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Millennial Lifestyles Bring Shifting Needs To “The Table”

Furniture World News Desk on 2/20/2017





Every generation impacts home lifestyle trends, and today’s Millennials, the oldest of who are now reaching their 30s, are no different. They’re setting up households later than previous generations, and they’re also making lifestyle choices that run counter to those of their parents. Nowhere in the home are those changes more apparent than in the furniture they’re buying for dining.

"The purchase of formal dining tables has been on the decline for some time, as the large dining rooms required to showcase them have fallen out of favor. Kitchens are replacing the function of that space.
“The open kitchen is taking on a role similar to that of a multi-purpose room, with a lot of other living activities happening in a space that was traditionally reserved for meal preparation and eating,” says Chris Henning, president of Wesley Allen, the leading designer and manufacturer of iron furniture.

The company has recorded growth in the sales of its dining sets, which are smaller than traditional dining tables, because they provide for the versatile needs associated with what Millennials want.

The findings of various research surveys and studies show that Millennials:

  • Seek out and are living in smaller and more functional spaces

  • Are less likely to own a home than members of previous generations at a similar age, so their terms as renters are longer

  • Have an overwhelming preference for urban living, the nature of which often dictates smaller living spaces.
“All these qualities put the home furnishings focus on pieces that are smaller, versatile and portable,” Henning said.

Wesley Allen’s bistro and casual dining sets feature tables that are 30 inches high – the perfect dimension to double as a place to host a computer or to do homework. The bistro table tops are 36 inches in diameter; the casual sets come in 45- or 48-inch diameters. Counter height dining sets feature 36-inch diameter table tops, with height choices of 34, 36 or 40 inches.

Also addressing the need to get more use out of fewer pieces, the dining chairs, when not in use in the kitchen, can migrate to other rooms to provide additional seating.

“In addition to offering designs that range from simple and classic, to details that include intricate filigrees, our customers can customize their choice in finish and fabrics, including a selection of leathers,” said Henning. “This high quality and uniquely hand-crafted iron furniture will upgrade any space, as it also extends its usefulness beyond that of a dining table.”

More about Wesley Allen: Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wesley Allen has been a leading iron furniture designer and manufacturer since 1976. In addition to creating beautifully handcrafted, stylish iron furniture for 40 years, Wesley Allen is a community and industry leader in corporate environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.WesleyAllen.com.