Dining Side Chair vs Dining Arm Chair: Which Eames-Style Chair Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Choose the Eames-style dining side chair (DSW) if you want a slimmer chair that tucks neatly under the table and lets you fit more seats in a smaller space. Choose the dining arm chair (DAW) if you want built-in armrests, extra support for long meals and a more generous seat. Both share the same moulded shell and wooden legs, so the choice mostly comes down to arms, width and how you use your table.
The Eames moulded plastic chair is one of the most popular dining chairs in the world, and it comes in two main versions: a side chair without arms and an armchair with them. They look very similar in photos, which makes the decision harder than it should be. This guide explains the real differences in comfort, size, style and value, with notes for homes in the UK, Europe and the USA, so you can order with confidence.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Difference?
- Comfort: Arms or No Arms?
- Size and Table Fit
- Style and Mixing the Two
- Where Each Chair Works Best
- Care and Durability
- Price and Value
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Replica Notes and Ordering From the UK, EU or USA
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
1. What Is the Difference?
Both chairs come from the same design family created by Charles and Ray Eames in the mid-20th century. Each has a curved moulded shell seat on a base of wooden legs braced with slim metal rods. The names describe the base and the arms:
- DSW stands for Dining Side chair, Wood base. It has no armrests.
- DAW stands for Dining Armchair, Wood base. It has armrests built into the shell.
At Interior Furnishes, both versions use a polypropylene shell, a solid wood base in beech or walnut with Eiffel-style steel reinforcement, and are sold as sets of two or four. The side chair is listed with a weight capacity of up to 120 kg (265 lb).
| Side chair (DSW) | Arm chair (DAW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Armrests | No | Yes, built in |
| Width | Slimmer | Wider |
| Tucks under the table | Easily | Depends on arm height |
| Support for long meals | Good | Better |
| Best for | Tight spaces, many seats | Comfort, ends of the table |
| Listed from | £109 | £145 |
2. Comfort: Arms or No Arms?
The shell is the same, so the main comfort difference is the arms.
The side chair gives you freedom. You can turn, lean, slide in and out easily, and sit sideways when chatting. It suits people who like to move around and diners who share a narrow table.
The arm chair gives you support. The armrests let you rest your forearms and push yourself up when you stand, which many people appreciate, especially older family members. It feels more relaxed for long dinners, working at the table or lingering over coffee.
For either chair, a seat cushion adds comfort, and both listings mention cushions as an option.
3. Size and Table Fit
Size is where many buyers get caught out.
Width. Armchair shells are generally around 15 cm (6 inches) wider than side chair shells, so a table fits fewer of them. Exact sizes vary, so check the product page.
Space per person. Allow about 60 cm (24 inches) of table width per diner with side chairs and closer to 75 cm (30 inches) with armchairs.
Tucking under. Side chairs slide fully under most tables. Armrests can catch on the underside of the table, so measure the gap between the floor and the lowest point of the table, and compare it with the arm height.
A rough seating guide:
| Table length | Side chairs | With armchairs at the ends |
|---|---|---|
| 120 to 140 cm (47 to 55 in) | 4 | 2 arm chairs and 2 side chairs |
| 160 to 180 cm (63 to 71 in) | 6 | 2 arm chairs and 4 side chairs |
| 200 to 220 cm (79 to 87 in) | 8 | 2 arm chairs and 6 side chairs |
Also leave roughly 90 cm (36 inches) behind each chair so people can move freely. Standard dining tables are usually 72 to 76 cm (28 to 30 inches) high, and the seat height of both chairs is designed to suit them.
4. Style and Mixing the Two
The two chairs look alike, which makes them easy to combine. A popular approach is to place armchairs at the head and foot of a rectangular table and side chairs along the sides. The armchairs create a gentle sense of hierarchy, while the side chairs keep the table feeling open.
To keep a mixed set looking planned, use the same color and the same wood tone. Both chairs are available in white, black and light blue, so it is easy to match them. Our guide to why Eames-style dining chairs are a must-have for a stylish home explains how they work in different interiors.
5. Where Each Chair Works Best
Kitchens and breakfast tables: Side chairs. They tuck away and keep walkways clear.
Family dining rooms: A mix, with armchairs at the ends.
Home offices and desks: Armchairs. The arms help when you sit for longer, and you can add a cushion for comfort.
Cafes, studios and guest seating: Side chairs for flexibility, armchairs for lounge-style corners.
Small dining spaces: Side chairs, because you can seat more people in less room.
6. Care and Durability
Both chairs are easy to live with. Wipe the shell with a damp cloth and mild soap, and avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. Use cushions or seat pads to protect the surface from scratches and to add comfort. Keep the chairs out of prolonged direct sunlight and extreme humidity, which can affect color and materials.
Check the screws on the base now and then, because wooden legs can loosen with daily use. Assembly is simple self-assembly, and the listing states that tools and step-by-step instructions are included.
7. Price and Value
Prices depend on the color and the number of chairs you choose. At the time of writing, the Eames DSW Black Dowel Side Dining Chair is listed from £109, with options for two or four chairs. The Iconic White Eames-Style DAW Armchair is listed from £145, also in sets of two or four.
Armchairs cost slightly more because the shell is larger. If you are furnishing a whole table, a mix of two armchairs and a set of side chairs can balance comfort and budget.
8. Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the side chair (DSW) if you have a smaller table, want to seat more people, prefer chairs that tuck away, or are furnishing a kitchen.
Choose the arm chair (DAW) if you want maximum comfort, sit at the table for long periods, or want a more generous seat for family and guests.
Choose both if you have a rectangular table and want a balanced, relaxed look.
You can browse every option in our Eames-style dining side chair collection and our dining arm chair collection.
9. Replica Notes and Ordering From the UK, EU or USA
These chairs are replicas, which means they are independently produced and are not affiliated with the original designers or brands. If you want to understand the trade-offs, our guide to Eames lounge chair replica vs original explains how to judge quality, materials and value, and the same checks apply to dining chairs.
Interior Furnishes fullfils orders from the UK, EU, USA and Australia. Processing takes 1 to 3 days, then delivery takes 3 to 7 days to the UK and EU and 5 to 10 days to the USA. The store offers a two-year warranty and a 14-day returns policy for unused items in their original packaging, with return shipping normally paid by the customer unless the product is faulty. Payment options include karna and Shop Pay. Our ordering guide explains delivery, assembly and returns in detail, and customers in the EU and USA can also shop from our EU store.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a DSW and a DAW chair? The DSW is the side chair with no arms, and the DAW is the armchair with built-in armrests. Both have a moulded shell and a wooden base.
Which one is more comfortable? The armchair is usually more comfortable for long meals. The side chair is easier to move around in.
Will DAW chairs fit under my table? Only if the armrests clear the underside of the table. Measure before you buy.
Can I mix side chairs and armchairs? Yes. Use armchairs at the ends and side chairs along the sides, in the same color and wood tone.
How many chairs come in a set? You can choose two or four chairs per listing, and you can combine listings for larger tables.
11. Final Thoughts
The choice between the Eames-style side chair and armchair is simpler than it looks. Side chairs save space and tuck away neatly, while armchairs offer more support and a more relaxed seat. Measure your table, think about how long you usually sit, and consider mixing the two for the best of both. Either way, you will have a classic mid-century look that suits many dining rooms for years to come.
Author: Interior Furnishes Editorial Team Last reviewed: October 2026
Author disclaimer: This article is written by the Interior Furnishes editorial team for general information only. Dimensions, materials, colors, prices, warranty terms, delivery times and returns conditions may change, so always check the current product page and policies before you order. Measurements and seating guides are typical guidelines and may not suit every table or room. Interior Furnishes sells replica designer furniture, which is not manufactured or endorsed by the original designers or brands mentioned. Guidance covers typical homes in the UK, Europe and the USA and may not apply to every situation.
