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Anatomy lesson: Best-selling dining rooms

Gary James -- Furniture Today, January 15, 2006

High Point — Formal dining room can be a challenging category. It takes a lot of floor space to show properly, and demand has been shrinking steadily as consumers gravitate to more casual settings with smaller footprints.

But there's still plenty of life in formal, particularly when the design is fresh and the value sharp. Here's a roundup of some of the collections that have been moving well at retail, with insights into what makes them successful.

E.J. Victor's No. 9210-20-52

Stores where the table is selling well: Robert Allen Group/Beacon Hill showrooms in New England, Safavieh Home in the New York area and Zakson's in Brick, N.J.

1. Elegant double-pedestal table is reminiscent of the late Sheraton-period style

2. Exquisite crotch mahogany veneer on the tabletop runs lengthwise rather than across the table and the veneer matches with or without the leaves

3. Most late Sheraton period-inspired tables feature a tripod pedestal, but this piece has four acanthus-carved legs instead

4. Options include 120 standard finishes as well as custom finishes

5. The length is 74 inches with three 22-inch leaves, allowing a total extension to 140 inches. Height can be customized to consumers' needs, and extra pedestals are available

Magnussen Home's Biltmore Estate

Stores where the collection is selling well: Gardiner's in metro Baltimore, Barrow Furniture in Alabama, Freed's Furniture in Texas and Grand Furniture in Virginia.

1. Chateau buffet is inspired by a buffet in the servants' dining room at historic Biltmore Estate

2. Mappa burl fronts add drama to a classic European traditional silhouette

3. Function abounds, with felt-lined silverware trays and rotating storage with a gallery railing on both sides

Fine Furniture Design & Marketing's Tranquilities

Stores where the collection is selling well: Legacy Home Furnishings in San Diego and Baer's Furniture in Pompano Beach, Fla.

1. Unites sophisticated contemporary and Asian design elements

2. Sixty-six inch square shape is perfect for gatherings of family and friends

3. Eye-catching parquet table top sports mappa burl veneer inlays and walnut solids in a rich, antiqued finish

4. Table ferrules feature a burnished coppery finish

5. Spindle-back chairs accent the table design

Wynwood's Grant Brittany

Stores where the collection is selling well: HOM Furniture in Minnesota, Value City in New Jersey, Star in Houston and Linder's in Los Angeles.

1. An elegant, marble-topped server offers an interesting statement piece

2. Details such as finely sculpted turnings and carved acanthus leaves deliver grand style at an affordable price

3. Traditional styling in a deep, brown cherry finish is timeless

4. Versatile pieces include a curio cabinet designed to stand alone or combine with other curio cabinets

5. Sweeping, oval-shaped, double-pedestal table

Stanley's Beau Nouveau

Stores where the collection is selling well: Robb & Stucky in Florida, Danker Furniture in metro Washington and Schneiderman's in Minneapolis.

1. Round shape fosters conversation and interaction among dinner guests

2. The silver-accent buffet is fresh and new, while providing great storage and serving space

3. Microfiber chairs are easy to clean and maintain, as well as great looking, especially when colors are mixed

4. Perimeter leaves provide flexibility while maintaining the table's round shape

5. Collection incorporates Biedermeier design elements with architectural and mid-century details, which are gaining popularity

6. Exotic veneers, a high-gloss cognac finish and elegant, custom-designed, silver-and-gold hardware provide a touch of glamour

Maitland-Smith's Lennox Hill

Stores where the collection is selling well: Fran Murphy Interiors in Juno Beach, Fla., Parker Robinson in Sarasota, Fla., and Parker Furniture in Beaverton, Ore.

1. Urbane, sophisticated design combines the elements of cubism with the thin, smooth lines and Grecian layers of Art Deco

2. Appeal ranges from affluent baby boomers to up-and-coming younger consumers

3. Ebony-finished veneered top is inlaid in a large-scale harlequin pattern with cut corners and an overhanging ogee molded edge

4. Double-pedestal supports are tripod forms with scrolling uprights and metal mounts and feet of finely cast brushed aluminum

5. Table expands to 128 inches in length with the addition of one leaf

Universal's Studio 8

1. Flexible design swings casual, contemporary or transitional

2. Clean lines appeal to younger consumers

3. Studio Cherry finish enhances the beautiful grains of the cherry and cathedral cherry woods

4. Side pieces, a buffet and sideboard, are stylish and functional

Pulaski's Royale

Stores where the collection is selling well: Star Furniture in Houston, El Dorado in Miami, Linder's Furniture on the West Coast and Nebraska Furniture Mart.

1. Collection's design is inspired by a host of Beaux Arts architectural elements found in medallions, crown molding and ceiling tiles throughout Europe

2. A smoky, cherry tone finish with dusty, gold-painted overlays provides the look of a treasured antique

3. Design flourishes include shell and acanthus leaf molding, acanthus leaf and scroll pilaster shafts, capitals and feet and floral rosette medallions, all exuding an ambiance of warmth and prosperity

4. A double-pedestal, carved base provides a stately anchor for the table top, which — with two 18-inch leaves — can accommodate a large family gathering

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