What to Look for When Buying a Dining Table: Size, Shape, and Material Considerations

Of all pieces used in furnishing a home, few are as central to everyday life as the dining table. Families gather at it, share meals with friends, and make lasting memories. Jarbasky Home Decor believes that choosing the right dining table is one of the main decisions in terms of furniture; one needs much more than just something that looks good. Here is a guide to help in making the perfect choice by considering size, shape, and material.

Size Matters: Finding the Perfect Fit

First and foremost, consider the size of your dining table. You would want one that will fit well in your dining area yet allow sufficient space for easy walking.

Room Size: Measure up your dining room area, leaving at least 36 inches around the circumference of the table for chairs and easy circulation. For smaller rooms, consider more compact tables or those with extendable leaves that adjust to size when needed.

Seating Capacity: Consider your typical entertainment list and its numbers. The rule of thumb is that for a comfortable setting, approximately 24 inches of table length work perfectly for each person. For instance, a table length of 72 inches can comfortably fit a total of six people.

Shape: Matching the Table to Your Space

The shape of the table not only affects the aesthetic but also the fit into your space, how many people you can fit.

Rectangular Tables: Such tables are the most common and versatile in shape. These tables are perfect for larger rooms and bigger families. They provide ample space for meals and center table decorations, while they can be easily matched with benches to achieve a modern look.

Square Tables: Suitable for small areas, square tables offer settings in which everybody is equidistant to each other. They work best in square rooms to maintain balance.

Round Tables: Round tables work with small gatherings, foster conversation, and provide an intimate setting. They are perfect for small dining rooms and, quite often, extend with leaves to expand their capacity.

Material Considerations: Durability Meets Style

The material of your dining table is what will determine how long it will last, its cleanliness, and what it will look like. Here are some popular options to choose from:

Wood: Classic, timeless—wooden tables are very resilient and can assume the style of anything from rustic to modern with proper design. Huge wood alternatives like oak, walnut, and maple are quite strong but, at times, may require maintenance. Veneered wood is likely to give an appearance close to that at less cost, though it can be less durable.

Glass High-Top Dining Table: This will give the space a very modern appeal and create an open feeling that will make a small room feel larger. It’s easy to clean, but regular maintenance will be required to keep the smudges away.

Metal: Metal tables, or those with metal accents, give off that ultra-modern look with a more industrial feel. This material is very strong but easily scratched. They look very soft when matched with wood and other materials.

Marble: Marble high tables are always nice and elegant, but at the same time, they can be very heavy and a bit more complicated to care for, since marble tends to stain and scratch.

Laminate: If you’re on a tight budget, laminate tables are available in many different styles and are easy to maintain. While they will certainly be more resilient than either solid wood or stone, they can be a very successful family-friendly table.

Conclusion: How to Make the Right Choice for Your Home

Get the perfect dining table; bring into line your needs with the size, shape, and material. Jarbasky Home Decor offers a wide variety of dining tables to fit every taste and space. Whether sleek and modern or classic and warm, we have designed our selection for you to help create a dining space that is both functional and beautiful.

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