Few decisions shape a dining room as much as the finish of the furniture within it. A dining set with storage already earns its place through usefulness, but the choice between high gloss and wood decides the character of the whole space. Both finishes have devoted followings, and both bring genuine advantages. At Furniture in Fashion we stock storage sets in each, so it is worth understanding what sets them apart before you choose.
High gloss furniture has a way of transforming a room. Its polished surfaces reflect light, which makes a dining area feel brighter and more spacious than its measurements suggest. In flats and smaller homes where natural light can be limited, this quality is genuinely useful. The clean, seamless look also suits contemporary interiors beautifully, bringing a crisp, uncluttered edge.
There is a practical side too. High gloss surfaces wipe clean with ease, which matters at a table that sees daily meals. Spills and marks lift away quickly, leaving the finish looking fresh. For anyone drawn to a modern scheme, our range of high gloss dining tables in the UK shows how storage can be integrated without disturbing that sleek, reflective look.
Wood offers something quite different. It brings warmth, texture and a natural grain that no other material quite replicates. A wooden dining set feels grounded and welcoming, and it suits a huge range of styles from country cottage to modern rustic. Over time, wood develops a character all its own, which many people treasure.
Durability is another strong point. A well made wooden set stands up to years of daily use and can often be refreshed if it ever shows wear. If longevity and natural warmth appeal to you, our wooden dining tables in the UK demonstrate how storage designs can sit comfortably within a timeless wooden frame.
The right choice depends heavily on your existing scheme. High gloss tends to suit rooms with cooler tones, chrome or black fittings and a minimalist feel. It thrives in spaces where light and reflection are welcome. Wood, by contrast, complements warmer palettes, softer lighting and natural materials such as stone or linen. It brings cosiness to a room rather than crispness.
Think about the mood you want your dining area to have. If you are after a bright, contemporary and airy feel, high gloss will serve you well. If you prefer something warm, relaxed and enduring, wood is the natural answer. Neither is superior. They simply create different atmospheres.
You need not commit entirely to one or the other. Some of the most appealing dining sets combine both, pairing a wooden top with high gloss drawers, or a gloss table with wooden accent chairs. This layered approach brings depth and interest, softening the sleekness of gloss with the warmth of wood. It is a look that feels considered and contemporary at once.
Coordinated sets take the guesswork out of this balance. Our wooden dining table sets in the UK and gloss ranges include designs where the two finishes have already been paired thoughtfully, so you can enjoy the best of both without matching pieces yourself.
Whichever finish you choose, the storage element remains just as valuable. Drawers keep cutlery and linen close at hand, shelves hold cookbooks and serving pieces, and concealed compartments tidy away items used less often. High gloss and wood both accommodate these features well, so your decision comes down to looks and upkeep rather than function.
Consider what you most need to store before you buy, so the layout suits your habits. A set that matches how you live will always feel more useful than one chosen on appearance alone. For a fully coordinated look, our dining table and chairs sets in the UK pair storage tables with matching seating in both finishes.
Each finish rewards a little care. High gloss benefits from a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner to keep its shine free of smears, and it is wise to avoid abrasive products that could dull the surface. Wood appreciates the occasional treatment with a suitable care product, along with coasters and placemats to guard against heat and moisture. With modest attention, either finish will keep looking its best for many years.
Whether you lean towards the bright polish of high gloss or the natural warmth of wood, a dining set with storage delivers style and function together. Both finishes are well represented across the collection at Furniture in Fashion, so you can choose the look that suits your home with confidence.
One difference worth weighing is how each finish behaves over the years. Wood tends to develop character as it ages, with the grain deepening and small marks adding a lived in charm that many people treasure. Should it ever show serious wear, a wooden surface can often be refreshed to bring back its original beauty. High gloss, by contrast, keeps its crisp, flawless look as long as it is cared for, but scratches are harder to disguise on such a smooth surface. Neither ages better than the other, they simply age differently, and your preference may guide your choice.
If you like the idea of furniture that tells a story and softens with time, wood rewards that outlook. If you prefer a finish that stays sharp and contemporary, high gloss holds its polish year after year with the right attention.
The proportions and lighting of your dining room can tip the balance between the two finishes. A small or north facing room that receives little natural light benefits from the reflective quality of high gloss, which spreads what light there is and lifts the whole space. A larger, sunnier room can carry the warmth and weight of wood beautifully, using it to add cosiness that might otherwise feel lacking in a bright, open area. Considering how light moves through your room helps you choose a finish that flatters it.
A dining set rarely stands alone, so think about how it will sit with your existing furniture and decor. High gloss pairs naturally with metal, glass and cooler tones, while wood complements natural materials such as stone, linen and leather. If your room already leans in one direction, choosing a matching finish keeps the scheme harmonious. If you fancy a contrast, a considered mix of gloss and wood can add welcome interest without feeling disjointed, provided the tones are chosen with care.
Ultimately, the decision between high gloss and wood comes down to the atmosphere you want and the practicalities of your household. Both offer the same valuable storage and both can look genuinely beautiful, so there is no wrong answer, only the one that suits you best. Take time to picture each finish in your room, think about the light, the size and the mood you are after, and you will arrive at a dining set that pleases you every day and holds its appeal for many years.
One of the pleasures of choosing between these two finishes is that you are not obliged to pick only one. Interiors that combine textures often feel warmer and more interesting than those built around a single material. A high gloss table softened by wooden chairs, or a wooden set lifted by a gloss sideboard nearby, creates a layered look that feels considered rather than flat. The reflective sheen of gloss and the natural grain of wood complement one another surprisingly well, each highlighting the qualities of the other.
When mixing finishes, keep the tones in harmony so the result feels intentional. A warm wood pairs beautifully with a cream or soft grey gloss, while cooler woods sit well against crisp white. Handled with a little care, this blend of surfaces brings depth to a dining room and lets you enjoy the best of both worlds in one welcoming space. It is an approach that feels current without chasing fashion, and it gives a room a sense of having been put together thoughtfully over time.
If you are unsure which finish to favour, let the room itself guide you. Notice which materials already dominate the space, how the light falls at different times of day and what mood you want the dining area to hold. A room that feels bright and modern will happily carry high gloss, while one that leans warm and relaxed calls for the softness of wood. By responding to what the room already offers, rather than imposing a finish that fights against it, you arrive at a dining set that feels entirely at home. Trust what the space tells you, and the choice between gloss and wood becomes far simpler than it first appears.
High gloss wipes clean very easily, though it shows fingerprints. Wood is also simple to maintain but benefits from occasional treatment to protect the grain.
High gloss is often ideal for small rooms because its reflective surface bounces light around and makes the space feel larger and brighter.
Yes. Many sets pair the two finishes, such as a wooden top with gloss drawers, giving a layered look that balances warmth with a contemporary edge.
No. Both finishes accommodate drawers, shelves and compartments equally well, so your choice comes down to appearance and upkeep rather than practicality.
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