The kitchen table set is a wonderful gathering place of family and friends. It provides facilities for casual dining and visiting as well as food preparation. Comfortable kitchen tables and chairs create a natural extension to the function of the space and a friendly invitation to all. It can be fun and challenging when choosing the right furniture to best match your situation.
If space is an issue, there are several configurations of kitchen table sets that will fit comfortably within smaller areas. Arts and Crafts-style bistro tables with matching chairs feature clean lines for an uncluttered look. Pub tables, nooks and bar tables create a cozy corner for informal dining and family activities. Light-colored solid woods complement any décor and help lend a larger appearance to a smaller space. Compact, round kitchen tables with swivel bar stools and faux leather cushions help reduce the space needed to enter and exit the chairs; which also helps in a small space. An expandable surface with matching stools provides a flexible option for those times you need to entertain more guests. A drop-down leaf top can be expanded to seat two people comfortably. Two wooden stools can provide extra seating and be neatly stowed under the rectangular top when not in use.
For larger spaces, larger pieces of kitchen furniture and complementary accessories can expand to fill the heart of the home. In a rustic country decorative scheme, a farmhouse dining table serves as a place for not only meals, but children’s homework, game playing and craft projects. Rustic benches can be used for seating, augmented by country-style chairs. Benches can be positioned along a wall when not being used and double as seating for outdoor dining. A bench with storage under the seat top gives space for stowing seldom-used items or for quick clean-up of activities. Side chairs can be positioned along one length with arm chairs at each end. Matching chair cushions and linens in country themes such as large checks can complement this style of décor very effectively.
There are many looks that will not only function well but can add just the right touch of charm or whimsy. Dining room sets can feature pieces in thematic design styles that add functional storage space and beauty to a room. Shaker and Mission styles, as exemplified by Stickley furniture designs, complement country decorating themes that work well in both eat in food preparations areas and separate dining rooms. Simple lines and minimal embellishments tend to accentuate the luster and grain of the woods used in this sturdy construction. Furniture in the Stickley style is made for durability and daily use rather than formal and occasional use.
Solid wood trestle tables designed in country styles maximize surface work area and accentuate simple lines. Thick boards of pine, hickory, walnut and oak are favored woods for this traditional country style. Matching wooden sideboards with drawers and cabinets can house linens, silverware and serving dishes. Wooden hutches with glass cabinet fronts display glassware, knick-knacks and china. Lighted corner cabinets can brighten an otherwise dark, unused space. Glass shelves and interior cabinet lights make collectibles sparkle.
For modern eating areas, a glass dining table with a tubular steel central support provides a focus to the decorative scheme. The selection of chairs can enhance the tone of the décor. Chrome and leather chairs with gracefully curved legs add elegance to the modern materials. Upholstered chairs mounted on a steel tubular pedestal supported by a round steel base are often seen in modern chic styles and retro design chairs in tubular steel with red plastic seats add interest and emulate a 1950’s soda-fountain.
The kitchen table, set as the focal point of the room or as an auxiliary work area, may be large or small, modern or traditional; but no matter what size or style, it will become the hub of the house when integrated into this important activity area.