Vintage tables and chairs

When you consider how many Bolognese Mondays, breakfasts in jammies, and just plain, old fashioned milestones your dining set is bound to witness during its lifetime, shopping for one can feel akin to interviewing for a new member of the family. Not to put on the pressure, but a vintage dining set is a definite investment piece (let’s just say you probably didn’t run out to buy one for your first apartment the way you did an accent chair or a coffee table), which makes nailing a happy equilibrium between function and personal style a serious must.

To start, ask yourself how you’ll be primarily using your vintage dining set. Are you a frequent hostess, or is style on the back burner given that your dining room is currently the equivalent of a bustling cafeteria (complete with PB & J’s making an appearance at virtually every meal)? Next, what’s your style? Glam, mod, contemporary rustic? Once you’ve assessed these basics, give our used dining set style guide below a try. From size to style to tips for upkeep, we’ve taken out all of the guess work to make secondhand dining set shopping an effortless two-step.

You’re a Dinner Party Aficionado…

About You: You eagerly volunteer to take on hosting Thanksgiving every year, cocktail parties are seasonally inspired, and you’re founder of the Annual Autumn Pot Pie Bakeoff (yum).

The Vintage Dining Set: A grand, classic dining table with 8 + chairs

Tips for Success: Frequent entertainers know that a successful dinner party isn’t just about the food and flowers, but also crafting the right party for the right number of guests. To accommodate soirees that fluctuate between four and twelve, look for a used dining set with extensions. They’ll make all the difference when the company brings company.