How to choose a kitchen table and chair set

Choosing the right kitchen table and chair set can be trickier than it may appear. The set will be the centre of kitchen life; it will see years of cooking, eating and maybe other activities like homework or sorting out the bills. The set you choose, then, must not only complement the look of your kitchen, but needs to be practical as well.

Choosing kitchen and chair sets

You will need to consider practical as well as aesthetic aspects of your new purchase.

• Size matters! Measure your kitchen and decide realistically what size table and chairs will be comfortable in it. Leave room for safe cooking, movement with hot food and pushing back chairs to sit down and get up
• Comfort matters too. Try the chairs, and the table and chairs together
• Choose a surface that is practical. Wood is beautiful but can be scored and scratched easily. Retro hard lino tables are very hardwearing, and toughened glass can be too, although it needs protection from scratches, and frequent dusting to look good
• Match the look of your set to the rest of the kitchen's aesthetics. Choose a look for your kitchen and find furniture to match
• A repainted wooden table can look great, but choose a hardwearing paint like gloss for longevity

Decide on your budget before looking, and stick to it! Avoid finance deals if you can, as you will have to pay for it, with interest, at some point. Many deals can have prohibitive interest and traps in the fine print.

Taking into consideration both aesthetic and practical considerations before you search will result in the best table and chairs combination for your kitchen.

Finding the right table and chair set for your kitchen

The right kitchen table and chair set for you may not be where you expect it. Sure, check out your local furniture stores and compare prices. But also consider other options.

Furniture auctions can be fantastic places to pick up bargain kitchen chair and table sets. From almost new through to retro and antique, these auctions display a variety of furniture that often sells at ridiculously low prices. Bring an expert, check the furniture carefully before the auction starts, and set an absolute maximum price before bidding.
Quality second hand tables and chairs can also be had at used furniture warehouses, or online. Always inspect the furniture before buying, and only buy pieces in excellent condition.

For a retro, creative kitchen, try mismatched but congruent chairs. Collecting beautiful wooden chairs over a period of time and stripping and treating them or repainting them all the same colour can create a warm delightful and unique effect.

Selecting kitchen table and chair sets

Whether you are replacing an existing set, or choosing one for a new home, choosing a table and chairs set for your kitchen can be fun and rewarding. A well chosen set is within nearly everyone's budget when you consider options like furniture auctions as well as new purchases. The set should fit the space, feel comfortable and look complementary to your kitchen.