Blog entry by Kelly Carter
If you’re looking for a new dining table and chairs to improve your dining room's functionality, we have some advice that could help you. Follow these tips to select the dining furniture that best suits your room.
Number of seats
One of the first things to decide is how many seats you need around the dining table. This could depend on the space you have available. There are options such as an extending dining table if you don’t have the space for more seats every day but do want the opportunity to accommodate more people for special occasions. Choose seating that suits your family; if you have children that often have friends visiting, a bench-style seat could accommodate more children without needing to add extra chairs. Typically, most dining tables come in a four or six-seater option, depending on your needs.
Measure your space
To decide how many seats you can fit in your dining space, you will need to measure the area. Some dining tables take up less space than others. Measuring the space is vital; you want to avoid issues with diners having to squeeze past the table or being too close to the wall to get into their seats. To save space, you can often push your dining table up against a wall or in the corner of the room when it's not in use. However, if you plan to use your table most days, this can be frustrating and potentially damage your floors over time. Once you’ve measured your available space, keep the measurements handy when browsing dining sets.
Choose a shape
Dining tables come in different shapes; the most common shapes are square, round, rectangle and oblong, although they’re not often referred to as oblong tables. The shape you choose will depend on several factors. If you’re planning on neatly tucking the table up against a wall or in the corner of a room, a square table is a better choice. If you’re placing your table in the kitchen or centre of the room, a rounded edge table might look better and can prevent people from knocking into the corners. It may also come down to your preferences; some people love the look of round dining tables, whereas others prefer square or rectangular tables. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits within the space you have available.
Choose a material
Dining tables and chairs come in many different materials. Oak dining sets are a very popular choice; oak is versatile, hardwearing and lasts for a long time. Oak also looks great with almost every colour and decor. Other premium options include glass dining sets, marble dining sets, and ceramic and metal dining sets. If you’re working with a tight budget, you could opt for a plastic dining set or a table made from composite wood such as plywood or MDF. Overall, tables made from hardwood are more durable and last much longer, but they come with a higher price tag. Some people choose to split the cost of their table by buying the table first and the chairs later; in the in-between period, they use second-hand chairs or cheaper alternatives. This way, they can get a good quality dining set but spread out the expense.
Table and chair design
Once you’ve decided on the table's shape, size and material, you need to consider style and design. There are thousands of different options to choose from when it comes to chair and table design. Two things to consider are comfort and support. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time around your table, it would be wise to invest in dining chairs that offer lots of back support and are comfortable. Parents with children might opt for materials they can easily clean, such as wood, leather, metal or plastic. This will prevent staining on the dining chairs; you can also get chairs with removable, washable cushions for added comfort and the ability to clean them easily.
When it comes to choosing a dining set for your home, it's all about function combined with style. Opt for something that will work in your home and with your family and ticks all your design boxes.
Resources:
- Blanket Boxes - Bloggi
- Living Room Sideboards - Jemi
- Oak Dining Room Furniture - Bear
- Oak Dining Tables and Chairs - Unicorn Platform