How to Choose The Perfect Dining Room

Arlington Designer — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:55:12 +0000

A mistake that many people make when choosing a dining room table is buying one based solely on looks. Sure, you want a beautiful and appealing home, but for many families the dining room table is used for more than just dining. Your decision needs to be based on other concerns, like your budget and coordination with other décor. By using the ideas and tips in this article you’ll be better informed and will be able to choose a table that is not only attractive but serves other functions as well.

Consider these questions before you start shopping

Do you need a table that spans several feet that will accommodate a disabled person or numerous guests?

How else, other than for dining, can the table be used? You’ll need a more durable top for your table if you intend to use it for activities that may cause scratches.

What should the size of the table be in order to comfortable fit the scale of the room? If you have a smaller area, don’t get a large formal dining table; the same applies for a larger area, don’t get a table that is small.

Can you afford to go all out on a table, or do you have a tighter budget? Money is a issue for lots of people, so make sure to determine your budget before shopping.

Shapes, sizes and usability

Don’t buy a dining table that looks very expensive or too fancy to touch unless you have a formal dining room that no one will use. People will feel very uncomfortable if they sit around a table that they don’t want to touch because they fear of leaving smudges.

Decide on a style and shape for your table. Do you want a round, oblong or square shape? What style best fits your dining room and kitchen? The style you want needs to flow easily into the décor of the living room as well if you have the living room and dining room areas flowing together. Go with a small dining room table if you have a small kitchen/ dining area so that you don’t end up overloading the space. A great look is an open, spacious country kitchen with a chunky wood table flanked by mismatched wooden chairs or even picnic benches.

Dining room tables used for multiple purposes

If you have limited counter space in your kitchen because it is small, you might find yourself preparing foods at the dining room table quite a bit. You can really damage the finish if you’re chopping and dicing! A tough surface that can be easily cleaned is what you want in this case.

Children usually do homework at the dining table, and families also like to spend time together playing card games and such at the table. Make sure that the surface is hardy and will be able to stand a good deal of abuse if it will be used for these activities. Letting a glass of water sit on certain surfaces for a few minutes can leave a mark as some of them are extremely delicate.

Before making a considerable investment in your dining room ensure that you know everything that your family uses the dining room table for. Consider your kitchen and dining room’s current style, and whether you need a small, cozy table or lots of space for family and guests. Now, when the time comes for you to shop, you’ll have all these questions answered in your mind and your decision will be much easier.

About the Author…

For over four decades Leon Tuberman has helped people with their furniture and interior decorating needs. He is the owner and operator of popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, home office and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Are you searching for wood desks for your home office or dining tables for your dining room furniture then they probably have everything you need.

Easy Tips for Decorating Your Dining Room on a Budget

Arlington Designer — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:43:13 +0000

Decorating your oak dining table is much simpler than it might seem. Some people do spend thousands of dollars just on decorating the dining room table. But it may not even take a hundred dollars to get that beautifully decorated dining room table you’ve always dreamed of. By making careful use of things you already have and throwing a little creativity into the mix, you can create a great-looking dining room table that fits within your budget.

Keep Placemats or a Tablecloth on the Table
Adding placemats or a tablecloth is one of the easiest ways to add instant style to your oak dining sets. While some tablecloths and placemats are rather expensive, there are more inexpensive options at department or discount stores. If you know how to sew and have a machine, then buy some inexpensive fabric and make your own.

Whatever fabric you choose is going to set the style for your dining room table. If you want a clean and simple look, use plain-colored fabric. A patterned design might work well if you plan on only putting placemats or the tablecloth on the table.

Utilize the China You Already Have
Rather than simply storing your good china away in a kitchen cabinet or hutch, consider displaying it on your dining room table. This is a great way to add some interest to the table. It’s okay if you never use that china, as you are only displaying it for décor reasons and not for actual use. If you already have a good set of china, this can also be a money saver, as you don’t have to pay additional money for a new setting to display.

Look to Nature for Décor Pieces
Nature provides us with so many different decorating options that don’t cost a thing. When you spend time outdoors, you are surrounded by inspiration for some really beautiful and unique dining room table centerpiece ideas.

· Creating a pretty centerpiece can be as simple as a vase of freshly picked flowers—and they smell nice too.

· A bowl filled with pinecones and dried flowers can really get your dining table ready for the fall season.

· If you have an apple tree or know someone who does, you can place some apples in a bowl for a centerpiece.

· You can also use fruits such as lemons and limes.

· Try placing a simple potted plant on the table for a clean, fresh look.

Use Candles to Decorate Your Dining Room Table
Not only do candles on your dining room table add a romantic ambience to the room, but they will also add some great interest and style to the table. You can create an instant centerpiece by placing some inexpensive candles in a row or a circle in the center of the table. You might also consider a candelabra for the centerpiece. For another centerpiece idea, add a glass bowl filled with water to the table and fill it with floating candles. With so many different candle options available, you should be able to find the perfect thing that fits your own unique decorating style.

Decorating your dining room table doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With any of these great dining room table decorating ideas, you can stick to your budget while creating a stylish and unique table for your home.

Arlington Home Design » dining tables

How to Choose The Perfect Dining Room

Easy Tips for Decorating Your Dining Room on a Budget