A dining table could be considered a very practical item to have in your dining area – after all, you do eat on it, so it is a practical commodity. On the other hand, the dining table should also be considered as the most attractive item there; it is the centre of attraction, the one single item all eyes are automatically drawn to.
For those two reasons, it’s easy to see why choosing the right dining table for your home is not always the easiest thing to do. It needs to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing (and of course, it needs to be made of quality material so it gives a good return on investment over the years). If you’re having trouble picking the right dining table for your home, then this one’s for you: here’s how to pick the perfect dining table for your needs.
Think of the size first
You have to consider the size of the room first of all – and if you have cupboards or cabinets at the sides, you need to consider those as well. You want your diners to be able to get up and get seated with comfort, without bumping into anything. Try to clear at least 3 to 4 feet of distance between the table and the nearest obstacles.
Think of the number of people that fit
The manufacturer of the table should be able to recommend the perfect seating arrangement for the table in question – but don’t get fooled and go for less; don’t buy extra chairs just because they might fit. You want your diners to have elbow room. A rule of thumb for comfort: give each person about 2 feet of eating space.
Go round for smaller areas
Round-shaped tables – including oval ones – are better for smaller rooms since they give the impression of being big yet still allow more space to move around. They also tend to go better with modern rooms.
When to go square
Square tables make a classic statement; they also work well in long or narrow rooms.
The key is this: be realistic about how often you will actually use the dining table (when you entertain visitors, that is), and how many people will have to be seated around it when such an occasion arrives. It’s useless buying a large dining table if it fills up the room but you hardly use it to entertain. It’s equally ridiculous to buy a small item and then struggle to fit twelve people around a small round table, when everyone’s rubbing elbows. Think of your needs, think of your available space, and decide the make and model based on your aesthetic preferences and the existing décor. If you are attracted to rustic, vintage-style furniture, you’d be happy to know that there is a varied industrial dining table selection out there. Happy hunting!