Buying Dining Room Furniture

When deciding on your dining room furniture, there are so many directions you can go. You can have a casual look, modern formal or just something completely uniquely you.

To start with, look in magazines for the home, catalogs and flyers with different furniture. A dining room set is generally a long-term investment, so you want to be sure about your choice. Cut out the pieces that appeal to you and keep in mind the style of the rest of your home. An ultra-modern dining set in a country-style home might look a little out of place.

If your dining set will be made from wood, you might choose wood that appears elsewhere in your home. You might prefer glass because it is less susceptible to scratches and stains, but remember it shows fingerprints more readily, so upkeep may be more work.

What size table you choose, will depend on the size of your room. Don't overcrowd a small room with a large table. You'll want a few feet space behind each chair. Also, if you want to add a hutch or a china cabinet, you'll need to consider spacing for those items. If you have a smaller space, but like to host plenty of people for dinner, you can choose a table with expandable leaves.

If you're wondering if you should get a rectangular or round table, consider this. A rectangular table can accommodate more people without taking up so much floor space. Still, a round table offers a more intimate atmosphere for a smaller group of people. If you plan to frequently have more than 10 diners, a rectangular table is probably the choice for you.

When you think you've found a table that you'd like, make sure there is enough room for the suggested seating. You should have 2 - 2 1/2 feet of space per person seated at the table.

Make sure the table is sturdy and don't be afraid to lean on it and ensure it can withstand weight and pressure. Make sure the legs don't get in the way of easily placing the chairs around the table.

The finish you choose for your table will depend on the wear and tear you expect your table to endure. Enamel tables with a gloss or semi-gloss stain, for example, hide the color of the paint, but makes the furniture easy-to-clean and resist scratches.

After you've chosen your table and chairs, you can choose complementary pieces. How large they'll be will be dictated by the size of the room and your need for storage. Don't forget space to store all that great china!