Dining Sets for Every Space and Occasion
Dining sets are where everyday moments really come together. Sunday pancakes with the kids. That board game which turned into a three-hour laugh fest. Working from home at the table because your "office" is really just a corner of the bedroom. Hosting your parents for the holidays when they politely pretend not to notice the chair that wobbles just a bit.
At Dufresne Furniture, we know your dining set needs to work for all of it. That's why our collection includes everything from compact 3-piece sets perfect for cozy breakfast nooks to full 9-piece sets ready for those big family gatherings where everyone actually shows up.
Choosing the Right Size Dining Set
The beauty of dining sets is that they come ready to go. No guessing if the chairs will match the table or if you bought too many (or not enough). Everything coordinates right out of the gate.
3-Piece Dining Sets - Table plus two chairs. Perfect for couples, roommates, or anyone working with a smaller space like a condo or apartment. These sets tuck nicely into breakfast nooks, kitchens, or studio apartments where you need a proper eating spot without taking up half your living area.
4-Piece Dining Sets - Table, two chairs, and a bench. This is where things get flexible. The bench gives you room for kids to squeeze in, or it doubles as extra seating in your entryway when you're not eating. Great for young families or anyone who likes options.
5-Piece Dining Sets - Table with four chairs. The most popular size for good reason. It fits most dining rooms comfortably, seats your family with room for a friend or two, and doesn't overwhelm the space. If you're furnishing your first home or replacing an old set, this is usually the sweet spot.
6-Piece Dining Sets - Table, four chairs, and a bench. All the benefits of a 5-piece with that extra bench flexibility. The bench side is perfect for kids (easier to wipe down) while adults get the chairs. Plus, benches tuck completely under the table when not in use, saving floor space.
7-Piece Dining Sets - Table with six chairs. Now we're talking serious seating. This size works great if you regularly host dinners, have a larger family, or just like having space for everyone to spread out. You'll want a proper dining room for this one, but the payoff is never having to squeeze extra chairs in from other rooms.
9-Piece Dining Sets - Table with eight chairs. The ultimate entertaining setup. Perfect for families who actually use their dining room regularly or anyone who takes hosting seriously. Holiday dinners? No problem. Kids' birthday parties? Everyone gets a proper seat. Just make sure you've got the space for it.
What to Think About Before You Buy
Measure Your Space First - Pull out the tape measure before you fall in love with a set. You need at least 36 inches of clearance around the table for chairs to pull out comfortably. That means if your dining room is 10 feet by 12 feet, your maximum table size is about 7 feet by 9 feet. Nobody wants to turn sideways to get to their seat.
Consider Your Ceiling Height - Standard dining tables sit about 30 inches high, but if you've got lower ceilings (looking at you, basement dining areas), a big table with tall chairs can feel cramped. On the flip side, rooms with high ceilings can handle larger sets without feeling crowded.
Think About the Dining Table's Shape - Rectangular tables are classic and fit most rooms well. They're also the easiest for conversation since everyone's sitting in a line. Round tables are great for smaller spaces and encourage everyone to talk to everyone. Square tables work best in square rooms (obviously) and can feel more intimate.
Material Matters - Wood tables are durable and timeless. They handle daily use and look better as they age. Glass tables make small spaces feel bigger and are super easy to clean. Just keep the glass cleaner handy because fingerprints show up fast.
Chairs vs. Benches - Chairs are comfortable and familiar. Everyone gets their own space. Benches are flexible and space-saving. They're also easier to clean if you have young kids. Many families go with a mix, putting the bench on one side and chairs on the other for the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Dining Set Questions
How many people can actually fit at my table? Allow about 24 inches of table space per person. So a 60-inch table seats six comfortably (three on each side). You can squeeze in more for big gatherings, but it gets cozy. If you regularly host more people than your set accommodates, look for extendable tables that give you flexibility.
Can I mix and match chairs from different sets? Technically yes, but it's tricky to get right. If you want to mix, keep one element consistent (all wood chairs in different styles, or all the same colour in different designs). The safest bet? Stick with the set as designed, then swap things out later once you've lived with it.
What's the difference between a dining set and a dinette? Dinettes are smaller, more casual dining sets usually designed for kitchens or breakfast nooks. They typically seat two to four people. Dining sets are larger and more formal, meant for dedicated dining rooms. Both work fine. It's really about your space and how you plan to use it.
How do I protect my table from daily wear and tear? Placemats and tablecloths are your friends. They protect the surface from scratches, heat, and spills. For wood tables, use coasters religiously (hot drinks and cold drinks both cause rings). Consider a table pad for really special pieces or if you have young kids who are still working on their "gentle hands" phase.
Do I need to buy all the chairs at once? With sets, yes. The chairs are specifically designed to match the table in height, style, and proportion. Buying the complete set ensures everything works together. Plus, manufacturers sometimes discontinue styles, so finding matching chairs later can be tough.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Dining Set?
Your dining table is where memories get made. From quiet Tuesday dinners to holiday chaos with everyone talking at once, the right dining set makes room for all of it.
Whether you're working with a cozy apartment or a spacious dining room, we've got sets that fit your space. Shop online or visit our stores across Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. From classic wood finishes to modern glass tops, traditional styles to contemporary designs, there's a set waiting to become the heart of your home.
Want help figuring out what size works for your space? Book an appointment with our furniture experts who can walk you through your options.
Because at Dufresne, we're not just selling dining sets. We're helping Canadian families find the perfect spot to gather, eat, talk, laugh, and make life better together.