It’s where you entertain guests, enjoy daily meals, spend quality time catching up with your family or working through your paperwork – a table is, for many, the heart of the home.
With its function playing such an important role in our day-to-day lives, it’s only natural that you’ll want one that complements your interior and suits the needs of you and your family.
Serves Both Practically and Aesthetically
With so much choice available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and head home with the first table you fall in love with, rather than one that serves as practically as it does aesthetically.
There are a few main considerations to bear in mind while you’re browsing; these are the style, size, shape and material used to craft the piece.
Style
When it comes to style, there’s so much available; from classic and traditional to contemporary and modern, and all in between. Often being larger than other pieces of furniture and placed centrally, the style you choose can have a big impact on the overall feel of the room.
A Table That Complements and Enhances Your Interior
Whether you’ve opted to add a contrasting piece or one that effortlessly blends with the overarching theme, the main consideration to take when selecting a table is that it complements and enhances your interior.
Size
The floor plan of the room and how many people you would like to comfortably seat are key factors when selecting the size of a dining table. Ideally, you will want to be able to move around the table while people are seated at it with ease.
To allow adequate room while eating and moving in the room, it is recommended that each diner has approximately 60cm when seated at the table, with a clearing of one-meter measuring from the table to other furniture or the walls.
Shape
Tables are often categorised by their shape, and which you choose can have an influence on the overall dining experience. It’s one of the most important criteria, for both style and function. Below, we’ve looked at some of the most popular shapes and their benefits.
Square
Perfectly suited to smaller spaces, a square dining table creates an enclosed dining experience where all guests can comfortably and clearly share a conversation with each other.
Oval
Due to their shape, oval tables often require slightly more space in comparison to those which are square or rectangular. It’s often considered a softer or more feminine form, with a classic and sometimes formal feel which is mirrored in many antique pieces.
Rectangular
Rectangular tables are one of the most popular choices, with their versatility making them so. Available in a range of depths and widths, there are plenty of sizes to choose from. They are a go-to for those who enjoy hosting or have a big family due to their length, while many also have extendable features, allowing them to seat a large number of people comfortably.
Round
Round tables can complement a room that lacks fluidity or is noticeably square; they help to provide balance and a focal point within the space.
Out of the various shapes available, the ratio of people to the amount of space taken is much less favourable, but they do provide a communal feel while seated, allowing for undisrupted eye-contact and conversation while dining.
Materials
Granite, wood, steel, glass and marble are just a handful of the material options suited to a dining room table. Their appearance and practicality are the two key considerations.
For example, glass is a popular choice as it is easy to clean and matches most interior designs, while wood offers a warm and rustic feel, but is not considered as hygienic as other surfaces.
Deciding on what works best for you and your family in regard to the form and function of the material of the table is not an easy task but one that will impact the aesthetic and practicality of the furniture.
A distressed dining table may be perfect for your young family’s lifestyle but may not contribute to the sophisticated design you’re going for. On the other hand, while an industrial-looking steel tabletop adds a modern and chic look, it might not bring any warmth or an instant invitation to dine.
Create a dining experience that is as practical as it is beautiful and set the stage for meals with friends and family in an interior that you continue to love.
With so much choice available, it can be difficult to choose a table that suits you. Why not pop into our flagship store in Moreton-in-Marsh to discuss with our advisors which beautiful piece of furniture will work best in your home!
