I had been looking for a dining room chair that had arms, was in the gray color family, would align with my husband's somewhat picky tastes, and wouldn't break the bank. check-check-check-CHECK! These chairs (we got a set of 2) have a firm seat cushion but softer back, perfect for dining. Just a note, you will need to put a little muscle into installing the legs, and we will probably scotchguard the upholstery just to be on the safe side.