Shopping small comes with many benefits–you can support your local economy, strengthen the community you live in, and benefit from quality, sustainable goods crafted by people close to home. This holds true in everything from fresh produce to, of course, furniture!
For Pennsylvanians looking for durable, long-lasting, and timeless furniture for their home, we here at Moore’s Furniture and Mattresses know exactly what you need. Our company was founded in Pennsylvania over 60 years ago, and has been a staple of the Chester Springs and Pottstown regions for many decades. We know what local homeowners are looking for, and have been proud to serve our neighbors and community from the day our doors opened.
We specialize in quality, sustainable, and locally-made furniture–and that includes dining sets. Whether you’re looking for a modern refresh for your kitchen table, or want a classic, sturdy set of hardwood chairs for the next family dinner, Moore’s Furniture has you covered. Here’s some of the most important things to consider when picking out your dream dining set for your Pennsylvania home!
Image via MAVIN
This or That?
The biggest hurdle many shoppers face when searching for a new dining set is not knowing what they want their furniture to do for them. It may seem simple enough–you just want a table and some chairs! But there’s far more to it than that!
We all have different needs and different lives, and nowhere does this become more apparent than with furniture! You may want a small, functional table for you and your family to eat at every night, which means you want something durable above all. Or you may want a long, grand piece for a formal dining room, with a stain to match existing furniture in the house, so you’d want something made with appearances in mind! Perhaps you’re a young homeowner, or even a renter, and you just want something that won’t break the bank. Maybe you have a strangely-shaped room, and need a custom-sized table, or you need something maneuverable for your home, but which can grow to accommodate the whole family for the holidays. Maybe you prefer tall, counter-height sets over lower, more traditional dining tables. Everyone has their own needs, and knowing what you prioritize in your furniture will help you find the dining set that suits you!
Moore’s has options for everyone, from the highly-customizable pieces offered by MAVIN to the more budget-friendly options from Jofran. If you don’t know what you want just yet, the best way to find out is by browsing your options, especially in-person! Ask a salesperson to show you around, and see what appeals to you.
Image via Jofran
Knowing is Half the Battle
Learning the terminology of the craft is a great way to familiarize yourself with the options available to you. For table and chair legs, generations of craftsmen have designed countless styles, from bun-foot to reeded, spindle to straight, shaker, or even twisted. Different styles create different designs–you can have a classic, traditionally-ornamented table that calls back to the Georgian era of architecture that’s prevalent across Pennsylvania, or perhaps you want a simple, updated modern look with clean edges and a straight silhouette. By knowing what you like and don’t like, you can ask your salespeople to show you what you’re looking for right away!
Above is a great example of the many varieties of table legs offered by MAVIN. They offer many different styles of legs, both turned and rectangular, tapered and straight. This display is available in our Limerick location, if you want to see the offerings in-person!
Another often-overlooked feature of a handcrafted dining table is the edge design. The edge of a table can not only add a flair of style to an otherwise simple piece, but it can also affect the way you and your family interact with it. Some table edges are more comfortable than others, or serve different purposes. For families with children, some find more rounded styles to give them peace of mind that little ones won’t be as likely to injure themselves on harsh corners at eye-level. For other homeowners, a clean, straight edge can be the best way to make use of minimal space, and give a dining area a modern flare.
Common offerings include straight, waterfall, rounded, beveled, and ogee. Check out the available custom styles from MAVIN’s DesignPal for an example!
The shape of the tabletop is another feature to consider, especially with custom pieces. While most people are acquainted with round and rectangular tables, there's more options to choose from! Consider what styles work best for your space, your style, and your needs. Don't be afraid to try something a little different!
Not pictured above are MAVIN's Cosmo and Polo styles, which only affect the "apron" underneath the table. Cosmo's apron is nearly flush with the edge of the table, while Polo stands out a bit more from the legs than the default apron style.
Finally, you'll want to consider the height of your new table! Most tables sit at an average height known as "dining height," which is what many people picture when they imagine a dinner table, but taller tables are available. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly-available heights to find tables at, and what situations they fit best.
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Dining Height:
- Table Height: 28 to 30 inches. This is the shortest and most traditional option, commonly found in formal dining rooms and kitchens.
- Chair Height: 18 to 23 inches. This allows for a comfortable sitting position with feet on the floor and easy reach of the tabletop.
- Use: Formal dining, everyday meals.
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Counter Height:
- Table Height: 34 to 36 inches. This is typically the same height as standard kitchen counters or islands.
- Chair Height: 24 to 27 inches.
- Use: Casual dining, kitchen islands, breakfast bars, additional workspace, entertaining.
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Bar Height:
- Table Height: 40 to 42 inches. This is the tallest option, creating a pub-like or casual entertaining atmosphere.
- Chair Height: 28 to 33 inches.
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Use: Home bars, entertainment areas, quick meals, drinks, socializing.
Image via MAVIN
Finishing options are also variable–some companies offer their own selection of stains, but many quality Amish craftsmen use the local industry-standard Ohio Certified Stains. Stains differ from paint in that they tint the wood without being opaque, and they’re most commonly used on dining sets rather than solid paints. You can also choose different styles of finishing–some pieces will offer two-tone options, or “burnishing”, which means a darker stain is applied to the edges of a piece to give it an aged, refined look.
Of course, some manufacturers will use their own terminology, or offer styles not seen elsewhere, so if you have a specific brand in mind you’d be well-served by looking into their unique offerings first!
Do some research into the styles you like, and see what details appeal to you more. Consider the details, such as the shape of the edge or the style of the legs or pedestal base. For a brand like MAVIN, your best way to explore the options available to you is to use the DesignPal tool on their website or in our stores, where you can virtually browse every style available and see how they can be mixed and matched. MAVIN offers common table shapes such as rectangle and oval, as well as more unique ones such as concave and boat–and their variety of architecturally-inspired base set ups are practically endless!
Image via MAVIN
What to Look Out For
What makes a table high quality? What features should you look out for in choosing your perfect dining set? At the end of the day, these are questions only you can answer–but we have some suggestions for getting the best out of your furniture.
Look for high-quality furniture made with solid materials and skilled craftsmanship. For Pennsylvania residents, we have the luxury of living near many talented Amish woodworkers and craftsmen who offer affordable, well-made furniture sourced from local communities. MAVIN, Country View, Maple Hill, and Yutzy are all Amish makers, all of whom we stock in our stores for their sustainable, American-made furniture.
Solid hardwood is another stand-out feature for quality dining sets. Oak, Maple, and Cherry are all common and well-loved woods for the dining room. Walnut is another great, gorgeous choice, albeit a more luxury option at most price points. Any well-made hardwood piece should be durable and long-lasting, made to withstand daily use by you and your family.
Image via MAVIN
Pennsylvania Proud
In finding the best dining set for your Pennsylvania home, Moore’s Furniture is here to help. We’re a local company and have been since the beginning, and we’re honored to serve our community in making their homes the finest they can be. Whether you’re looking for a modern refresh or a classic, timeless look, we have you covered. Stop by one of our showrooms today and meet our friendly, helpful salespeople to start your furniture journey with us today. Your dream dining room awaits!
