Before buying a tub dining chair, ask whether it will fit under your table, whether the curved back suits the way you sit, how wide it is compared to your table length, what the upholstery is made of and how it cleans, and whether the frame and legs feel solid. Those questions, along with a few others covered below, will tell you whether a tub chair suits your dining space or whether a more upright design would serve you better.<\/p>\n
Tub dining chairs have a rounded back that curves around the sides of the seat, creating a cosy, enveloping shape. They look relaxed and generous, and they bring a softness to dining areas that straight backed chairs cannot match. Their shape also brings a few practical quirks. Here are the ten questions we suggest asking.<\/p>\n
The curved back of a tub chair usually extends forward into low arms. Those arms need to clear the underside of your table so the chair can slide in when not in use. Measure from the floor to the lowest point of the table apron, then compare it with the arm height listed for the chair.<\/p>\n
If the arms sit higher than the apron, the chairs will always stand slightly away from the table. In a large room that may not matter. In a compact kitchen diner, it can eat into precious walking space.<\/p>\n
Tub chairs are generally wider than standard side chairs because of their wraparound back. Check the overall width and then work out how many will fit along your table. As a guide, allow the width of the chair plus around 10 to 15cm between chairs so diners have elbow room.<\/p>\n
A round table often suits tub chairs well, as the curves echo each other and the chairs can be spaced evenly around the circumference. Along a rectangular table, you may find three tub chairs fit where you had planned four.<\/p>\n
This question is easy to overlook. Tub chairs cradle you, which is lovely if you sit back and relax during meals. If you tend to perch forward, sit sideways or tuck a leg underneath, the enclosed shape can feel restrictive.<\/p>\n
Think about the longest meals you host. A tub chair is well suited to relaxed dinners where people linger. For quick breakfasts or a table used for laptop work, check that the back is not so deep that you end up sitting too far from the table.<\/p>\n
For a standard UK dining table of around 75cm, a seat height of roughly 45 to 48cm is comfortable. Tub chairs sometimes have a deeper seat than side chairs, which can push you back from the table edge. A seat depth of around 45 to 50cm suits most adults.<\/p>\n
Shorter members of the household may find a deep tub seat leaves their feet dangling slightly. If possible, sit in the chair or compare its dimensions with a chair you already find comfortable.<\/p>\n
Tub dining chairs come in velvet, boucle, linen blends, chenille, faux leather and more. Each has its own character and care needs.<\/p>\n
The curved inner back of a tub chair can catch crumbs where the seat meets the back. Look for a design with a small gap between seat and back, or one where the join is tight and easy to vacuum. Check the care guidance too. Chairs that can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent are far easier to live with than those that need specialist cleaning.<\/p>\n
Colour affects upkeep as much as fabric. Mid tones such as taupe, sage, slate and caramel hide everyday marks better than pale cream or bright white.<\/p>\n
A tub chair’s rounded shell puts particular stress on the point where the back meets the base. Look for a sturdy internal frame, usually hardwood or metal, and legs that bolt firmly into the seat. Give the chair a gentle rock from side to side. It should feel stable and quiet, with no creaking.<\/p>\n
Many tub chairs sit on slim metal legs, often in black, brass or chrome. Others have tapered wooden legs for a softer, midcentury feel. Both are fine if the fixings are solid. Fit floor glides to protect your flooring.<\/p>\n
Some tub dining chairs sit on a swivel base, which makes getting in and out easy without dragging the chair across the floor. Swivel chairs suit tight spaces and hard floors, and they have a relaxed, lounge like character.<\/p>\n
The trade off is that a swivel base is usually a central pedestal, which may look heavier and can catch on table legs. Check the base diameter against the space beneath your table before choosing one.<\/p>\n
Tub chairs have a strong silhouette, so they work best with a table that gives them room to breathe. Round and oval tables echo their curves beautifully. Marble, glass and pale wood tops all contrast well with soft upholstery. A very chunky table with heavy legs can make the arrangement feel crowded.<\/p>\n
If you are considering a new table too, our modern dining tables UK<\/a> range includes round and oval designs that suit curved chairs.<\/p>\n Not necessarily. Tub chairs look striking at the ends of a long table, with slimmer side chairs along the length. This keeps the comfort and style of the tub shape where it has most impact while saving space. Around a round table for four, a full set of tub chairs usually works well.<\/p>\n If you prefer a coordinated look without the effort of matching pieces yourself, our modern dining table and chairs sets UK<\/a> include options with rounded upholstered chairs chosen to suit the table.<\/p>\n Tub chairs come into their own in dining rooms used for relaxed entertaining, in open plan spaces where the dining area needs to feel soft and welcoming, and in homes where the table is the heart of social life. They suit contemporary, glamorous and midcentury interiors particularly well.<\/p>\n They are less practical in very narrow kitchen diners, at tables with low aprons, or in homes where chairs are constantly pulled in and out for quick meals. In those spaces, a slimmer upholstered chair or a bench may be more comfortable to live with day to day.<\/p>\n If you can visit a showroom, sit in the chair for several minutes rather than a few seconds. Pull it up to a table, lean forward as if cutting food, then sit back as if chatting over coffee. Notice whether the curved sides press against your arms or hips, and whether your feet rest flat on the floor. Stand up without using your hands to see how easy the chair is to get out of.<\/p>\n When buying online, the product dimensions become your best tool. Compare the overall width, seat height, seat depth and arm height with a chair you already own and find comfortable. Look carefully at photographs taken from the side, which show how far the back curves forward and how deep the seat really is. Close up images of the fabric reveal the weave and finish far better than wide room shots.<\/p>\n It also helps to picture the chairs from behind, since that is the view you will see most often when walking into the room. Tub chairs have a smooth, continuous back, which looks tidy from every angle and is part of their appeal in open plan spaces.<\/p>\n Vacuum the seat and the inside of the curved back regularly with a soft brush attachment. Blot spills straight away rather than rubbing. Rotate chairs around the table occasionally so they wear evenly, since the chair nearest the kitchen often sees the most use. Tighten leg fixings every few months.<\/p>\n At Furniture in Fashion<\/a> we offer tub dining chairs in a range of fabrics and finishes. You can also browse our fabric dining chairs UK sale<\/a> for softer upholstered styles, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.<\/p>\n Most people find them very comfortable for relaxed meals, thanks to the supportive curved back. Check the seat depth and height to make sure they suit you.<\/p>\n They are usually wider than standard side chairs, and their arms may stop them tucking fully under a table. Measure carefully before buying.<\/p>\n Yes. They work well at the ends of a rectangular table, or along the sides if the table is long enough to space them comfortably.<\/p>\n Velvet and boucle look rich and soft, while faux leather and tightly woven fabrics are easier to maintain in busy homes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tub dining chairs, with their rounded backs that wrap around the seat, bring a relaxed and generous feel to any dining space. Their distinctive shape also raises a few practical questions that are worth answering before you buy. 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Should every chair be a tub chair?<\/h3>\n
Where tub dining chairs work best<\/h3>\n
Checking a tub chair in person or online<\/h3>\n
Caring for tub dining chairs<\/h3>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n
Are tub dining chairs comfortable?<\/h3>\n
Do tub chairs take up more space?<\/h3>\n
Can tub chairs be used at a rectangular table?<\/h3>\n
What fabric is best for a tub dining chair?<\/h3>\n