Trying to furnish a smaller home or apartment can feel like navigating a maze. I remember struggling to find furniture that felt substantial and inviting without overwhelming the limited space I had, especially when it came to dining areas. Finding a spot where my family could comfortably gather for meals, homework, or just chatting felt like an impossible task. If I hadn’t found a smart solution, our meals would have been relegated to awkward spaces or mismatched furniture, missing out on that essential feeling of togetherness that a proper dining set provides. The problem wasn’t just aesthetics; it was about creating a functional, warm heart for the home. The right piece, something like the Signature Design by Ashley Coviar 5 Piece Counter Height Dining Set, would have solved this perfectly.
Considerations Before Investing in a Dining Set
A dining set is more than just a table and chairs; it’s often the center of home life, a place for gathering, sharing, and connecting. People seek out dining sets for various reasons – updating an old, worn-out set, furnishing a new home, or perhaps, like my initial dilemma, finding a solution for a challenging space. Counter height dining sets, specifically, appeal to those looking for a more casual, contemporary feel or those with limited square footage who want something less imposing than a standard height table.
The ideal customer for a counter height dining set is often someone in an apartment, condo, or a home with a smaller dining area or an open-plan kitchen/living space. They value multi-functionality and appreciate furniture that encourages a relaxed atmosphere. However, someone needing a very formal dining setup for elaborate dinner parties might find a counter height set too informal. Also, individuals with significant mobility issues or small children might prefer a standard height table for easier access and stability.
Before buying, potential buyers should consider the size of their space and the dimensions of the set (both table and chairs). Think about how many people you need to seat regularly and whether the set accommodates that comfortably. Material and construction are also key – do you prefer solid wood, veneers, or engineered wood? How durable does it need to be? Don’t forget about assembly requirements, the overall style matching your existing decor, and, of course, your budget. Understanding these factors helps narrow down the options and ensures you choose a set that truly fits your needs and lifestyle.
Introducing the Coviar Dining Set
The Signature Design by Ashley Coviar 5 Piece Counter Height Dining Set presents itself as a beautifully simple and functional solution for modern casual dining spaces. It promises a clean-lined profile with rich tonal variation and comfortably cushioned seating. When you purchase the set, you receive one counter height dining table and four matching barstool chairs. While I can’t directly compare it to specific market leaders without information, Ashley Furniture is a well-known name in home furnishings, often positioning their Signature Design line as offering quality style and value. The Coviar specifically targets those seeking a stylish yet practical dining solution without a hefty price tag. It’s definitely for someone who wants a contemporary aesthetic combined with the space-saving advantages of counter height, ideal for smaller dining areas or as a kitchen nook set. It might not be for someone demanding a heavy, solid wood heirloom piece, as the construction leans towards engineered wood and veneers.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my long-term experience and observations:
Pros:
* Stylish and modern design with a rich dark finish.
* Practical counter height is excellent for smaller spaces.
* Comfortable faux leather upholstered seats.
* Provides seating for four in a compact footprint.
* Offers good value for its price point.
* Can look much more expensive than it is.
Cons:
* Assembly can be time-consuming and instructions are sometimes unclear.
* Potential for missing hardware or misaligned drill holes.
* Construction utilizes engineered wood and veneers, not solid wood.
* Chairs can sometimes have stability issues (wobbling).
* Requires care due to veneer finish; scratches aren’t easily repairable.
Features & Benefits: Living with the Coviar Set
Having lived with the Signature Design by Ashley Coviar dining set for a significant time, I can delve into the specifics of how its features translate into daily life. It’s one thing to read a description, and another to experience how it holds up, functions, and contributes to the home environment over months and years.
Counter Height Design and Space Efficiency
The most immediately striking feature of the Coviar set is its counter height. Standing 36 inches tall, the table sits higher than a standard dining table (typically around 30 inches). This seemingly small difference has a big impact, especially in compact living areas. For me, this height made the space feel more open. Instead of a large, visually heavy standard table dominating the room, the counter height felt more airy and less like a massive block of furniture. It naturally integrates with the feel of a kitchen counter, making it feel like a natural extension of that space.
The 42″ W x 42″ D square dimension is also a fantastic space saver. It’s just large enough to comfortably seat four adults for a meal, but small enough that it doesn’t demand a huge dedicated dining room. We placed it in our eat-in kitchen area, and it fits perfectly, allowing clear pathways around it to cupboards and appliances. In fact, we discovered, in a pinch, you can even fit two smaller chairs on one side quite cozily, demonstrating its adaptability for limited layouts. This space efficiency is a major benefit, proving that you don’t need a sprawling home to have a functional and attractive dining spot.
Table Construction and Rich Finish
The Coviar table is constructed from veneers, wood, and engineered wood. While not solid wood, the quality of the veneer and the dark brown finish is surprisingly good for the price point. It has a rich, burnished look that gives it a higher-end appearance from a distance. Up close, you can tell it’s not solid, but the surface feels smooth and substantial. This finish is visually appealing and lends itself well to various decor styles, from traditional to more modern casual.
However, the use of veneer does mean you need to be mindful of care. Unlike solid wood that can be sanded and refinished to fix scratches or dents, damage to a veneer is typically permanent and more challenging to repair seamlessly. We quickly learned to use placemats and coasters religiously to protect the surface from spills, heat, and scratches. This is a disadvantage compared to solid wood, requiring a bit more vigilance in daily use to keep it looking its best over time.
Comfortable and Stylish Barstools
The set includes four barstools, which are arguably just as important as the table itself for comfort and aesthetics. These stools feature a classic ladderback design with seats cushioned in faux leather upholstery. The dark brown color matches the table beautifully, creating a cohesive look. The faux leather is soft and feels pleasant to sit on, offering a level of comfort you might not expect from stools in this price range.
The height of the stools (41″ H) is perfectly matched to the counter height table, providing a comfortable seating position. While the cushions are comfortable for typical meal durations, they aren’t overly plush, so extended lounging might require additional seat pads. The ladderback design is visually appealing and provides decent back support.
Based on my experience and feedback from others, one common issue can be the stability of the chairs upon assembly. Some chairs might have a slight wobble, which we found was often due to minor inconsistencies in leg lengths or screw tightness. Adding simple felt pads to the bottoms of the legs not only protects the floor but can also help level out slight wobbles effectively. Another point mentioned by others, and something to be aware of if you’re on the heavier side, is the potential stress on the lower footrest rungs over time if significant weight is frequently applied when pushing back or adjusting position. While they feel sturdy initially, gentle use is advisable for longevity.
The Functional 5-Piece Configuration
The fact that this comes as a complete 5-piece set (table and four chairs) is a major plus, especially for those starting from scratch or needing a quick, cohesive dining solution. It takes the guesswork out of pairing a table with compatible stools. The four chairs are designed to fit neatly around the 42-inch square table. As mentioned earlier, the square shape facilitates conversation and a sense of closeness during meals. While it’s sized for four, its footprint is much smaller than a rectangular table seating the same number, reinforcing its space-saving appeal.
Assembly Process: A Note on Expectation
Assembly is required for the Signature Design by Ashley Coviar set, and this is perhaps the area where experiences vary the most. The set arrives in a single, heavy box, requiring two people to move safely. The instructions are primarily diagram-based, which can be challenging for some. While the process itself isn’t overly complicated (attaching legs to the table, assembling chair frames and seats), it does require patience and attention to detail. I found that using a lubricant on the bolts, as one helpful person suggested online, definitely made the tightening process smoother.
The potential disadvantages here are the quality of the instructions and occasional manufacturing inconsistencies like misaligned pre-drilled holes in chair parts or even missing hardware, which required a trip to the hardware store in one instance. While I managed it myself, having a second person definitely speeds things up, especially when aligning larger pieces or holding chair components steady during tightening. Despite these potential hiccups, once assembled correctly, the set feels remarkably sturdy for its construction type and price point. The time investment in assembly is balanced by the cost savings compared to buying pre-assembled furniture.
Overall Aesthetic and Everyday Living
The dark brown finish and classic design of the Coviar set make it highly adaptable. It doesn’t scream a specific trend, allowing it to blend seamlessly with various interior styles. In daily use, the counter height has been fantastic – it’s a comfortable spot for a quick breakfast, working on a laptop, or just having a chat with someone standing in the kitchen. It serves its primary function as a dining spot admirably for our family of four, and its compact size keeps our living area feeling open and uncluttered. Despite the veneer tabletop requiring care, the overall durability has been good for everyday use, holding up well to regular meals and activities.
Voices from Other Users
Looking online, I’ve seen many others share positive experiences with the Signature Design by Ashley Coviar set. Many echo my sentiment about the set arriving faster than expected and being surprisingly sturdy for its price point, often noting that it looks more expensive than it is. People appreciate the style and the functionality, particularly how well the 42-inch square table fits into smaller spaces while still accommodating four people. While assembly was mentioned as potentially tricky or time-consuming by some, most found it manageable, and the end result was satisfying. A few reviewers did mention issues similar to mine regarding shipping damage or minor manufacturing flaws like misaligned holes or missing parts, but generally, customer service seemed responsive in resolving these issues. Overall, the consensus leans heavily towards positive, highlighting the set’s value, appearance, and suitability for compact casual dining.
In Summary
If you’re grappling with the challenge of creating a functional and inviting dining space in a smaller home, or simply need to replace an old set with something stylish yet practical, the Signature Design by Ashley Coviar 5 Piece Counter Height Dining Set is definitely worth considering. Not solving this problem means continuing to compromise on comfort and connection during meals, making your home feel less complete.
This set is a great fit because: 1) Its counter height and compact square size are perfect for maximizing space in smaller areas; 2) It offers a stylish, attractive look with its dark finish and upholstered stools that belies its affordable price; and 3) Despite potential assembly quirks, it provides a sturdy and comfortable seating arrangement for four, transforming an unused corner into a functional dining nook. To learn more and check out the Signature Design by Ashley Coviar dining set for yourself, click here.