Tips on how to choose your dining tables and chairs

 

 

 

The dining room is where friends and family come together over a bountiful meal to share stories, trade jokes, and catch up. Therefore, it’s only right that your dining room experience is enriched by the aesthetics of your room and its furniture. Here at EXTG, we understand the pressure of achieving the perfect dining room experience and purchasing your crowning statement pieces - your dining tables and chairs.

On that note, here's our tried and tested recipe for dining design and celebrated tips on how to choose the perfect dining tables and chairs for your home.

 

Choosing the right dining table for the right dining experience

“If the home is a body, the table is the heart, the beating centre, the sustainer of life and health.”- Shauna Niequist

The best dining table for you will be one that works for your budget, is solidly constructed, fits in your space, and has a style you’ll love for years to come. There are some core factors you should consider when choosing a good table for your dining room.

• Choose a roundtable for a small space. The circular shape will easily fit in a tight space and create a cosy atmosphere. A roundtable is ideal for seating smaller parties.

• Rectangular tables work well in long, narrow rooms. Make sure that the width of the table is wide enough to comfortably fit crockery, cutlery, food, and other items and utensils.

• The symmetry and structure of a square room will look best with a square table. Much like round tables, square tables are ideal for small to medium-sized gatherings.
   

For choosing the base material of your table, mixing hard materials like glass, metal, or stone, with softer surfaces like wood and upholstery, creates an inviting balance.
 

 

On the hot seat to pick a good seat

Preparation is key. Start by measuring your table to get a good idea of what size your chairs should be. You don’t want to fall in love with a set, only to have the chairs arrive at your home and realise they don’t fit at your table. Keep in mind that your chairs don’t have to match your table. In fact, today it’s more fashionable to have chairs that complement, but don’t match your table.
Next, determine how many people you need to seat on a regular basis and how many people your table will actually hold. Most long rectangular or oval-shaped tables seat six, eight or ten people, while most square or round tables seat four, six or eight diners. Take note of where the legs of your table are located and how many chairs will fit around the table.

Don’t forget about comfort while capitalising on space and your wallet. While chairs with armrests may take up more space, they may be more comfortable in your space. You also want to keep the chairs light so that diners can easily push them in or pull them out from under the table.

 

Paying attention to the details - Upholestry and everything in between

Choosing tables and chairs with a common element usually ensures that they'll look good together. That common element can be the period, the colour undertone of the finish, or the level of formality. It can even be a single design element, such as the furniture legs or feet. That said, don't choose tables and chairs that share all of the same elements or you might as well just buy a matching set.
If you choose to upholster, you have plenty of options. Leather lasts a long time and wears well with age if properly cared for. Cotton and microsuede fabrics come in a wide range of colours and patterns and clean easily in the event of a spill. If you have young children dining with you regularly, that may be important. Also, consider chairs with removable cushions so that you can clean them, replace them if they become damaged, or switch them out with the seasons.

While an all-wood dining set works just as well, upholstered seating allows for customisation and further matching with the overall room decor. If the upholstered chairs have wood legs, make sure they match the wood of the table and other chairs.
 

 

Where can you find some of the finest dining tables and chairs?

It’s time to turn the tables on impractical dining areas, uncomfortable seating and knocking knees with your fellow diners by using these tips in optimising your dining room experience. For more information on what you need to look into when purchasing your next set of dining tables and chairs visit EXTG.