Home Styles and Interesting Designs: Dining Room Furniture

Dining Room Furniture

Dining Room Furniture

Naturally, a dining room couldn’t do its job without an eating surface. A table that seats eight to twelve is optimal. The top priority is that the table fits comfortably within the room’s parameters and affords those seated free range of movement. The table will have about as much presence in the room, so choose one you love the most. If the chosen one is made of wood, here are some tips you may need to know before making a decision.

Dining Room Furniture

Dining Room Furniture

# Look for quality wood

Wood comes in two varieties based on the plant species it comes from — hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is typically stronger and more expensive, and includes ash, cherry, maple, oak, teak, walnut, and mahogany. Softwood — like cedar, fir, and pine — is less expensive and more dent-prone.

# Check the joints

You might not see them, but the joints of any interlocking piece of furniture should be double- or triple-doweled, corner blocked, glued, and high-pressure stapled for support. Always double-check the joints.

Dining Room Furniture

Dining Room Furniture

# Stay level

Since most homes have variations in the floor level, large pieces of wood furniture, like entertainment centers, dressers, and amoires, should have leveling devices in the base to provide better balance. Otherwise, you might end up with doors sticking or drawers not sliding open.

# Inspect the finish

Wood furniture should feel smooth to the touch (unless it’s distressed). Inspect the finish from different angles: The finish should be clear and uniform in color, with no visible lines, dark spots, dents, or bubbles.