Choosing the Right Dining Set

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT DINING ROOM

by Teri Sutterfield

Easter is right around the

corner and soon we’ll gather our families around the table to share a meal and celebrate. If only the Easter Bunny took care of setting the table for Easter dinner. No matter—stop hopping around looking for the right look and consider these points when looking for the perfect dining room set and take the hassle out of shopping.

Style—the first thing that comes to mind. Think about how you’ll be using the table and how many people you’ll serve. You may want a table with an extendable leaf if you host large groups, but your immediate family is small. Today’s dining rooms are often more casual and open to other areas of the house, so consider other uses for your table, such as projects and homework. In that case you may want to choose a more casual style with durability and functionality in mind.

Size—it’s also important to determine the size and scale of the room in order to choose the right table. The rule of thumb for the general size of a table is the number of people in your family plus two and plan on about 24” of table length for each place setting. Also plan on at least three feet of distance between the table and a wall so guests have room to walk between the two.

OW TO PICK THE RIGHT DINING ROOM

Shape —another important consideration. A round table easily lends itself to conversation because all guests can see one another. However, rectangular tables are the classic shape for a reason—they fit a good number of people and are well shaped to the typical rectangular rooms in homes. Square tables can work well for smaller gatherings and are often used in breakfast nooks or informal spaces. Counter height tables are also popular and used in open floor plan spaces so that you have a view of the entire space while eating. Seating—determine whether the chairs allow for enough space in between guests. You certainly don’t want your guests to feel crowded and awkward. An alternative option to the typical wooden dining chair is a bench, which is helpful when you’re short on space. Upholstered dining chairs can also provide a softer look and feel at your table. We recommend finding a complete set that includes chairs, benches, and even barstools for a cohesive look. However, don’t be afraid to mix it up and find more eclectic items to group together to add interest to your room.

Surface—choose from endless options: solid wood, reclaimed wood, glass, laminate, stone and so many more. Select a surface that best meets the durability and needs of your family, as well as the overall style. You can also select finish and color options with many dining room groups that will flow well with the rest of your home.

Storage—extremely important for most of us. Many dining room groups come with storage built in which is important if your space lacks adequate storage. Consider a sideboard or even a china cabinet to store and display special items. Wine cabinets are also a great option for your dining room—they’re decorative and a great way for storing entertainment items. Now that you’ve considered what type of table you need, it’s time to consider how to finish out your room. Accessories are a great way to transform space. The first thing to consider is a rug to ground your table and give you a good foundation for decorating the rest of the area. Finding a dining room rug that is both stylish and practical doesn’t have to be difficult. A good rug can bring color, texture, and warmth and tie the room together. Here’s a couple of tips to make your rug search easier: Bigger is better A dining room rug should have at least 24” of extra room on all sides of the table to prevent tripping over the rug when chairs are pulled in and out. A bigger rug is always better than one that is too small for the space. Also consider the shape of the room—if your space is square, select a square or round rug. For a traditional rectangular room, it’s best to stick with a rectangular rug to fill the space nicely. Cleanable, practical options Because spills are inevitable in a dining room, it’s important to consider a rug with a flat weave or a low pile that is made from a natural fiber, such as cotton or wool. Thick, fluffy rugs are beautiful, but require more maintenance. Accessorize Think of your rug as a jumping off point for decorating your space. When choosing a color and pattern, look at it as an extension of the rest of your area. What colors are your walls, light fixtures, dining room set? What existing wall art and other accessories will you be using? The rug you choose should compliment your decorating style and can often be the piece of the puzzle that gives you inspiration for the rest of the items to add. Once you’ve chosen your rug, you can now accessorize the walls and the table in a complimentary fashion to pull the space together and make it fabulous.

Make entertaining and even everyday dinners more enjoyable. This starts with a great dining table to meet both you and your family’s needs for everyday use, as well as for entertaining. Then add decorative items to make the space all yours. Have fun with it and happy celebrating.

With a design degree from Baylor University, Teri has been in the design and furniture industry for twenty-nine years. She is the general manager and buyer for Moore’s Home Furnishings at 120 Harper Road in Kerrville. MooresHomeFurnishings.com. 830-895-5311.