A dining set is a valuable addition to any home. It can be the centerpiece of a formal dining room, or the centerpiece
of daily life, depending on your preference.
Important considerations will be your space, number of people you would like to seat, lifestyle, and budget.
Key variables include: material, style, craftsmanship, shape, and size of table. You will also need to decide how many and what type of chairs to
purchase, and whether you would like leaves to extend the size of your
table. There are many options available within a broad range of prices.
YOUR SPACE
The first variable to consider is where your dining set will be in your home. Will it sit in a separate dining room, part of a large great room,
or an eat-in kitchen? How large a space is it? This will help you determine size, shape and style of the table and chairs. Your dining set should look
balanced in your space and not overwhelm the area, as well as provide for comfortable seating room. Measurements of your space are a key tool when
shopping for a dining set.
As a general rule,
round and
square
tables make the most of smaller spaces such as dining nooks or kitchens, with
rectangle or
oval tables better
suited for larger spaces, such as a dining room or large open area. A
glass top table can sometimes give an illusion of space in a smaller area.
Pedestal tables can also work well when space is limited. When choosing your chairs, keep in mind that arm chairs take up more room than side chairs.
It is good to have about three to four feet between the table and walls so chairs can be pulled out easily, though in tight spaces, you should judge
what works.
HOW MANY WILL BE SEATED?
CHOOSING TABLE SHAPE AND SIZE
Another key consideration is how many people you would like to seat at once. This plays an important part in choosing the size and shape of the table,
and how many chairs to buy. It will also help you decide whether you need extending leaves and how many.
Table Shape
Round and square tables seat less people and are nice for intimate family dining. Classic oval and rectangle tables generally seat more people
and are great for accommodating larger families and guests. A
kitchen table that seats four to six is usually a practical choice, while a
dining table that seats six to eight without leaves and 10 or more with leaves is a sound investment.
Sample Measurements
As far as measurements go, a couple of examples may be helpful. A rectangle dining table should have a width of about 40 inches to provide room
for place settings and serving plates, while still feeling close enough for easy conversation. A length of about six feet is good for seating
six, with two chairs on each side and one on each end. A diameter of about four feet is practical for a round kitchen table seating four.
Leaves
Expandable tables are a great way to provide flexibility to your investment. Options are available for many tables, from formal dining room to
smaller kitchen-style ones. Two to four seats can often be added per leave. Tables accommodate one or two leaves, depending on style.
There are a variety of leaves available. Some slide under the table top as permanent parts of the table, while others are added to either the
ends or middle of the table and must be stored elsewhere when not in use. As you consider space, make sure you have a convenient place to keep
removable leaves, which can be somewhat large and heavy.
Check to make sure that leaves feel solid and sturdy once they are in working position in the table. Their quality and finish should match
that of the table itself.
LIFESTYLE
Next, consider how you will be using your dining set. Will it be used occasionally for formal dining when you have guests, or as your primary,
daily dining spot? Will it also be a location for homework, artwork, bill paying, and other tasks in-between meals? Determine if it will be
geared towards worry-free, frequent use by adults and children, or limited, careful use. This will greatly guide you when you are deciding on
material and finish of the table.
If you plan to use your dining table often, you need one that can hold up to heavy use. A good finish on a wood table top will add durability
and make cleaning much easier. A glass top table probably isn't a good choice for a family with young children, since fingerprints will be
obvious. Material and finish options will be covered more in later sections.
STYLE AND DECOR
Dining sets are made in a vast variety of designs, some of which include modern, rustic, antique, and traditional. Both simple and ornate
options are plentiful. Consider how you would like your dining set to blend with the rest of your home’s furnishings. It doesn't have to match,
but it should look right to you. Simple, classic
wood dining sets can be versatile in matching other furnishings. Eclectic decorating is
popular and allows for flexibility in style.
Specifically, you should look carefully at the table top and legs. There are details you may not notice at first, but it’s best to be aware of
your options while you are still shopping. Consider the thickness of the table top and any detailing on it. Think about the color, the sheen,
and, for wood tables, whether you like any irregularities visible in the grain. For legs, choices include ball and tapered, turned, pedestal,
and more. Of course, it is most important that you like the overall look and feel of the piece.
Keeping in mind that your own taste is more important than any style label, here’s a summary of some popular decorating terms and how they apply to dining sets:
Traditional/Classic
|
For dining room sets, wood is a traditional, classic choice. Table and chairs will usually match closely and the set will have a balanced and uniform look.
|
Contemporary/Modern
|
Contemporary dining sets generally have a minimalist feel with clean lines and sometimes bold colors. Materials such
as glass, metal, and
stone are often used.
|
Country/Rustic
|
These dining sets often feature slightly distressed soft woods, such as pine, for a natural look that emphasizes the beauty
of the material. Finishes are usually subdued, not glossy. Chairs are generally wood as well and often do not match the finish of the table
exactly. These sets are homey and inviting. Think tables crafted of aged pine matched with lightly distressed painted wood chairs.
|
Formal/Period/Antique
|
In general, formal, antique or period sets will include elegant wood pieces with ornate detailing on both tables and chairs.
|
Eclectic
This refers to mixing a number of styles within a room, adding interest to the space. For example, you could match a classic
wood table with several mismatched chairs of different styles and colors for an eclectic look.
MATERIALS
Material will contribute greatly to the look, feel and quality of your dining set. Wood is a popular, classic choice, with other options
providing a more modern appearance.
Wood
Wood dining furniture is traditional and beautiful. It can be formal and stately or rustic and casual, depending on the type of wood
and style of the pieces. Wood furniture is made of softwood (from trees that don't lose their leaves) or hardwood (from trees that lose
their leaves seasonally.)
Hard Woods:
Maple,
cherry,
oak,
teak,
walnut, and
mahogany are hard woods. They are very strong, heavy and have fine grains. These choices are used
in the most expensive wood furniture and are appropriate for casual use to the most formal of dining rooms. Cherry has a rich reddish hue that
darkens with time and ages beautifully. Maple has light brown tones. Each of the hard woods has its own hue and unique look.
Softwoods:
Softwoods, including
pine and cypress, are used in less formal pieces. Since softer wood will have a characteristic distressed look, it is appropriate
for country or rustic sets. In this style, marks and blemishes are not considered to be flaws but signs of character. A dining table made of
slabs of 100 year old pine is truly a one of a kind treasure. However, though dents and dings will generally add to the charm of such a piece,
you shouldn't use it as a writing table between meals since pencil and pen marks could cause undesired markings.
Most types of wood, when treated with a high quality finish, are suitable for daily use.
Other Materials
Other materials will provide a more modern feel to a dining set. Glass and iron often give a clean contemporary look. Man-made materials
can be unique and require very low maintenance. Stone options, such as
marble, are durable pieces that make a statement in your home.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Even if you are on a budget, chances are you'll expect a dining set to last for years. Both material and workmanship are important in crafting a good dining table
and chairs.
A well constructed dining table is sturdy and strong. A great way to test a dining table’s quality is to try to rock it. If it feels steady,
heavy, balanced and does not rock, that is a good sign that it is made well. This will also help you determine if legs are even, an important
trait for tables and chairs. There should be no gaps where pieces are joined together. Leaves should fit smoothly and match the tabletop in
grain and finish. Handmade craftsmanship adds value and durability, as well as making pieces more expensive.
For wood pieces, finish is a key element. It enhances and protects the wood and determines how much care it will require. Sheen, color,
and durability are important finish qualities. Polyurethane finishes provide good protection and comes in a variety of choices, from clear to
darker in tone, low to high in sheen. Wax finishes are beautiful and provide a natural look and subtle sheen, but offer less protection and
aren't recommended for households with small children and the resulting spills. A good finish should feel smooth and look consistent.
Style
Consider how you would like to match your table and chairs. If you are purchasing a set with both table and chairs included, this won't be an issue.
However, if you are buying pieces separately, it will be an important decision. Chairs are available in a variety of styles, some of which
include: wood chairs, upholstered chairs, and cushioned chairs. Styles are as plentiful as those of tables, spanning from modern to classic
to rustic.
Table and chairs that match completely is a traditional look, but it is also popular to choose a more eclectic, less uniform look. For example,
you could pair a natural finish wood table with wood chairs that are painted black or white. Or you could pair your table with several
mismatched chairs. You may like the look of upholstered chairs with your table, though keep in mind that these will require extra cleaning
and care. Cushioned chairs are a comfortable and, if the cushions are removable, versatile, choice.
Notice the look of the back of the chair. Some styles include:
bow-back chairs,
school house chairs,
ladder backs, and many more.
Also look at the chair legs. They may be plain or include detailing.
Often chairs of the same style are available as
side chairs (without arm rests) and
arm chairs (with arm rests.) Arm chairs generally have
higher prices. Side chairs are more compact, so you can fit more around a table. A set of six chairs commonly includes four side chairs and
two arm chairs (often planned for the ends of a rectangular table.)
Quantity
The number of chairs is largely based on how many people you would like to seat and how large the table is. However, there are variables.
For example, if your table fits six chairs without any extending leaves, and 10 with leaves, it would be ideal to buy 10 chairs. However,
you don't necessarily need to do this. If you have other chairs in your home, perhaps at a kitchen table, you could buy four to six matching
chairs and use your other chairs for extra guests. This could help you stay within budget and save space.
Other Considerations
Finally, make sure the chairs fit underneath the table for comfortable seating and that there will be enough room beyond the table
(usually about three to four feet) to pull the chairs out.
PRICE RANGES
Dining sets are available in a great range of prices, from the low hundreds well into the thousands. A small basic kitchen set can be economical,
practical and still sturdy. A large hardwood dining set with leaves and seating for eight or more can be expensive, beautiful and made to
last for generations. Fine antiques come with a high price tag. You'll find the majority of options falling within $500 to $3000, depending on
all of the variables discussed.
Some dining furniture is sold in sets with the table and chairs included. Some are sold with the dining table and each chair priced separately,
with leaves also an additional cost. Keep in mind when setting your budget that spending more up front will often mean avoiding a future replacement
purchase. However, if you expect to upgrade later, perhaps because you expect to move to a larger space or have a growing family, it may make sense
to spend less now.
TOP MANUFACTURERS