How to choose the right dining table
Looking for a new dining table? With expert tips on the size, shape and material from InSinkErator, you'll discover how to choose the right dining table.
Looking for a new dining table? With expert tips on the size, shape and material from InSinkErator, you'll discover how to choose the right dining table.
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:
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.
When you are choosing a dining table to purchase, sit down at the table in the shop and see how comfortable it is. If you will need to work at the table could you sit there easily for a long period of time? Can you picture the table working in your home?
Run your hands over the surface of the table looking out for any scratches or dents as this will be a good indication of how hardy it is.
Some key features that you also need to consider when choosing your dining room table include:
Ideally, you need at least three feet of space around all the sides of a dining table. Start by measuring the width and height of the space you have for your dining table and then subtract the amount of space you want around the edge - this will give you an ideal dining table size.
Then look at how much space each person needs to sit at the table. Ideally at least 22 inches of table space, with more length added for larger dining chairs with arms.
You also need to look at the size of the table visually. For example, two tables may measure the same size, but if one is made out of a chunkier, thicker cut wood it may look out of place in a small room, even though it technically fits.
To help you imagine what the dining table will look like in your room, take advantage of the virtual reality software which is now on offer from many furniture retailers. This allows you to ‘see’ the table in your chosen room before you commit to a purchase.
If your chosen retailer does not have virtual reality software available, use masking tape to measure out the dimensions on the floor and then hold up a measuring tape for the height.
You can consider an extending table if you prefer a smaller table for day to day use but you often need extra places. Do make sure you have enough room for the table at full size for comfortable entertaining.
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.
Square tables are great for couples or flatmates with little room to spare. If you have a small number of people in your home, square tables are also practical - a large rectangular table might feel unnecessary and also take up too much space.
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 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:
Wood is versatile and therefore popular for many interior styles - from traditional Victorian and natural Scandinavian to modern minimalist, high-end antique or shabby chic.
Choose a veneer that looks like wood for a cheaper, durable alternative. A good veneer will have clearly labelled core materials.
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 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 can also show every fingerprint - but it is very hygienic which is why is is used in professional food preparation areas.
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.
If you want to choose a striking design and change the table in a couple of years, laminate is a wise choice as it is inexpensive.
The joinery of the dining table is another factor to consider before buying. The joinery is where the base and tabletop fit together. The more solid the joinery, the longer the table will last.
Start by looking underneath the table - in general, the simpler the joinery the better. Wood joined directly to wood is very strong, but too many attachments can weaken the table.
Look out for staples and glue on inexpensive tables - this is unlikely to last. If you see pieces beginning to separate, this is a sign of bad quality.
Push firmly down on the tabletop - if it is wobbly the construction will be poor.
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.
Trestle tables can give you more room at the sides, but the ends of the table might be harder to fit a chair under. There is nothing worse than finding a table leg in the centre of your chair!
