With Thanksgiving having recently passed and Christmas right around the corner, you might be getting more use out of your dining room furniture than usual. However, if your tables and chairs are older or you have just moved into a new residence that still needs filling out, this season may also inspire you to start furniture shopping. The guide below offers tips for picking pieces that will best suit your dining room, family needs, and budget.

Table Shape

Most people have rectangular dining rooms that suit rectangular tables well. These typically also seat the greatest number of people. Square rooms lend themselves to square or round tables. 

Some options fluctuate between two different shapes. For example, you can get a square table that leaves lots of walking space around it for everyday eating but comes with an optional insert to expand the table when you have more guests. Measure your dining room and the doors and hallways leading to it carefully, and then compare them to the specs of the table you are interested in to make sure that it will fit easily.

Table Material

Most dining room tables are made of wood—such as mahogany, oak, maple, or walnut—because of its durability and natural beauty. However, some opt for budget-friendly laminate, which can mimic the look of wood but has a shorter life span. 

You can also choose a glass tabletop, which has the benefit of reflecting light to make rooms seem bigger and provides easy clean-up after spills. However, you have to be careful not to crack the material, which means not setting down hot items directly onto its surface. Both glass and metal tend to suit modern aesthetics and palettes that include a lot of neutrals. 

Chairs vs. Benches

A 60" rectangular table fits six chairs, while a 90" one can welcome eight. However, these chairs are often a separate purchase from the table. Sometimes, people mix and match their orders and get a bench in exchange for two or three chairs. This choice can create visual interest in the room, can accommodate more people—such as kids—if necessary, and is usually less expensive. 

However, benches don't work well with circular tables. They can also be more cumbersome if one of your guests needs to get up; they will have to ask their fellow benchwarmers to help scooch the bench backward or request that someone on the end stands, so weigh these pros and cons carefully.

If you're searching for new dining room furniture, go to the WRC Furniture Gallery in Dothan, AL. This store has been around since 1953, providing the beautiful, functional pieces that have transformed countless houses into well-loved homes. To learn more about their selection of affordable tables, chairs, and benches, visit their website. Call (334) 699-7467 with questions.