How to Choose the Right Dining Table Set for Your Home

How to Choose the Right Dining Table Set for Your Home

More than just a piece of furniture, the dining table is a space where you and your loved ones can come together after a long day to share a meal and connect. It can make a house feel like a home, so it’s important to choose a set that you’ll love for years to come. But choosing the best dining table set for your home isn’t always an easy decision. Here are some things to consider and boxes to tick before spending big on a new dining table set.

Match A Dining Table Set To Your Needs

For example, if you’ve got a small dining nook, measure it out to make sure you’ll have ample walking room around the table when it’s in place. If you have a young, growing family, it’s important to select a large table made from a durable material that’s stain resistant. If you’re big on entertaining, an extendable or large dining table will work better for you than a round four-seater.

It’s easy to get caught up in design trends and endless choice, but you should select a table that will serve you well both now and down the track. Given the wide range of styles, sizes and shapes, you need first to consider how your investment will complement your home, family dynamic and lifestyle.

Select The Most Appropriate Dining Table Size

It’s vital that you choose an appropriately-sized dining table — and it’s not as easy as you’d think! Dining tables are deceptively large, and people often overlook the space required for house members and guests to sit and stand comfortably.

As a general rule of thumb, leave at least 60cm of breathing room around each side of the table, which should be enough to house a chair and allow people to move around. If you’ve got a generous space and no need for a large table, feel free to select a table that allows for plenty of breathing room, using a décor element such as a rug to tie the space together.

The next thing you should consider is the scale of your dining chairs. Each place at the table will need at minimum 60cm of room, but if you’re going for larger-scale chairs, you may need more. So, if you’re planning to seat eight people, calculate the width of the chairs plus at least six inches of room in between and on the ends and compare it against the width between a dining table’s legs. 

Consider Your Space Before Deciding On Shape

Shape isn’t just about aesthetics — certain spaces will lend themselves to certain dining table shapes. Rectangle tables may be the most common, but an oval or round table may do more for your space. 

Rectangular Dining Tables

They’re popular for a reason — rectangular dining tables are a timeless choice and suit most spaces. This classic shape works particularly well in similarly-shaped or narrow rooms. 

Square Dining Tables

It may seem obvious, but the best application of a square dining room set is in a square room. If you’re only regularly seating three people, this could also be an excellent option for a tight space or kitchen nook where the table can sit against a wall.

Round Dining Tables

While traditionally, round tables have been banished to small rooms, modern design trends have toyed with larger oval tables as a focal point in an ample space. 

Oval Dining Tables

An oval dining table can be used in a wide variety of rooms but is best used to create the illusion of more floor space without compromising on seating.

Choose The Right Dining Table Material For You

The best dining set material will find a balance between budget and style. Here’s more on some of the most common materials and what you should consider before opening your wallet.

Wood

A classic, popular choice, wood is durable and works with almost any style. It also comes in a range of price points, with varying degrees of maintenance required. Most wood will be sensitive to heat and moisture, so make sure you’re using placemats, a table cloth or coasters when dining to avoid discolouration.

Wood Veneer

It’s wood without the price tag. Veneer furniture features a thin layer of solid wood or other material that is attached to plywood. It’s more susceptible to wear and tear than solid timber, but when done well, it can look just as good. 

Glass

Glass table tops are modern and classy and available in various styles such as frosted, clear or even tinted. They’re not a great option in households with small children, as they are easily scratched. That being said, proper maintenance will see your glass table top last decades.

Stone

There’s nothing quite like a solid marble or quartz composite table to add a touch of luxury to a space. Stone is sturdy and hard-wearing, but it can also be susceptible to staining.

Pick A Dining Table That Suits Your Style

When it comes to home decor styles, your only limit is your imagination. Like any other piece of furniture, dining table sets come in a generous pick of styles, such as:

  • . Art Deco
  • . Boho
  • . Casual
  • . Coastal
  • . Colonial
  • . Contemporary
  • . Country
  • . Farmhouse
  • . French Provincial
  • . Hamptons
  • . Industrial
  • . Luxe
  • . Mid-century Modern
  • . Retro
  • . Scandinavian
  • . Shabby Chic
  • . Tropical

Whether you’re looking for a clear varnished timber table to suit your Scandinavian-inspired décor, or a laid-back and breezy rustic white dining set as a finishing touch to your coastal theme, think carefully about how this furniture piece will work in your space.

Dining Table Set FAQs

Looking for more dining table information and inspiration? Here are some commonly asked questions about dining sets.

How Tall Is A Dining Room Table?

Dining tables are usually around 74cm tall. If you’re looking to hang a light fixture about your table, such as a pendant, make sure you’re leaving generous space between any people and the light shade.

How To Decorate A Dining Table

There are no hard rules when it comes to decorating a dining table. Most people tend to go with shorter décor accents, such as pillar candles or décor plates, to avoid obstructing the view between those sitting across the table.

How Do I Protect And Clean The Table Top?

Use heat mats, coasters, tablecloths and mats to keep your dining table free from heat, moisture and staining. Where spillages do occur, immediately wipe down the table with a warm, damp cloth.

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