A dining room is more than just a place to sit and eat, as it gives your family and friends the space to unwind and reconnect. With such importance attributed to this room, it is essential that its main element – a dining table – reflects the same significance.
Your dining table should represent your unique vision for the room, something that is only possible through considering several factors before choosing the right table.
It can be quite daunting for first-time homeowners to go through the process of sifting through several dining tables.
To ease this predicament, Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, features a complete guide on how to choose the right dining table for your home.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Dining Table
Despite serving such an important purpose, dining tables tend to be neglected by most homeowners. Many opt for simple designs or lower-quality tables, resulting in a lacklustre dining room.
Before choosing a dining table, a range of variables need to be addressed, ranging from design, materials, and colour palette.
Following is a list of some of the essentials for choosing the right dining table.
- Consider the Shape
- Size Matters
- Check for Sturdiness
- Pick the Right Colour Palette
- Choose the Right Material
- Pay Attention to the Table Supports
- Ensure Comfort
Consider the Shape
Dining tables come in various shapes, with each one offering different aesthetics and functionalities. Square and rectangular tables are some of the most common types; however, the appropriate shape largely depends on your dining room.
A rectangular table is perfect for a spacious dining hall, as the shape gives volume to the room.
However, if you have a smaller or much tighter space, opting for round and oval tables would be the right choice.
Since circular tables lack edges, they allow the space to be utilised much more effectively without obstructing passage. Moreover, round tables are perfect for casual dinners or hosting events, since there are no heads at the table.
Size Matters
The overall size of a dining table is a critical aspect that must be thoroughly evaluated. Your table should reflect the size of the room, meaning there is no standard size for.
Getting a larger size may overcrowd the space, while a table that is too small can make the dining area quite insipid.
An easy way to get accurate measurements for your table is to measure the width and length of the room, and then subtract six feet from all sides.
However, for apartments or homes that lack a dedicated dining room, a small and delicate dining table is more appropriate to complement the space.
Check for Sturdiness
A dining table is a long-term purchase, meaning it should be sturdy enough to last a while. A sub-par table with poor quality might collapse after a few months, no matter how stylish it may seem. Ensuring the strength of the table before finalising the purchase is essential.
A few giveaways of a poor-quality dining table are scratches and dents over the surface of the table, uneven legs, or chairs creaking when you move them.
Pick the Right Colour Palette
Your table’s colour has the potential to set the tone for the entire room. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose from a variety of different hues.
A black table can set a professional tone with its sleek finish, while lighter shades may exuberate a funkier vibe – perfect for casual dinners and events.
Choose the Right Material
Materials play a significant role in a dining table’s overall longevity. The material largely depends on your particular needs and uses. Wooden dining tables are a timeless classic that offer a rustic vibe, along with longevity and strength.
Hardwoods such as oak, maple, or walnut offer the most sturdiness, ensuring your table remains in use for years to come.
For a more contemporary look, glass dining tables are the perfect option. Glass tables give an illusion of more space, which is particularly helpful in cases where the room is small and cramped. Marble tables have been trending recently as well, perfect for those looking for a sleek aesthetic.
Pay Attention to Table Supports
Table supports are an aspect that is commonly overlooked by most people. However, these supports play a significant role in the overall design and space of the table. You have to make sure that the table supports do not hinder your leg space.
When you view a dining table set in person, try sitting at it to check if your legs are obstructed by the supports or not. Some designs may seem elegant and enticing, yet they may not offer enough leg space.
For casual dinners or events, such tables can be a hassle as the supports may limit the number of people that can fit in.
If you’re into hosting events and parties quite often, opt for tables with thinner legs, or ones that have legs at the corners. These will provide the most leg space and allow you to squeeze in an extra seat if need be.
Ensure Comfort
Uncomfortable seating can be a hindrance, taking away the pleasure from enjoying a meal at the dining table. Therefore, comfort should be your top priority. Cushioned wooden chairs are generally preferred as they offer the most comfort, along with higher levels of sturdiness.
Metallic and plastic dining table chairs may look avant-garde, yet their comfort fails to compare to wooden chairs.
Therefore, if your priority is comfort, opt for cushioned wooden seating. You can find cushioned metallic seats as well; however, the backrests can be a bit unpleasant compared to their wooden counterparts.
Despite being commonly overlooked by new homeowners, dining tables are one of the most important pieces of décor in any home. Serving as a place to relax, unwind, and make memories – your dining table should reflect this significance.
Follow this guide to find the right dining table for your home. For more information on interior design and home décor, visit our blog.
