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How to Buy
Dining Room Furniture
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Dining Room furniture is often the trademark of a
home. It is one of the first things people see when they enter,
so you want your furniture to make a good impression. Dining
Room furniture also lasts a long time, often from generation to
generation. So, quality should matter just as much as price. You
will be enjoying your purchase long after you have forgotten how
much money you paid for it. At the bare minimum, a dining room
consists of a table and four chairs. Most of the time, however,
There is some kind of cabinet, like a buffet or china, to
display collectibles and keep possessions in. We will take a
look at these three main parts of a dining room, as well as tell
you how to properly care for your dining furniture. Let us begin
with the most important aspect: the dinette set.
DINETTE SET
This is the bare essential for a dining room. A table and at
least four chairs comprise the most basic set and provide a
family the ability to enjoy a meal together. You can buy the set
together or purchase a table and chairs separately. The
variations that exist when choosing the table or chairs are
incredibly vast, and you need to be well-versed in all the
different options that are available to you.
Table
The table is the bread and butter of the dining
room. It always attracts attention both from the inhabitants and
visitors of a home. Therefore, the table you purchase must make
you happy, as well as fit in with the motif of the rest of the
dining room. For this to happen, you must keep several
characteristics in mind when shopping for a dining room table,
mainly size, material, shape, and type.
  Size
The most important thing to keep in mind about size when
shopping for a table is that it should correlate to the size of
the room. A large room demands a big table, but a small room
needs a little one. However, no matter the size, the table you
purchase cannot be “squeezed” into the room. There should be at
least four feet between the edge of the table and the wall that
it is near. This allows room for people to pull their chairs out
while another person may be walking behind them. If, however,
you know for a fact that there will not be traffic behind a
certain side of a dining room table, three feet of room will
suffice. The width of the table should be between 36” and 42”,
regardless of its shape. This is the perfect size because it is
wide enough for placement of food but narrow enough to allow for
comfortable conversation. If you deviate from these
measurements, you risk the compromising of one of these
elements. A narrower table will leave too little room for plates
and comestibles, while a wider table will make conversation
across it very difficult and straining. The length of the table,
on the other hand, should be determined by how many people
usually eat at it. If you have a small family and will rarely
have large company, a small table with leaves (click
here to read
about leaves) that enable it to expand is the best solution. If
you either have a large family or often entertain guests, large
tables are the answer. To figure out how many people a table
seats, designate 24” for each person.
Material
The material of the table largely depends on the style you would
like and the regularity with which the table will be used. Most
tables are made of wood, but some contemporary ones are
comprised of other materials.
Wood
This is the most common material used in tables. Almost all
traditional-style tables are made of wood, as are some
contemporary ones. Usually, however, a wooden table falls under
either the traditional or transitional style. Different
variations of wood are used in tables. They can either be made
of solid wood, wood veneers, or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard).
Solid Wood
Solid wood is the most common choice for tables. It gives the
table a beautiful look, and the variation in grain adds to,
rather detracts from, the charm and elegance of the table.
Wooden furniture is made from two different types of wood:
hardwood (trees that lose their leaves seasonally) and softwood
(trees that do not).
Hardwood
Hardwood materials are heavy, strong, and have fine grains. They
will be found in furniture that is on the expensive side.
Examples of some hardwoods are cherry, maple, oak, walnut,
mahogany, and teak. Each has a unique hue and look. For example,
maple has a light brown tone, while cherry has a reddish hue
that darkens with age to present a rich and striking look.
Softwood
Softwoods are common in more casual and less expensive pieces.
They are characterized by a distressed look, which means that
“blemishes” are a sign of quality rather than poor craftsmanship
and wood selection. Softwoods are susceptible to indents and
other evidences of use, so try to avoid using them for purposes
other than eating. Using them as a drawing or writing table, for
instance, is not a good idea. Examples of softwoods are pine and
cypress.
 
Wood Veneer
Veneers are thin sheets of wood that are glued onto a core of
either solid or engineered wood for a decorative effect. This
type of furniture is good because there is less chance of
warping or splitting upon changes of temperature or humidity. In
other words, it preserves itself very well.
  Medium
Density Fiberboard
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a type of hardboard that is
made from wood fibers that are glued under pressure and heat. It
is dense, flat, stiff, and has no knots. It usually doesn’t have
a recognizable surface grain and is finished in paint or
veneers. MDF is commonly used on budget furniture and creates a
smooth and stable surface.
Wood
Finishes
Just as there are many types of wood that dining tables can be
made out of, there are a plethora of finishes. Regardless of the
material that a table is made out of, a good finish should make
it durable and will enable you to use it for everything from
eating to writing. The main wood finishes are:
Paint – It is often applied to woods of lower quality to
hide blemishes or imperfections. Paint is a popular finish
because it presents the option for many variations, allowing
your table to fit the style or color layout of the rest of the
dining room.
Lacquer – This is a synthetic finish that is brushed or
sprayed on in many layers. It can either be clear to show the
grain of the wood or colored to create the illusion of a
different grain or hue.
Stain – It is a colored pigment that permeates up through
the wood surface to change the color. Stains usually do not
match the wood they are used with. For instance, an oak stain
would not be used with an oak table. Instead, a mahogany stain
could be implemented.
Oil – Many coats of oil are applied to a wood surface,
with the remnant removed after each coat. When finished, the
wood takes on a natural look, but its grain and color are
enhanced. Examples of oil are tung and linseed.
Wax – Wax, like oil, protects the wood while allowing it
to maintain a natural appearance. Sometimes, a wax finish may
slightly darken the wood. It is often used in combination with
other finishes, such as oil, varnish, or shellac, to add
protection. Wax needs to be reapplied every so often.
Enamel – Enamel is usually applied over a primer coat of
paint. It is gloss or semi-gloss paint and hides the grain and
color of the wood. This is a good finish if you plan on using
your table often, as it provides a tough surface that is
resistant to scratches and is easily cleanable.
Varnish – This type of finish consists of a gum dissolved
in solvent. Once said solvent evaporates, a transparent coat
with a brownish tone remains. This is a good finish for antique
pieces and can be glossy, matte, or satin.
Shellac – Shellac is similar to varnish, except instead
of a solvent, the gum is dissolved in alcohol. When the alcohol
evaporates, a clear coat is left. Be careful with this finish
because it shows water marks and is easily damaged.
Bleach – While wax darkens the color of the wood, bleach
lightens it. Woods will still show grain but will be
significantly lighter, and may become almost white. Lacquer or
another transparent coating is often applied over the bleach
finish.
  Other
Materials
Though wood is the most common material used for tables, other
options are indeed available. You would be hard-pressed to find
traditional tables made of something other than wood, but
contemporary and modern tables feature materials such as marble,
glass, metal, and iron. These are usually less expensive than
tables made of solid wood and also require less maintenance.
However, the downside is that they do not provide the coziness
and elegance that a traditional wooden table does. Keep purpose
in mind when choosing material, as glass will show scratches and
fingerprints very easily. If you have little children in the
home, for example, a glass table is a risky choice because it
can be easily damaged.
Shape
Generally, there are four different shapes that tables come in:
square, rectangular, circular, and oval.
 
Round/Square – Round and
square shapes are common among smaller tables. The ideal sizes
for tables depend on the shapes. A round table with a 36”
diameter seats 2, a 40” diameter seats 4, and a 56” diameter
seats 8 people. Meanwhile, a 38” square seats 4 diners, while a
60” square seats 8.
 
Rectangular/Oval – These
shapes are intended for larger tables that can accommodate more
people. This is so because large square and circular tables are
simply impractical. Their shapes do not lend themselves to
conversation if a table is too large. A large circle, for
instance, creates a huge gap between the diners, making it
difficult for them to communicate. That’s why oval and
rectangular tables are good for many people. Their smaller width
enables easier conversation. The chart below will illustrate the
common table sizes and the number of diners that they seat.
|
Width (inches) |
Length (inches) |
Diners Seated |
|
36 |
60 |
6 |
|
36 |
72 |
6-8 |
|
36 |
84 |
8 |
|
48 |
96 |
8-10 |
|
48 |
132 |
12 |
Style
The style of the table should coincide with the rest of the
dining room. Therefore, traditional room designs require a
classic table, while the opposite holds true as well. There are
four major styles that tables come in: contemporary,
traditional, antique, and rustic.
Contemporary
Modern or contemporary tables have clean lines and simplistic
designs. They come in many color options, which makes it easier
to match them to the motif of your dining room. Contemporary
tables provide a wider variety of shapes and sizes than the
traditional furniture. They also use more materials, with glass,
stone, and metal being the most common ones.
Traditional
Also known as classic, traditional tables are usually made of
wood and have a uniform look. You will not see many bold colors
or “funky” accents, but rather a straightforward and neat
design.
Antique
This style is also known as Formal or Period. Tables are made of
wood and have many intricate decorations, such as an acanthus
motif. They are made of heavy wood and have a very sophisticated
look. This style is very elegant, and beautiful ornamentations
are aplenty. Given their many good qualities, the prices for
antique tables can be a little steep, so be sure that you are
purchasing exactly what you need.
Rustic
The country/rustic style usually features softwoods, and
finishes are not glossy but subdued. This table type is
considered to be the most inviting and cozy in a home due to its
simplistic, yet stylish look. Keep in mind that chairs often
don’t match the finish of the table, so if this is the style
that you are going for, plan your purchase of chairs
accordingly.
 Leaves
It is often the case that you don’t usually need a large table.
However, purchasing a small table will not do you much good when
you must entertain company. If this is so, expandable tables are
an excellent choice for you due to their flexibility. A leave
results in extra seats for two to four people, and most tables
accommodate one to two leaves. Make sure that the leaf matches
the color and quality of the table because a different finish
will result in a poor look. Usually, leaves slide under the
table, but some come separately and need to be stored in a
different place. Therefore, it is imperative that you have a
place to keep the leaves that is close to the table because some
are heavy and large. Once the leaves are on the table, be sure
that they are sturdy and do not shake, as this will probably
cause them to snap off under the pressure of diners and plates.
Chair
Chairs are just as crucial as tables, and one cannot exist
without the other. Before you shop for chairs, however, there
are several things you need to keep in mind: design, size,
style, and quantity.
Design
The most important thing to do before purchasing chairs for your
dining table is deciding on the look that you wish to present.
Traditional dinette sets have chairs and tables that match,
while transitional and modern styles feature chairs that differ
from the table. If you choose to go with these styles, keep in
mind that the chairs and table should still have some similar
entities. For instance, a square table looks good with chairs
with a square seat, while the same can be said for a circular
table and its circular chair counterparts. In general, dining
chairs should have upward backs so that people can be close to
the table and have support at the same time. Their legs should
also not be too widely spread. This is because chairs with legs
that flare out widely fit awkwardly and provide less support.
They are also a safety hazard because widely-splayed legs are
much easier to trip over than those that are perpendicular to
the floor. In general, chairs have two basic designs: the side
chair design and an armchair design.
Armchairs
Armchairs are more elegant than side chairs because they feature
arm rests. So, they are larger and more expensive. A basic set
usually comes with two armchairs (for ends of a table) and four
side chairs (for the sides of the table). Most of the time, each
chair style comes with the option of either a side chair or an
armchair.
Side Chairs
Side chairs do not have arms and are more compact. More of them
can fit around a table, and they are less expensive than
armchairs.
Size
The right size can make all the difference between a comfortable
chair and one that is unpleasant to sit in. A standard armless
dining chair is 22” wide. While you can certainly choose to buy
chairs of a different size, avoid ones that are narrower than
17” because they do not provide enough room. The depth of the
chair should be similar to the width, with the standard ones
being 20-24” deep. The standard height is usually 18-19”.
However, this varies with the dining table. If your table stands
especially high (such as a pub table), purchase chairs that are
higher. There should be at least a foot between the seat and the
bottom of the table. Chairs with arm rests should be able to
easily slide under the table, so make sure that this is the
case. Make careful measurements, as chairs that do not fit will
result in a very awkward look.
Style
Dining chairs come in several styles, allowing you to conform
them to the décor of your room. Some chairs are made of wood,
while others are upholstered. This is a potential liability, as
someone is bound to spill something on it. Materials like
leather are easy to care for, while velvet will readily show
wear. If you have children in the house, beware of chairs with
upholstery, especially one that is difficult to clean. The major
styles of dining chairs are: Windsor, Midcentury, Parsons,
Regency, Queen Anne, School House, Ladder-back, and Chippendale.
Let’s examine each one more closely.
Windsor
This style has stick legs and spindles driven into the seat. It
is an early English style and usually comes with an arc-shaped
back with straight wooden poles going down it.
Midcentury
The Midcentury style refers to designs used in the middle of the
20th century. It has a simplistic design that
includes a seat with two end poles holding up a support for your
upper back.
Parsons
The Parsons chair is fully upholstered and has a linear design.
It has a tall back and is a good transitional style.
Regency
The Regency style is also known as Duncan Phyfe and Empire. It
has a scrolled back, saber legs, and a square top.
Queen Anne
This type of chair has a trademark feature of a shaped crest
rail. It also has an urn-shaped center splat.
School House
This chair is very similar to the Windsor chair, except the back
is not arc-shaped but rather rectangular.
Ladder-back
This is another simplistic design with horizontal bars going
down the back of the chair. The seats are woven and are made
either of tape or rush. They are also known as Shaker-style
chairs.
Chippendale
This style is good for a traditional look. It has many ornate
decorations and has an elaborate splat. It sometimes has
ball-and-claw feet.
Quantity
The amount of chairs you buy correlates directly with the number
of occupants you plan to have. Usually, it is advisable to buy
enough chairs to put around the table when it is without leaves.
This is because your table will usually be without them and
there will be no room for the extra chairs. When you have
company, it is more convenient, as well as less expensive, to
simply take some chairs from the kitchen and add them to the
table. Also, keep in mind that chairs are usually sold in sets
of either two or four, so an odd number of chairs will be
difficult to achieve.
BUFFET AND CHINA
These items are not always necessary for a dining room but add a
nice touch while providing a good place for storage. They are
available in both traditional and contemporary styles and are a
great addition for a dining room.
Buffet
Buffets are great for storing, more so than for displaying. This
is because their doors are usually not transparent. Often they
are used for storing liquor bottles or china for the dining
table. If you are buying a dining set, a buffet is either
included or offered as an option. If you are buying it
separately, however, make sure that its style, color, and finish
matches that of the table and chairs. This should not be a
problem because buffets are popular items. This means that there
is a wide selection, so finding the right one should not be a
problem.
 China
Unlike buffets, china cabinets are transparent and are a great
way to proudly display your collectibles. Often, they are used
to show off fine china, which is how they get their name. It is
important to place the china in a location where it will not be
disturbed by children or pets playing. Also, make sure that you
are placing it on a completely flat surface to prevent the items
within from sliding. Like the buffet, it is advisable that the
china cabinet match the style of the rest of the dining room, as
this presents an aesthetically pleasing look. The options
available to you are vast, so be sure that you have settled on
the right style, design, and finish before purchasing.
CARING FOR YOUR DINING FURNITURE
Dining furniture is not cheap. That is why you must make sure
that the furniture you buy is of high quality. However, you must
also do your part by caring for it to keep it looking as good as
the day you bought it. There are several steps to achieve just
that.
-
Always use
coasters and tablemats when eating to prevent spills and hot
plates from ruining the finish. If spills do occur, however,
wipe them off immediately.
-
Keep the
furniture as far as possible from the windows because direct
sunlight can cause it to fade.
-
Periodically dust
the furniture with a clean, soft cloth.
-
Keep the
furniture away from direct heat.
-
Read and follow
the care instructions of the manufacturer. They are always
included with the dining furniture.
OVERVIEW
After reading this guide, you are more prepared than ever to
purchase dining room furniture, whether it is something as
simple as an extra set of chairs or as intricate and important
as a brand new dining set. Before purchasing, be sure that you
have found exactly what you are looking for. Remember that the
design, size, style, material, finish, and cost should all be to
your liking in order for you to be completely satisfied with the
purchase.
TheDiningFurniture.com offers
products that allow you to match each one of those
characteristics to your taste without breaking the bank. Look
around, and you are sure to find the dining furniture that is
perfect for you! |
