It's November, and this year it's your turn to host the Thanksgiving dinner. You think, "It'll be fine", but then remember you only have a kitchen table that can barely fit your own family, and has coffee stains that have permanently become a part of its design. This holiday season, you'll need dining room tables suitable for your guest list. Luckily for you, we have several dining room sets available in our store, but there are many things to consider before buying. Here are 7 tips for buying dining room furniture that suits your needs, and prepares you for hosting some hungry guests.

Know the Size

Measure your space before deciding on a table you want to buy. Be realistic about the number of people you will need to seat at dinner time. By knowing the dining room table size you need, it'll easily fit into your dining area and give adequate space for chairs around the table. It's also important to know how much legroom is needed underneath if you decide on a round table, for example. These factors can all affect what type of dining set would work best in that specific space. The last thing anyone wants is bumping elbows during dinner time!

The St. Clair dining set by Magnussen Home

 

Consider Style

You'll want a table that suits the style of your home. If you like the farmhouse/rustic look, consider buying a table made from natural wood that will only look better with some wear and tear over the years. If you're not into the traditional look, then maybe a simple and clean contemporary/modern dining set would suit your home. There are dining sets available in every style, so you can even mix and match pieces to make your dining room set unique.

The House Friendship table by Sunny Designs, available for pick-up at our warehouse

Coordinate with Other Furniture

Buying a whole dining set is expensive and with Christmas right around the corner, you don't want to have to buy more than intended. Sometimes dining room furniture is available as a set that includes the dining table, chairs, and dining bench or dining chair. You can also choose to buy just your dining tables if you have existing dining chairs at home. No matter what style of dining room furniture suits your needs best - make sure it coordinates well with other pieces already in place throughout your house! By doing this, everything will flow nicely together without looking mismatched or out of place.

Kingston leg dining table with a set of Kingston slack back chairs

The Materials

You may think that the materials your dining room table are made out of won't matter, as long as it has enough space for people. It's actually more important than you think if you consider your lifestyle. If you'll be eating at the table frequently, then dining room tables that have a smooth surface will be easier to clean. If you plan on hosting dinner parties often and need the space for food trays or serving dishes, then consider dining tables that are made from strong, solid materials.

A Troubadour solid walnut dining table with a set of Brinkley dining chairs, on clearance

Shape is Important

There are dining tables in every shape and size imaginable. Some shapes work better for bigger families while others fit smaller dining rooms better. If you have a small dining room, then go with round or square-shaped dining sets that can seat up to four people each. A rectangular table would be best if your family is on the larger side (six members), but might not look as nice in a sparsely decorated dining room due to its overwhelming presence.

Coviar dining table set by Signature Design by Ashley

Decide on Durability

Dining room sets are available in every price range, so it's important to decide on what dining table best fits your budget. More expensive dining tables are typically more durable and can withstand years of family dinners without showing signs of breaking down over the years. At our furniture store, we have many durable brands including solid wood pieces made from the Amish. If you're looking for dining furniture that will last a while, then opt for dining chairs with solid wood or metal backs instead of a plastic or vinyl finish.

A dining table by Heartland Heritage Amish

Know Your Budget

Most dining tables are available at different price points, so it's important to think about how much you're willing to spend. There are dining sets that will fit any budget and dining room furniture is an investment piece that can last your family for years if treated well. You should also consider buying a dining set as part of the bigger picture - buy matching dining chairs with the table you've chosen so everything looks its best together. We have several pieces in stock, or ready to be taken home, but there are limited quantities, so hurry in!

So, no need to dust off the crumbs of that living room table, or cover up the water stains with strategically placed coasters. At The Furniture Mall of Texas, we have several dining sets in stock and ready to be shipped out. They are going to be going fast though, so if need one to suit your dining needs, then don't hesitate to stop in and take a look.

 

 

Written by Emily Holleran