How To Choose The Right Dining Table For Your Home

A dining table is one of the most integral pieces of furniture in your home. Not just a place to eat, it is also the foundation for memorable meals and meaningful gatherings.

At SK Designer Living, we understand the intrinsic value of a dining table. It helps turn your house into a home and becomes an important part of your day-to-day life. That’s why it’s not a piece of furniture that should be purchased on impulse. If you want to choose the right designer dining table for your home, here’s what you should consider.

1. Needs

When it comes to choosing the right dining table for your home work out what you need. Of course, your table must serve functional needs, such as being a place to gather and eat. But you should also consider your family, lifestyle and living situation too.

Your family needs should be considered. If you have young children, for example, perhaps a stone table that absorbs stains might not be the best choice. Pick a dining table that is practical as well as beautiful.

You should also consider your lifestyle. Think about how a table plays a part in your daily life. If you love entertaining and hosting dinner parties, for example, a small four-seater table probably won’t be ideal. Your dining table should enrich your lifestyle, not hinder it. 

Your present living situation is another area you should consider. A good rule of thumb is to buy for the house you have now. Even if you’re planning to buy a larger house in the future, there’s no point buying an oversized glass table if it won’t fit in your current space. Instead, choose a dining table that suits your needs now. 

2. Size

Your dining table must fit comfortably in your dining room. Too large and it makes your room look small, too small and it makes your room look off-balance. Size also means taking into consideration the space around your table for people to move. 

To work out the right table size for your home, you need to measure and map it out. A good idea is to use books or bedsheets to create a makeshift table in your dining room. This helps show you how much space a particular sized table would take up.

Ideally, your dining table should not only be the right length but right height too. In general, allow a minimum of 100 centimetres of space between the table and wall or other furniture in the room. When it comes to height, most dining tables are around 76 centimetres high. Keep this in mind if you have décor or lighting that will sit on or above the table. 

Of course, a dining table is not complete without dining chairs! Allow a minimum of 20 centimetres of space between a chair and the tabletop. Make sure you also leave space for when people are sitting in them and when they are tucked in. The right dining table for your home should allow people to sit, get up and move around the room comfortably.

3. Shape

Dining tables are usually rectangular, square, round or oval-shaped. Your practical needs and the size of your room should determine the shape of your table. Here’s what you should consider with each dining table shape.

Rectangular Tables

Rectangular tables are the most common. You’ll find that this shape comes in more styles, sizes and extendable options too. While a rectangular dining table suits most spaces, it works particularly well in long or narrow rooms.

Just remember, when it comes to choosing the right one, width is just as important as length. The wider the table, the more food it can fit, so the better it is for entertaining.

Square Tables

If your room is square, it is a good idea to choose a square table. A square dining table creates more intimate dining experiences because it brings people closer together. Keep in mind though that the larger the square table, the more difficult it is to reach the food. 

So, if you are planning to seat more than eight people, you might be better off with a square table that has an extension. That way, you can have the best of both worlds.

Round or Oval Tables

Round or oval tables are best for small rooms. While this shape usually takes up less space, it still offers a good amount of surface area to place food. Obviously, the larger the tabletop, the more people and food you can comfortably fit. A round or oval table also brings people closer together, so it is great for conversation and ideal for parties.

4. Material

Choosing the right material for your dining table is not always easy. It should be a balance between price, upkeep, personal style and the style of your home. Here’s what you should consider for some of the most common materials.

Wood

Wood is the most popular dining table material. Classic, durable and easy to repair, wood looks beautiful and caters to most needs. While solid wood is the most expensive, there are a few cheaper alternatives, such as teak and acacia.

Although wood shows wear and expands and contracts when exposed to heat, the material is easy to maintain. That’s why a wood dining table will stand the test of time.

Veneer

If you want the wood look without the price tag, then wood veneer is a great option. This material is made up of a thin layer of solid wood or printed material that is attached to plywood. A good quality veneer dining table is made entirely from this material, so check that veneer has been used underneath the table too.

Glass

Glass tabletops create a feeling of openness, so are great for small spaces. Available in many varieties, such as clear, tinted or frosted, glass tabletops are relatively affordable. 

While they are not damaged by moisture, they can be easily chipped and scratched. They also show every fingerprint, so may not be the best option if you have small children. If you manage to avoid chips and scratches and are prepared to wipe it down often, then a glass dining table can last decades. 

Stone

Stone tables are sturdy and beautiful. Usually made from marble or quartz composite, stone dining tables suit both contemporary and traditional spaces. While stone is hard-wearing, it can easily absorb stains. This material is also prone to chipping or cracking, which usually cannot be repaired. 

Stone tables vary in price, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the type of stone used.

Metal

Metal tables are modern, durable and less expensive than many other materials. Made from stainless steel, zinc, brass or painted versions of these, metal dining tables can withstand heavy use. Although, because of their shiny finish, they show every fingerprint and can be hard to clean.

Plastic

A plastic table is an affordable option. While this material is durable and requires little upkeep, it is usually not the most stylish choice.

5. Style

When it comes to choosing the right dining table for your home, style should play a big part. Whether it’s the Scandi, Hamptons or industrial look you’re going for, there is a dining table to suit every interior design style. Here’s what you should consider for some of the most popular styles.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian is about simplicity with a Nordic-touch. Uncluttered but warm, it brings together minimalism and functionality. If your interior design style is Scandi, then your dining table should follow suit! Look for a clean-lined, solid wood table that is simple and contemporary. 

Hamptons

The Hamptons interior design style is coastal, relaxed and elegant. It calls for oversized furniture with a beachy vibe. A beautiful wood table with classic lines and carved legs works best with this style. 

Industrial

The industrial interior design style is modern, exposed and rustic. Brick walls, steel beams, distressed timbers and raw concrete create an edgy aesthetic. If this is your style, look for a wood or metal dining table in a subdued black, brown, grey or white colour.

Eclectic

The eclectic interior design style brings together furniture pieces from a range of styles and periods. A common colour, pattern or texture is usually used throughout. The best thing about this style is that any dining table could work, just make sure it adds personality!

Minimalist

The minimalist interior design style is simple yet sophisticated. Quality and functionality are what matter most. If this is your style, look for a clean-lined, functional dining table in a neutral colour.

6. Quality

If you want your dining table to stand the test of time, choose one that is high-quality. You should invest in a well-made table which withstands heavy use and shows little wear. While material plays a big part in this, joinery is also important. 

While at the store, look underneath the dining table to check the joinery. You want to see that the tabletop and base have been fitted together correctly. In general, wood joined with wood is very strong.

If you see lots of hinges or gaps in the corners where the legs meet the tabletop, or if the table is wobbly, it is not a well-made table. The better the joinery, the higher quality the table, and the longer it will last.

As one of the most integral pieces of furniture in your home, your dining table should not be an impulse purchase. Before making a decision, consider your needs and which size, shape, material, style and quality of dining table you need. The right dining table should enrich your lifestyle and make your house into a home. Choose one that will bring many memorable meals and meaningful gatherings into your home, for many years to come. 

At SK Designer Living, we know that a dining table is not only an integral part of your home but an integral part of your life. We have a beautiful range of well-made designer dining tables to suit every budget and style. Our dining tables are affordable and high-quality because we understand the intrinsic value this piece of furniture has.

When searching for your next dining table, use our tips to help you choose the right one for your home.

Are you looking for the right dining table for your home? Do you have any questions about what you should consider before making a decision? Post your questions in the comments below so our community of furniture-lovers can help.

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