Posts Tagged ‘dining’

Delightful Dining

Friday, November 18th, 2016

Now is the season for large family gatherings and holiday parties.  Whether you are hosting party for friends or having your entire family over for the holidays, a meal is commonly the main event. If you have a formal dining room or a more casual space next to your kitchen for your table, it is important that your table and chairs are functional and comfortable while still showing your style. It is best to consider how and who will be using your dining room before designing the space. Are you looking for a formal room or a casual space your family uses every day? Will you need extra space and seating for many guests or space for small groups? What shape and size works best for the room?

The first thing to decide is the style of table you are looking for. The style and layout of the rest of your house will help determine what style will work best for you.  If you have a separate dining room, you may opt for a more formal style. Many of today’s houses have open floor plans where the kitchen, dining and living room spaces flow together or are laid out in a great room. Those spaces tend to be more casual in style.  Countertop height tables and stools are also becoming more popular but are definitely on the casual side.

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Even more important than style, is the size of your table.  No matter how good it looks, if the furniture does not function as you need it, you will regret it. Tables come in many shapes and sizes. There are three main shapes of dining tables; round/ oval, rectangular, and square. Each shape has its benefits but not all spaces will work for any shape. Round and oval table are good for small spaces because they have no corners making it easier to get around the table. They promote conversation because it is easy to see everyone seated around the table.  Rectangular tables are the most readily available.  Rectangular tables vary is greatly in size and may be adjustable for different situations. The width of the table is also important.  Too wide and you will not be able to converse easily around the table. Too narrow and there is not enough room for table settings and serving platters.  Between 36-48” is about the widest you should go. Square tables are probably the hardest to fit in a space and are best for small intimate groups.

It is important to measure to determine which shape best fits your space. Keep in mind for easy traffic flow there should be 36-48” of space between the wall or furniture and the edge of the table. Think about being able to walk behind someone while they are sitting at the table. It is a good idea to measure before you starting shopping.  An easy way to see how much space a table will take up in your room is to use a bed sheet or newspapers laid out in the shape and size. This allows you to visualize what size will fit in your room and works best for you.

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Another consideration is the number people you plan on seating at the table. Each person needs about 24” of eating space, so a 72” table fits a three people comfortably on each long side and one on each end.  Leaves are a great way to fit more people for larger gatherings. However, it is still necessary to have enough space for traffic to flow around the table.  Round or oval tables with pedestals are easier to fit people around them and may accommodate extra seating.

When you think of dining tables, an image of a wood table probably comes to mind. Hard woods such as hickory, oak, maple, and cherry are great for tables. Wood tables are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any room. Some may have smooth finishes where others are distressed and rustic. From elegant and formal dining tables to rustic farmhouse tables, it is possible to find the perfect table for your style.

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Wood is may be the most common material used for dining tables but it is not the only option.  Laminate top tables are more durable and work well as kitchen tables or for families. Glass tops are stylish choice and add a touch of modern light to a space.  A glass table will fit many decors from sleek contemporary to classic and elegant depending on the legs or pedestal. In smaller rooms, glass top tables appear to take up less space and give the room an open feel. Metal legs are common and recently metal tops are an option. For an added expense, stone is an excellent choice for table top.

After you have selected a table, next you need chairs.  There are an infinite number of chair styles available.  For a formal dining room, chairs that match the table really complete the look. To update formal style and make them more current, consider adding an upholstered chair at each end of the table.  Mix and match colors and styles for an eclectic look.  Upholstered chairs are a sophisticated look but consider the fabric when you purchase. Delicate fabrics may stain easily, while leather, vinyl, polyesters or synthetics are much easier to clean.

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You and your guests will enjoy your table more if the chairs are comfortable. Consider the depth and width, of the chair seat and back, to determine the style most comfortable for you. 22” inches is a good width for an armless chair. Avoid chairs narrower than 17”.  18-19” is the ideal seat height for as dining chair. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 12” from the top of the seat to the edge of the table. The size of your table will also affect the scale of you chair. Some chairs are heavier than others and can be harder to move for children and the elderly.

Whether its gets used every day or only a few times a year, a dining room table should be both functional and stylish.  At Hatch Furniture, we have a large selection of dining and kitchen tables of all sizes, shapes, and styles. Mix and match tables and chairs to find your perfect set.  Or customize a table and chairs with our Amish line.  Let our experienced staff help you create the dining space you have always wanted.

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