Dinette Built-In Booth verses Table & Moveable Chairs ??? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Lightfin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dinette Built-In Booth verses Table & Moveable Chairs ???

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bob,

Our first coach had a booth dinette. The storage was there, but hard to fully utilize with the very long drawers. The coach we have now had a table with a leaf that provides more, room and we like it better.

It is totally a matter of personal preference. We never need that extra place for someone to sleep, and we are not hurting for storage.

You might wish to try them both out for a twenty minute test. It is why they offer both designs

.

Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I hate our table and chairs, and if we continue full timing I will swap them out for a booth. We had a booth in one of our rv's at one time. I like the storage they have under them. The legs of our chairs are in the way for any storage under them also the pedestal table takes up room.
southwestjudy

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

Booth all the way for me. It is always set up, doesn't move around, requires no stowage for moving, has storage underneath (opt - if you can - for flip up cushions a. la. chest style instead of worthless long skinny drawer), and best of all, it's another pair of mini-sofas to sprawl out on. Far more comfy - for more than just dining - than small straight back chairs. I'm just a simpleton though. I use my dinette most of the time, seldom using the sofa....

pierreandcolleen · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have a dinette, but I would prefer to have table and chairs. We have a smaller rig, so not ready to give up the extra storage in the dinette.

-Colleen

LakeConroePenny · RV-Dreams Family Member

Personally, I prefer the booth. My RV's have had water tanks, generators or other things out of the way under the booths. I have stored extra sheets, blankets, pillows, etc, (in sucked-down mothproof bags), and I can always access them from the top by removing the dinette cushions, if guests should arrive.
I have a bad knee, and I like to put my pillow up against the wall, put my legs up on the booth seat, and have my coffee, or whatever, right there on the table. I am more comfortable like that, than in a recliner or couch.
Then, of course, the other advantage of a booth is that you can make it into a computer desk like Cowboy Brian did:
http://www.rv-boondocking-the-good-life.com/rvdesk.html
Happy Trails, Penny, TX

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

We'll take neither!

We had a table and chairs, didn't really use the set so got rid of 2 chairs. Didn't hardly ever use the table and other 2 chairs, except for storage, so eventually got rid of it all and put in a book case and storage unit and now we're happy.

For some reason we got used to eating off our laps on our recliners, so the table was only used for company and that wasn't often enough to warrant the space it took up.

Different strokes for different folks.

Fred

-- Edited by Luvglass on Tuesday 9th of June 2009 08:41:38 PM

Camper_Boy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree that this is strictly personal preference. We had a dinette in the motorhome that we just sold, and were not crazy about it - too confining, I guess, and although we used the storage AND had flip up seat access to it, I still thought it was inconvenient.

For our NEW RV, we're going with the table & chairs, and this has not been easy to find in a toy hauler! Most have the U-shaped dinette, and while this would make a convenient lounging space, I don't like it. Time will tell if we regret this choice, but I don't think we will . . .

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Very timely subject for us. Although not on road yet we are leaning towards what Fred said as even now in the stix and brix we eat off of tv trays. Have not sat at table for years except for when we have guest's. Our Sunnybrook had the booth in it and the storage was usless as it just had a flip down door and everything always ended up out of reach under bench. Our Cedar Creek has table and chairs which we will probably never set at so we could use that space for something better. If we have guest's we will just have to eat out under the awning. Go to different RV'S and set at both styles and get a feel for what you would prefer. I spent many hours setting in various Rv's to get that just right feeling about all aspects of the layout. Good luck.

retread · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'd suggest spending some time sitting in each type of set up. We like our table and chairs. We store a few larger books/manuals inside the table top. Each chair provides minimal storage, but to be able to retrieve whatever would fit in that small space you have to bring the chair out to an open area to lift the seat. We like the chairs for extra seating in the living area. More often, I've used one of them to open the overhead vent instead of hauling up the step stool from the basement! Also, we have 4 at the table all the time for meals and the table provides more elbow room (all the guys eat with an 'elbows out' position). This thread clearly shows the individual preference!!

Serengeti2001 · RV-Dreams Family Member

These are decisions that we made when we first started. We wanted the table and chairs and we are still happy with our choice. We did replace the two solid chairs that came with the unit, although we kept the extra fold up chairs that are needed for guests. As for storage we have plenty of basement space, and probably carry to much stuff now. We have a 40ft MH and it suits us great.
We did have one problem with the slide out and that being it is 16ft long in the living room/kitchen and the center started to sag and lost its seal. Every time it rained we took on water. We build a bookshelf and jacked up the center, now it doesn't leak and we have a bookshelf that looks like it was always there. That being said you never get exactly what you want and you have to adapt to what you have.

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well it all boils down to one thing. Which one do you personally prefer. As you have seen from the replies, there are different strokes for different folks.

We have a table and chairs in our coach. We had several RV's in the past with a booth. The storage space was nice but the drawers were usually poorly built to handle very much stuff and the bottoms would come out. Just try getting that drawer out when the bottom has come out. Our second gripe with the booth was that getting into and out of it gets to be a pain. In short we didn't like the booth after we had them for a while. So we now have the table and chairs. Nice when entertaining or playing cards and our table also serves as our "office." We still have a few things that require some time, health insurance EOB's and the like. But that is just our opinion.

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

We chose table and chairs and we're very happy with the setup. We take the small appliances my wife uses on the kitchen counter and place them under the table and chairs for travel.

We once had a dinner for twelve in the RV. Added a card table to the end of the dinning table, seating for 8, plus 3 on the couch and one in the recliner with TV trays. The table gave us the flexibilty.

However, we found we tended to block the table from other uses because we would spread out the printer, laptop and other electronic devices, since it is the most convenient place to use the laptop & printer. We had to jockey stuff around for meals.

Yesterday we ordered one of these: http://www.amazingmagictable.com/twodesk.htm
Best of both worlds storage and a table with chairs.

We will be able to keep the printer and other stuff on the desk while keeping the table free for meals.

I will follow up with a report on how it all works for us once we have a chance to use it at Chula Vista RV Resort during July.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another consideration is what other uses there are for a table. For instance, my wife owns an embroidery machine, a regular sewing machine, and a serger. In the model of fifth wheel we are looking for, there is a desk, an entertainment center with a disappearing TV and a table and chairs.

Since the desk and entertainment center are together, all we will have to do is move the dining room table over closer to the desk and the wife can have all three machines available if she so chooses.

Terry

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Now Bear has hit on the best idea yet...This set up is what I would love to have. You have storage...desk....dining...hey you have it all and it looks good. OK the winner is BEAR and the Magic Table.. I will start making mine as soon as my shop is set back up. I guess I better get to work on that project as soon as I can...

Thanks Bear

phyllen · RV-Dreams Family Member

All personal preference. One of my MUST HAVES are dining table and chairs. We always eat meals at the table. With televison off! Was this way in stix and brix and still this way in fiver. We like that our Montana has storage under the chair seats. Also two small drawers in table. Also, the table is on a slide and can even be turned sideways

Phyllis

Lightfin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Wow!! What an interesting and informative variety of opinions and preferences.

Very helpful!

Thanks to all !!

-- Edited by Lightfin on Wednesday 10th of June 2009 05:25:53 PM

mcw50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

When our grandkids were little, we wouldn't have been without the booth...we used it for a bed a lot! About the time they were outgrowing the booth/bed, we got a new rig with the "Magic Desk/Table" and love its flexibility. We often have other couples come to play cards or for dinner and can move the table around to fit the occasion and number of people.

Mary

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Magic Table looks really cool! Seems that in an RV, having furniture that can serve multiple functions is a real asset.

nwlambear · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our Cougar 5ver will come with a table and four chairs, but I already know what I want to do. Replace the table and 2 chairs with the setup as seen in photo above. The table can also slide in the cubby area--end first--between the cabinets and chairs can still be used in that position

http://www.amazingmagictable.com/2tabledesk1.htm

-- Edited by nwlambear on Saturday 20th of June 2009 12:15:23 PM

-- Edited by nwlambear on Saturday 20th of June 2009 12:18:34 PM

hogans1947 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Definately interested in that magic table. Anyone else have one that they can comment on. I would be giving up some of the bottom screens of the window and not sure I want to do that but would really love a place to set up sewing machine.
Brenda

Tom Donaldson · RV-Dreams Community Member

The way my wife and I decided was to ask ourselves, "What do we request when we go to a restaurant?" Answer for us: Booth.

I like to put throw pillows against the wall and lounge sideways. Plus, the storage underneath is nice. Stuff we rarely use (or out of season stuff) goes in the back; stuff we use more often in the front.

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

Update------

The desk and table arrived today. It looks just like what's pictured above.

It was delivered by Yellow Freight and was packaged very well so no damage, eventhough the pallet seemed to have suffered some sort of mishap.

I unpacked everything and was really impressed with the quality of the materials used and workmanship. Every joint was perfect, even the inside of the drawers were sanded smooth as a ______ _______.

The table works well, expands smoothly.

As soon as I have it in place I will post photos along with photos of the fireplace.

LUVBYTES · RV-Dreams Family Member

OMG I LOVE THE BOOTH STYLE I DO HAVE 2 KIDS SO I NEED ALL THE SLEEP SPACE WE CASN GET WE ARE BUYING OUR OWN RV MY HUBBY AND I WILL HAVE THE MASTER ROOM MY SON AND DAUGHTER WILL DO THEIR HOME WORK AND EATING IN THE BOOTH STYLE AS WHERE WE WILL HAVE FAMILY DINNERS AS WELL THEN MY SON USES THAT BOOTH AS IT TURNS INTO A SLEEPER AND MY DAUGHTER WHO IS 13 WILL USE EITHER THE PULL OUT SOFA OR A JACK KNIFE SOFA WHICH EVER ONE IT COMES WITH TO SLEEP ON OR SOMETIMES SHES LAZY AND WONT WANNA PULL IT OUT SO SHE JUST SLEEPS ON IT LOOKIN LIKE THE COUCH IT IS! COVERS UP WITH HER BLANKIES AND PROPS UP HER PILLOWS! GOSH I CANT WAIT TO LIVE IN IT I LOVE RVIN! ♥

Sunriser · RV-Dreams Community Member

Bear, I can't wait to see more photos of your magic table. I think that's definitely the ticket!!! Amish built I noticed when I checked out the site, so I'm not surprised to hear it's well constructed. Thanks!