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10 Tips on How to Choose a Dining Table

Family life has long been focused on the dining table extending beyond the traditional focus of enjoying a meal together meaning that choosing a dining table has become so much more than a search for somewhere to eat. Many of us looking for the perfect dining table and chairs set simply don’t know where to start - whether we’re looking to create our own romantic dinner setting, cater to our family’s every dietary need, create a homework and Zoom meeting table, or curate the perfect blend of décor and dining accessories.  

That’s why we’ve put together our pulled together this guide with ten top tips on how to choose a dining table.

1. Do I need a new dining table?

In our 2020 research we discovered that it takes people on average 85 hours to find the perfect dining table and chairs. Just under a third of people (31%) struggle to commit to a purchase as they worry that they’ll see something better at a later date and nearly four in ten Brits (38%) say they’re often overwhelmed by the amount of choice available. 

All of this indicates that perhaps the question of do I need a dining table is more of a chore than something to revel in and look forward to. Sound familiar?

But what if we told you that a new dining table can not only enhance mealtimes but can help your whole family become more productive? Not to mention, a new dining table can instantly refresh a dining room or open plan dining space - plus, as arguably the most versatile item of furniture in your home, your home really does deserve something exciting and new… 

Now we’ve caught your attention, you just need to decide which one is right for you.

2. Dining table styles

The ideal dining table style for your home will depend on your decorative scheme and the layout of your space. Whether you choose to reserve dining for its own room, or operate within more of an open plan home, finding a table that creates the right balance within the space of the room is key. 

If we could share one tip when it comes to dining table styles in particular, it would be to marry the style of the table with its size - considering how best to utilise the floor space you have so that the table neither dominates nor becomes drowned in the room. On top of that, consider the colours and amount of light in your dining room or area, and find a style that is welcoming, and harmonises with the surroundings. 

Some of the top styles to consider include trestle tables, country farmhouse tables, mid-century tables, and smaller pedestal tables. And once you’ve nailed down the best style for you, it’s time to really start looking at sizing.

3. How much space do you have?

If you are limited on space, for example looking to fit a table into a kitchen, it might be tempting to go as large as you can get away with. Don't forget though that you need more space around furniture in a kitchen than normal to allow for drawers to open, cupboards to be reached into or just chairs to be pushed back from the table. A good rule of thumb is to allow for at least 1m clear in front of drawers and cupboards so you might need to find a compact solution.

Alternatively, you might be lucky enough to have lots of space, or an inside-outside dining space that allows you to open your home up in the summer months. In that case, you can maximise the size of your table. This allows you to zone it into separate areas, meaning that you won't need to wait until the kids have cleared their homework before you can sit down to eat.

4. What shape works in your home?

Think outside the box (or, in this case, shape). So often we see families instantly restricting their search to rectangular tables because they think that a rectangular table presents the maximum surface space - however, you may well find that a round table becomes more of a focal point in the room and creates a softer environment thanks to its curved edges. 

Not to mention, while rectangular and square tables can sit neatly into a corner or against a wall, circular tables create a sense of intimacy during mealtimes. 

Another option is to go for an oval table. This will give you a lot of the same benefits as a rectangular table, such as making the most of the area available in a rectangular room, but the rounded corners can give the illusion that it is taking up less space.

5. What is the best material for dining tables?

From cleaning to easy maintenance to aesthetic value and functionality, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to selecting the best material for a dining table. We recommend looking to pair your dining table surface with the environment it will live in - for example, optimising a modern home with the clean exterior of a glass or glossy surface, or complimenting a rustic country vibe with a natural wood table. 

Every material boasts its own benefits and selling points, so consider your main priorities and go from there - looking at how the material compliments your home, how easy it is to care for, and how practical it is for your family life.

6. Choosing a dining table colour

Once you’ve chosen the shape of your table and have an idea on the best material for your dining table, it’s time to see how well it all comes together visually and aesthetically. You may not think that the colour of a table matters (after all, you can always use a tablecloth) but we are seeing more and more homeowners looking for the minimalist finish - and that means clean surfaces and minimal accessories. 

The best way to choose a colour for your dining table is to look, once again, at the surroundings - taking in the walls, the floor, and the lighting in the room. Dark wood floors go well with light coloured surfaces, while coloured tiles can be toned down with a natural wooden table. Your dining table should stand out but retain a warm and welcoming look, that can easily transition between all those uses we discussed in the introduction of this article!

7. How many people does it need to seat?

When it comes to choosing a dining table we often just consider our immediate family, choosing a solution with enough space and seating for just this number of people. This means when it comes to larger events such as Christmas or other celebrations we can struggle to accommodate all our guests. If hosting is a priority for you then we would certainly recommend an extending dining table.  Yes, they might cost more but the perfect extending table could allow you to switch up from your everyday round table which seats four comfortably to an oval table large enough for even the biggest extended family feast. Look for an extending table that can house the extra leaves within it so they don't take up precious storage space in the rest of your house.

8. What finish works for you?

A solid wood table is a classic option for a dining table but don’t feel limited to that. Glass tables work well in light, open spaces, helping to add to the feeling of airiness and they give a clean, modern look to a room (do think hard about this though if you have children – sticky, little hands and a polished glass top don’t mix so well). Another alternative that looks modern but is more forgiving is concrete. Other finishes that give a sleek modern look are marble for luxury or metal for an industrial vibe.

9. How about the chairs?

Now that you have a better idea of what you need from your table, what chairs will go with it? If you are tight on space or just want to make the most of your home’s natural light then open framed or spindle style chairs will work well, allowing light through.

Fabric or leather padded chairs offer comfort when you are sitting at the table all day if you use the space as a WFH desk. Choose velvet for a touch of luxury. If you don't want all of your chairs to be fabric, how about a chair that could be used for a bedroom reading nook and then brought to the table when extra guests come round? If it’s not the same as the rest of your chairs then do make sure that the seat height is within a centimetre or two of your main chairs so that nobody needs a cushion to reach their food!

If you want extra seating available but not always around the table then folding chairs are the obvious choice. These compact chairs can be tucked away when not in use.

10. Where to buy a dining table

From annual sales to seasonal savings, there is never one set time to buy a dining table - rather, we recommend keeping an eye on the market and waiting for something that you love to appear within your budget. With so many furniture retailers out there offering all manner of dining tables in different sizes and finishes, the question of where to buy a dining table relies mainly on what you’re willing to spend and how quickly you want to buy. With ufurnish.com you can search, compare, shop and love dining tables and chairs from 110+ furniture retailers from high-street names such as John Lewis and Habitat to smaller independents including Rockett St George and Arthauss. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option, a dining table perfect for entertaining or something unique, you’ll find your perfect dining table with ufurnish.com.

We hope that our guide on choosing your perfect dining table and chairs has provided you with all the top tips you need to choose your perfect dining table and chairs.

 For more style inspiration to create your perfect home, follow us on Instagram and Pinterest, or to search and discover over 110+ furniture retailers across the entire market, simply click here.

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Deirdre Mc Gettrick

Created By

Deirdre Mc Gettrick

Deirdre Mc Gettrick is the co-founder and CEO of ufurnish.com. Deirdre created the business after struggling to furnish her own home. She brings insight and inspiration to every home furnishing opportunity.

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