People often choose the wrong dining table forgetting its importance. It is a place where people socialize, gather for dinner or lunch to enjoy delicious dishes and heartwarming conversations. It is something about food gatherings that are encrypted in our DNA that makes us open up and enjoy spending time with people we love. Thus, a dining table has to be not only stylish but also comfortable, solidly constructed, fit your space and work for your budget. Here are a few nuances that you should pay attention to when choosing a table. Let's figure out how to choose the right table for your living space.

Dining Table Size

Let's start from simple rules:

• A dining table should be large enough to fit all family members with the addition of 1-2 guests. If you leave alone consider how often you'd like to entertain at home and how many people you usually invite.
• A dining table should fit in the dining area with an addition for extra room to walk around and move chairs.

The best option is the balance between these two rules.

Additional rules to consider:

Keep the width of the dining table at least 30 to 40 inches. If the table is too narrow plates and appliances won't fit. On the opposite, if the table is too wide, it will be difficult for guests to reach for dishes and talk. The optimal table height is 30 inches.


(Source: Elginite.org)

Consider the empty space around the table. Leave at least 1 meter to the nearest subject. A table may fit the area but add heavy "visual weight" because it is located too close to other furniture pieces.


(Source: Ballarddesigns.com)

Always opt for a bigger dining table. In case you are very limited in space choose a folding or transforming table, that can be enlarged in case you invite more guests or need more space for your project.

Size and shape

For small rooms, it is preferable to purchase an oval or round table. The lack of corners will leave more room for maneuvers, and will also accommodate more people. Especially with a glass countertop – this trick visually expands the space.

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Style & Materials

The dining table's style depends on the style of your apartment. Generally, tables made out of natural solid wood and stone are suitable for any interior. Glass also harmoniously blends with any style from high-tech to mid-century modern. However, steel, bronze, and brass finishes look great in modern, Scandinavian designs.

Choosing the material for your dining table is the most crucial and complicated step that involves balancing different factors. Some materials are too expensive, some are difficult to take care of, and some don't fit your style. The most commonly used materials are wood, stone, glass, and metal.

Wood Dining Tables

It is one of the most expensive materials, but fairly easy to take care of and repair. The type of wood also determines the final price. For example, pine, mango, oak, and teak are less expensive versions. If you want to purchase a wooden table note that wood expands and contracts with heat and humidity. Buying a humidifier will help you to maintain a wooden dining table in the best conditions.

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Stone Dining Tables

Stone tabletops give incredible tactile experience. Marble dinner tables look luxurious and elevate any interior scheme. However, stone tabletops are porous and absorb stains easily. Moreover, it can chip or crack.

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Glass Dining Tables

Glass tabletops are relatively inexpensive and create a feeling of space and "airiness". Glass can be very durable. Nevertheless, it can chip, scratch or crack from the heat. Although, if you take care of it and won't use it as a cutting board it can last you for decades.

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Metal Dining Tables

Metal tabletops are the most durable. The most commonly used materials are stainless steel, zinc, and brass. It is unusual to find an all-metal dining table. Metallic elements are commonly used as a table base. You can find very unique, interesting elements that add a touch of personality and transform your dining area like nothing else.

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Expert Advice

✨ Consider the tactile experience as well. No matter how beautiful stone, glass and metal look, these are cold materials. The beauty of wood is in its warms and coziness.

✨ You don't need to choose a dining table from the same collection as the chairs you like. Mixing different styles, materials and brands make the composition look interesting and stylish. Instead match your dining table with a coffee table, floor lamp, TV stand or other elements of furniture or lighting.