We tend to spend many hours at our kitchen or dining room tables. In addition to where you take your meals, it is also a place to play board games, build jigsaw puzzles, and even work on a laptop. Since it is a place you can find yourself at for many hours, the chair you are sitting in will be comfortable. Dining chairs come in many options – different styles, shapes, armrests – so selecting the right one can be difficult. Here is info that will make it easier.
First,
it is important to determine if you want all the chairs to match. The most common approach is to have an
arrangement that includes one table and all the chairs that match or coordinate
with the table. Another standard option
is called head/side chair combination.
This is when you have matching head chairs situated opposite each other,
and different chairs on the side. The
third option is an eclectic style, where the chairs are all different. If you prefer a boho or industrial-style
décor, this is a great approach. You can
also get a bench seating option, which is excellent, especially if you have
children. This option offers a neat
look, but is not comfortable for most adults, especially if you plan to sit for
long periods.
Before you start looking at styles, it is critical to measure the
size of your table. The biggest mistake
you can make is not allowing enough space for arms and legs, resulting in
everyone squished around the table. It
would generally be best to allow 10 to 12 inches of leg space (between the top
of the seat and underside of the table) and 2 to 3 feet of space for width per
person. Since you will need to pull the
chair out to access the table, allow two to three feet of space behind each
chair.
If you prefer chairs with arms, add a few inches to the width allowance
and measure your table’s height. The
arms will need to slide under the table.
Consider and allow for any obstructions such as a table stabilizer bar. Allow approximately 7 inches between the top
of the chair arms and the bottom of your table.
Most head/side chair combinations include a combination of chairs
with arms and armless chairs. This is
entirely a style and comfort preference.
If you are looking for a more relaxed and uncluttered look, opt for
chairs without arms. From a practical perspective,
older guests prefer chairs with arms since they make it easier to get up from
the chair.
Chairs are available in a variety of materials. Wood, rattan, plastic and metal are generally
used for frames. If your dining or
kitchen area is not in direct sunlight, any of the materials will work. Plastic and metal are easiest to clean. Rattan tends to get crumbs caught in the
weave. Wood should be pre-treated for termites and other wood-eating
insects. Metal should be powder or
electrostatically coated to prevent rust.
Most people prefer padded seats on their dining or kitchen
chairs. Good padding ensures you are not
feeling the uncomfortable frame of the chair underneath. Upholstered chairs are popular because they
add a more formal feeling to the room in addition to their comfort. If you have children or pets, a pattern or
tighter weave cover is best since it hides dirt better. Avoid purchasing bonded
leather, faux leather or “tacto piel,” which is prone to crack and
peel within six months. Chairs with this
type of cover are often sold through big box stores and department stores at
lower prices, but they fall apart. These
are not a good spend of your hard-earned dollar.
If you are looking for additional features, such as casters, swivel
and tilting chairs, they are not as easy to find in Mexico. Casters that have small wheels make it easier
to push and pull chairs from the table.
Swivel chairs have bases that allow you to turn without having to adjust
your body. Tilting chairs are like
comfortable office chairs in that they will enable you to adjust your back
incline. Anything with mechanisms that
allow you to move is prone to rust in our salty, ocean air environment, and
often not covered under warranty.
When it comes to selecting your dining room or kitchen furniture,
you no longer are limited to buying all the pieces as a set. You can pick out a table separate from the
chairs or buy them all together. Most people find it easier to buy as a set
since the designer already coordinates them.
Dining chairs come in numerous styles to match the most common décor
themes. The most popular decor styles
our customers purchase include contemporary, coastal, mid-century modern and
traditional Mexican/hacienda style.
Traditional Mexican/hacienda chairs are different from the other types
in that the back is usually at a 90- degree angle. Most people find this to be uncomfortable.
Dining and kitchen chairs can run from about 3000 MXN (USD $150.00)
to 10,000 MXN (USD $500.00) each. To
ensure the chair is well-made, buy a brand you know. Recognized brands offer chairs that are
structurally sound with no splinters or snags.
Due to the volume they sell, they ensure their designs are solid to
ensure minimal returns from dissatisfaction.
TIP! If you are looking for
chairs or stools for your counter, measure your counter height before you
shop. Many people make the mistake of
purchasing bar stools or chairs instead of counter stools or chairs. Bar counters are between 40 and 44 inches
high. Counters are usually about 36
inches tall. Since most bar chairs or stools cannot be simply cut down to size,
you will end up with items you cannot use.
Sheryl Novak is considered the “Furniture
Maven of Mexico.” She owns SOLutions
Mexico, the store for anyone looking for comfortable, stylish and long-lasting
furniture. SOLutions Mexico offers
international brands including LazyBoy, Ashley Furniture, Coaster Furniture,
Palliser, LazyBoy Outdoor, American Drew, ZuoMod and more. www.solutionsmexico.com