Carver Dining Chairs

A carver dining chair is a dining chair with armrests, traditionally placed at the head of the table. The term comes from old dining customs (the person carving the roast often sat in an armchair), but today it simply refers to any sturdy dining chair with arms. Carver chairs often anchor the ends of a dining table set, adding a touch of formality and comfort.

It’s a matter of preference and space. Armchairs at the heads of your table (carver chairs) can make the setting feel more upscale and are very comfortable for long dinners since they offer support. If you have the room and like a classic, elegant look, using chairs with arms at the ends of the table is a lovely choice. In a smaller dining area, though, armless chairs might be more practical to ensure everyone fits comfortably.

In most cases, yes, dining armchairs are generally designed to slide under standard dining tables, but it’s important to check their dimensions. Pay attention to the height of the armrests relative to the bottom of your table: the arms should be low enough to tuck in without hitting the table apron or underside. Before buying, measure the clearance under your table and compare it to the arm height of the chairs to ensure a proper, comfortable fit.