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Expert Strategies for Selecting and Caring for Beautiful Dining Room Furniture

Expert Strategies for Selecting and Caring for Beautiful Dining Room Furniture

Different Types of Dining Room Furniture

The dining room is one of the most important rooms in a home. It's where families and friends gather together to share meals and enjoy quality time. Choosing the right dining room furniture can help set the ambiance for your dining space.

Dining Tables

The dining table is the central piece in your dining room. There are several options when it comes to choosing a dining table:

  • Wood tables - Oak, walnut, and mahogany are popular wood options. Wood tables are durable and add warmth.
  • Glass tables - Glass dining tables have a lightweight and modern look. Some popular styles are beveled glass or frosted glass.
  • Marble tables - Marble is elegant but on the higher end. Marble dining tables can be solid marble or have a marble tabletop.

In addition to materials, also consider the shape and size of the table. Rectangular tables are most common and can seat more people. Round tables promote conversation. Expandable tables are great for versatility.

Dining Chairs

Dining chairs range from classic wooden chairs to upholstered chairs in various fabrics. When selecting dining chairs, make sure they complement your table and fit with the overall decor. Pay attention to the height of the chair and seat depth for comfort.

Types of Dining Chairs

  • Side chairs - Typically have four legs and a straight back. No armrests.
  • Arm chairs - Have armrests on each side for additional comfort.
  • Upholstered chairs - Chairs covered in fabric for a soft and elegant look.
  • Benches - Long seats that allow seating for multiple people.

Storage

Having adequate storage in your dining room helps keep servingware, table linens, and other dining essentials organized but out of sight. Typical dining room storage options include:

  • Buffets and sideboards
  • Wine cabinets
  • Hutches
  • Cabinets

Choose storage furniture in a style and material that matches your dining table and chairs. For example, an oak hutch can complement an oak dining table.

Décor

Finishing touches like rugs, lighting and art help pull your dining room together. A rug under the table can define the space while lighting illuminates the room. Artwork adds personality to plain walls. Greenery and floral centerpieces on the table add freshness and color.

When selecting dining room furniture, keep the size of the space, your style preferences, and budget in mind. Invest in high quality, durable pieces that will stand the test of time. With the right furnishings, your dining room can be stylish, comfortable and functional for years to come.

Choosing the Right Size Furniture for Your Space

Selecting furniture that properly fits the size and layout of your room is an important factor to creating a comfortable and functional living space. The right sized furnishings allow you to maximize your room's potential without overcrowding the area.

Measure Your Room

First, accurately measure the dimensions of your room - length, width and ceiling height. Make sure to account for any architectural details like bay windows, support beams or a fireplace mantel that affect furniture placement. Measure doorway openings as well to ensure large pieces will fit through.

Create a Layout

Using graph paper, sketch out a rough layout of your room including windows, doors and built-ins. This allows you to visualize furniture arrangements and traffic flow. Cut out paper templates for each furniture piece scaled to size so you can move items around to experiment with different configurations before purchasing.

Leave Adequate Walkways

When placing furniture, be sure to leave enough space for walking paths between pieces. Narrow hallways or tight squeezes disrupt flow and feel cluttered.

  • Main walkways should be 3-4 feet wide.
  • Allow 18-24 inches between seating and tables.
  • Leave 24-30 inches walking space behind chairs.

Select Proportionate Furniture

Choosing furnishings that are proportionate to your room size provides proper scale and balance. Oversized pieces make a small space feel cramped. Here are some size guidelines for common rooms:

Living Room

  • Sofa - no more than 60-85% of the length of your longest wall.
  • Coffee table - leaves 12-18 inches walking space around it.
  • Side chairs - in scale with other furnishings.

Dining Room

  • Table - leaves 36 inches behind chairs for egress.
  • Hutch - fits dining table width, not overly tall.
  • Buffet - appropriate serving storage without dominating.

Bedroom

  • Beds - king beds need a 10 x 12 foot space minimum.
  • Nightstands - allow 16 inches of clearance on each side of a bed.
  • Dressers - leave 2-3 feet space in front for opening drawers.

Factor in Furniture Purpose

How you plan to use the furniture also determines appropriate sizing. For example, a compact dining set works well for a breakfast nook while a large expandable table accommodates formal entertaining. Scale seating appropriately for the number of people it needs to seat.

Allow for Traffic Flow

Make sure there is adequate space around pieces people will frequently need access to like beds, dressers, and seating. Blocking access results in frustrating bottlenecks.

See It In Person First

When possible, view furniture in person at a showroom prior to purchasing. This gives you a better sense of real life size and scale compared to browsing online catalogs. Bring your floor plan to test configurations.

Choosing correctly sized furnishings not only makes rooms comfortable and usable but also keeps them looking balanced and visually pleasing. Take time planning so you select durable furniture tailored perfectly for your unique space.

Materials and Finishes to Consider for Dining Room Furniture

The materials and finishes you choose for your dining room furniture impact the look, feel and functionality of your space. Consider factors like durability, maintenance and your overall decor style when selecting materials.

Wood

Wood is a popular furniture material that comes in various species like oak, maple, walnut and mahogany. Each has different grains and hues to complement your design aesthetic. Pros of wood include:

  • Warm, natural appearance
  • Durability - lasts years with proper care
  • Easy to refinish and reupholster

Finishes like stains, paints and lacquers protect the wood from wear while providing color and sheen options.

Metal

Metal furniture lends an industrial vibe. Wrought iron, brass, chrome and stainless steel are commonly used. Considerations include:

  • Durable and weather-resistant
  • Comes in a range of styles - from sleek contemporary to ornate traditional
  • Can be cold to the touch during winter months

Glass

Glass dining tables lend a lightweight and airy feeling with their transparent quality. Pros and cons:

  • Contemporary, sleek look
  • Prone to visible fingerprints and water spots
  • Tempered glass is very durable

Stone

Natural stones like marble, granite, slate and travertine provide distinctive veining patterns. Consider:

  • Timeless, elegant aesthetic
  • porous and requires resealing
  • Cold surface in winter, retains heat in summer

Upholstery

Upholstered dining chairs allow for plush comfort and design flexibility. Look for durable, stain-resistant fabrics that also complement your decor.

Choose dining room furniture made of quality materials suited for high-traffic areas. Factor in your own lifestyle, design tastes and how much maintenance you want to perform.

Setting a Budget for Your Dining Room Furniture

Allocating an appropriate budget ensures you get the dining room furniture pieces you want without overspending. With some forethought, you can craft a functional, eye-pleasing dining space that aligns with your financial goals.

Assess Your Needs

Consider what furnishings you require based on how you use your dining area and for what purpose. For casual everyday meals, you may only need a basic table and chair set. Formal dinner parties may call for expanded seating capacity and storage for servingware. Your needs determine what you should invest in.

Measure Your Space

The size of your room also impacts how much furniture you need to fill it appropriately. Measuring the room's dimensions helps you select the proper sized furnishings so you don't overbuy.

Set Your Budget

Crunch the numbers to set a realistic spending maximum. Get estimates for must-have items like the dining table and chairs. Factor in secondary pieces like lighting, rug and storage. Add a buffer for unexpected overages or splurges.

Budget Breakdown

  • Table and chairs - 50-70% of total budget
  • Storage/sideboard - 15-20%
  • Lighting fixtures - 5-10%
  • Rug - 5-10%
  • Décor - 5%
  • Buffer - 5-10%

Comparison Shop

Research price points at various retailers to get the lay of the land. This helps you hone your budget and get the most value from quality brands.

  • Check manufacturer websites for MSRP pricing.
  • Browse online and in-store for sales.
  • Negotiate with retailers for discounted rates.

Consider Cost Per Wear

The dining room gets used multiple times per day in most homes. Focus spending on durable pieces you'll use often - like chairs and tabletops - over many years. This lowers the effective cost per use.

Mix High and Low

Splurge on few signature pieces you love while rounding out the rest with budget finds. Layer in personal touches like framed art or decorative objects to make affordable pieces feel unique.

Setting a dining room budget takes planning, but prevents overspending while achieving the comfortable dining space you envision.

How to Arrange Your Dining Room Furniture

Strategically arranging dining room furniture helps create an inviting space for family meals and entertaining guests. Follow some key tips for a layout that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Define the Space

Use furniture placement to create a natural dining area within a larger open concept room. Angle chairs inward toward the table to focus attention. Orient lights above the table to define the zone.

Allow Ample Room for Seating and Movement

Leave enough space around chairs and tables so diners can sit and move comfortably without bumping into other pieces:

  • Allow at least 24 inches behind chairs for people to push back and stand up.
  • Leave 36-42 inches around the table perimeter for servers to maneuver and diners to get seated.
  • Avoid cramping traffic areas like entrances and main walkways.

Incorporate Focal Points

Anchor the space with an eye-catching focal point like a dramatic chandelier or piece of artwork on the far wall. This draws the gaze while defining the shape of the room.

Use Symmetry and Angles

A symmetrical layout with furniture angles facing each other feels balanced and organized. For example, place the table in the center then flank it with matching storage pieces like hutches or sideboards.

Allow for Multiple Uses

Arrange furniture to accommodate different occasions like casual family dinners or large gatherings. Have ample main table seating then supplementary game tables or bars that can be moved in as needed.

Incorporate Visual Interest

Vary shapes, heights and layouts to avoid a boring or expected look. For example, round tables soften corners versus a rectangle. A tall hutch provides vertical interest.

Enhance Flow with Rugs

Use area rugs under the table to define the space while allowing chairs to slide easily. Extend rug edges past table ends by 18-24 inches.

Maximize Natural Light

Take advantage of windows and skylights by placing glass-topped tables and light upholstered chairs near the brightest spots. Position TVs and electronics away from light glare.

Test layouts with your room measurements to find an arrangement tailored to your unique space. Move pieces around until you find a seamless, harmonious dining zone.

Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Dining Furniture

Investing in quality dining furniture is a long-term commitment. Proper maintenance and care will keep your pieces looking their best for years to come.

Use Placemats and Tablecloths

Using placemats and tablecloths during meals helps protect the table’s surface from spills, scratches, and heat damage from hot plates and dishes. Rotate placemat location to evenly distribute wear.

Clean Spills Promptly

Immediately wiping up food and liquid spills keeps them from seeping into wood pores or etching surfaces like marble or granite. For wine stains, dab white wine or club soda onto the affected area.

Use Chair Pads

Add felt pads underneath chair legs to prevent scratches and floor damage as chairs are pulled in and out from the table hundreds of times.

Avoid Direct Sunlight Exposure

Intense and prolonged sunlight can cause wood furniture to dry out, warp or fade. Use window treatments to control light exposure. For extra protection, apply a UV-resistant finish.

Control Humidity

Fluctuating humidity levels can warp wood over time. Maintain 40-60% humidity indoors using dehumidifiers or humidifiers as needed.

Dust Regularly

Dust buildup dulls finishes. Use a soft cloth to gently dust tabletops, chair legs, bases and crevices every few weeks. Take care not to scratch surfaces.

Re-seal When Needed

Re-apply protective sealers like polyurethane annually or whenever you notice wood looking dull or dry. This preserves the finish and prevents staining.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Skip abrasive cleaners on wood pieces, which can damage the finish. Instead use mild soap and water for cleaning. Disinfect granite and solid surface tops with stone-safe products.

Tighten Loose Joints

Periodically inspect furniture joints and hardware. Tighten any loose screws, nuts or bolts to prevent further damage or breakage.

With consistent care and maintenance, your dining furniture can serve your family beautifully for a lifetime.

Benefits of Amazon Prime for Buying Dining Room Furniture

An Amazon Prime membership provides several advantages when purchasing dining room furniture online. The conveniences and perks can simplify your shopping experience, get items quicker and also save you money.

Free Two-Day Shipping

Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on eligible items to members. This provides faster turnaround times to receive your dining room furniture purchases compared to standard shipping that may take over a week.

Getting your new dining table, chairs and other items rapidly means you can start enjoying your updated space quicker. You can arrange the furniture and decorate the dining room right away instead of waiting longer for deliveries to arrive.

Free In-Home Assembly

Certain larger furniture pieces like dining sets are eligible for in-home assembly through Amazon Home Services. For qualifying items, Amazon Prime members can get free assembly where delivery crew will unpack, assemble and position the furniture in your dining room.

This convenient perk saves you the hassle and time of figuring out assembly and doing it yourself. Having dining furniture professionally assembled helps ensure it is sturdy and properly put together.

Extended Return Window

Amazon Prime members get an extended 30 day return window for most items, which is useful when buying big ticket dining furniture. If you change your mind or find an item does not suit your space as expected, you have ample time to return or exchange it.

For expensive investments like a dining set, the longer trial period provides peace of mind. You can live with the furniture for a few weeks to decisively evaluate the fit and quality before fully committing.

Overall, an Amazon Prime membership can make buying dining room furniture online easier, faster and more affordable. Take advantage of the shipping, assembly and return benefits to simplify the process.

How To Choose The Right Dining Table For Your Home?

Choosing the right dining table for your home can be a daunting task, but here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

  1. Consider the size of your dining area and choose a table that fits comfortably in the space.
  2. Determine how many people you want to seat at the table and choose a size accordingly.
  3. Choose a shape that works well with the shape of your room and the flow of traffic.
  4. Pay attention to the table supports and make sure they are sturdy and well-constructed.
  5. Choose a material that fits your budget, style, and maintenance needs.
  6. Consider the height of the table and make sure it is comfortable for your guests to sit at.
  7. Don't forget to measure the space around the table to ensure there is enough room for chairs and movement.

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