Learn how and where to find a beautiful new dining room table and chairs.   

The dining room is a traditionally important area in our homes, a space in which we often gather as a family to talk and share meals together. The furniture we choose to fill the space should therefore be comfortable, affordable, and solidly constructed to last for the years to come. The perfect table and chairs can transform your space, enhance your home’s decor, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for years to come. But with so many options out there, where do you even start?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding the ideal dining room set—from budgeting and styles to materials, comfort, and fit. Plus, we’ll share expert tips on shopping smart and getting the most for your money.

Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality

Price is often one of the main factors in our decision to make a big purchase like furniture. With a wide range of prices on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to get a quality dining room set. Start by setting a realistic budget based on your needs. Ask yourself:

• How many people do I want to seat?

• How often will I use the table?

• Am I furnishing a forever home or a temporary space?

Mega Furniture TX offers weekly deals that can help you find the best prices for high-quality home furniture items, including dining room sets. We also offer financing options to make it easier than ever to invest in a set you truly love. Lastly, don’t overlook our clearance or sale pieces! Sometimes you can score incredible deals on floor models or discontinued styles. 

Choosing a Timeless Style That Reflects Your Home

Dining tables come in an array of styles, from rustic farmhouse to sleek modern. The key is choosing one that complements your existing decor while standing the test of time. Think about your home’s overall vibe and the statement you want your dining area to make. Popular styles include: 

• Modern/Contemporary: Clean lines, minimalism, glass or metal materials.
• Traditional: Classic wood construction, ornate details, rich finishes.
• Rustic/Farmhouse: Distressed wood, industrial touches, cozy vibes.
• Mid-Century Modern: Tapered legs, smooth curves, natural wood tones.
• Transitional: A blend of traditional and contemporary, offering balance and versatility.

Don’t chase trends—opt for a style you’ll still love five or ten years from now. A well-chosen dining room set should grow with your home, not feel outdated by the next season.

Material Matters: What Your Table is Made Of

The material of your dining table affects everything from price to durability, maintenance, and appearance. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

• Wood: this classic material is durable and easy to repair, making it one of the most popular styles. 
• Veneer: wood veneer is an affordable alternative to solid wood featuring a very thin layer of solid wood glued to plywood or other wood core. 
• Stone: marble, quartz, and other stone tabletops are durable and absorb stains easily. They can also be quite heavy. 
• Glass: clear, frosted, or tinted. They are inexpensive and can create a feeling of openness and space. 
• Metal: stainless steel, brass, and other metals are more likely used for the table base than the top. They can be difficult to maintain because of their higher-shine.
• Plastic and Laminates: inexpensive and can last a long time, but are generally not considered the best quality.

Choose a material that matches your lifestyle. For example, families with young children may want to avoid glass or soft stones that stain easily.

Picking the Right Table Shape

Just like the materials used, there is a variety of table shapes that may or may not be right for the space or you needs, including:

• Rectangular: This standard option is great for dividing space in an open floor plan and fits well in larger spaces.
• Square: Fashionable and fits perfectly in square-sized dining rooms. This style usually only accommodates four people, so it’s not a good option if you have a large family or entertain often.
• Round: Since round tables don’t have corners, they allow for more space for the family and guests to get around to find their seat. They do take up a considerable footprint on their own, though. 
• Oval: Works great in narrow dining rooms and can seat more than four people in a relatively small space.

Stability and Durability: Built to Last

When shopping, don’t just focus on looks—test for durability too. A wobbly chair or a table with weak joints won’t last long in a busy household.

• Check joints and seams for solid construction.
• Examine floor models for signs of wear—if it’s already chipped or scratched, that might be a red flag.
• A good dining table should last at least 5 to 10 years, ideally more with proper care.

Quality is often tied to weight—solid wood or stone tables are heavier and usually more durable than lighter, flimsier pieces.

Comfort is Key—Don’t Ignore the Chairs

Even the most beautiful dining set will go unused if it’s uncomfortable. Chairs should offer good back support and allow enough room for legs and elbows. Consider cushioned vs. non-cushioned options, seat height, and overall ergonomics.

Sit in the chairs for at least a few minutes while shopping. Imagine lingering over a long dinner—if you start to squirm after 60 seconds, it’s probably not the right fit.

Fit and Function: Measuring Your Space

A dining table is a deceptively large piece of furniture, so you need to account for both its fit as well as the needed additional space around it for the chairs. One of the most common mistakes when buying a dining table is getting the wrong size. A table that looks perfect in a showroom might feel overwhelming in a smaller dining room.

In addition to the footprint of the table, we recommend at least three feet of breathing room on all sides so you can comfortably sit in a chair and move around the space. 

Here’s how to get it right:

• Measure your dining room's length and width.
• Subtract at least six feet from each dimension to allow for chair movement and walking space.
• What’s left is your ideal table footprint.

Also, think about the number of seats you need regularly—and whether you want an extendable option for special occasions.

Where to Shop for the Best Dining Sets in Texas

When you’re ready to start shopping, Mega Furniture TX offers an incredible selection of stylish and affordable dining room sets to fit every budget and taste. With locations in Austin, San Antonio, Laredo, McAllen, and Temple, you can visit us in person to test out furniture firsthand—or browse our website for convenient delivery options. 

Finding the perfect dining room set is an exciting opportunity to elevate your home. Take your time, consider your lifestyle and space, and focus on quality, comfort, and style. Whether you want a cozy breakfast nook or a grand table for entertaining, the right set is out there.