktops and cabinetry. They also suit dedicated dining rooms used mainly for entertaining, where a sense of occasion is welcome.

Pairing button back chairs with a table

Buttoned chairs have plenty of detail, so they tend to look best with a table that keeps things simple. A plain wooden top, a clean glass surface or a marble table with minimal legs lets the chairs take centre stage. A heavily carved table alongside deep buttoned chairs can feel busy.

For a warm, grounded look, our modern wooden dining tables UK pair naturally with buttoned upholstery in almost any colour.

Caring for buttoned upholstery

Buttoning creates small dips where dust and crumbs can collect. Use a soft brush attachment or a narrow crevice tool to vacuum around each button weekly. Blot spills straight away. Check buttons occasionally, as a loose button is far easier to secure early than after it has pulled free. On velvet, brush the pile gently in one direction to keep the finish even.

At Furniture in Fashion we stock a wide range of buttoned dining chairs in traditional and modern styles. It is also worth looking through our dining room furniture UK sale for coordinating tables and sideboards. We offer free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently asked questions

Are button back dining chairs comfortable?

Yes. Buttoning keeps padding evenly distributed, and many designs have shaped backs that offer good support during long meals.

Do button back chairs only suit traditional homes?

No. Modern designs with shallow buttoning, slim metal legs and contemporary fabrics work well in minimal and modern interiors.

Is buttoning difficult to clean?

It takes a little more care. Vacuum around the buttons regularly with a soft brush and deal with spills promptly.

Can I mix button back chairs with plain chairs?

Yes. Buttoned carvers at each end with plainer side chairs along the length is a popular, balanced arrangement.