In every home, there are usually three main common rooms in which people spend most of their time. The cooking room, the common reading and entertainment room, and the eating room all see their fair share of use. Just as kitchen and dining room furniture have evolved to meet the needs of modern families, so have dining sets.
Traditionally, dining sets consisted of a large rectangular table surrounded by chairs. The two chairs at each head had arms, while the chairs at the sides had no arms. The furniture is almost always made of wood, and pre-19th century, unique for each home. While custom parts are still available today, they can be prohibitively expensive. Here’s a look at some of the most common styles of tables and chairs that are available today.
Modern
While wood may be the most common material for tables and chairs, there are other options for non-traditionalists. A metal table can bring a modern, minimalist look to any setting, especially when paired with a more casual seating arrangement such as benches and stools. If you prefer a modern look, but without the metal, you can find a glass top table to fit any size area. To complete the look, the clear plastic chairs are available in several styles. Along with the sleek styling, the glass and plastic also make it easy to clean.
Second hand
If buying new dining sets isn’t your cup of tea, there are many wonderful options available in the classifieds or vintage stores. A collection of bruised and battered tables and chairs can be brought back to life with a bit of sandpaper and a few coats of lacquer. Or if you prefer the more rustic look, you can leave the scratches and dents on the piece.
redesigned
If you’re a skilled craftsman, or just have a lot of time on your hands, you can try creating your own table out of older materials. Some common materials used are plank flooring, particularly in rarer woods like redwood, old wooden doors, and even wood salvaged from shipwrecks. Done correctly, these materials can become truly unique dining sets that not only look fantastic, but also offer a story that can be told to any guest who sits in them.
intimate
Although the traditional table for meals is long and rectangular, more and more families are moving away from this trend. In some cases, it is due to the restrictions that a smaller living room places on the size of the furniture. However, more often than not, families simply prefer to sit closer to each other. This has led to the rise in popularity of small round or square dining sets. These accommodations typically hold four to six people maximum and allow for easy interaction and conversation.
