What is the best table and chair set?

[sue_g]

I have been reading these boards for quite some time now and would like to know what everyone thinks is the best table and chair set. Also, at what age did you start using it? I know there are different heights to tables. What would be best for an 18 month old and beyond?

[WooChx]

I've been researching the same thing lately. My requirements were that it not be too big, could fold away, and has height adjustable legs (so it can be raised as DD grows). You want something that has "short" legs (16 - 25"). Be careful if you get a set that's metal, I saw some recalls on Consumer Reports.

I decided to suck it up and spend the extra money (about $80) on a table that will take a beating and last. I've been looking at school supply websites and came across the company Correll Inc. I contacted the company and they gave me the number to a local distributor. Here is an example of the table (without the short legs) http://www.cjhomeandoffice.com/folding-table-37.html

I also really liked these, but they don't fold down.

http://busy-kids.com/shop/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BK&Category_Code=TABLES

[lizamann]

Oooh, I love those tables in the second link. So many colors to choose from... I was thinking something in a solid wood, but this looks so practical: adjustable, cleanable, color coordinating...

Have to consider this one. Thanks for the link!

[sue_g]

I was really hoping for more responses about wooden table and chair sets for toddlers and brand names.

[zuzu]

Well, I can't say what the best one is, but we considered several sets from Pottery Barn Kids and KidKraft. They both seemed sturdy and well made. We went with the KidKraft Avalon (I think that was the name) and have been very happy with it. It was on sale and we saved another 20% with a coupon at a local store, because, even though Grandma was treating, we couldn't justify spending more than twce as much for the PBK set.) Sarah started using it at about 17 months. She is on the short side, and needed some help getting into the chairs for a week or two, but we didn't want to get a set she'd outgrow in a year or so. We've had five and six year olds sit comfortably at this table, and even adults can sit for while - not the most comfortable, but it works fine while we help on projects.

If you do a search for tables in this forum or maybe table & chair (to weed out the train table posts) you should find several helpful threads.

Good luck!

[lizamann]

I think this one is a hard question to answer since a lot of it depends on your decorating style.

Here's a link showing what size chairs/tables to get based on age.

http://www.communityplaythings.com/c/tables/tablechairchart.htm

This company makes VERY durable stuff, with a hefty price tag to go with it. But my 36-yr old friend is using toys and a play kitchen from them that she and her 6 siblings used as kids, so it is definitly worth it, quality-wise.

[Joolsplus2]

I bought a table and two chairs set from target...all wood, cute little red legs, rectangle table (and my friend bought a square one, all natural wood, at the same time). Mine was perfect from age 2-6...it assembled easily, was sturdy enough for ME to sit at, and was very durable (it's now been passed on to another 2 yo who's loving it!)

Anyway, check out what they have at Target, you might be surprised to find something really nice and inexpensive.

Good luck (I love the school furniture suggestion, too...another friend of mine had a HUGE, low, round table in her dining room with little seats and everything...needless to say, her house was extremely kid oriented, lol, but it was nice!)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[hellosmiletoday]

I have been considering an unfinished table and chair set, but they are still pretty expensive and it may be difficult to paint.

The seat height is 13.5...it seemed a bit small.

Here's a link to a similar chair (the one I liked is a windsor chair, cannot find link)

http://www.barewoodkc.com/Childrens_Tables_and_Chairs.htm

If you do an advanced search for table AND chairs on the baby and toddler forums, there are quite a few suggestions.

Here's my fav. thread

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=7&topic_id=6025&mode=full