Jul 07 2009
Purchasing Dining Room Furniture
Take advantage of these hints on how you can get the right size, fit, and comfort in your new dining room furniture.
How Big and Comfy
When you purchase a new dining room set, you have to think about how you want to eat. Many people want to feel comfortable at the dinner table, so it’s important to have enough “elbow room” for everyone. Just allow for 24-30 inches per person and you’ll be fine.
The next thing to look into is your leg room. Depending on the seating arrangements, each individual should be able to have a leg at each corner, a center pedestal, and enough trestles to keep it stable. Even if you want a true architectural design, you can do it as long as there is enough leg room for comfortable seating.
While the table will be easy to choose, the dining chairs are different story. You want to be able to relax at dinner, which is why the backs should be upright. This way you get support and can still move up close to the table.
Don’t get the chairs that have wide legs. You’ll end up having problems and if guests are over they will feel uncomfortable. Plus, they could be weaker then the other chairs.
Your oak dining room furniture should also be able to slide nicely underneath the table. If you’re having problems, then the one you’re looking at probably isn’t a smart purchase.
Oh, and don’t forget about the apron. So many times we’ve seen families purchase a new dining room table, and then have their legs squished in between the chair and the apron. If you’re having this same issue, look for another option.
Standard Table Sizes
Obviously your new table needs to fit in your dining room, so figure out what type of room you need. This will narrow down your options a bit, which is usually better.
If you need a few of the normal sizes, we’ve listed the most popular below:
ROUND: – 36-inch diameter seats 2 – 40-inch diameter seats 4 – 56-inch diameter seats 8
SQUARE: – 38-inch square seats 4 – 60-inch square seats 8
RECTANGULAR/OBLONG: – 36 x 60 seats 6 – 36 x 72 seats 6 to 8 – 36 x 84 seats 6 to 8 – 48 x 96 seats 8 to 10 – 48 x 132 seats 12
Styles that are Common for Wood Dining Chairs
- Parsons- This traditional style is popular amongst families who enjoy tall, straight back linear design. They can also come with skirts on them.
- Queen Anne- The urn-shaped center splat makes this 18th century chair unique. You will also find a recognizable crest rail on the top of the back part of the chair.
- Windsor- Anytime you see this chair, you’ll enjoy spindles and stick legs that come from the English style. You’ll be able to choose from bow and hoop-back options.
- Regency/Empire- This beautiful style offers a 19th century style and has a magnificent feature, which includes a scroll back, squared top, and saber legs.
- Midcentury- These are modern house styles that were born in the mid-twentieth century.
- Chippendale- Offering elaborate splats, this 18th century design comes from British carpentry. You could also find ball and claw feet included.
- Shaker- This is also known as the Ladder-back and their simplicity can make the difference in any country styled home. Plus the seats are usually woven from rush or tape.
Choosing the Finish
Bleach- Obviously you don’t want to add the Clorox to your furniture, but “bleach” basically means that the colors are lighter. In fact, some finishes will be almost white with the grain still showing. You will also notice a lacquer that is used to seal the bleaching effect.
Enamel- You’ll find that enamel actually hides the color and grain of the wood. This is done by applying it over a couple of primer coats. Taking advantage of these will make it scratch resistant.
Lacquer- Some individuals may want a quick-drying application, which in this case is lacquer. Most of the time there are several layers added, but it can show the grain or change the color of it nicely.
Oil- When you rub oil into the wood surface several times, it will give off a natural appearance. Even though they are delicate, they restore a piece easier.
Paint- The basic idea of applying paint is to hide any imperfections in the product. It’s probably the most popular style out there because most people can do it themselves. Just remember there are several ways to achieve a perfected finish when using paint.
Shellac- This option was used many years ago to allow for cheaper costs to consumers. However, it’s also easy to damage and shows water marks if not kept dry. Most people today use it as a sealer.
Stain- One of the reasons everyone loves stain finishes is thanks to the alterations in colors. Depending on the wood your dining room furniture is made out of, it could give you a unique appeal that no other home has today. Once you have the right color, the clear finish is applied over the stained wood.
Varnish- This is used to leave a transparent coating with a brown-styled touch. You can choose from matte, satin, or glossy depending on your preference. It’s usually used on antiques and reproduction pieces.
Wax- This is used when you want to maintain a natural look, but will also give you the protection you desire. Just keep in mind it might darken the wood a little, so you’ll have to reapply periodically. You can develop sheen if you buff it, but how much depends on the duration of the buffing process.