What to Look for WhenBuying a Dining Room Set

When you buy a brand new dining room set, you'll want to steer away from discount furniture retailers that offer low quality furniture while claiming high quality prices. To get the best furniture set for your family, keep the following features and benefits in mind.

Comfort

Make sure that the dining room seating is comfortable for at least a couple of hours, especially if you plan to entertain frequently. Even if you don't entertain, having comfortable furniture can reduce back pain and muscle tension; so choose dining room chairs that offer both padded comfort and firm back support.

Style

If your dining room already has a style all its own, make sure your new dining set fits in cohesively with the theme. There are furniture sets for practically every style or color palette imaginable; and if you shop online, you'll likely find an ideal match.

Durability

You don't want to sacrifice durability for a lower price. Your dining room furniture should last at least ten years or more depending on quality, materials, and care. Some dining sets constructed of solid oak, cherry, or walnut wood have lasted for many decades with some pieces being even more durable. It can be tempting to get dining tables made of a lighter weight or engineered wood to save money; and while these pieces can also last a long time, they generally will not withstand the comparitive tests of time like the hardwoods. When it comes to choosing a furniture set based on price alone, you're likely to get furniture that does not last as long as expected; and paying $100 five times is just as expensive as paying $500 one time.

Size

Do you really know the size of your dining room? If not, get a measuring tape and determine the square footage of the room. If you don't know the dimensions of your dining room, you can't hope to find the right dining set that will fit within your space. Many people make the mistake of measuring only the room and comparing that to the dimensions on the dining table they want to order. The problem with this is that you need additional space beyond the furniture. You need to make sure that you have room for all of your seating. Your guests should be able to push out and pull in their chair comfortably. For this reason, you should add about 18 inches space around the table and chairs.

Also keep in mind that dining room sets don't just include tables and chairs. You can also choose other options when you buy a dining set such as adding an armoire for table cloths, runners, and table décor. You can also usually choose a dining set that has a matching buffet or sideboard that can provide additional space to lay out food during large dinners. You'll find many of these complete dining room furniture collections online.