subject: Qualities of a Dinette Set [print this page] Qualities of a Dinette Set Qualities of a Dinette Set
Not every meal is a formal occasion, and if you just want to quickly sit down for breakfast or lunch at home, the dining room is too elaborate of a location. Instead, add a dinette to your kitchen for all of your casual meals, and save the dining room (and your fine china) for special occasions. If you are new to dinettes, these small dining sets consist of a table close to the size of those in a restaurant or caf and two or four chairs. Several materials, from wood to laminate to glass and metal, can be used for the furniture.
Durability is a quality many families require for furniture, from the couch to beds, and dinettes are no different. A table and chairs needs to hold up to standard wear and tear from children, as well as any spills or other accidents. Although wood or glass is attractive, neither material is practical, but laminate offers the appearance of wood with more durability. A laminate dinette consists of a wood-like table that is resistant to scratches and staining. A spill, for example, can just be wiped off the surface. Two or four chairs accompany the table, and these may be stationary or have a swivel caster base with upholstered seats.
Space is another factor to consider. Those in apartments or with small kitchens have a limited amount of room, but adding a dinette is not impossible. Depending upon the number of people in your home, a bistro-style dinette one with two chairs is practical. If you have three or four people who regularly need to use the dinette, however, look for a model with four stationary chairs that can be stacked.
Style is a significant factor for many, as a dinette added to a space should not stand out. Many styles of dinette sets are sold, but designs come down to three different types: traditional, contemporary, and retro.
Traditional dinettes are made out of wood or laminate. A round or square-top wood table has two or four matching upholstered chairs. Although finished hardwood is attractive, wood is not practical for everyone, and laminate sets have a wood appearance and more durability. Traditional dining sets, as well, often come with swivel caster seats, which are larger than most chairs and have armrests.
Contemporary dinette sets are made out of glass and metal, and while attractive, they can be more fragile than other styles. Contemporary dinettes, with distinct curved or angular lines, blend in with minimalist dcor. If, however, you think this style does not offer much variety, metal, much like wood, can be finished. Your dinette set, then, may have chrome or darker-colored metal paired with a glass tabletop.
Retro dinettes combine these two styles and are modeled after 1950's and 60s diner table sets. Typically, a metal table and chairs, with a chrome finish, are paired with a laminate tabletop.
