How to choose a dining table
For many households, the dining table is the heart of the home. It brings family, friends and loved ones together over a delicious meal and offers the perfect place to catch up. However, picking the right table for your room can be a tricky task. To help, we’ve created this guide to cut through the jargon and show you how to choose the right dining table.
The different types of dining table to choose from
A new dining table presents the perfect opportunity to use your space more creatively. To do so, it’s important you know what types of dining tables are out there. To help, here’s a rundown of the most popular types of dining table.
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Round dining tables are measured by diameter, that’s the distance from one edge of the circle to the opposite side. The larger the diameter, the more people the table will sit. Round dining tables are perfect for seating lots of people comfortably because there’s no uncomfy corner seats. We suggest placing circular dining tables in the centre of square rooms. For a more rectangular space, consider an oval dining table.
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Smart fabrics are long-lasting and durable, making them great upholstery choices for family homes. They’re made using synthetic fibres, this makes them easier to wash and clean, especially if the covers are removable. If you have children and pets, this could be the armchair upholstery for you.
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Kitchen dining table
Kitchen dining tables are the ultimate versatile design. They’re there for you to chop veg, host meals and enjoy your morning cuppa. A large farmhouse table in a spacious kitchen creates a sociable place for family dinners and entertaining. But you can also make lots out of your kitchen, even if it’s on the smaller side. A folding or drop-leaf table is great for saving space in more compact rooms.
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Drop leaf dining table
If you’re short on room then a drop-leaf dining table will help you save some precious space. Drop-leaf tables have leaves on either side that fold down when not in use, or offer extra seating when you’re hosting. These flexible dining tables can also double as kitchen islands and desks, perfect for smaller homes.
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If you love to host all year long, then an extendable dining table may be the right choice for you. Extendable dining tables are great for medium-sized rooms where you don’t want to reduce day-to-day space with a large table. In smaller spaces, a small extendable dining table would be a clever addition to a compact kitchen-diner. They’re often extended using extra leaves that hide within the table when not in use. Don’t be put off if the additional leaves aren’t integrated, they can always be stored under the sofa or bed.
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If you have a large formal dining room then a rectangular table could be the centrepiece the space needs. Opt for a luxurious material like marble or ceramic to make a real statement. For smaller rooms, a rectangular dining table can be pushed against the wall to save space, without compromising on seating. It’s this versatility that makes rectangular dining tables a popular and timeless choice.
How to measure for your dining table
When choosing the right dining table, it’s really important to consider where it’ll live. After all, a huge table in a small room will be impractical and make the space feel cramped. Similarly, a small table in a large dining room will look out of place and won’t make the most out of the space. Here’s how to measure space for your dining table.
Top tip: Another thing to consider is weight. If you see yourself moving houses regularly or need a more portable table, then we recommend choosing a veneer or MDF table.
1. Clear the area you’d like your new dining table to sit and measure the area.
2. Remember to take any doorways, dining chairs and architectural features into account.
3. We recommend leaving a minimum of 80cm around the dining table to make sure you have enough space for chairs and room to walk around it.
4. We always recommend making sure your table will fit through doorways and hallways to get to the room of your choice. Check out our Access & Measuring Guide on the Delivery information page. Once you know how much space you have available, it’s time to find your dream dining table.
What style dining table should I choose?
When it comes to choosing the right dining table, your own style is important to consider. Opt for a dining table that suits your home and the design aesthetic you’d like to achieve. Here are some of the most popular dining table styles.
Traditional
If you’d like to stay true to your home’s more classical architectural features, then a traditional dining table may be the one for you. Think polished woods, luxurious marbles and timeless silhouettes. There are plenty of traditional dining tables available, each inspired by classic design but with modern functionality to suit your lifestyle.
Modern
Think clean lines and a minimalist silhouette when it comes to choosing a modern dining table. However, just because a table is modern, it doesn’t mean it’ll go out of fashion in a few years. Styles change but quality materials and expert craftsmanship last a lifetime. Choose well and your modern dining table will be cherished forever.
Rustic
From farmhouse kitchens to open plan living spaces, a rustic dining table will bring even more character to your home. Woods like oak and pine are great choices for rustic tables as they’ll develop a unique and characterful patina over the years. Simply sand it down and refinish it if the wood needs some refreshing ten years down the line.
Industrial
Industrial dining tables aren’t just for New York lofts, they also look great in modern homes and more traditional spaces. Metal is a surefire way to get that industrial look, so consider a stainless steel table top to bring some real character into your dining space. For just a hint of the industrial, we recommend a metal base paired with a wooden table top.
What's the best material for a dining table?
Materials matter in many different ways when it comes to choosing the right dining table. Of course your style and tastes should be taken into account, however functionality is also important. Here’s a rundown on some of the most popular materials.
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Perfect for: Busy family homes
With a reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious materials, a marble dining might not be the first choice for busy family homes. In fact, marble is a robust material that doesn’t scratch or stain easily, plus it’s easy to clean. The only thing to be wary of is acidic spillages. Whilst a marble dining table is equally at home in more premium settings, it makes a great addition to family dining rooms.
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Perfect for: Darker rooms
Glass is one of the best materials for dark dining rooms because it lets natural light stream throughout the room, instead of blocking it. Glass table tops can be cut to all shapes and sizes, including round, square and rectangular. The only downside is that fingerprints and dust will be your enemy from the moment your table arrives.
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Perfect for: Regular use
Whilst a dark wood dining table can be fairly costly, it’s a timeless material that’s sure to last a lifetime. The beauty of a dark hardwood dining table is that it can be sanded and refinished if it starts to look a little tired. That makes it perfect for regular use in a stylish dining space.
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Perfect for: Regular use
Timeless, versatile and durable, an oak dining table is perfect for regular use. It’s a robust material that will look great for decades, whilst hosting many meals. Like any hardwood dining table, your oak table top can be re-sanded to refresh the surface later down the line. Choose an oak dining table in a modern or traditional style to suit your style.
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Perfect for: Regular entertaining
Ceramic dining tables look incredibly premium, offering the perfect centrepiece to mealtimes. Not your everyday material choice, ceramic dining tables are considered a more affordable and durable alternative to marble. Depending on the ceramic you choose, it can be scratch, liquid and thermal resistant, perfect for busy homes.
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Linoleum dining table
Perfect for: Heavy use
Linoleum dining tables are sturdy, easy to clean and can look incredibly stylish if you choose well. Opt for a linoleum table top with a wooden or metal base to get that designer dining table look. Made using plastic, linoleum comes in many different colours, making it a great way to bring character into your dining space.
