Wood Or Glass: That Is The Question

Dining tables, consoles, coffee tables, and more contribute more to a home’s aesthetic than almost anything else. These items should serve to set the “tone” of your spaces- they absorb vacant wall space, occupy gaping emptiness in rooms, provide storage, and allow for accessorizing. Typically, you have a choice of two materials for these pieces: wood or glass. As all things do, they both have their advantages and drawbacks. It all really depends on your taste and what vibe the space gives prior to placing furniture.

Wood pieces are the perfect choice if you’re looking to create a more traditional feel in your home. Wood is much easier to restore and repair; if you scratch, knick, or damage it, a coat of finish or even just a touch-up marker will make it look just like new. If taken care of properly, wood pieces can last decades. As an added perk, many wood dining tables can be expanded to allow for more space

Some detractors of wood dining tables are price, weight, and vulnerability to moisture. 100% wood pieces demand a higher cost of labor and material, and they’re frequently hard to maneuver. So, if you’re planning to move or you’re on a budget, you can opt for a faux-wood. Humid regions are not very kind to wood pieces- repairs and restoration will need to occur far more often than in drier areas.

Those with a more modern goal for their interior should consider glass pieces around their home. With them being see-through, glass tables can make a space seem bigger and less bordered. Glass is not sensitive to temperature and won’t scratch. Some might read the word glass and cower in fear, but many glass pieces are durable furniture items and won’t break with a few bumps and nudges.

Glass, however, requires constant cleaning. I mean, daily cleaning. And you’ll need to wipe both sides of the table since you’ll be able to see everything. On that same note, you’ll want to note what the floor underneath the table looks like. If it’s less than desirable, you may want to reconsider a piece that will be able to be viewed from above. With the nature of glass, it is inevitably susceptible to shattering. While glass is generally more maneuverable than wood, it needs to be treated with extreme care if being moved around often.