What To Look For In A Dining Room Table

Jul 22
08:00

2011

Oleg Oyfe

Oleg Oyfe

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Buying a dining table may not be as simple as you think it would be. However, knowing the right things to consider when buying this furniture will make it easier. Of course, you want the table to be comfortable for every day meals as well as special occasions like birthdays, reunions, etc.

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One thing you will need for your dining table is versatility.  It should fit various occasions such as casual meals,What To Look For In A Dining Room Table Articles formal and informal gatherings.  It may also serve as a buffet table for big parties.  It should also be suited for other activities besides dining like working and gaming activities.

The Function of the Dining Table

Naturally, its primary function is for dining.  However, there are times when there are also secondary purposes.  Evaluating this will help you to arrive at a better decision.  You can select from the following minor reasons:  office table, study table, game table, discussion table, party table, etc. 

Next, get the measurement of your dining room and decide the location of the table.  If possible, make a diagram of your dining room and put a mark for the furniture.  Measure the door entrance to make sure that no problems will occur bringing it inside the room.

When you have figured these out, then make the following list.

Dining Table Features:

The size of the dining table

The required space between the table and the wall and other furniture is 30 – 36 inches.  The reason is to give ample area when moving the chair back.  A big dining table may be nice but if it does not provide extra space thereby restricting the movements, then it definitely is a wrong choice.  You will end up with people banging their body on the sides of the table or people hitting each other.

The shape of the table

If your dining room has a definite shape, then your table should adopt the same shape.  On the other hand, if your dining area can accommodate any table of any shape, you should base your choice on the kind of setting you want to foster in the room.

The different shapes of dining table 

• A rectangular table is the fitting shape for a big dining area and for big families.  This will also do well if you often host big parties for it can also serve the purpose of a buffet.

• A round dining table is perfect for social gatherings where one needs to talk to more than two people.  This will also be a perfect gaming table as you can interact with every player in the room.  You need to have a big space for a round dining table though.

• A square table is the best shape especially for small dining rooms.   A square dining table suggests a more personal and friendly meal.  

The material used

You can choose from various materials:  natural wood, lacquered and glass tabletop.  If you choose wood, you can also choose if you want it with veneer or acrylic finishing.  Natural or lacquered wood are easy to maintain although the latter is a whole lot easier to clean and gives a beautiful shine.   With glass tabletop, you can have it tinted or clear.  

Plastic is another material.  They are durable, easy to maintain and affordable. 

The color of the dining table

Ensure that you pick the color that will blend with the walls and other furniture, fixtures and decorations of your dining room.

Your dining table should serve your needs and meet your requirements.  It should suit your taste and reflect a bit of your personality as the homeowner.