Dining Table Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Perfectly Sized Table
Round, square, or rectangular? A wooden, laminate, or glass surface? How large of a table will fit in the dining area? There are many things to consider when buying a new dining table. That’s why I’ve put together some tips to help you choose the right dining table.
The dining table is the centerpiece of many homes. It’s where the morning paper and daily news are shared, where remote work and homework are done, and, of course, where meals are enjoyed together. One of the most important criteria for choosing a new table is ensuring it’s large enough.
In addition to the number and height of diners, the size of the dining area plays a key role in the decision. Always measure the kitchen or dining space before shopping for a table. It’s also important to compare tabletop materials, as the table needs to withstand daily use, including heat, moisture, and knocks.
A dining table is a major investment for the home. When you invest in quality and maintain it regularly, a good dining table can last for decades.
How Big of a Dining Table Do You Need?
Are you looking for a rectangular dining table for two, four, six, or eight people? Or perhaps a round dining table for six or eight? Once you know the number of diners, you can calculate the size of the table.
Each person should have at least 60 centimeters of table space. So, for a six-person rectangular table, it should be at least 180 centimeters long.
You also need to consider the size and number of chairs when thinking about the table size. Add at least 30 centimeters to each end of the table if you plan to place chairs at the ends as well.
What Size Dining Table Fits Your Space?
Are You Interested in a Round Dining Set? There should be at least 70 centimeters of empty space around all sides of the dining table. This provides enough room for chairs, allowing diners to sit down and stand up without unnecessary squeezing. It may be easier to move around a round dining set since there are no sharp corners to navigate.
If you fall in love with a dining table in a furniture store that is either too big or too small, you can always ask the salesperson if the table is available in custom sizes. Many manufacturers also make tables to order based on specific dimensions.
Round, Rectangular, or Square Dining Table – Which Shape Is Best?
The most popular shape is the rectangular table. A rectangular table can accommodate a large number of diners when needed, but at the same time, a dinner for two doesn’t place diners too far apart.
The advantage of a round table is that everyone can easily see each other. If the round table has a central pedestal, it’s easy to add an extra chair around the table.
With a square table, everyone can also see each other, and there’s plenty of space in the middle for serving.
What Is the Proper Height for a Dining Table?
The height of the dining table and chairs greatly affects comfort. How tall are the members of your family? Try sitting at a dining set in the store to test the fit.
Older tables and chairs are usually lower than newer ones. If you’re getting a new table to go with your old chairs, always test to ensure the table height matches the chairs. Fortunately, many manufacturers have updated the dimensions of their classic furniture to meet modern standards in recent years.
Do You Occasionally Need More Counter Space in the Kitchen?
The dining table is often used for much more than eating. Before making a purchase, consider what else you need space for besides dining. Is there enough room on the table to spread out board games, laptops, or a crafting project? In that case, a large dining table is a good choice.
If you only occasionally need extra table space, consider an extendable table. An extendable dining table is also a great option for a smaller space. You can also buy two dining tables from the same series, placing one in the dining area and the other for another use. When you have more guests, you can line the tables up to create one long dining table.
What Kind of Wear Should a Dining Table Surface Withstand?
A hot coffee cup, a steaming soup pot, or hungry kids waving utensils—the surface of a dining table faces a lot of wear in everyday life. While tablecloths and placemats can provide some protection, choosing a high-quality surface material is a long-lasting solution.
Here’s how the most common table surface materials hold up:
- Solid wood is an almost timeless choice. It ages beautifully, and the surface can be sanded and refinished when needed. A well-made table accounts for wood’s natural expansion and contraction with humidity, preventing cracks in quality tables.
- Veneer surfaces are both beautiful and durable when of good quality. Veneer tables are often lighter in construction than solid wood tables.
- Glass surfaces are long-lasting and give a light appearance. Clear glass beautifully reveals the floor and chairs. Tinted or textured glass adds a personal touch. It’s best to use placemats on glass tables to prevent scratches and avoid a cold feeling.
- Ceramic surfaces are stylish, heat-resistant, and nearly scratch-proof. Made from natural materials like glass and porcelain under high heat, it feels similar to a tiled surface.
- High-pressure laminate is a highly durable material, made by compressing several layers of plastic-coated paper under high pressure. It’s easy to maintain, stain-resistant, and a great choice for tables that face heavy use.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) is semi-hard fiberboard. Painted MDF surfaces resemble laminate in appearance but are more affordable and not as durable.
- Linoleum is a flexible and warm natural material.
Checklist for Buying a Dining Table – Consider These Factors:
- Suitable Size: Determine the size by counting the number of diners. Each person needs at least 60 centimeters of table space.
- Measure the Space: Before shopping, measure your kitchen or dining area. There should be at least 70 centimeters of free space around each side of the table, allowing easy access to the chairs.
- Choose the Table Shape Based on Your Needs: A round table allows diners to see each other, a square table provides central space for serving, and a rectangular table can accommodate more people.
- Consider the Height of the Diners: Table heights vary by manufacturer. Comfort and the right height can be determined by trying out the table.
- Extendable Tables for Extra Surface Space: Choose a large or extendable table if it will be frequently used for games, work, crafting, or celebrations.
- Durable Surface: The table surface should withstand heat and moisture. A high-quality and durable material is a long-lasting choice. There are many material options to choose from.
To deepen your understanding of crafting unique and personalized spaces, consider acquiring my book, A Guide to Home Design, available on Amazon. This guide offers a comprehensive exploration of various design principles tailored to distinct environments, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to transform any space. If you want to learn more about the colors in Interior design, buy my book Color theory in interior design from Amazon.
Read more of my books:
Color Theory in Interior Design
Designing for Different Types of Spaces
Create Mood Board for Interior Design Project
