Solid Wood? Say Less! These Under-the-Radar IKEA Dining Chairs Are Totally Timeless

As a self-professed IKEA superfan and a home features writer, I like to think I know most of IKEA’s standout pieces. Occasionally, though, I’ll stumble upon a hidden gem that’s fallen under my radar. While browsing the site recently, I came across one such piece that must have been hiding in plain sight: the SKANSNÄS Dining Chair.

This new-to-me dining chair truly deserves its place in the spotlight; it looks shockingly chic for its budget-friendly price tag. It reminds me of certain iconic Scandinavian designer chairs that typically cost at least five to six times more. The appeal of those chairs, apart from the visual intrigue of their design, is really timelessness and quality — and for just $125 apiece, the SKANSNÄS chairs offer the same. 

The SKANSNÄS chair’s simple, streamlined design is decidedly Scandinavian — but with a modern edge. No big surprise there, given IKEA’s Swedish heritage, but what is astonishing is the chair’s sturdy solid beech wood construction and woven seat. The attention to quality makes this feel like an investment piece (but without the investment!). Similar Scandi-style, solid wood dining chairs often go for upwards of $300 to $400 at other retailers, and can be even pricier from heritage designer brands.

The SKANSNÄS chair comes in two tones of stained wood — a black and a dark brown — both of which create a stylish contrast against the creamy white handwoven seat made of durable paper cord. Thanks to its enduring design, this chair could pair effortlessly with almost any style dining table — and outlast many fleeting trends, which is important because this solid wood chair will likely last you decades.

Several shoppers have commented on the stylish design, comfort, and sturdiness of the chairs, with one happy customer saying, “I got 6 of these chairs a few months ago, and I am in love with them, they look beautiful, and they are comfortable. Highly recommended.”

Some reviewers caution that assembly can be a bit tricky, particularly when adding the back of the chair (although there are others who say the process was easy). Either way, many say the result is entirely worth it, with another shopper summing it up by saying the following: “Only the backrest was a bit tricky, but we managed it. The design is beautiful and they’re comfortable, nice and sturdy.”

Buy: IKEA SKANSNÄS Dining Chair, $125.00