1. Call to Arms
Armchairs are an elegant choice for the ends of a dining table. This transitional piece, which is 40 inches high and has low gently sloping arms, can be dressed up or down with one of the dozens of upholstery choices, including leather. The Chronos armchair, in a standard fabric, starts at $2,081 at Sheffield Furniture in Rockville (301-881-6010, sheffieldfurniture.com).
2. Texture Trend
This contemporary Italian design has a graceful curved back for maximum style and comfort. The Curran quilted dining chair features solid wood legs with an ebony finish and is covered in a diamond-stitched synthetic leather, which adds unique texture. Choose from four neutral colors—onyx, oyster, chocolate and granite (shown)—for $349 each at Crate & Barrel in Spring Valley (202-364-6100, crateandbarrel.com).
3. On the Bench
A dining bench is a pretty and practical way to squeeze a few more guests around the table. This high-back Aldrich bench is 64 inches long, 27 inches deep and available in three stain-resistant fabric patterns, as well as leather. It retails for $2,239 (fabric) and $2,659 (leather) at Ethan Allen in Rockville (301-984-4360, ethanallen.com).
4. English Lesson
Vintage furniture adds character to a dining room’s décor. These English Hepplewhite-style painted chairs date from the 1940s and have arched shield backs and new linen upholstery with corner nailhead trim. Find these treasures for $850 each at Tone on Tone in Bethesda (240-497-0800, tone-on-tone.com).
5. House of Windsor
The simple silhouette of a classic hoop-back Windsor chair looks great in a country kitchen or paired with a midcentury modern table. These beechwood models are made in Slovenia, hand-painted in green milk paint by a local craftsman and hand-finished. They are $595 per pair at The Great British Pine Mine in Kensington (301-493-2565, pinemine.com).
6. Mod Squad
This stylish little side chair is a sculptural beauty, and comfortable, too. The Circa chair is available in a variety of finishes and upholstery options, including the SOLE fabric in Rouille (shown), and retails for $865 at Roche Bobois in Chevy Chase, D.C. (202-686-5667, roche-bobois.com).