Room Concepts

When it comes to buying dining room furniture, the choices can be overwhelming. From the size of the table to the style of the chairs, each decision plays a crucial role in creating a space where family and friends can gather comfortably. In this dining room furniture buying guide, we’ll explore key factors to keep in mind to help you choose the perfect dining room set for your home.

What to Consider Before Buying Dining Room Furniture

Before buying dining room furniture, it’s important to consider the practical aspects of your dining table to ensure it meets your functional needs and aesthetic preferences. By carefully considering these key questions below, you’ll choose dining room furniture that not only enhances your space but also provides the functionality and style your home needs.

1. How Big Does Your Dining Room Table Need to Be?

Your dining room table is meant to be a place for loved ones to gather. So realistically, how many people does your table need to fit? If your immediate family is small, but you often host large gatherings, you may want to consider a dining room table that has leaves so it can be extended when hosting large groups.

2. What Will Fit Your Home?

When buying dining room furniture, you want to make sure it fits your home. Not just the size of your dining room set, but also the shape. You have to consider more than the size of the table; you also need to take into consideration the space needed around it to sit comfortably. The general rule of thumb is to account for two feet of space on every side for people to sit and move around the table comfortably. If you can leave more room, even better.

When it comes to the shape of your dining room table, square and rectangle tables are the most common. However, round or oval tables might fit your home better as they can give you a little more space to move around the table. However, beware of slightly less leg room beneath a round table. If you have tall loved ones, a round table may not be the best fit.

3. Does Your Home Have a Certain Style?

If your home already has a certain style, you’ll want to coordinate your dining room table with the rest of the nearby furniture or decor. Is your home’s style more rustic, traditional or modern? Your style will determine the type of material you’ll want to consider. 

You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to maintain different types of materials. A smooth surface will be easier to clean. Wood tables and chairs are easier to repair, but plastic and laminate tables resist staining and often require little upkeep.

If you don’t love standard dining room sets that you’ve seen, consider buying customizable dining room furniture. Custom dining room furniture will allow you to mix and match dining tables and dining chairs and then choose the finishes of your choice. With customizable dining room furniture, you know it’ll look perfect in your home.

How Long Does Dining Room Furniture Last?

When buying dining room furniture, you obviously want to know how long your investment is going to last. In general, dining room furniture can last anywhere from 5 to 20+ years. It all depends on the type of materials your dining room set is made of, the quality you buy and how well it’s maintained.

High-quality sets, like those made from solid wood, can last 20+ years with the right care. Less expensive sets may need to be replaced every 3-5 years, and that’s why we always recommend considering purchasing higher quality furniture that will last for years to come. Pieces of your set may even need to be replaced at different times. For example, an upholstered dining chair may need to be reupholstered or replaced sooner than the table itself,  but wooden chairs usually last longer, which may lead to replacing the whole set at once.

You can extend the life of your dining room furniture by using placemats, coasters, and tablecloths. This helps protect it from heat and scratches. The telltale sign it’s time to buy new dining room furniture? Yours is wobbly, the damage is an eyesore, or it no longer fits the space or your family.

Investing in dining room furniture is a decision that impacts the heart of your home for years to come. By choosing high-quality materials and maintaining your furniture with care, you can ensure it stands the test of time.

How to Tell if Dining Room Furniture is Good Quality

There are certain things to look for when buying dining room furniture to ensure you’re investing in good, quality pieces. Here are two questions to keep in mind when buying a dining table and chairs.

1. What is it Made of?

You may think it’s pretty easy to tell what type of material has been used to create a dining room furniture set, but veneer can often look like solid hardwood at first glance. To tell veneer from solid hardwood, keep an eye out for consistency in the grain. If made from solid hardwood, the grain should flow in the same direction. If the grain repeats itself, it’s likely made of veneer. The bottom and back of the piece should match the sides you see. If these woods don’t match, it’s likely veneer.

The best wood species for furniture that is durable and high-quality are hickory, maple, oak, walnut, cherry, and elm. Other types of wood can be used to create quality furniture, but buying dining chairs and tables made from one of these wood species (and of good build quality) ensures you’re buying a piece that can last generations.

2. What is the Build Quality?

There is one telltale sign that you’re buying dining room furniture with a good build quality. It may seem simple, but does it wobble or seem like it may fall apart easily? Good build quality means there are no wobbles or creaks when the furniture is used. Good quality pieces are held together by joints, not staples or screws, and the legs are not bolted or nailed on.

When purchasing dining room furniture, knowing what to look for in terms of materials and build quality is essential for making a wise investment. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can confidently buy dining room furniture that combines aesthetic appeal with durability.

How Much Should I Invest in Dining Room Furniture? 

Your budget is one of the main things to consider when buying dining room furniture, especially as the price of dining room furniture can vary so much. At Room Concepts, we work with you and your budget to find (or customize) a dining room set that meets your needs and your wants. Our furniture design experts have years of experience helping customers define their style and choose pieces that fit their home perfectly.

Ultimately, your dining room should be a reflection of your personal taste and a functional space that adapts to your lifestyle. By carefully considering multiple factors, from size and style to build quality and budget, you can create a dining space that not only looks stunning but also serves your family well for years to come. With the guidance provided in our Dining Room Furniture Buying Guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions that reflect both your functional needs and aesthetic preferences. 

Browse Custom Dining Furniture at Room Concepts in Greater Pittsburgh and North Hills

With expert advice and a range of options to suit any budget, Room Concepts is here to support you in creating a dining room that you’ll love for years to come. We offer high-quality dining room furniture in Pittsburgh and the North Hills that will complement any style of home. Get in touch with our team today or stop into one of our Pittsburgh area showrooms in Whitehall or Wexford, PA to benefit from our furniture experts when customizing or buying dining room furniture.