Selecting the right dining table for your home is essential, whether working with a traditional dining room or a small nook in an open floor plan. The dining table is more than just a place to eat—it’s a central piece of furniture that brings family and friends together.
To find the perfect table, consider its size, shape, material, and style, ensuring it complements your home and meets your needs.
Let’s get straight to the point.
To choose the right dining table, measure your space carefully, leaving 105-120 cm around the table for movement. Visualise the table’s size using bedsheets to ensure it fits well.
Consider different table shapes based on your needs: round for intimacy, rectangular for larger gatherings, square for smaller rooms, and oval for a blend of both.
Select a material that suits your style and maintenance preferences, such as durable wood, sustainable recycled wood, luxurious but high-maintenance marble, or space-enhancing glass.
Measure The Space
The first step in choosing a dining table is measuring your space. Ensure there’s enough room for people to sit comfortably and move around.
You should leave about 105 to 120 centimetres of space between the table and the walls or other furniture. This allows enough room for chairs to be pulled out and for guests to move freely.
Consider the overall flow of the room; a table that is too large may disrupt the natural movement patterns, making the space feel cramped. Considering these measurements can help avoid purchasing a table that overwhelms your dining area.
Check Clearance Around Furniture
If your dining area has other furniture, such as a sideboard or buffet, measure the space between the furniture and the table. Aim for a clearance of 105 to 120 centimetres.
This helps maintain an open, accessible environment in your dining space. Ensuring adequate clearance also prevents your dining area from feeling cluttered and allows easy access to storage pieces, making the space functional and aesthetically pleasing.
This distance can make your dining area more practical and comfortable for everyday use and special occasions.
Visualising The Table In Your Space
A handy trick is to use bedsheets to represent the table’s size. Lay them out where you plan to place the table and fold them into the desired shape.
This method provides a visual and practical sense of how much space the table will occupy. It also allows you to experiment with different table shapes and sizes before purchasing, helping you visualise how different options will fit within your existing decor.
This will allow you to make a more informed decision that balances style and functionality, ensuring the table complements your space perfectly.
Seating Capacity By Table Shape
Round Tables
Round tables are ideal for small spaces and foster intimate conversations. Everyone is equidistant from the centre, making them a perfect choice for family meals or gatherings where everyone can engage equally in the conversation.
The seating capacity of round tables varies with their size, and a pedestal base can further enhance comfort by providing more legroom.
- 90 cm diameter: seats four people.
- 120 cm diameter: seats 4 to 6 people.
- 150 cm diameter: seats 6 to 8 people.
- 180 cm diameter: seats 8 to 9 people.
- Remember that a pedestal based on a round table can offer more legroom, making seating more comfortable.
Rectangular Tables
Rectangular tables are versatile and well-suited for long, narrow spaces. They are a common choice for larger dining areas and accommodate more guests than other shapes.
This makes them popular for formal dining rooms or large family gatherings. Using benches instead of chairs can save space, as benches can be tucked away when not in use.
- 120 cm long: seats four people.
- 150-180 cm long: seats six people.
- 210 cm long: seats eight people.
- 240-270 cm long: seats ten people.
- 300 cm long: seats 12 people.
- If you need to save space, consider using benches instead of chairs. They can be tucked under the table when not in use.
Square Tables
Square tables are an excellent choice for square-shaped rooms, offering a cozy and balanced dining experience. They are particularly suited for smaller gatherings but can only be challenging for larger groups if you opt for extendable leaves.
Combining two square tables can create a rectangular configuration for larger square rooms, providing flexibility for various occasions.
- 90-120 cm: seats four people.
- 150 cm: seats eight people.
- If you have a large square room, consider joining two square tables to form a rectangle, offering flexibility for various occasions.
Oval Tables
Oval tables harmoniously blend the benefits of round and rectangular tables. Their rounded edges make them less visually imposing, making them a great option for smaller spaces.
Despite their smaller footprint, oval tables can accommodate many guests, making them suitable for casual and formal dining settings.
- 150 cm long: seats 4 to 6 people.
- 180-210 cm long: seats 6 to 8 people.
- 240-270 cm long: seats ten people.
- Oval tables are great for smaller spaces while offering enough seating for larger gatherings.
Choosing The Right Material
Wood
Wooden tables are renowned for their durability and timeless appeal. They offer a warm, inviting look that complements various interior styles, from rustic to modern.
Hardwood options like oak, walnut, and mahogany are prized for their strength and ability to age gracefully, often developing a beautiful patina. These woods are sturdy and resistant to wear, making them an excellent investment for long-term use.
If you prioritise environmental responsibility, consider tables made from sustainably sourced wood. This ensures that the wood is harvested in a manner that supports forest conservation and biodiversity, allowing you to enjoy its beauty while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Recycled Wood
Recycled wood tables are a sustainable option that combines environmental consciousness with unique aesthetics. By using reclaimed materials, these tables add character and history to your home, often featuring distinctive marks, grains, and colours that tell a story of their past life.
Each piece is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the imperfections and beauty of aged wood, which can bring warmth and a sense of authenticity to your space. By choosing recycled wood, you contribute to environmental conservation by reducing the demand for new lumber and keeping valuable materials out of landfills.
Marble and Faux Marble
Marble tables are synonymous with luxury and elegance, instantly elevating the aesthetic of any dining room. The natural veining and smooth marble surface create a sophisticated focal point, making it a popular choice for those looking to make a statement.
However, marble is a porous material that requires careful maintenance to avoid stains, scratches, and etching from acidic substances. Regular sealing and prompt cleaning are essential to preserving its beauty.
For those who desire the opulent look of marble without the upkeep, faux marble offers a more affordable and practical alternative. Made from engineered materials, faux marble mimics the appearance of real marble but is more resistant to staining and easier to maintain, making it an excellent choice for busy households.
Glass
Glass tables are ideal for smaller spaces. They create a sense of openness and light, helping to enlarge the room visually. The transparency of glass allows light to pass through, reducing the visual clutter and making the space feel airy and uncluttered.
Glass tables pair well with various bases, including metal, wood, or even stone, allowing you to customise the look to match your decor. They are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a simple wipe-down to remove fingerprints and smudges, making them a practical choice for modern homes.
Tempered glass options are available for increased safety. They offer durability and resistance to shattering, making them suitable for families with children. Glass tables are perfect for those who appreciate a sleek, minimalist design that doesn’t compromise functionality.
Style And Seating
Mix And Match
Mixing and matching chairs with your table for a more personalised look is common. Ensure the chairs fit comfortably under the table, with a gap of about 30 centimetres between the seat and the tabletop. Consider benches as an alternative to chairs, especially for smaller spaces.
Chairs
When choosing chairs, consider comfort and practicality. Armchairs add a touch of elegance but may take up more space. Ensure the chairs match the table’s style and are comfortable for extended seating.
Benches
Benches are a great option if you need flexible seating. They can accommodate more people and be tucked under the table to save space. If comfort is a priority, choose a padded and upholstered bench.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dining table requires careful measurement, thoughtful consideration of your space and needs, and an understanding of the available materials and shapes.
Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of a wooden table, the sustainable charm of recycled wood, the luxurious appeal of marble, or the modern simplicity of glass, your dining table should reflect your style and lifestyle.
By taking the time to assess your space, visualise the table’s impact, and consider the practicalities of seating and material, you’ll be well on your way to selecting a dining table that enhances your home and becomes a cherished gathering spot for family and friends.
FAQs About Dining Table
How Do I Choose A Dining Room Table?
5 Rules for Choosing a Dining Room Table (Plus Some to Buy)
- Always go bigger than you think is necessary.
- Leave three feet of clearance space.
- Choose a round table if you need more space.
- Get a glass table if you have a dark apartment.
- Don’t be afraid of metallics.
What Is The Best Surface For A Dining Table?
Solid wood and quartz are two of the most durable materials for tabletops. Solid wood tables are renowned for their durability, and Oak and Maple are extremely hard-wearing when looked after correctly. The best thing to do is choose a tabletop best suited to your lifestyle.
What Is The Most Popular Shape For A Dining Room Table?
Rectangular dining tables are the most common table shape. They are great for large-scale entertaining because they can seat many guests. Their linear shape also allows for ample room to walk around the table.
What Is The Rule Of Thumb For Dining Tables?
A table that seats four should be about 48″ long. To seat four to six people, look for a table that is at least 60″ long. For six to eight guests, your table should be at least 78″ long. The rule is to allow 24″ of space per seat at your dining table.
How Do I Buy A Good Dining Table?
The Essential Guide to Buying a Dining Table
- Consider the material.
- Measure the size of your room.
- Gauge your requirements.
- Decide on your budget.
- Match your aesthetic.
- Evaluate ease of maintenance.
- Be cautious with colour.
- Decide what parts you need.
