The dining table sets the tone for the rest of your dining room, and it’s an important centerpiece in your home. Choose wisely and you can enjoy it and its company for years to come—choose poorly and you might be replacing it long before that! Here are some tips on how to choose the best sheen for a dining table.
Best Sheen for a Dining Table
There are three main types of sheen: matte, satin, and high gloss. Matte and satin sheens can have a lower luster than high-gloss finishes, which makes them more appropriate for dining tables because they’re less likely to show dirt. Glossy finishes also have a reflective quality that can change how light is reflected on your table.
Matte or low-sheen finishes will look similar regardless of where you stand, whereas glossy finishes may appear shinier if you stand at an angle in relation to them (even slightly) than they do if you look directly at them.
High-gloss options are best suited for display tables rather than dining tables since they reflect everything around them—including dust and fingerprints—and require cleaning more often. It’s important to remember that all wood species have different properties, so while one finish might be right for one type of wood, it might not be right for another.
For example, cherry tends to stain easily and might not hold up well under regular use with oily foods like pizza boxes. For these reasons, we recommend choosing a finish based on what kind of food you’ll be serving most often. If it’s going to be primarily used as a dining table, then go with something that won’t make those stains worse over time—matte or satin sheen should work well here.
What type of finish should I use on a dining room table?
It’s important that you choose a finish that won’t scuff or scratch easily and one that will hold up well over time. A clear satin varnish is good because it gives wood grains depth, preserves natural color and sheen, and seals in moisture. But it may darken some woods, such as oak.
An oil-based polyurethane also works well. The downside of these finishes is that they can be hard to apply evenly and require frequent reapplication if used on an area with heavy use, like a dining table.
For those reasons, many people prefer to use lacquer instead of varnish or polyurethane—it’s easier to apply (especially with spray cans) and lasts longer than some finishes without requiring as much maintenance.
Maintenance tips
When it comes to wooden tables, it is inevitable that they will pick up scratches and chips over time. That’s just part of life with wood furniture! But don’t despair, you can keep your sheen looking great for as long as possible by using wood oils in maintenance.
The frequency of oiling really depends on how much wear and tear you have on your table; if you live with little ones or have pets that might cause damage, then I would recommend oiling once a week. If not, then once every few months should be fine.
There are many different types of oil available on the market today; some are better than others so make sure you do your research before buying. For example, walnut oil tends to be less expensive but doesn’t last as long as tung or linseed oil.
Satin or semi gloss polyurethane for kitchen table
When choosing the best sheen for a dining table, it’s important to consider both the practicality and aesthetics. We recommend semi-gloss polyurethane as the best option for a dining table. This is because the semi-gloss finish is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches and stains. Additionally, the semi-gloss finish gives the table a sleek and modern appearance, which is perfect for most dining areas. In contrast, satin polyurethane provides a softer, more natural look, which may not be ideal for a dining table where spills and stains are likely to occur.
Related: Satin or semi-gloss for bookcase
Conclusion on the Best Sheen for a Dining Table
When it comes to choosing a sheen for your dining table, you have a lot of options. But it’s important that you choose one that complements your table, reflects your style and fits into your dining space.
If you follow these guidelines and do some research ahead of time, you should be able to find a sheen that works well with your table and complements your home.
In addition, if you have any questions about finding or applying a specific type of finish, feel free to leave a comment below. We’re always happy to help!