Looking for Scandinavian dining chairs in Australia? Then you’re in the right place.
Look, we get it. You want chairs that look good and actually feel comfortable during those long family dinners. But when you start shopping, you’re suddenly hit with a thousand options and confusing material choices.
And you’re left asking, “How do I know if it’s worth it?” That’s exactly where our expertise can help.
At Made Minimal, we’ve helped hundreds of Australian families find dining chairs that work for their homes and budgets. We know which timbers hold up in Brisbane’s humidity and which finishes suit different spaces.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know so you can choose the right one. You’ll learn:
- What makes Scandinavian dining chairs different
- Materials and finishes to choose from
- How to pick the right chairs for your space
- Whether they’re worth the investment
Let’s dig in.
What Are Scandinavian Dining Chairs?
Scandinavian dining chairs are minimalist timber furniture from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. They’re exclusively known for their clean design.
The style took off during the mid-20th century when Danish designers started making furniture that looked good but also worked for everyday life. They focused on finding the balance between beauty and practicality.
So what makes them different?
You’ll see clean lines and simplicity in every piece (no extra details or fussy decoration). Also, the grain patterns and honey tones make each one look a bit different, and that’s actually one of the best parts about them.
Aside from that, the functionality aspect gives these chairs a purpose beyond just looking pretty on Pinterest boards. The designers built them so you can actually sit through a two-hour Sunday lunch without your back screaming at you.
Why Are Scandinavian Dining Chairs So Popular?
These chairs combine simple, elegant design with practical comfort that suits modern Australian homes. They’ve stuck around for decades while other furniture trends have come and gone, and there’s a reason for that.
In this section, we’re going to cover what makes the design so appealing and why it holds up better than cheaper alternatives.
Clean Lines and Minimalist Design
The sleek, minimal aesthetic is why they work in almost any space. Their simple shapes and modern look fit into contemporary homes just as easily as traditional ones.
What’s more, the minimalist style keeps your dining room feeling open instead of cluttered. And because they stick to neutral colours, they work with whatever furniture you already own or plan on buying later.
Pro Tip: Avoid chairs with heavy carvings or ornate details if you want that authentic Scandinavian look.
Built to Last for Years
Quality timber and sturdy joinery make these furniture pieces hold up through daily use. Even if you’re hosting loud family dinners three times a week, the solid wood materials stay comfortable and practical for decades.
Good construction also means fewer replacements down the line, which saves you money over time.
Now that you know why these chairs stay popular, let’s look at what they’re made from.
What Materials Are Used in Scandinavian Dining Chairs?
Common materials include natural timber like oak and ash, plus leather or fabric upholstery.
The materials you choose affect how the chair looks, feels, and holds up in your home. Some work better for busy families, while others suit formal dining rooms.
Here are the main options you’ll see:
Light Woods Like Oak and Ash
Ever notice how Scandinavian dining rooms always feel warm despite the minimal furniture? It’s because the timber does all the heavy lifting.
Oak is the most common and a classic choice for timber dining chairs. This wood is durable and ages beautifully. Another popular option is Beech, which brings natural warmth with its brown and grey wood tones. Ash offers a similar lightness to oak but with a slightly paler finish.
The reason lighter timbers like oak and ash work so well is that they brighten small dining spaces and make rooms feel larger than they actually are. So if you’re working with a compact dining room, these lighter woods are your best bet.
Natural Fabric and Leather Upholstery
The seat material you choose affects both comfort and how you maintain your chairs.
For example, leather seats look polished and suit both formal dinners and casual meals. They also complement timber frames really well. However, leather needs regular conditioning to avoid cracking, especially in dry Brisbane summers.
Natural options like fabric and rattan add more texture and breathe better in warm weather. While metal works better for outdoor areas, timber and upholstered chairs belong indoors, where humidity won’t damage them.
If your dining space opens onto a deck or patio, we recommend outdoor dining chairs made from metal or plastic; as they can handle Australia’s sun and rain without warping or fading.
How Do You Choose the Right Scandinavian Dining Chairs?
From all the options available in stores and online, choosing the perfect chairs can feel confusing. But when you focus on measurements, comfort, and finishes, you’ll know exactly what works for your space and what doesn’t.
Focus on these three things when you’re shopping:
Match Your Table Height and Size
The right height prevents awkward seating and makes every meal more comfortable.
Before you buy anything, start by measuring your dining room space with a tape measure. Standard dining chairs sit between 45-50cm high, which works with most dining tables. And leave about 60cm between each chair so people can actually sit down and move around without bumping elbows.
Consider Comfort for Long Meals
Do you host dinners that stretch into long lunches with family and friends? Then comfort needs to be a priority.
Choose dining room chairs with proper back support if you regularly have people over for extended meals. Without decent lumbar support, your guests will start shifting around and looking for excuses to leave halfway through dessert.
Quick tip: Try sitting in those kitchen chairs before buying to check the comfort level yourself.
Pick a Finish That Suits Your Space
Your existing furniture and room colours should guide which timber finish you choose. If your room is filled with natural light and white walls, then go for finishes like light oak or ash to keep things airy.
But if you want something richer and more grounded, match darker furniture with options like walnut or deeply stained oak.
Here’s the approach: Check what wood finishes you already have in your dining room before committing to a new set. Then look through different dining chair ranges to compare styles and prices side by side.
Once you’ve figured out the right options for your dining space, let’s talk about whether they are actually worth the price.
Are Scandinavian Dining Chairs Worth the Investment?
Yes, quality Scandinavian chairs justify the higher price through longevity and timeless style. You’re paying for something that lasts decades and still looks current when everything else in your home has been replaced.
Here’s why they’re worth it:
They Last Decades With Proper Care
Like every other quality furniture piece, these chairs last for decades with proper maintenance. All you have to do is wipe them down regularly with a soft cloth and keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Based on our experience, solid timber chairs easily last around 20-30 years if you treat them right. The best part is that you can refinish or reupholster them instead of buying completely new furniture when they start looking worn.
So if you’re thinking long-term value, they pay for themselves over time. And most Australian stores, including Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, stock quality options locally.
Timeless Style That Won’t Date
Scandinavian chairs stay stylish decade after decade. While many furniture trends come and go faster than Brisbane weather changes, this design holds steady because it never tried to be trendy in the first place.
The simple dining aesthetic works whether your home feels rustic or modern. Also, the flexibility of neutral timber finishes means you won’t need to replace them when you redecorate.
You can paint your walls lime green tomorrow, and they will still look fine (though we wouldn’t recommend the lime green).
Finding the Right Chairs for Your Home
Many people struggle with choosing dining chairs because there are too many options and not enough clear guidance. You want something that looks good, feels comfortable, and lasts longer than a few years. The good news is that quality Scandinavian designs give you all three without the usual trade-offs.
We’ve covered what makes these chairs different and why they stay popular. You now know which materials work best and how to pick the right size and finish for your space.
If you’re ready to buy, you can see the timber finishes, test the comfort, and compare styles in person at our Brisbane showroom collection.
Take your time and find options that’ll still look good at your table twenty years from now.