Similar to a couch, a dining table is the centrepiece of any house. It’s a place to dine and connect with friends and family, it brings structure to your mealtimes, and it also provides the opportunity to add style and creativity to your home. Large, premium pieces of furniture impact your home in many ways and are a purchasing decision that should be well thought out. From round dining tables to dining table extensions, there are lots to consider. Check out our guide on establishing the right dining table size below.
Establish your dining room’s aesthetic
The style and decor of your dining room will dictate the style and size of your dining table. Is your dining room for special occasions only? Is your style bohemian or contemporary? Here are just some of the dining table styles that continue to be popular.
Industrial: Industrial style dining tables feature materials such as concrete or a mix of wood and metal for an exposed look. These tend to be larger in size.
Contemporary: Sleek lines and simple finishes are what make these tables a great minimalist option. Because some of them feature glass tops, they provide a great location for plants and ornamental books when not being used for dining.
Traditional: What you imagine when you hear the term ‘dining table’. This classic, timeless look features elegantly carved wood and upholstered seats, usually suited to a larger room.
Consider the table’s main purpose
Will you be hosting dinner parties or having casual breakfast? Are you on a budget and looking for something simple or are you wanting to make a statement with an ornate piece that dictates a large room? Or maybe you’re looking for a more bespoke dining table that’ll really bring the room together with your exact preferences? Establishing the table’s main purpose will not only impact the style you choose but also the type of materials, so it’s important to get the balance right. A traditional dining table with satin upholstery won’t fare well if it’s used every morning for the busy breakfast rush, and a contemporary oak dining table may feel too casual for elegant dinner parties.
Review the size of the room
Assessing the size of your room is one of the most important steps when deciding what size table you need. If you’re looking for a long, elegant traditional dining table, then you’ll need a long room. If your space is smaller, a good option is a round dining table or a table that has a dining extension, where you can fold it down when not in use. Remember, dining table extensions need to be able to open up and fit within the space, so this needs to be accounted for when taking measurements. The same goes for dining room chairs, you’ll need adequate room for people to push their chair back from a table. For dining table extensions, be mindful of other furniture that might be situated nearby, and plan for enough space so the room doesn’t feel cluttered,
Choose your shape
The shape of your chosen dining table will impact how it’s used and how much space it takes up. When we think of banquets and dinner parties, long rectangular tables are usually the preferred choice, however, if space is limited, a round table is practical as well as more inclusive.
Round: With a round dining table nothing feels too far away, your dinner companions and more importantly, your dinner! The perfect space saver, round dining tables are compact yet practical and depending on the material they can often be lightweight and easy to move if needed.
Rectangle: The most traditional form of dining table, it provides the space for a large number of people to dine, and a large amount of food to place on it! Consistently popular, they are suited to homes that have ample space, large families and people who love to entertain. If choosing a long table, work out how many place settings you desire, as the space between each place setting will impact the overall length.
Square: Compact, practical and intimate, a square dining table is always a good choice. Suitable for smaller families and rooms, the versatility of a square table means it can either make a design statement or be a subtle feature in a space. Similar to a round dining table, a square one is usually more intimate, and there’s the option of adding a dining table extension for occasions where there is a larger group.
Oval: If you like round dining tables, but want something a little more unique, then an oval dining table is a great option. Its unusual curved shape makes it appear more compact but this shape can surprise you, seating more people than you realise. The ability to feel intimate while seating a larger group of guests is what makes this option a popular choice.
Be mindful of table and chair legs
When you’ve established your table’s use, worked out the size of the room and your preferred style, it can be easy to forget one of the last simple steps. Besides the table’s shape, make sure to assess the direction of the table and chair legs. Often table legs can be in a slanted direction, making them wider than the table, take this into account when measuring or deciding on your preferred table.
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