As the age-old adage goes, “home is where the heart is.” The dining room specifically is much more than just a place to enjoy home-cooked meals. It’s also a space for sharing, entertaining, and creating lasting bonds with friends, guests, and loved ones of all stripes. Part of what makes your dining room experience so special is the way that you furnish it, developing a space all your own with wall art, area rugs, and of course, the dining table and chairs set. Seasoned interior designers claim that proper dining room sets should incorporate both functionality and style, allowing you to marvel at the beauty of your furniture, while also using it as a centerpiece for meals and game nights.

What To Consider Before Buying Your Dining Room Set

To learn what to look for in a dining room set, take a look at a few of our top picks below. We’ll also list a handful of key tips for selecting the best piece of furniture for your space.

Space

Before you commit to purchasing a dining room set, first think about how much available space you have in your home. Measure the dimensions of the area you want to place your dining set to ensure it fits without cluttering the space. When measuring, be sure to consider the shape of the table — whether square, round, or rectangular — based on the layout of your room, as well as your personal preferences. Don’t forget to account for the space taken up by chairs either, as you’ll want plenty of room to lean back, stretch out, and collect any plates left behind after a satisfying meal.

Comfort

When it comes to dining chairs, comfort is key. Look for sets with ergonomic chairs that have ample padding so that you and your guests can sit and eat comfortably during meals. Depending on your body type, you may also want to opt for something with ample lumbar support, as you’ll likely be spending a minimum of an hour in this seat every night.

Style and Aesthetics

Speaking of personal preferences, your preferred design style is another important consideration to make when shopping for dining room sets. You can find dining room sets in a wide range of styles, from modern, to farmhouse, to industrial, and beyond. With this in mind, be sure to pick a style that not only matches but complements your existing decor. Pay careful attention to the details such as chair designs, table legs, and finishes so you can create a cohesive space.

Shape, Size, and Material

The shape and size of your dining table depend on how many people you plan to host. For example, round tables tend to be a bit smaller, so they’re more likely to promote an intimate ambiance. On the other hand, rectangular tables are great for gatherings that are a bit bigger. The material of the dining room set plays a pretty big role in how long it’s likely to last. Common materials typically include wood, metal, or glass, each with its own unique features and benefits. For example, classic wooden sets tend to exude warmth, while glass adds a sleek and modern touch.

Dining Room Sets To Shop Now

By taking the time to evaluate the most important factors, you can choose the best dining room set for your space. If you need help deciding, you can always consult with our list below.

Bianca 3 – Piece Dining Set

This 2-person dining set, courtesy of Trent Austin Design offers a high-top wood and metal table with a pair of luxurious upholstered chairs. The rustic detailing is perfect for anyone seeking a mid-century vibe in their home, and the intimate seating makes for a special place to share a romantic candlelit dinner. Though this piece offers little opportunity for hosting large parties, you can always pair it with another set as long as your room dimensions allow for it. Plus, you simply can’t beat the price, at just $180 before sales and discounts.

Aunnika 5 – Piece Trestle Dining Set

If a 4-person rig is more your speed, be sure to check out this finely crafted dining room set courtesy of Wade Logan. The tempered glass top on this gorgeous five-piece set provides an elegant atmosphere while the walnut legs offer a sturdy and grounded base. This set is a perfect place for you and your nuclear family to bond over dinner while discussing grades, career goals, and anything else that crosses your mind. The set can also be found in other colors and styles, so don’t fret if you’ve got a very specific color theme going.

Altha 6 – Person Dining Set

On the pricier side, we have the Altha 6-person set designed by Lark Manor. Though this seven-piece set clocks in at a five-digit price, you’ll surely find it worth your while if you love to entertain groups, host Thanksgiving dinner, or engage in tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons. The solid wood table comes with a removable leaf for the days when you’re looking to downsize, and offers 6 upholstered chairs that won’t leave you sore if you’re locked in a multi-hour discussion about the finer things in life. With free full-service delivery on each purchase, you may find that the prohibitive cost isn’t so bad in the long run.

Linzy 6-Person Pine Solid Wood Dining Set

For a less expensive but still luxurious 6-person dining room set, look no further than the Linzy pine table designed by Wade Logan. The wirebrush frame comes in a walnut, seashell, white sand, and jet black accent tone, which will surely draw eyes from all corners of the house. In this set, the standard individual seats are swapped for picnic-style benches, offering easier storage options and better navigation for tighter spaces. While you may not be able to roast s’mores over an open flame on this luxury tabletop, you could always break out the fondue set and take your indoor camping adventure to the next level.

Edward Statement Pedestal Table Set

The Edward Statement Pedestal set takes minimalism, modernity, and negative space to the next level, offering a 5-person outfit that will make your home look as futuristic and upscale as an Apple Store. All five chairs in this set come with a fully covered faux leather upholstery, allowing you and your fiends to wine, dine, and opine at peak comfort. Like some of the previously mentioned sets, this dining table costs a pretty penny. Even still, you may find that this set periodically becomes marked down with major sales and promotions. At the time of this writing, it’s going for more than 50 percent off.

Baryn 5 – Piece Trestle Dining Set

Closing things out, we’ve got another high-top bar style dinging room set, complete with a sparkling metal frame and four armless stools. This is the perfect set for those looking to reflect the blessings of their dining space outward to the rest of the home. It could also be the perfect accent piece during major sporting events, where you and your friends can split snacks and game-themed beverages to your heart’s content. The glass top is easy to clean, while the metal frame offers a sparse, almost sterile vibe, which should be perfect to offset the chaos of a bustling family space.

Now that we’ve outlined a few of our personal favorites, let’s discuss some widely accepted guidelines for choosing the dining room set that’s right for you. Whether you’re purchasing from the above links, or snagging a curb deal from Facebook Marketplace, you’ll want to keep the following criteria in mind. Key details include your use of space, comfort, and interior aesthetic.

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