It’s impossible to overlook the importance of a stylish dining table. An integral piece of family life, the dining table sets the stage for stories to be told, laughs to be enjoyed, and familial connections to grow deeper. Used as the focal point of your dinner parties, or a place to gather with loved ones, your dining room table should be an expression of your taste — just like the food you serve on it.
The dining table you choose often dictates the aesthetic of all your dining room furniture. Whether your home features transitional design elements with clean lines or is a cozy space with traditional accents, it’s important to find a dining table or create a custom dining table, that complements your decor style.
Similarly, the ideal dining table should meet your family’s needs — from the number of people, it can accommodate to the material it’s constructed from. With all of this in mind, here are Colorado Style Home Furnishings’ top five tips for choosing the perfect dining table for your home.
Keep Your Decor Style Cohesive
If you already have a predominant design influence throughout your home, it makes sense to choose a dining table that complements it. Although mixing styles and influences can create a unique and quirky aesthetic, it can also disrupt the flow of your home if not done correctly. Traditional homes should consider dining tables made from warm woods such as walnut, while lighter woods such as maple and birch often go well in contemporary homes.
Consider Your Dining Space
The size and shape of your dining room have a significant impact on the style of dining table you should consider. Homes that feature spacious dining areas or open floor plans are able to accommodate larger, more substantial dining tables.
However, it’s important to remember that even if your dining room is able to fit a ten-seater dining table, it doesn’t mean it should. The ability to move around your table with ease while serving guests is crucial to a successful entertaining environment. You should aim to leave a minimum of 42 inches between the table and the walls.
Similarly, oversized furniture can make a room appear cramped and smaller than it is. Be mindful of your available space, and ensure your dining table is as practical as it is stylish.
Choose Your Ideal Dining Table Shape
Rectangle dining tables are the most common shape, and also the most practical when it comes to entertaining a large number of people. If you’re tight on space but need a table that can accommodate multiple family members, considering substituting traditional dining chairs for a bench instead — not only will this save space, but benches are particularly useful seating for children.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the need for a large dining table, and simply need a tranquil space for you and your partner to enjoy mealtimes, consider a trendy and modern square table. Square tables are more intimate than rectangular tables and encourage conversation over dinner. Similarly, round tables offer much of the same benefits of square tables; however, they often provide a more laid-back and casual aesthetic, which is perfect if you prefer a relaxed dining area.
If you’re going for something a little different, or want to make your dining table the focal point of the room, one of the most visually interesting table shapes are ovals. Oval tables offer a more romantic aesthetic to your dining room and can help to soften the angular lines of other design elements.
How Big Should A Dining Table Be?
Stylish dining room tables come in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s important to remember that the shape you choose will also dictate the size you’ll need. To encourage a comfortable dining experience, each person should have around 2 feet of eating space each, and your table should be at a minimum of 36 inches wide to accommodate place settings and food.
As a general guide, the table size in diameter typically correlates to the number of people it can seat. For example, a rectangular table of six feet in diameter can seat around six people.
Choose Quality
Quality dining tables are designed and built to be enjoyed for many years. As one of the most utilized pieces of furniture in the home, it’s essential to choose one that stands the test of time. From family meals to craft projects, birthday celebrations, and everything in between — a good quality dining table will be able to see your family through it all — and still look fabulous.
Just like a refined palette, the perfect choice of dining table is highly personalized. Whether you love to entertain and need a table that can seat friends and family in droves, or do you prefer a more intimate dining experience, with a little bit of thought, it’s possible to create a space that makes you look forward to mealtime every day.
For dining room inspiration, head over to our design center for a wide range of quality dining room tables and chairs.
