The dining room is often the heart of the home, where family and friends gather for meals, share stories, and create memories. Selecting the right dining set is crucial to making this space both functional and beautiful. Raymour & Flanigan offers an incredible range of dining sets to suit different styles, tastes, and needs.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to select the perfect dining set for your home and showcase some of the best options available at Raymour & Flanigan. We’ll explore everything from size and material to style and functionality, so you can make an informed choice and enjoy dining in style.
1. Consider Your Dining Space Size and Layout
The first step in choosing the ideal dining set is to understand your dining room’s layout and size.
- Size of the Dining Set: Measure your dining room before selecting a set to ensure you find something that fits comfortably without making the room feel cramped. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 36 inches of space between the table and walls to allow for easy movement.
- Seating Capacity: Think about how many people you regularly need to seat. For a small family, a round or square four-seat table is often sufficient. Larger families or those who entertain frequently might need an extendable dining table with six to eight seats.
Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Jasper 5-Piece Dining Set is ideal for smaller spaces. It offers a stylish yet compact design perfect for breakfast nooks or apartments.
2. Choosing the Right Shape
Dining sets come in several shapes, and the one you select should match your room’s layout and fit your needs.
- Round Tables: Great for smaller spaces, round tables make it easy to fit everyone at the table comfortably. They also create a more intimate dining experience, encouraging conversation.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Riley Round Dining Set provides a cozy, classic look, making it perfect for smaller dining rooms or eat-in kitchens.
- Rectangular Tables: This is the most common choice for dining sets, as they fit well in rectangular rooms and can accommodate more people.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Bradford Rectangular Dining Set offers an extendable leaf, allowing you to adapt the table size based on your needs, whether it’s a regular family dinner or a holiday feast.
- Square Tables: Square tables work well in square rooms and provide balanced symmetry. They are typically suitable for smaller gatherings.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Elena Square Dining Set is perfect for an intimate family setting while also bringing a contemporary flair to your dining space.
3. Selecting the Best Material
The material of your dining set affects the look, feel, and durability of your dining space. Here are some popular options:
- Wood: Classic and versatile, wood suits almost any decor style. Dining sets made from solid hardwood like oak or walnut are durable and bring a sense of warmth to the room.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Hudson Solid Wood Dining Set is a timeless choice that suits both traditional and modern dining areas.
- Glass: Glass dining tables create the illusion of more space and give a room a sleek, contemporary feel. However, they do require regular cleaning to maintain their shine.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Avery Glass Dining Set features a tempered glass tabletop that adds a chic and airy vibe to your dining area, perfect for modern homes.
- Metal: Metal is often used in combination with other materials to create an industrial or modern look. It’s sturdy and can easily withstand wear and tear.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Metro Metal Dining Set combines wood and metal for an urban, industrial aesthetic, making it a great fit for loft-style apartments.
4. Think About Style
Your dining set should reflect the overall style of your home. Here are some common styles to consider:
- Traditional: Classic dining sets often feature intricate woodwork, rich finishes, and upholstered chairs. They exude elegance and are ideal for formal dining rooms.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Victoria Traditional Dining Set features ornate carvings and a deep mahogany finish that adds an opulent touch to any dining room.
- Modern: Modern dining sets focus on clean lines, minimalism, and neutral colors. They’re perfect for those who prefer a more understated look.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Zen Modern Dining Set offers a sleek design with metal accents, adding a sophisticated yet subtle touch to your home.
- Farmhouse: For a more relaxed, rustic look, farmhouse dining sets incorporate natural wood finishes and distressed details.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Harvest Farmhouse Dining Set adds a welcoming, rustic charm with its weathered wood finish and bench seating option.
5. Dining Set Features to Look For
When choosing a dining set, consider additional features that may enhance functionality or make your dining area more versatile.
- Extendable Tables: Extendable tables are ideal if you entertain guests frequently but don’t need a large table on a daily basis. You can adjust the size according to your needs.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Carson Extendable Dining Set is perfect for holiday gatherings or larger family dinners.
- Bench Seating: Dining benches are a great option if you want to add more seating without the bulk of additional chairs. They can also create a more casual, cozy atmosphere.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Hartley Bench Dining Set offers a mix of chairs and a bench, making it easy to accommodate extra guests when needed.
- Storage Solutions: Some dining sets come with additional storage, like built-in shelves or wine racks. These can be especially helpful for smaller dining spaces.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Camden Storage Dining Set includes a convenient shelf underneath the table, offering a place to store placemats, napkins, or other dining essentials.
6. Comfort is Key
While aesthetics are important, comfort should be a top priority when selecting a dining set. Comfortable chairs encourage guests to linger, making dinners more enjoyable.
- Upholstered vs. Non-Upholstered Chairs: Upholstered chairs provide extra comfort, but they may require more maintenance to keep clean. Non-upholstered chairs are easier to clean, especially if you have young children.Raymour & Flanigan Pick: The Chelsea Upholstered Dining Set provides plush seating for enhanced comfort, perfect for long dinners or family game nights.
- Chair Back Style: Chairs with higher backs offer more support, while lower-back or backless chairs work better in smaller spaces, creating a more open feel.
7. Popular Dining Sets at Raymour & Flanigan
Here are some of the most popular Raymour & Flanigan dining sets that customers love:
- Belmont 7-Piece Dining Set: Featuring a modern design with six comfortable chairs, this set is perfect for both casual and formal gatherings.
- Lexington 9-Piece Dining Set: Ideal for larger dining rooms, this set includes eight chairs and a spacious table, perfect for big family meals.
- Savannah Drop-Leaf Dining Set: This compact set is perfect for small spaces, with drop leaves that can be extended to accommodate more guests as needed.
Conclusion: Find Your Ideal Dining Set at Raymour & Flanigan
Choosing the perfect dining set is all about balancing style, functionality, and the specific needs of your home. Whether you’re looking for something modern and sleek or rustic and cozy, Raymour & Flanigan has a wide range of dining sets to help you create the perfect dining experience.
Take your time to explore all the options available, measure your space, and think about your family’s needs. The right dining set will not only enhance your dining area but also create the perfect setting for memorable family meals and gatherings.
Visit Raymour & Flanigan online or in-store to browse their wide range of dining sets and find the one that fits your home perfectly.