Shell chairs – comfort meets modern design for your dining room
A shell chair combines an ergonomically shaped seat shell with clean lines and is suitable for modern dining rooms as well as for the home office or living area. At Möbel Ehrmann, a family-run business with over 30 years’ experience, we stock an extensive range of shell chairs – from minimalist classics to upholstered models with armrests. Be inspired by the variety of materials, colours and frame options, and take your time to discover which shell chair suits your interior style and requirements. Our promise: personalised advice in our furniture stores, our own assembly teams and a range that extends from our online shop to our physical stores.
What makes a shell chair so special?
The shell chair differs from the classic dining chair primarily due to its characteristic, continuously moulded seat. The shell, which appears to be in one piece, encompasses the seat and backrest in a flowing line and moulds comfortably to the body. The result is a seating experience that remains comfortable even during longer meals or conversations. Added to this is the visual lightness: thanks to their delicate frames, shell chairs do not appear bulky even in compact spaces and harmonise with a wide variety of dining tables.
Another advantage is their versatility. Shell chairs are not only suitable as dining chairs, but also as desk chairs, as an accent piece in a reading corner, or as extra seating for guests. Anyone looking for a chair that effectively ties several rooms together will find a piece of furniture here that offers real added value. The shell chair also impresses as a design feature: coloured upholstery, fine woods or matt metal frames add a touch of style without overwhelming the room.
Choice of material and feel – Which shell chair is right for you?
The choice of material plays a key role in determining the look and feel of a shell chair in everyday use. Shell chairs are available in many different designs – from fully upholstered versions to plastic models and combinations of wood and fabric. Which option is best suited to your home depends on your interior style, how often you’ll use the chair and your maintenance preferences. In our furniture stores, you can compare different materials side by side and see for yourself which seating experience appeals to you most.
Shell chair with wooden legs
A shell chair with wooden legs has a warm, natural look and suits both Scandinavian-style interiors and modern living concepts featuring natural materials. Oak, beech and walnut each bring their own unique hue – a light oak tone for cheerful rooms, a darker walnut finish for a sophisticated atmosphere. Combined with a subtly upholstered shell, the result is a piece of furniture that blends comfort and natural beauty. Wooden legs are particularly well-suited to classic dining rooms with wooden floors or wooden tables, as the materials complement each other harmoniously.
Velvet and fabric shell chair
Velvet gives a shell chair a particularly elegant look and has been a popular choice in interior design for years. A velvet shell chair adds a splash of colour and is ideal for anyone who values a soft feel and a cosy look. More robust woven fabrics are ideal if the chair is subject to heavy daily use or in a household with children. Check the abrasion resistance of the upholstery fabric, measured in Martindale cycles – values of 30,000 cycles or more are well suited to everyday use in the dining room.
Plastic and design variants
Designer plastic shell chairs are particularly easy to maintain and have been a staple of interior design for decades. They can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and are available in a wide range of colours. This model is ideal if you’re looking for a modern, clearly contoured, shell-shaped dining chair that requires minimal maintenance. Combinations of a plastic shell and a wooden frame are also popular, combining the best of both worlds – an easy-care seat and the warm feel of the material in the base.
Focus on ergonomics and comfort
A beautiful shell chair should not only look good, but also be comfortable to sit on for long periods. The key factors here are the shell shape, the seat height and – if required – an armrest. When curating shell chairs for modern dining rooms, it is also important to take the dimensions of the dining table into account. A seat height of around 45 to 48 centimetres pairs well with standard dining tables that are approximately 75 centimetres high. This ensures there is sufficient room for movement between your thighs and the tabletop.
Correct seat height and table spacing
To ensure you can sit comfortably at your dining table, there should be a gap of around 27 to 30 centimetres between the seat and the underside of the table. This guide will help you choose the right model for you. Allow for a table width of around 60 to 65 centimetres per chair to ensure all guests are comfortable. If you’re unsure, we’d be happy to advise you – in our showrooms, you can experience various table and chair combinations first-hand and match dining tables with your chosen shell chair.
Shell chair with armrests
A shell chair with armrests is particularly recommended where prolonged periods of sitting are the norm – for example, at the dining table with family or friends, in a home office or in the living area. The armrests relieve pressure on the shoulders and provide additional support when standing up. It is important that the armrests fit under the tabletop so that the chair can be tucked away to save space when not in use. Models with low armrests or integrated armrests are suitable for most standard table heights.
Brand-name quality and durability at Möbel Ehrmann
A shell chair is a purchase that should bring you pleasure for many years to come. That’s why, at Möbel Ehrmann, we prioritise solid craftsmanship and brand quality. In our brand portfolio, you’ll find manufacturers renowned for sturdy frames, high-quality upholstery fabrics and well-thought-out designs – from trend-conscious entry-level models to designer shell chairs built to last. When making a purchase, look out for sturdy joints between the shell and the frame, high-quality foam in the upholstery and cover fabrics with high abrasion resistance – these are reliable indicators of durability.
Durable furniture is also a sustainable choice: a chair that lasts for many years is kind to both resources and your wallet. When selecting our suppliers, we ensure that materials come from responsible sources and that timber from certified forestry is used wherever possible. This allows you to combine good design with a clear conscience. Discover our range of shell chairs and see for yourself the variety and quality on offer. Visit one of our stores or browse our online shop at your leisure. Our interior design consultants will be happy to help you find the right shell chair for you – see all our locations at a glance.
Frequently asked questions about shell chairs
How do I look after a shell chair properly?
Care depends on the material. Metal or wooden frames should be wiped down regularly with a slightly damp cloth – standing water should be avoided on wooden surfaces. Fabric or velvet covers should be cleaned regularly using a soft brush attachment; stubborn stains should be treated as soon as possible with a mild upholstery cleaner. Plastic shells can simply be wiped with a damp cloth. If you have any questions about specific care products, we’d be happy to advise you in-store.
Can shell chairs be combined with different dining tables?
Yes, shell chairs are extremely versatile and complement a wide variety of table shapes and materials. Light-coloured wooden frames go well with solid wood tables, metal frames complement glass or concrete tables, and coloured shell chairs can be used to provide a contrast to a neutral-coloured table. Above all, it is important that the seat height and table height are well matched. In our showroom, we’ll show you various possible combinations that you can try out for yourself.
How many shell chairs fit around a dining table?
As a rough guide, you should allow around 60 to 65 centimetres of table width per seat. A table 160 cm long can therefore comfortably seat four people – two on each of the long sides. Depending on the table’s width, one or two additional shell chairs can be added to the short sides. Models without armrests can usually be arranged to save a little more space than those with armrests.