The IKEA Harry and Henriksdal chairs are both popular dining chair options, but they differ primarily in comfort, style, and price. The Harry chair is a minimalist, budget-friendly option with a straightforward design and basic cushioning. In contrast, the Henriksdal chair focuses on enhanced comfort with plush, high-density foam padding and offers a wider range of more premium upholstery options at a slightly higher price point.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which classic IKEA dining chair is the right choice for your home.
IKEA Harry Chair
The IKEA Harry Chair is a go-to for shoppers seeking a simple, functional, and highly affordable seating solution. Its clean lines and no-frills design embody the classic Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic that IKEA is well-known for, making it an easy addition to casual dining rooms, kitchens, and apartments.
- What it is: A lightweight and budget-friendly upholstered dining chair with a simple, modern design.
- Key features: Solid wood or engineered wood frame, foam-padded seat and backrest, and a simple polyester fabric cover.
- Price: Approximately $150 to $200.
- Dimensions: Roughly 18" wide, 20" deep, and 34" high, with a seat height of about 18".
- Materials/Construction: The chair is built with a sturdy frame designed for daily use and features basic foam padding for seating comfort.
- Style: Minimalist, Scandinavian, and modern. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, as it blends easily with various decor styles without overpowering the space.
- Pros: Very affordable option for outfitting a dining area. The minimalist design is versatile. Its compact size makes it a great fit for smaller dining rooms or apartments. The lightweight frame is easy to move.
- Cons: Basic cushioning can become less comfortable during long meals. Fewer upholstery and color options compared to other IKEA chairs. Its simple look may feel too basic for more formal dining spaces.
This chair is perfect for anyone prioritizing budget and a minimalist aesthetic over plush comfort and customization.
Shop this product: ikea.com
IKEA Henriksdal Chair
The Henriksdal chair represents a step up in comfort and style within the IKEA collection. It is designed with a focus on a more luxurious and inviting seating experience, featuring thicker, higher-density padding and a greater selection of fabric choices, including durable performance textiles.
- What it is: A plush and comfortable dining or accent chair with a classic-contemporary look and multiple upholstery options.
- Key features: Durable wooden frame, high-density foam padding for superior comfort, and a wide variety of fabric covers.
- Price: Ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the chosen fabric.
- Dimensions: Approximately 19-20" wide with a seat height of around 18". Feels slightly more substantial due to its generous cushioning.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable wood frame and superior, high-density foam that holds its shape better over time for long-lasting ergonomic support.
- Style: Classic yet contemporary. Its rounded edges and plush look can be styled to feel cozy and inviting or modern and elegant, depending on the fabric cover.
- Pros: Excellent comfort for extended sitting, making it ideal for hosting. More upscale appearance than the Harry. Wide range of upholstery choices allows for personalization. The durable materials are built for frequent use.
- Cons: Comes at a higher price point than the Harry. Its larger visual footprint may not be ideal for very compact spaces and is heavier than the Harry chair.
This chair is ideal for households that prioritize comfort for long dinners and want a more refined look with customizable fabric options.
Shop this product: ikea.com
IKEA Harry vs. Henriksdal Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
While similar in overall footprint, the subtle differences in scale between the Harry and Henriksdal chairs impact how they fit into a room. The IKEA Harry chair has a sleeker profile at around 18 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for tighter spaces or for fitting more chairs around a dining table. Its light and airy appearance prevents it from making a small room feel crowded.
The Henriksdal chair is slightly wider (up to 20 inches) and visually larger due to its much thicker cushioning. This adds to its comfortable presence as it takes up a bit more room both physically and visually, better suited for standard to large dining rooms where there's ample space for its more substantial frame.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Comfort is a clear differentiation between these two models. The Henriksdal is the undisputed winner for anyone who hosts long dinner parties or uses their dining chairs for activities like board games or remote work. It uses high-density foam that provides firm yet comfortable support that lasts. The taller, more padded backrest also offers better ergonomic support.
The Harry chair offers sufficient comfort for quick, everyday meals, and its straightforward design is perfectly functional. However, its basic foam padding is less forgiving over long periods and may feel too firm for anyone seeking a truly relaxed seating experience. For short-term use, it's fine, for extended use, the Henriksdal is clearly superior.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are built on sturdy wood frames appropriate for daily use, as IKEA is known for. Still, the primary difference in material lies in the details. The Henriksdal’s standout feature is its range of upholstery, which often includes performance textiles that resist stains and wear, making it a practical option for families with children or pets.
The Harry, on the other hand, typically comes with a standard polyester fabric. While perfectly durable for regular use, it does not offer the same level of resilience or the premium options found with the Henriksdal. Both feature clean stitching and solid build quality for their respective price points.
Price & Value
The Harry chair provides exceptional value. For a low price, you get a stylish, functional dining chair that fulfills its purpose beautifully. There’s no little extra, it's just a good, solid dining solution, and for many shoppers, that’s exactly what’s needed.
The Henriksdal chair costs more, but that extra cost reflects tangible comfort, better durability through higher-quality foam and fabrics, and superior style options. It's an investment in greater comfort and longevity, offering a different but equally compelling form of value, especially for high-use environments.
Style & Versatility
The IKEA Harry chair is a minimalist's dream. Its clean, sharp lines are quintessentially Scandinavian and work seamlessly in modern, casual, or dorm-style interiors. Its simplicity also allows it to be more versatile, as it does not compete with other decor elements.
With its softer lines and plush look, the Henriksdal can easily adapt to different aesthetics. Dressed in a light linen cover, it can feel coastal and relaxed, in a dark velvet, it becomes sophisticated. This ability to transform its mood through different covers makes the Henriksdal a more stylistically versatile choice for those who want to personalize their space.
Who Each One Works Best For
Deciding between these two depends heavily on your lifestyle and priorities. The Harry chair is a perfect match for budget-first shoppers, individuals living in small apartments, or anyone building a secondary dining space like a breakfast nook.
Henriksdal caters to households where the dining table is a central hub for more than just meals. It's ideal for people who love to entertain, have a family that lingers around the table, and want the added durability that performance fabrics provide.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both chairs are excellent mainstays in the IKEA lineup, but each shines for different needs.
Choose the Harry chair if:
- You have a tight budget and need the most affordable, functional option.
- You prefer a clean, minimal, and modern Scandinavian aesthetic.
- Your dining area is small, and you need visually lightweight, compact chairs.
- The chairs are mostly for quick, everyday meals rather than long gatherings.
Choose the Henriksdal chair if:
- Seating comfort is your highest priority.
- You often host dinners and want guests to stay and chat for a while.
- You want a wide selection of fabric colors and types to match your decor.
- You need a durable chair with stain-resistant options for a busy household.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the IKEA Harry and Henriksdal dining chairs?
The main difference lies in comfort and style. The Henriksdal is built for comfort, with thicker, denser padding and more available fabric options for a plush feel. The Harry is a minimalist, budget-friendly option that prioritizes function and simplicity over luxurious comfort.
Which chair is more comfortable for long periods of sitting?
The Henriksdal, with its superior high-density foam padding and more supportive backrest, is a much more comfortable choice for extended sitting.
Are the chair covers available for Harry and Henriksdal washable?
Yes, one of the major advantages of many upholstered IKEA chairs is the availability of removable and machine-washable covers. This makes it extremely easy to keep them clean, especially in households with children or pets. Always check individual product labels for care instructions.
Why am I unable to find the Harry or IKEA Henriksdal on the IKEA website?
Over time, IKEA cycles through their collections, and some models are no longer in production. They have since been replaced by newer versions with similar designs and names. These chairs are now largely available through second-hand marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace.
I heard BERGMUND has replaced Henriksdal. Are they similar?
Correct. The recently introduced BERGMUND model has almost completely replaced the IKEA Henriksdal. BERGMUND is quite similar with just a few different features, including the base and legs. Many customers don't find the change significant enough to make a difference.
What type of assembly do these chairs require?
Both the Harry and Henriksdal models require self-assembly. In the typical IKEA experience, these models' assembly should not take much time, and all the tools needed are included.
Which chair is a better option for smaller rooms?
For smaller apartments, it's better to choose the IKEA Harry chair because it requires a smaller footprint and is visually less dominant, making the space feel more open.
How easy is it to find new chair covers?
For both models, it has become quite challenging now since IKEA does not stock them. Some third-party brands still produce chair cover options that are compatible. You may also have luck with online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, where you can find older colorways too.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
