Your dining room is a special place where we celebrate, entertain, and create memories. That’s why you want your dining room’s design and furniture to create an atmosphere perfect for guests and special occasions, as well as make a statement about you.
Choosing Dining Room Furniture
The first thing to decide when furnishing a dining room is the shape and size of your dining room table. Depending on how often you entertain, how many people you usually seat, and the size of your space, your options are virtually limitless. The key thing to remember is that your dining table should be easy to walk all the way around, even when all the chairs are pulled out. Add some storage for fine china, crystal and serving pieces. Buffet tables, sideboards, china cabinets and credenzas are all common dining room pieces, especially since they’re great for serving and storing. These pieces also help you save some kitchen space by storing pieces that are are only used for special occasions.
Table Design Options
Interesting choices in shape, style, and color can make the dining table a substantial piece of furniture that can set the tone for the entire room. If your style is traditional, look for classic features like rich wood finishes and carved legs. Modern design incorporates metals, such as stainless steel, or with chrome finishes. A glass tabletop is a contemporary staple.
You can do a lot with the shape of the table. Round tables promote easy-flow conversations, and rectangular tables accommodate lots of guests, especially when extended with a leaf or two. Square tables provide a more unique, modern look. Oval or octagonal tables introduce curves to boxy rooms.
Treasured Heirlooms
Your dining room furniture can be a treasured heirloom to pass down through the generations. Quality material, solid craftsmanship and time-honored designs ensure that dining room pieces stand the test of time. Amish furniture is a great option for those wishing to purchase quality pieces that they can hand down some day to children and grandchildren. Far beyond the country or shaker look the Amish are famous for, Amish furniture has expanded in recent decades into the mission, traditional and transitional styles. Amish furniture is always solid wood, with dovetail drawers and other quality finishing details. Made by skilled Amish craftsmen, it’s quality furniture you can’t find in most stores and websites. Many craftsmen will modify or custom-design furniture for customers and they often sign and date the pieces they make.
The Importance of Solid Wood
If your dining room design includes wood furniture, you should always choose solid wood. While it may be more expensive, it will always look better and last longer. A solid wood table doesn’t include other cheaper materials, such as plywood or particleboard. Solid wood tables are durable and long-lasting because most scratches and stains can be repaired. Mass market pieces made with veneer cost less than solid wood furniture, but they are plagued with peeling edges and blistered surfaces, giving them a much shorter lifespan. A solid wood table, on the other hand, can last for many years.
Find Chairs That Fit
After you’ve decided on your table, you will need to be sure you get chairs that not only work with the table’s design, but meet other important considerations like comfort and size. Consider how the chairs work with the table, especially if you’re buying them separately. Make sure the chairs, including arms, fit under the table and that the arms don’t bump the table. Sit down and cross your legs — there should be space between the table apron and your thighs. Also, check under the table to be sure the table legs don’t interfere with the chairs.
Opt for Comfort, Style and Quality
Your dining room’s furniture can make a great statement about your personal taste and can be passed down through generations. You want each piece to be high-quality and long-lasting. Finding the right pieces — ones that combine comfort and style — will help you transform your dining room into an impressive gathering place where guests feel at home and special memories are made.
