The dining table is one of the most important elements as it not only brings the family together for lunch and dinner, but also friends and other relatives for social gatherings.
Therefore, when buying a dining table, there are several factors to consider to make sure you make the right purchase. What are those factors? Let us explain them to you. Shall we begin?
Material of the dining table
One of the key factors when buying a dining table is the material it is made of. As you know, there are many different options to choose from.
Among them, wood is the most commonly used material because it offers a unique elegance and is quite durable. Additionally, it blends perfectly with almost all decor styles, meaning you won’t have to change it frequently when redecorating your space.
However, not everyone likes wood. That’s why another option is glass, which is elegant and modern, and also helps to brighten up a small dining room by reflecting the light coming in through windows or from other areas.
At other times, you may choose a marble table (or a more sophisticated material). This gives a more robust look, especially because the bottom part is made of iron or solid wood to support the weight of the marble (if it’s a slab). This may make the space too cluttered in small dining rooms. In larger dining rooms, it will look better, especially if you take good care of that stone.
Type of dining table
The next aspect to consider is the type of dining table. In other words, whether you want a square, rectangular, or round table. When space is limited, square or round tables can be the best option as they can fit into many spaces and create a cozy dining nook.
The downside to these tables is that they are limited in space for guests, and even for large families. Therefore, they are sometimes chosen as additional tables in kitchens where the family has breakfast separately.
Of course, there are many sizes within square and round tables. However, being square makes the center of the table more inaccessible the larger it gets. The same goes for round tables.
Focusing on rectangular tables, these are the most classic and commonly used, especially because they can accommodate many people depending on the size.
Aside from these shapes, there are also more personalized options, such as tables with a wavy top, allowing for some visual play while being practical.
Size of the table
We mentioned this earlier when discussing the types of tables. This is often chosen based on the available space. However, it shouldn’t be like that.
Firstly, you should know that each person seated at a dining table needs 60 centimeters of width (10 more if the chairs have armrests) and 40 centimeters of depth to feel comfortable (and not cramped).
Therefore, depending on the number of diners you will have at the table, you will have the perfect size for your table.
For round tables, these measurements can be slightly reduced, but not by much. For example, a table with a diameter of 120 centimeters will be suitable for a family of four to six members.
Legs of the dining table
Another key aspect to consider when choosing a good dining table is the legs, especially for round tables. Firstly, because they can be uncomfortable for people when they sit down to eat (if placed in a way that the legs prevent them from getting closer, rub against their knees, or limit movement). And secondly because they limit the number of diners at the table.
The same applies to rectangular tables. If they are elongated, they typically have multiple legs to support the weight of the table. But depending on the distribution, they can be more or less comfortable in that sense. Our recommendation is to see if the chair can fit well when eating, and if there is enough space for several people to sit without bumping into each other.
Expandable
Finally, in the market, you can find dining tables that are expandable or extendable. This means that they can accommodate a certain number of diners on a day-to-day basis, but can be extended for special occasions to seat more people.
When considering these models, be careful that the extendable pieces are not flimsy or that they could cause the table to tilt to one side or the other when leaned on (due to losing balance).
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when buying a dining table. But by taking them into account, you can make the best choice. Would you add anything else to consider?
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
