Marlow Dining Chairs With Arms: Size, Fit and Table Pairings
By Dining1005 min read
The Marlow is a faux leather dining chair with arms. The backrest curves round into integrated armrests, the back is stitched in a diamond quilt, and the whole thing sits on slender black powder-coated metal legs. It comes in three leather-look colours, grey, dark brown and brown, each sold as a set of 2.
Arms change how a chair fits at a table, so this guide spends most of its time on size and clearance.
Size at a glance
| Measurement | Marlow |
|---|---|
| Overall height | 83.5cm |
| Width | 56cm |
| Seat width | 42cm |
| Seat height | 50.5cm |
| Backrest height (from seat) | 39cm |
| Maximum weight | 150kg per chair |
| Sold as | Set of 2 |
We have left overall depth out of this table because our listings give different figures for different colours. If depth is critical in your room, check the product page for the colour you want.
Seat height against our tables
All three of our dining tables are 75cm tall. Our brown Marlow listing gives a seat height of 50.5cm, which is on the high side for a dining chair. Against a 75cm table, it leaves a gap just under the 25cm to 30cm range we normally suggest.
In practice that suits people who like to sit up at the table, and anyone who finds lower chairs hard to get out of. Taller diners may find their knees closer to the underside of the table than with a lower seat. Our dining chair seat height guide explains the trade-off in more detail.
Arms and clearance
With any armed chair, the question is whether the arms clear the table. We do not list a Marlow arm height, so measure the clearance under your own table first and compare it with the arm height once the chairs arrive. Unwanted chairs can go back within 30 days.
The Pimlico lists 72cm of clearance under its frame. If the arms sit below that, the Marlow can slide under. If not, the chair will stand at the table edge rather than tucking in, which is fine in a room with space but worth knowing in a tight kitchen.
How many fit around which table
At 56cm wide, the Marlow is a generous chair. As a general guide, allow roughly 60cm of table edge per diner, and a chair this wide uses most of that.
- Dakota 140cm: two Marlows along each long side is the right number. We would not add chairs at the ends for daily use. The Dakota room planning guide covers the space around it.
- Aaronsburg 120cm round: the Aaronsburg seats 4, and four Marlows will fit, though with less spare room than a narrow side chair would give. See our Aaronsburg guide.
- Pimlico 80cm square: one per side. Four armchairs round an 80cm square is snug, so two Marlows on the Pimlico with slimmer armless chairs opposite can work better.
Armed chairs also take more room when pulled out. Leave about 90cm behind them if people will pass. Our guide on dining table size for your room walks through the measurements.
Which of our tables it pairs with
The Marlow's black metal legs pair naturally with our black-framed tables. The Dakota, with its warm wood-effect top and black X-shaped iron base, is the most natural partner, and the brown or dark brown Marlow suits it well.
The black marble-effect Aaronsburg and grey Marlow make a cool, contemporary pairing. The walnut-effect Pimlico sits well with the dark brown.
If you like the Marlow but not four armchairs round one table, consider two along one side of the Dakota and slimmer armless chairs opposite. We explain how to make that look intentional in mixing dining chairs around one table.
Choosing between grey, dark brown and brown
All three share the same design, quilting and legs.
- Grey is the coolest option. It suits grey or white kitchens and black or marble-effect tables.
- Dark brown is deep and understated, and hides marks well.
- Brown is the warmest and most vintage-feeling, and looks at home with wood-effect tops.
Faux leather is a practical surface for family dining. If you are comparing it with fabric, our guide to dining chair fabrics for family homes sets out the pros and cons.
Living with it
Looking after the Marlow is simple:
- wipe the faux leather with a soft, damp cloth, and do not saturate it
- avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners
- check and tighten fixings periodically
- adjust the feet if the chair rocks on an uneven floor
Assembly is a matter of attaching the legs to the seat base, and no special tools are needed. The frame is metal with a reinforced cross-base, and the seat frame uses FSC-certified wood. Our notes also suggest the Marlow for home offices, bedrooms or as a dressing table chair, which makes sense for a chair with arms.
Where to find the Marlow
Each colour has its own page: Marlow in grey, Marlow in dark brown and Marlow in brown. Browse all our dining chairs to compare armless options, or see our dining tables. Delivery is free to mainland UK, most orders arrive in 3 to 5 working days, and you have 30 days to return anything that does not fit your space.
Frequently asked questions
Do Marlow dining chairs have arms?
Yes. The Marlow has integrated curved armrests that flow from the backrest, so you have support for your arms as well as your back.
How wide is a Marlow chair?
The Marlow is 56cm wide overall and 83.5cm tall, with a seat width of 42cm.
Is the Marlow real leather?
No. It is upholstered in faux leather, which we describe as leather-look, with diamond quilting and high-density foam padding.
How much weight can a Marlow chair take?
Each Marlow chair has a maximum weight capacity of 150kg, on a metal frame with a reinforced cross-base.
Will Marlow chairs push under my table?
That depends on the height of the arms against your table's underside, and we do not list an arm height. Measure the clearance under your table, then check it against the arms when the chairs arrive. You have 30 days to return them if they do not suit.
Are Marlow chairs sold singly?
No. All three colours are sold as a set of 2 dining chairs.
