1,607 Dining Tables

How big should my dining table be?

The size you opt for will depend largely on the space you have available. Take floor measurements and allow for roughly one metre of space between the back of dining table chairs and every wall, window and additional furniture item in the room. Most dining tables advise how many people they can comfortably seat, but you may be able to squeeze in an extra chair or two. When adding chairs, check that each person at the table will have at least 60 centimetres of room (width), to avoid, quite literally, people rubbing shoulders. An eight-seater dining table may be the dream, but if room doesn’t allow, consider an extendable dining table or one with leaves, which can accommodate extra guests whenever an event is planned.

Which shape is best for my space?

Something as seemingly inconsequential as the shape of a table can have a huge affect on how you use your space. Most large dining tables are rectangular or oval, the latter being a more traditional option that is best suited to a formal dining room. Both are suited to long, narrow rooms, with the oval dining table being less visually imposing. If you’re looking to save room, a rectangular or square dining table can be pushed up against a wall and be moved out when needed. Round dining tables look best in square rooms, and are the best at maximising small spaces, as they offer the most flexibility with seating. They are also the most sociable, allowing everyone seated to see one another.

What are the most durable materials?

The materials you choose will be mostly dependant on the overall style of your decor. However, you should also take into account how the table will be used, and by whom. In terms of style, dark timbers in jarrah or mahogany are most suited to traditional dining rooms, while dark metals, concrete and wood/metal combos are mostly contemporary. Glass dining tables work well in most homes and are great for spaces that need to look a little lighter and brighter. They do, however, show up fingerprints, making them less appealing to families with little ones. Marble is a showstopper, but can crack and stain. The heaviness of the material also makes it hard to move around. For something more portable, look to plywood, which can be flat-packed and assembled as needed, or lightweight plastic. If you want your dining table to really go the distance, choose a hardwood timber dining table over engineered or composite woods.