The dining table is one of the most important furniture choices that you will make for your home.
It is where you can gather family and friends to share a meal together, whether it’s a weekday dinner or to celebrate a special occasion.
Children are likely to use the dining table to do their homework and it can even be used as a makeshift office if you work from home.
No matter your individual needs, there are some essential criteria to meet when you are choosing your dining room table.
The table needs to:
- Fit in your allocated space
- Be well made
- Be within budget
- Be a style that won’t date
You need to choose a style that is timeless unless you are happy to change it after a while. A geometric style, copper legged table might be on-trend right now, but it will look dated in a few years.
The shape of the table
The shape of the table is often dictated by the shape and size of the room – whether that is your dining room or open plan kitchen.
If you choose a rectangular dining room table, make sure that you think about the width of the table. If you enjoy entertaining, make sure there is enough table space for serving dishes.
A round or oval dining table is ideal for smaller spaces as the design takes up less space
Circular tables allow all the diners to have an equal seating and view and this immediately creates a more relaxed, informal setting. It’s easier to talk at a circular table, making this ideal for dinner parties and special occasions.
A square dining table will fit more easily in a smaller room, but you should bear in mind that not all the chairs will be able to be tucked under the table all the way.
The material the table is made from
The type of material that you choose for your dining table depends on your budget, needs and the style you are going for.
Some of the most popular materials used to make dining tables are:
Wood
Wood is the traditional dining table material simply because it looks good, it’s strong and also easy to repair.
Wood does expand and contract in different temperatures and can show general wear and tear over time, but some wooden tables are all the better for it with the shabby chic interiors trend. If shabby chic is not a look that you want, then you can cover the wooden table with a patterned oilcloth to make sure that it is protected.
You can also paint the wood with an oil-based paint in a colour of your choice or pick from a variety of varnishes to personalise your table.
There are many different types of wood available and each has different qualities and characteristics:
- Oak is a durable hardwood with a wavy grain and distinctive look
- Maple wood is very durable and affordable and can be stained to look more expensive
- Pine is inexpensive and lightweight, but prone to scratches and dents
- Walnut is popular for shabby chic, ornate tables but is more expensive
Veneer
Choose a veneer that looks like wood for a cheaper, durable alternative. A good veneer will have clearly labelled core materials.
Stone
Stone is strong and heavy, but some stone can crack or chip so make sure you research the different types before you buy.
Stone can vary enormously in price and look – cement topped tables are ideal for an industrial style in your home and they are cheaper than opulent marble-topped tables.
Glass
Glass topped tables can create a feeling of light, open space, making a room instantly feel larger.
However a glass table shows every fingerprint and smear, so you will be a slave to the Windolene spray if you have children in the house!
Metal
Metal can also show every fingerprint – but it is very hygienic which is why is is used in professional food preparation areas.
Laminate and plastics
Laminate and plastic tables are not the best choice if you want a long lasting and durable dining room table, however, due to their low cost and easy to wipe surface, they are popular for communal dining in canteens or for conference tables.
The table legs
Another element of the dining table you need to consider are the table legs. People often forget that the table legs and supports can dictate how many people you can sit around the table.
When you view a dining room table, sit at it and make sure you can cross your legs. Take into account taller members of your family or guests and make sure there is enough room for longer legs.
A table with thin legs in each corner will be easier to fit chairs in that a chunkier or ornate design or intricate base.
Pedestal style tables can fit more chairs in, but they are less sturdy than four legged tables.
