Dining Room Sets

Thinking about a place to hold your family and friends during dinner, special parties among other events? How about a dining room set? Most people might ask why buying ready-made dining room set, but not creating set by your own from single items?

Unlike buying separate items, dining room sets offers you great value for your money. They are also easier to match to enhance your home’s look and save you a great deal of time compared to purchasing different pieces of furniture at different times.

While most people prefer buying single pieces of furniture since it allows them to create their unique design, you will love to know that dining room sets also come in multiple unique styles. A dining set can include pieces such as a bar stool, bench, credenzas, and much more. Below we look at various factors you should consider when selecting a dining room set.

Measure your dining room first

What is the size of the room you want to place the dining table? You do not want to invest in a dining set only to find it is either big or small for the room it is meant to go into. Measuring your room shouldn’t be hard though, all you have to do is take the exact measurements of your interior space and use the dimensions to guide you on your selection. Ensure all the items in the dining room set are included when taking the sizes.

Components of the dining room set

One important thing you have to ask yourself is; what do you get with the dining set? You have to ensure you get the most out of your purchase to enhance your dining room’s look. Some of the pieces of furniture that will add elegance to your interior include; dining table, chairs, buffet, credenza and china cabinets. Buffet, credenza or china cabinet not only add style to your home, but also offer you a place to store your family’s treasured valuables safely.

Each piece of furniture in a set is counted separately, i.e., A set with a dining table and four dining chairs is a 5-piece set.

Dining set furniture style

Dining room sets fall into three broad categories, and you will have to select one based on your preference and of course use. So, what are the different styles?

• Rustic. This dining set is ideal for day to day use. They are always stable, comfortable and feature sturdy construction to ensure durability. Consider this type of dining room set if your family needs a place for their daily routine such as doing homework or for their breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Traditional. Unlike the country style dining set, this is meant for occasional use such as during Thanksgiving and official events. It always features finely-crafted construction and is made from darker wood, has decorated legs and a shiny finish. Consider this type if you have a dining room reserved for special occasions.
• Modern.If you live in an urban setting or want a dining table for grown-ups in your home, this could be your best bet. It is often made from metal or glass, and you can be sure it will compliment any modern-day décor. It, however, needs more care compared to traditional and country styles. If made from metal, consider a stainless steel one with a chrome finish since it is easy to clean. Most glass tables are made of shatter-proof glass so you won’t have to worry in case the glass breaks.

Whether you opt for modern, country or formal, ensure the dining set reflects your style to offer memorable moments to everyone, who gathers around it during different functions.

Dining Room set sizes

Where do you intend to place the dining table and how many people will be using it at the same time? When taking the room measurement of your dining interior, ensure you leave about 36 to 48-inches of space between the table and the walls. This space should be enough for anyone to move around the room with ease and also allow users to pull out chairs when getting in and out comfortably.

Also, consider the number of people you want the table to accommodate. The dining table you choose should give each user about 24 to 28-inch of space. A round or square table will work best if you have limited space in your dining area. A bigger space, on the other hand, needs rectangular or oval tables which will hold more people and enhance the look of a large room.

You can play safe by getting an expandable dining table such as one with leaves either at the middle or the edges that allows you to add extra space to the table when you have more guests.

Dining room furniture finish

Wood, veneer, high-gloss lacquer and marble are some of the finishes you will have to select from. So, which one is best for you? You will be happy to know that they are all tremendous and picking the best depends entirely on your preference and budget. Let’s look at the desirable and undesirable features of each;

• Wood. Durable and easy to maintain hence suitable for families with children. It is however expensive.
• Veneer. Affordable and non-porous thus holds up well to stains. Its downsides are it cannot be refined once scratched and excess heat causes its surface to warp.
• Metal. Durable and gives your home a stylish contemporary look. The bad side is that it is prone to rust and patina hence needs regular maintenance
• Marble. Adds a luxurious feel to your home but is porous thus requires regular maintenance and care against stains.
• Glass. Offers a sleek look that compliments most modern interiors, and is hard to stain. It, however, can break under excess pressure. Some glass dining tables are robust especially those that feature tempered safety glass that is resistant to heat and scratches meaning it can’t shatter if knocked.

Which advantages do you desire most and which disadvantages can you live with? Answering this question gets you a step closer to selecting the best dining room set for your home.

Dining Room Set Materials

The frame is made with Chipboards, Hardwoods, or Kiln-dried wood and the list is endless.

Chipboard

Chipboard is made from wood chips and fibers glued together. It is often made more attractive by covering it in paint or using wood veneers on visible surfaces.

Pros

• More stable than veneer core plywood (unless it gets wet)
• Low price
• Lightweight

Cons

• Soaks up moisture hence not suitable for outdoors
• Weak and fragile material

Hardwood

Hardwoods include mahogany, walnut, maple, oak, and teak. They are the best for wood dining tables given their sturdiness and strength.

Pros

• Durable
• Easy to repair

Cons

• Expensive

Kiln-dried wood

This wood is dried in a high-temperature ovens which remove about 90 to 95% of moisture from the wood. It can either be soft or hardwood.

Pros

• Enhances wood’s stability and structure
• Prevents wood from warping and bowing

Cons

• Kiln-dried softwoods are weak

Whatever you pick, steer clear of kiln-dried softwoods and low-quality plywood. Also, opt for screwed frames as opposed to stapled frames.

Summary

A dining table is a spot where your family will gather every evening for dinner, a conversation place for your friends and relatives and also offers a place to toast to the happy moments during parties. No one wants this kind of place to be forgettable hence the need for purchasing a pleasant dining room set.

This buying guide looks at the significant factors that make the best dining room sets to ensure you get best for your family. Whether looking to upgrade your current dining room set or buying one for the first time, you can be sure that this guide will make the process more manageable for you.

Glossary

Now you already know what to look for when selecting your dining room set, we leave you with something to refresh your mind on some of the terms we used.

• Dining room set: Comprises different pieces of furniture in one purchase, e.g., dining table, dining chairs, stools, cabinets and so on.
• Credenza cabinet: A sideboard cupboard used in dining rooms. Also, use it as a platform for serving, to display or store serving dishes.
• China cabinet: A cupboard for storing or displaying dishware.
• Expandable dining table: Includes optional extensions or leaves to accommodate more people.
• Lacquer: An array of clear or colored wood finishes that offer a hard, durable surface.
• Patina: A layer that forms on the surface of metals such as copper and bronze as a result of age and exposure.
• Kiln-dried wood: Wood dried in a furnace to enhance its strength
• Chipboard: Wood made from wood chips and fibers glued together.
• Stapled frame: A wooden frame that is joined together using industrial staples