You probably know by now that dining tables are a need when it comes to choosing essential furniture pieces for your home.
Aside from the fact that this is a tool to hold your meals as you dine together with your family and friends, your dining table will also function as the focal point of your dining area. This is where it serves as an elegant place for displaying table ornaments. Therefore, choosing the right table does not only mean selecting the ones that can cater to a lot of people but also the one that effectively delivers its function as a centerpiece.
Now you’re aware that there are also other aspects that you need to consider in picking the right dining table. But of course, it will always be practicality that should be prioritized among all of those aspects. At the end of the day, we need a table that can carry out its primary purpose which is to make our daily dining experience comfortable and welcoming. Although if we want to consider the aesthetics of our dining area, you must go for tables that contain the qualities of both practicality and attractiveness. Do you have no idea where to begin in this table-searching adventure? Let us assist you through this guide and remind you of what characteristics you should be looking for in a table as you read through.
The Shape is a Crucial Feature
One of the most important features of a dining table is the shape since this also determines the amount of space it will occupy in your dining area. You don’t want a table that is too large since it leaves little to no space at all. The same goes for smaller tables but does not accommodate all of the members that will be dining together. Below are the various table shapes to check when picking a table.
Rectangle-shaped or Square-shaped Tables
Back when we’re asked to draw a table as a kid, we usually draw it with four corners. We are used to the common shape of tables as rectangles or squares. This is because most dining areas also have corners and cornered tables are suitable for these types of spaces.
If you have a family with a lot of members living together or are just fond of dining with them together most of the time, rectangular tables are highly recommended as a must-have in your house. But in scenarios where you have plans to host a gathering with several guests, they will have a difficult time accessing all the dishes you have prepared on the table because of the corners.
Round or Oval Tables
If you’re looking for a dining table that best accommodates a lot of people, this is your sign to get a round table. This is also appropriate for those dining spaces that aren’t filled with many corners and for those who would want to maintain a minimalist style. Oval-shaped tables allow more breathing space in the dining room and are suitable for intimate gatherings or bonding time with a few friends. So, if you have a small area and you need your furniture to only occupy a little space, go for circular tables.
Choosing the Appropriate Length for Dining Tables
Before anything else, you need to specify first the number of people you usually want to accommodate as well as the size of your dining area to avoid any errors in selecting your dining table. What you need to ensure is that every person dining at the table has sufficient elbow room throughout their dining experience. These are the common size to seat ratios:
a 48 inches table accommodates 4 people; a 60 inches table accommodates 6 people and; 72 inches table accommodates 8 people.
There are also upgraded tables such as the expandable ones which are really beneficial most especially when you are unsure about the number of people who’ll come for dinners. This is best if you are the type to invite people in joining your meals or for large gatherings. Just simply adjusting the table already is a convenient feature that you will benefit from for a long time.
Selecting the Appropriate Table Height
There are three common types of dining tables according to height. The ones found mostly in homes are the traditional sized tables wherein it usually ranges from 28-30 inches for larger legroom below. Another type of dining table is the counter-height which has a height nearing 36 inches. Lastly, the pub-style ones are usually the tallest table types which are 40 inches or higher.
What to Note When Picking the Dining Table Material
There’s a huge variety of materials used for making tables and it’s not easy choosing one. Each material has features that you may or may not like. But as we said earlier, we are here to guide you in every step so we’ve gathered possible choices that you can choose from.
- Wood
Since time immemorial, wood has been the oldest material utilized in making furniture. Due to its durability and versatility, cultures and civilizations have relied on this material for the creation of most items essential to man.
There is an abundant supply of wood as compared to other materials used for making tables since trees are natural resources and not man-made. Moreover, the many varieties of wood also produce different effects and accents on the table itself. Patterns and lines are different for each type of wood which adds to the aesthetics of the said furniture piece. You can opt to coat it with a finish to protect its surface and for added flair.
- Glass
Another impressive material for tables is glass. The elegant and classic vibes it exudes are best for modern dining or interiors with contemporary style. It allows natural lighting to enter the house due to its transparency. Unlike hard-to-maintain table materials, glass is actually very easy to maintain since it would only need a towel and soap for cleaning. The disadvantage is that it is fragile, so one simple accident of falling a plate onto the surface will have it quickly breaking into pieces.
- Marble
Another elegant material for the table is a marble. The unique pattern and texture it has on its surface are enough to produce a feeling of luxury or grandiose. The downside to this material is that it gets easily stained and would require cleaning products to remove them. Other than that, it complements industrial, modern, or contemporary house styles.
- Metal
If you’re talking about sturdiness and longevity, then metal leads the competition. The qualities that metal tables have are far more different from the other types of tables. It is versatile since metal can be cut and bent to form various objects and is long-lasting since it cannot be scratched and broken easily. Its corrosion-resistant property lies on the coating such as paint and other finishes. You can also explore custom metal tables to match the preferred table appearance you have in mind.
Conclusion
We do hope this guide we’ve curated has helped you in many ways and it is highly advised that you also do your own research on selecting the right table for your home. Remember that the functionality and style must go together in a table so you get to maximize the furniture for years to come.