Your Guide to Buying Dining Room Sets: Comparing Options

Purchasing a dining room set is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and planning. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating an inviting space where memories are made, shared, and cherished. Whether you’re hosting a grand dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal with your family, the right dining set can make a difference.

Ahead is your guide to buying dining room sets and comparing options based on style, material, size, and price. Let's help you find the perfect match that will reflect your style and cater to your practical needs.

Types of Dining Room Sets

Let’s look into the different types of dining room furniture available. From solid wood dining room sets to upholstered, stylish sets, your dining room will feel elevated and sophisticated.

Wood Dining Room Sets

Wood dining room sets are a timeless choice that imbues warmth and elegance into your dining space. At Dutch Craft Furniture, we use only hardwoods such as red and white oak, maple, cherry, and walnut for our furniture. All our Amish dining sets can be built in any of these wood species, and prices vary by wood type.

Hardwoods offer durability and intricate grain patterns, making them ideal for an investment piece. Oak and hickory have a prominent grain texture, adding a relaxed, farmhouse appeal and hide scratches and knicks from daily wear and tear. Warm gray and brown stain colors look beautiful as they showcase the color variations in the wood. The subtle grain texture of maple and cherry adds a touch of class. Darker stain colors on maple and cherry shine in formal settings, while lighter tones add warmth without dominating the space.

Upholstered Dining Room Sets

Upholstered dining room sets offer a blend of comfort and style, transforming your dining area into a sophisticated gathering space. They feature chairs with padded seats and backs, covered in fabrics ranging from sumptuous velvet to durable leather or even easy-to-clean synthetic materials. Design choices are virtually limitless, with a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures available to match any interior style.

The added padding offers enhanced comfort, making upholstered sets a perfect choice for those long, leisurely meals with family or friends. However, they may require more maintenance than non-upholstered sets, especially in homes with children or pets. Spot cleaning or professional upholstery cleaning may be necessary to keep the fabric looking fresh and vibrant over time. When opting for an upholstered dining set, it's worth considering a balance between aesthetics, comfort, and practicality.

Custom Dining Room Sets

Custom dining room sets make a statement, allowing you to tailor your dining space to your preferences and needs. Here at Dutch Craft, it is important to recognize that choosing the size, wood, stain color, and fabric is NOT considered custom. These are all standard options of having a dining room set handcrafted by our Amish craftsmen. While many of our most popular colors and sizes are in stock for pickup today or delivery within a few weeks, having a set made to order will usually have an 8–12-week lead time.

We also encourage completely custom orders, where you can bring us inspiration from Pinterest, a sketch you hand drew, or any other vision you may have. This requires a conversation with a member of our team to discuss the details and construction.

This flexibility can benefit those with specific spatial constraints or unique interior design themes. However, it's essential to note that custom dining sets typically come at a higher cost than ready-made options due to the additional labor and materials involved in their manufacture. But for those who value a truly personalized space or have specific needs, a custom dining set can be a worthwhile investment.

Tips for Purchasing Dining Room Sets

Now that you know more about different dining options, here are some tips for buying dining room sets and determining what’s right for you. Proper planning, measuring, and budgeting can help make dining set shopping significantly easier.

Properly Measure Your Space

Before you embark on your search for the perfect dining room set, it's crucial to measure your space accurately. This will ensure your new furniture fits comfortably and harmoniously within the room. Start by measuring the length and width of your dining area, noting down the dimensions. Remember to consider the clearance space for chairs—typically, you'll want to allow at least three feet from the edge of your table to the wall or any other furniture so guests can easily move in and out of their seats.

A handy tip is to use painter's tape to map out the size of the potential dining set on your floor, giving you a visual sense of how much space it will occupy. Taking the time to measure your space properly will save you from potential fit issues down the line and aid in finding a dining set that enhances the proportions and flow of your room.

Choose Quality Materials

Choosing quality materials for your dining room set is crucial, as it directly affects the durability, aesthetics, and maintenance of your furniture. Solid wood is a traditional and high-quality choice known for its longevity and classic appeal. Options like oak, walnut, or hickory are hard-wearing and can withstand daily use.

At Dutch Craft Furniture, a very important feature is the expanding tabletops. All our dining tables have the option of added leaves. Most tables self-store the leaves right inside and open easily with gear driven slides, allowing a person to expand the table by yourself. A standard six-person table can easily open to seat 10-12 when it’s your turn to host the holidays.

Focus on Comfort and Style

When choosing your dining room set, balancing comfort and style is paramount. The dining room is where people come together—not just for meals, but for meaningful conversations and bonding. Therefore, the chairs should look appealing and provide the requisite comfort for extended periods of sitting.

You could consider chairs with contoured backs and seats or opt for upholstered chairs with ample padding. The style of the dining set should complement your existing interior decor. Regardless of the style chosen, ensure it brings joy and adds character to your home while also providing a comfortable dining experience.

Consider Durability and Longevity

Longevity and durability are key factors when purchasing a dining room set. Since it’s a significant investment, you want to ensure that your chosen set withstands the test of time and daily use. This is where the choice of material comes into play. For instance, hardwoods like oak, hickory, or walnut are resistant to wear and tear and can serve you for years or even generations.

Also, consider the construction quality of the set. Features such as reinforced joints, sturdy hardware, and high-quality finishes can contribute significantly to the overall durability of your dining set. Investing in durability and longevity now could save you from frequent replacements and repairs.

Buying a dining room set is an exciting yet important task that requires thoughtful consideration. It's more than just selecting a beautiful piece—it's about finding an option that combines aesthetics with function, durability, and comfort. At Dutch Craft Furniture, our Amish dining room sets create a warm ambience for special events, celebrations, or family dinners with handcrafted, quality materials. Ask us about our furniture today.