Take a seat! Here’s 10 of the best dining chairs

1. Beetle chair

Stackable chairs bring to mind those ugly and uncomfortable plastic ones that you were forced to sit on at family parties or school functions in the local village hall. If you are after some stylish space-saving dining chairs, however, look no further. GamFratesi has designed these contemporary stackable chairs (above) that were inspired by the humble beetle (insect, not car) – perfect if you only need a few chairs around the table on a day-to-day basis, but also want to discreetly store some extras for those impromptu dinner parties and family gatherings. Beetle chair, H87xW49xD54cm, from Gubi.

2. Bossy chair

This vintage-style hoop-back chair (above) comes with a neutral-coloured cotton seat cushion and would look amazing in a country kitchen with a natural timber or painted table, or as part of a shabby chic room scheme. The chairs, sold in pairs, are hand-finished and distressed using a white paint. Bossy chair, H98xW51xD41cm, from Loaf.

3. Mary's chair

Inspired by a visit to the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco, USA, Mary's chair is made from beautiful solid hardwood. Designer Matthew Hilton was "moved by the contrast of the oppressive weight of the concrete structure and the release of the swooping, expansive space within" when he came up with the bold, sculptural design, which gives the chair an impressive presence. It is available in American black walnut finished with Danish oil (above) or American white oak finished with a Danish oil or white oil. Mary's chair, H78xW45.5xD51.5cm, from De La Espada.

4. Vik carver chair

Balancing good looks with stable construction, the Vik carver chair makes a great first impression. It comes in a range of colours, but we particularly like Citron (above), which makes the sleek, modern design by Thibault Desombre really stand out. The Vik range also includes a similar chair without arms and both can be fitted with a handle on the back, but we think this spoils the streamlined look. Vik carver chair, H84xW60xD58cm, from Ligne Roset.

5. Cover chair

A modern take on the classic wooden armchair, the Cover chair by Thomas Bentzen for Muuto would work well as part of a dining room set or as a single desk chair in a home office. Unexpectedly light, it is made from a veneer shell with wooden legs. It is available in Black, Grey (above), Dark Grey, Red, Green or natural oak, with the choice of an upholstered or leather seat. Cover chair, H76xW56.5xD46cm, from Haus.

6. Theda armchair at Benchmark

We are loving the soft curves and elegant oak legs of the Theda armchair. And if you are looking for a bespoke piece, this is the chair for you, as Benchmark will upholster it in your choice of fabric. Two contrasting colours or patterns look particularly smart, like this monochrome check and midnight black option (above). Another tried and tested combination is soft pink and deep purple, or for more of a statement you could choose a bold floral print all over. Theda armchair, H82xW48xD60cm, from Benchmark.

7. About A Chair AAC12

Clean lines and sturdy construction combine in this sleek chair designed by Hee Welling for Hay. The simple form of the injection moulded polypropylene shell would feel at home around a contemporary table or as a contrast to a more traditional wooden one. The shell comes in White, Black, Grey, Mustard, Coral Red and Blue, and the frame comes in clear lacquered oak or black stained oak, so there are lots of combinations to choose from. Why not go for different coloured chairs around a bright white table for a bold look? About A Chair AAC12 in White (above), H78.5xW51xD50.5cm, from Twentytwentyone.

8. Drop chair

The aptly name Drop, is a small chair with big personality. Originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, it has been relaunched by Republic of Fritz Hansen for the modern masses. At first glance, it is hard to decide if it will be extremely comfortable to sit on or awkward and unpleasant. We haven't sat on it, so we can't know for sure, but Republic of Fritz Hansen assures us that the ergonomic design provides a surprising level of comfort. Drop comes as a plastic shell or fully upholstered and there's a wide choice of colours, including Light Pink canvas (above). Drop chair, H88.5xW45.5xD54.5cm, from Republic of Fritz Hansen.

9. Spindle-back chair

Simple yet refined, this oak chair has a delightful rustic country-kitchen feel. It would look lovely in a traditional setting or could be used to bring an exciting contrast to a more urban space. For a cohesive scheme, Garden Trading also sells a matching raw-oak round dining table and to complete the look, why not add some tie-back chair cushions in soft florals or earthy tones? Spindle-back chair (above), H85xW45xD41cm, from Garden Trading.

10. Catch chair

Described as a chair that welcomes you with open arms, Catch is Jaime Hayon's first contribution to &Tradition's furniture collection. Its organic shape was inspired by the harmony of curves and the key to its design is a functional chair with a comfortable shape that adjusts to different body types. There are loads of finishes to choose from, including a basic shell, luxurious leather and Kvadrat wool upholstery. Catch chair in Petrol (above), H90xW58xD58cm, from &Tradition.

Check out Housetohome for more dining room advice and style ideas.