Dining Tables: A Buyer's Guide
The dining table is a key element of the interior design of an apartment or house. Found in both the dining room and the kitchen, it offers both practical and aesthetic benefits.
Generally speaking, the dining table is where the whole family gathers for meals, and it’s also where we entertain guests. But it also serves as a place to work when there’s no desk available, and can be used for playing board games or any other activity that requires a flat surface.
It’s important to keep in mind that a dining table is a piece of interior decor that adds a unique style to the room where it’s placed. Here are the key criteria to consider when choosing the right dining table to create an original and sustainable interior design.
What shape of dining table should you choose?
One of the first questions to ask yourself is what shape to choose for your dining table. There are, in fact, four main shapes for dining tables:
- the rectangular dining table;
- the square dining table;
- the round dining table;
- the oval dining table.
Choosing a Rectangular Dining Table
The most common type of dining table is the rectangular one. This shape is very functional and ideal for a room that is longer than it is wide.
A rectangular dining table has the advantage of accommodating many chairs, making it easy to entertain guests. However, a rectangular table can be too bulky for small spaces.
Choosing a Square Dining Table
For smaller spaces, it may therefore be best to choose a square dining table.
It's ideal for households with just 2 to 4 people, and its shape also adds a modern touch to the room where the table is placed.
Choosing a Round Dining Table
For a more unique interior design, you can choose a round dining table.
Available in different sizes, it can seat more or fewer people, but has the advantage of allowing everyone seated around the table to see one another. This table is therefore particularly popular with those who entertain frequently.
Choosing an Oval Dining Table
Finally, for a stylish and modern decor, an oval dining table is an interesting choice that can seat just as many people as a rectangular table.
It's also important to remember that the shape of a dining table should be chosen based on the available space so that you can arrange your dining room in the best possible way.
What material should you choose for your dining table?
The second factor to consider when choosing the right dining table is the material. What material should you choose for your dining table?
Choosing a Wooden Dining Table: The Traditional Style
Traditionally, dining tables are made of wood, which remains the most commonly used material today. Choosing a wooden dining table is a good idea, since this material is durable and sturdy. A wooden dining table is a very good investment, as it is a timeless piece of furniture.
However, you’ll need to choose from among the different types of wood. For an eco-friendly dining table, it’s recommended to choose one made from locally sourced wood rather than expensive exotic wood imported from Africa, Asia, or South America. In the spirit of environmental responsibility, it’s best to check for PEFC certification—especially for a wooden dining table— before making a purchase.
Glass, plastic, metal, concrete, ceramic: materials for a unique dining table
Today, choosing a solid-wood dining table isn't the only option. Many other materials can be used to make this type of furniture. Choosing one of these materials can help bring a modern and original touch to your interior design.
A glass dining table is ideal for a sleek, sophisticated decor, while a plastic dining table (laminate or melamine) has the advantage of being affordable and coming in a wide variety of colors that allow you to coordinate the table with your decor. Stainless steel, marble, ceramic, or even concrete: there’s no shortage of options for choosing a unique dining table that complements the decorative style of your kitchen or dining room.
What size should your dining table be?
To choose the right dining table, you also need to consider its dimensions. This involves determining how many chairs can fit around the table—and, therefore, how many people can gather around it.
So, while size is an important factor, it's best to choose a table based on the number of people it can seat.
For 2 to 4 people: a small table is enough
A table for two people is usually round or square. Ideally, it measures 70 cm on each side or has a diameter of 70 cm. A table for two people is perfect for a studio apartment or a small kitchen.
To seat 4 people, choose a table that is between 110 and 120 cm long and 80 to 90 cm wide (for a rectangular table). For a square table, the ideal dimensions are 100 to 110 cm, while for a round table, the appropriate diameter is between 80 and 100 cm.
For 6 to 12 people: several seating arrangements are possible
To accommodate more people, you need to consider the various possible seating arrangements. For 6 people, 2 to 3 people can sit facing each other on each side, while the other 2 can sit at the ends of the table. Thus, the ideal dimensions vary depending on seating preferences.
You’ll need to determine the right dimensions for your dining table, keeping in mind that, on average, you should multiply the number of guests by 60 cm to choose the appropriate size.
What color should you choose for your dining table?
By choosing a material like plastic, you can select your dining table from a wide range of colors. Even a wooden table can come in different shades. So, which color should you choose for your dining table?
Choosing a Versatile Color for Your Dining Table
To make sure you don't make a mistake with your interior design, the simplest option is to choose a dining table in neutral colors, such as black, white, gray, or brown.
By choosing this color scheme, the dining table can complement any decor style and blend seamlessly with the room's other furniture and decorative items.
Should you choose light or dark colors for your dining table?
Light colors are very popular in many interior design styles, such as Scandinavian or bohemian. The advantage of choosing a light-colored dining table is the way it can make a room appear larger.
That doesn't mean choosing a table in dark colors is a bad idea. Black dining tables, for example, go perfectly with industrial-style interiors.
Choosing Bright Colors for Your Dining Table
In addition to neutral, light, and dark colors, it's perfectly acceptable to choose a brightly colored dining table.
Warm colors are particularly popular in contemporary interior design for creating contrast and highlighting furniture. For example, you can choose a yellow dining table if you want a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere, or a red dining table if you’re looking for a stylish, modern, and original look.
As for cool colors, such as green or blue, they add a natural and soft touch to a room's decor.
What style should you choose for your dining table?
Choosing the right size, shape, material, and color for your dining table is a great start, but to be sure you’re choosing the right table, you also need to consider its style.
A good way to choose the right style for your dining table is to flip through home decor magazines to see which tables are used with different styles. Home decor blogs and videos can also help you get a better sense of the aesthetic elements used in various interior design styles.
Generally speaking, it’s best to choose a wooden table with metal legs for an industrial style. A glass table—whether round or rectangular—with a light-colored central leg fits perfectly into a modern, minimalist style. Finally, for a traditional style, it’s a good idea to opt for a large, rectangular table made of solid wood.
Why choose an extendable dining table?
Finally, it’s important to remember that aesthetics aren’t the only factor to consider when choosing a dining table. Practicality is just as important. Therefore, it may be a good idea to consider buying an extendable dining table.
Save space and make the most of your space with an extendable dining table
The main reason to choose an extendable dining table is to save valuable space while still having room to entertain or enjoy meals. An extendable table allows you to adjust its size to suit your needs. This way, you can free up space to make it easier to move around the table when it’s not in use.
An extendable table has built-in or removable extensions that allow you to adjust its size in just a few minutes. This feature is ideal for large families, as well as for households that regularly entertain guests. This way, you can enjoy a table that seats 4 to 6 people under normal circumstances, but can be transformed into one that seats more than 10 people once the extensions are installed. The only thing to consider is the number of chairs available, although it’s always easy to add stools so that everyone can find a seat around the table.
A square dining table or a rectangular dining table: why not both?
Which should you choose: a rectangular extendable table or a square extendable table? Depending on the model, you can enjoy both table shapes to adapt your style to your preferences and needs.
A square table can, in fact, be easily converted into a rectangular table by adding extension leaves. This is therefore a significant advantage for those who can't decide between a square table and a rectangular table.
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