Choosing a dining set
Oct 02, 2009
OFTEN you walk into a furniture show room and you are spoilt for choice on dining chairs to buy. Sometimes you end up letting the sales executive decide for you or you let them convince you to take a dining set you are not too sure about.
By Harriet Birungi
OFTEN you walk into a furniture show room and you are spoilt for choice on dining chairs to buy. Sometimes you end up letting the sales executive decide for you or you let them convince you to take a dining set you are not too sure about.
But you should be able to choose your own dining set. If you are buying chairs to match an existing table, remember to take the measurements for the size of the table and its height from the floor.
If you are buying a new table and chairs, try the two together. If the chairs are too high, your legs may press against both the underside of the table and the edge of the chair. If it is too low, eating becomes difficult.
Test the chairs by sitting on them. A gap of about 30cm between the top of the table and your knees is alright for most adults. The armrests on the chairs should be at the right height to rest elbows in comfort. Seat width is important on dinning chairs with arms.
If the seat is too narrow, the arms will press against the ribs and thighs of the person sitting in the chair. Look for chairs which give support up to the shoulder level. Stooping over food gives most people indigestion, so avoid very low-backed dinning chairs which encourage this.
OFTEN you walk into a furniture show room and you are spoilt for choice on dining chairs to buy. Sometimes you end up letting the sales executive decide for you or you let them convince you to take a dining set you are not too sure about.
But you should be able to choose your own dining set. If you are buying chairs to match an existing table, remember to take the measurements for the size of the table and its height from the floor.
If you are buying a new table and chairs, try the two together. If the chairs are too high, your legs may press against both the underside of the table and the edge of the chair. If it is too low, eating becomes difficult.
Test the chairs by sitting on them. A gap of about 30cm between the top of the table and your knees is alright for most adults. The armrests on the chairs should be at the right height to rest elbows in comfort. Seat width is important on dinning chairs with arms.
If the seat is too narrow, the arms will press against the ribs and thighs of the person sitting in the chair. Look for chairs which give support up to the shoulder level. Stooping over food gives most people indigestion, so avoid very low-backed dinning chairs which encourage this.